Advice on new 27.5/29" HT MTB

[Wayne Kruger]

Hi all,

 

I know this has been asked a million times but since a lot of the 2014 models are coming out this might be useful info for others as well.

I am looking at getting a new mountain bike and after a lot of investigation I decided to go for a 29" or maybe a 27.5". My budget is <R10k and I had the following models in mind:

 

2014 Merida Big 7 300

2014 Merida Big Nine 300

2014 Titan 29er Comp

2014 Momsen AL229

 

The Titan has a Rock Shox XC32 Silver Solo Air Fork and the Momsen a Suntour SR XCR AIR HLO 100. The Merida's either mention the SR 29 XCM HLO 100 or the RST F1rst Air not sure which one they have.

 

Momsen has SRAM X5 Derailleurs while the others have Shimano SLX / M390.

 

Tektro HDC 300/301 brakes except for the Titan with Shimano M430 brakes.

 

What do you think?

[Wayne Potgieter]

First tell us what type of riding you will be doing.

[fanievb]

http://www.silverbacklab.com/2011_website_SILVERBACK/slade2_13.htm

[TopFuel]

Also worth having a look at the second hand market I think. For example:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/59187-2011-giant-xtc-29-1-large/

[Wayne Kruger]

First tell us what type of riding you will be doing.

 

It will mainly be trail riding and XC, Just leisure weekend rides. I am new to this.

[Vetseun]

Apparently its cool to support SA business at the moment. Thus Momsen

[Wayne Potgieter]

Hey Wayne, Perhaps look at a 2013 model.

 

You might get more bang for your buck.

[Wyatt Earp]

The Silverback Slades are awesome.

The Slade 2 is R 11 600.00.

Depending on what size you need, you can pick up a 2013 for a better price.

[fanievb]

The Silverback Slades are awesome.

The Slade 2 is R 11 600.00.

Depending on what size you need, you can pick up a 2013 for a better price.

 

got my wife one a while back and i'm very impressed with the bike, good value for money, and she is loving it (her first MTB)

[Wayne Potgieter]

The Silverback Slades are awesome.

The Slade 2 is R 11 600.00.

Depending on what size you need, you can pick up a 2013 for a better price.

mooi man

[Johny Bravo]

Good deals going on at the moment on 2013 bikes. I am also buying a high end carbon hardtail, and the savings to be had are huge. Up to 30 percent at some stores, or up to R14000 on a high end bike I am looking at.

[El Scorcho]

I was in this exact position a week ago, was even considering the same bikes.

 

It's definitely worth looking for a 2013 model instead, good savings to be had. I ended up with a custom build - Momsen AL529 frame, Deore/SRAM X5 groupset, Rockshox Recon Silver and Avid Elixir brakes for R9 500.

 

If you don't find anything good in a 2013, from the bikes you listed I'd probably go with the Titan. I think the 2013 Titan Comp has the same spec as the 2014 model, but is like 2k cheaper.

[Johny Bravo]

I think after reading all the comments here you should go look for a nice 2013 momsen. As close to your max budget as possible. They offer superb value and the bikes look the part.

[Wayne Kruger]

Thanks for all the advise guys, I'll go shop around over the weekend and see what I can get!