Advice needed on an MTB to buy please- Newbie

[Wads]

Hi Guys,

 

Awesome site you have here. Its a pity i didnt find it sooner...

 

I have decided to get fit so Im buying an MTB to commute and when the opportunity presents itself, take the bike into the bushes.

 

I will hardly do any offroading, but lotsa pavements etc and approx 10km daily. Just when I thought i knew what i wanted, I seen something else and now not really sure so any and all advice is most welcomed.

 

So...Started looking at hardtails..and had the Cube Acid in mind which was above my budget of 9k but then saw the Bianchi which a store was clearing and comes in well below so i was quite pleased.

 

Bianchi 7300 Jab 2012

Specs http://www.bianchi.com/global/bikes/bikes_detail.aspx?ProductIDMaster=59481

 

My heart was still set on the Cube bikes and I was lucky to increase the budget for a "better bike" which now brought the Cube XMS into my price range. This is a well specced bike from the reading iv been doing but not too sure about the Manitou front and rear shock?

Cube XMS 2012

Specs http://www.cube-bike.co.za/Bikes/DualSus/XMS.html

 

And as Murphys law would have it, as I am about to get the Cube, a mate calls and says he has seen this bike at a couple bob cheaper then the Cube and this seems to be even better kitted except i cant seem to find a decent review online...

Ghost ASX 5500 2012

Specs: http://www.ghost-bikes.com/za/bikes-2012/bike-details/asx-5500/

 

I am completely new to this more technical aspect of MTb but that said, Id rather spend now and buy the best I can then have to upgrade in a few months..

 

 

1. How does the Ghost compare to the Cube in terms of reputation and Quality of components?

2. Whilst Im not a Pro rider, I want something which I can take with me throught my travels in all sorts of places and not have to upgrade anytime soon. I would really appreciate your guys thoughts on this decision please? Didnt think buying a bicycle would be this difficult...

 

Thanks in advance,

Wads

[Ham]

Hi Guys,

 

Awesome site you have here. Its a pity i didnt find it sooner...

 

I have decided to get fit so Im buying an MTB to commute and when the opportunity presents itself, take the bike into the bushes.

 

I will hardly do any offroading, but lotsa pavements etc and approx 10km daily. Just when I thought i knew what i wanted, I seen something else and now not really sure so any and all advice is most welcomed.

 

So...Started looking at hardtails..and had the Cube Acid in mind which was above my budget of 9k but then saw the Bianchi which a store was clearing and comes in well below so i was quite pleased.

 

Bianchi 7300 Jab 2012

Specs http://www.bianchi.com/global/bikes/bikes_detail.aspx?ProductIDMaster=59481

 

My heart was still set on the Cube bikes and I was lucky to increase the budget for a "better bike" which now brought the Cube XMS into my price range. This is a well specced bike from the reading iv been doing but not too sure about the Manitou front and rear shock?

Cube XMS 2012

Specs http://www.cube-bike.co.za/Bikes/DualSus/XMS.html

 

And as Murphys law would have it, as I am about to get the Cube, a mate calls and says he has seen this bike at a couple bob cheaper then the Cube and this seems to be even better kitted except i cant seem to find a decent review online...

Ghost ASX 5500 2012

Specs: http://www.ghost-bikes.com/za/bikes-2012/bike-details/asx-5500/

 

I am completely new to this more technical aspect of MTb but that said, Id rather spend now and buy the best I can then have to upgrade in a few months..

 

 

1. How does the Ghost compare to the Cube in terms of reputation and Quality of components?

2. Whilst Im not a Pro rider, I want something which I can take with me throught my travels in all sorts of places and not have to upgrade anytime soon. I would really appreciate your guys thoughts on this decision please? Didnt think buying a bicycle would be this difficult...

 

Thanks in advance,

Wads

 

If your not going to go off road much I would not bother with a full sus. Take the HT and buy some kit with the change.

[Ham]

Oh, and trust me, once this bug bites, you are going to upgrade. I can give you letter in brail for that.

[flat29]

the ghost looks leka. nice components

[flat29]

welcome. now you will see your money fly.

[Wads]

Hi Ham,

 

Thanks for the reply. And this is perhaps why I havent bought the full suspension yet. Im asking myself if im just getting carried away... But at the same time, Id like a comfortable ride and know I have a very decent bike...

 

Decisions...Thats said, what are your thoughts on the full suspension bikes im looking at?

[Wads]

welcome. now you will see your money fly.

 

Thanks Flat29... Components look great for the price under 14k but reviews say its too heavy etc.. So i dont know. Im told the front shock is worth 8k alone so it seems like good value for the price at 13k vs the cube at 15>?

[gimaro01]

Hi Wads,

 

I've got the perfect bike for you and I'm certain that it will be money well spent. Scott is one the top bike brands and this light weight bike offers you a great combination of SLX and XT components, accompanied by a Rock Shock REBA with Remote pop lockout. The perfect bike well within your budget.

 

For more info, please Visit:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/59552-scale-29-elite-2012-medium-immaculate-condition/

 

Regards

Eugene

[Pusher]

Ghost is 120mm suspension, Cube is 100mm. My 26in is a Cube AMS Pro and it is a great ride and has been very reliable. I would go FS. Your but will love you for it on those long rides.

Edited August 22, 2013 by Pusher

[Wads]

Hi Wads,

 

I've got the perfect bike for you and I'm certain that it will be money well spent. Scott is one the top bike brands and this light weight bike offers you a great combination of SLX and XT components, accompanied by a Rock Shock REBA with Remote pop lockout. The perfect bike well within your budget.

 

For more info, please Visit:

http://www.thehubsa....late-condition/

 

Regards

Eugene

 

Hi Eugene,

 

Thanks for the reply, but im looking at getting a new bike.

[Wads]

Ghost is 120mm suspension, Cube is 100mm. My 26in is a Cube AMS Pro and it is a great ride and has been very reliable. I would go FS. Your but will love you for it on those long rides.

 

Thanks Pusher,

 

I seem to be leaning toward the Cube but the components do seem a slight bit better on the Ghost.

[Mojoman]

Thanks Pusher,

 

I seem to be leaning toward the Cube but the components do seem a slight bit better on the Ghost.

Not sure on the Cube frame warranty but with the Ghost its 5 years.

[Wads]

Not sure on the Cube frame warranty but with the Ghost its 5 years.

 

Hi Mojoman,

 

On the Cube, acocrding to the LBS, its supposed to be "lifetime" which I figure to be 5-10 years. So im thinking they about the same..

[Wads]

If I may ask another question, What are the benefits of a Hardtail over a Full suspension and are they meant for specific applications only?

 

I figure due to lightweight on the hardtail, its a faster bike but is that all?

[Ham]

Hi Ham,

 

Thanks for the reply. And this is perhaps why I havent bought the full suspension yet. Im asking myself if im just getting carried away... But at the same time, Id like a comfortable ride and know I have a very decent bike...

 

Decisions...Thats said, what are your thoughts on the full suspension bikes im looking at?

 

Thing is dude, we all have our brands so you are never going to get a entirely honest answer. like I said you are going to upgrade later so don't stress too much. you need to follow your heart. get the best priced duel sus with the best components. that's my advice.

 

let me tell you what happened to me, I bought a 15k bike cos I thought people are mad to pay 40k. six months later after the bug bit and I knew I was going to be riding for life, I spent 50k on a bike. it was like driving a Cadillac. the difference was unbelievable. and if you haven't noticed yet, bikes have no resale, so if you are certain that you will continue with the sport go big first time round. if your not certain buy a cheepo so you don't loose too much when you do upgrade.

[Salty]

Thing is dude, we all have our brands so you are never going to get a entirely honest answer. like I said you are going to upgrade later so don't stress too much. you need to follow your heart. get the best priced duel sus with the best components. that's my advice.

 

let me tell you what happened to me, I bought a 15k bike cos I thought people are mad to pay 40k. six months later after the bug bit and I knew I was going to be riding for life, I spent 50k on a bike. it was like driving a Cadillac. the difference was unbelievable. and if you haven't noticed yet, bikes have no resale, so if you are certain that you will continue with the sport go big first time round. if your not certain buy a cheepo so you don't loose too much when you do upgrade.

 

:thumbup: