Silverback Vida 1: Review and comparison

[BarHugger]

I would appreciate some OBJECTIVE and factual feedback on the Silverback Vida 1 (especially the new range of 2014). There is no set criteria but a given consideration is value for money. I am past the stage of "psychological intimidation through brand usage" so any subjective brand promotion and comments on the people that use them is unwanted.

 

Thanks for the comments and quality inputs.

[Iwan Kemp]

As far as I know the Vida no longer forms part of the 2014 model range. Replaced by the Sola. Geometry stays the same bar shorter heat tube which will help getting the front end lower.

 

Silverback prices have always been competitive and if you shop around you'll be able to get a good deal. Not sure if there's been a price hike, but the last time I checked the Vida's represented good value for money. Nice to see air forks and hydraulic disk brakes on most of their bikes.

 

Second hand value on their bikes is good as they are well known and established. Only downer there is the fact that they change model names often and for no apparent reason. Causes confusion and de-values 2nd hand value of model series that do get dropped.

[Breezer]

The bike is very good value for money. It is lighter than other bikes in that price range, but the negatives are: Shimano SLX hubs on the wheels are crap. The ZTR rims deserve much better hubs. I had to replace mine after 1500km. The freebody broke and there was some pit marks on the hub itself. The Rock Shock reba rl is only a good name on a bad fork. The remote lockout on mine broke twice and on my friends bike once. I asked them to replace it with a turnkey. The fork was sent back twice because it get very stiff over night. First they replaced the air camber and then they replaced the seals around the sanctions( witch I had to pay for). 1 ride and it was stiff again. The frame is good quality and I was really impressed with the Deore bakes.

[BarHugger]

As far as I know the Vida no longer forms part of the 2014 model range. Replaced by the Sola. Geometry stays the same bar shorter heat tube which will help getting the front end lower.

 

Silverback prices have always been competitive and if you shop around you'll be able to get a good deal. Not sure if there's been a price hike, but the last time I checked the Vida's represented good value for money. Nice to see air forks and hydraulic disk brakes on most of their bikes.

 

Second hand value on their bikes is good as they are well known and established. Only downer there is the fact that they change model names often and for no apparent reason. Causes confusion and de-values 2nd hand value of model series that do get dropped.

 

Thanks for the info. Appreciated

[wessie12]

More than happy with my vida1. 1500km with no problems

[Iwan Kemp]

Breezer, agreed on the hubs, although with regular tlc I've seen and heard much higher k's, but on the fork I think you got a lemon. Reba RL is a great fork at a great price and have proved reliable, stiff and light.

[Mike Bike]

I rode a 2012 Vida 1, but i built up the frame with full XT and a rockshock SID. thouroughly enjoyed the bike..nice light frame

[Breezer]

Breezer, agreed on the hubs, although with regular tlc I've seen and heard much higher k's, but on the fork I think you got a lemon. Reba RL is a great fork at a great price and have proved reliable, stiff and light.

Yes my LBS also think so. Only problem is that I have to pay every time I think it should go back. I am not very happy with rock shox and will get a fox next time.

[scotty]

Another plus for Silverback is their very good back up policy.

[Mopkop]

Hi

 

I've had my vida1 for 8months now and I've only had a problem with the rear brake caliper getting a bit "sticky" at times but that's not Silverbacks problem.

 

I saw the 2014 Sola1 today and boy she is pretty..Definetly lighter than the vida1 but the parts are the same..

 

!!!PRICE!!!

 

I got my vida1 with continental protection tyres(tubeless conversion done), ESI grips, computer, bottle cages for R12500

 

New sola1 stock standard is R16000, its got the XT shadow + derailleur, vida1 has just got XT shadow, which is the only difference.

 

With a saving of the R3500 I'd go vida1 and use the R3500 for "better/Faster" hubs.

 

You wont be sorry with the vida1

[Louis for real]

if you'r heavy watch out for the wheel set.dont know if they have changed the crest?they have a weight limit...but if your going to ride dirt roads they should hold up.

Edited September 27, 2013 by eye i

[BarHugger]

if you'r heavy watch out for the wheel set.dont know if they have changed the crest?they have a weight limit...but if your going to ride dirt roads they should hold up.

 

Appreciating all the feedback. It helps to get feedback like this to make decision. Deciding what to purchase based on the marketing skills of a shop assistant can sometimes bite you in the soft parts.

 

Rims and hubs seem to be a factor. Heavy rider (>100kg), track like Red Barn, Red Stone, Van Gaalens, Rust de Winter, etc. (B & B end of October)

[SaKiwi]

Silverback's philosophy is to put you on the best value bike for your money. Yes, not all the parts is 100% what we want, but the same can be said for more expensive bikes as well. The frame is light, has a lifetime warranty, and the group set is 100% Shimano, no mixing of cheaper components. Don't think there is anything for under R15K that can beat it for value.

[dee_biker]

There is definitely not a brand in RSA with better value for money than Silverback (or maybe Momsen) in my opinion. The frame will outlast any other component on that bike. The ZTR wheels are fantastic. Upgrade as you go!

 

Out of the box, it's a killer deal!

 

Off topic: Rode a Silverback road bike (aluminium) for 3 years, and regretted every second selling it.

Edited September 27, 2013 by dee_biker

[BarHugger]

Comments on Sola 1 (good value for money)

 

http://www.silverback.co.za/upload/2011_website_SILVERBACK/sola1_14.htm