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Posted

Hi Hubbers,

 

I've been lurking the forums for a while, and have decided to commit.

 

I've not riden a bike for about 15 years, at least not one that could make it out of the gym without carying it.

 

Anyhow I've quit my stressful IT desk job, and am now doing something much closer to home, but not as stressful (nor lucrative).

 

The office is 3.5 km from home, so walking is an option, but I would like to cycle. There is a fairly uncoperative hill on the way (both ways!).

 

I'm 5'9 and 90kg's, that's a little overweight ;-)

 

I'm looking at getting a MTB, without spending too much. My closest LBS is Fountain Cycles (FC) - its fairly dead and unfriendly, but the owner was attentive to my needs, and didn't try to hard-sell me. I've also checked out Linden Cycles (LC), which was super busy and friendly, and chock-a-block, but out of my way. Also checked out Northcliff Cycles (NC) which seemed to be between the two, but it's not as far away as Linden.

 

I've got my eye on a few cheapies, I prefer new, so I can shout at people if something goes wrong:

http://www.sportsman...ntain-bike.html

http://www.sportsman...ntain-bike.html

http://www.bicycling...rs-guide/a90-2/

 

The price range is around R2500. Cheapest place is sportsmans, but the way they treat the bikes, does not inspire confidence. Bike shops are about R400-R500 more expensive for the same bike.

 

Am gonna get a full helmet, I need my pip.

 

If the commuting takes, my commuting savings can go towards a better bike.

 

Would appreciate any advice from other commuters.

Posted

Have you not noticed the classified icon at the top of this page ??

Sure. Unfortunately it's of no immediate use to me as I'm not sure what the difference between aluminium, carbon fibre, and unobtanium is. I'm only 90% sure that 29 vs 26 is about wheel size.

 

Thus I R noob :blush:

Guest CHRIS001
Posted

Good day why dont you try finishline cycles

Posted

Good day why dont you try finishline cycles

Hmm. Thanks!

 

Thats an 80 km round trip (if I don't get lost in Spartan again!). So with AA rates, about R300 (excluding e-tolls). And a similar cost if I need to take it back.

 

I've heard good things about them (FLS) though. Is it going to be worth stiffing the LBS?

Posted

Thanks MH. I do see that there is a lot more value on offer second hand, but I'm afraid I'm doing comparisons based on new price vs used price. I'm pretty sure I'll go with tubeless.

 

Thanks for the Welcome Caerus.

 

I don't think I will make it on a single speed. I've got to cross "Valley Road" on my commute so, I will cry without any gearing so probably 7 gears will do the job, my road bike had 21 gears so I'm not afraid of that aspect. Some of the way the roads are not in good condition, and there is a good short-cut off-road I was counting on. I also prefer MTB handle-bars, I learned to ride on a BMX, and I never liked the road handlebars and stance.

 

Thanks for all the pointers so far, and so will broaden my horizens a bit and consider second hand options.

  • 4 weeks later...
Posted

To follow up, decided I've been too cheap.

 

For a long time was considering a hybrid, and used it to motivate me to save. But on second thought a MTB is more versatile, I can just get a set of skinny wheels with slicks if I want better road performance, but I can't put MTB tires on the hybrid.

 

Have managed to scrape together R4500 for a bike, and the longer I wait the more I can scrape. But I dont get to ride...

 

Was eyeing this:

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/titan-cruz-26-mountain-bike-1.html

 

But should I rather go for this:

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/titan-cruz-29er-mountain-bike.html

 

Will get from LBS, but they have no website ...

Posted
To follow up, decided I've been too cheap.

 

For a long time was considering a hybrid, and used it to motivate me to save. But on second thought a MTB is more versatile, I can just get a set of skinny wheels with slicks if I want better road performance, but I can't put MTB tires on the hybrid.

 

Have managed to scrape together R4500 for a bike, and the longer I wait the more I can scrape. But I dont get to ride...

 

Was eyeing this:

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/titan-cruz-26-mountain-bike-1.html

 

But should I rather go for this:

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/titan-cruz-29er-mountain-bike.html

 

Will get from LBS, but they have no website ...

I'm no pro, but I have lately seen many 2nd hand bargains being advertised. Shop some more and you will find the bargains.

Posted

For bikes in this price range, you can save a fair bit by going to a bigger store like Cajees, Westdene Cycles or Sportsman's Warehouse, rather than your LBS (you can go there later for services and parts).

 

We got my son a Scott Aspect MTB at Cajees Fourways, with slightly better spec than the Titan you are looking at and at a similar price. The advantage there is that they have a huge range (all sizes in stock, so you can test ride) and they are willing to give a good price. Sportsman's Warehouse in Fourways has a huge bike section, so it might be worth the trip to Fourways for you to look at bikes in a few shops (the new Cyclelab Warehouse is there too), and test ride a 26er and 29er.

Posted (edited)

The most important thing to know before answering this question is yourself (very philosophical :blush: ). The hub has thousands of people with even more opinions and before this thread is through you will have had recommendations ranging from “build your own SS bike by melting down unneeded stainless steel cutlery” to “if you are going to ride, it can only be on a R100k+ Specialized (with matching kit)”. Decide what YOU want. Do you like tinkering around with your bike or do you want to buy and ride?

 

I see it as 4 different options:

1.) Buy Cheap: This is the absolute worst option. Cheap bikes from Game, Makro, Sportsmans etc. are just a waste of time and money. If you are really strapped for cash then buy second hand.

 

2.) Buy Second Hand: My favourite and best bike was bought second hand from a Hubber. The guy wanted to race a different style and I got an excellent deal. What you need for second hand buying is either experience (not me) or a friend that really knows his/her **** and will help you out (this is what I had). You also need a decent seller.

 

3.) Buy LBS: if you are not the handy type (or not there yet) and you want to buy new then buy from your LBS. You will spend a bit more initially (maybe) but you will save this ten times over in advice (almost invaluable), service and help. With a new bike, the LBS will usually help you through the teething niggles for free. I like the guys at Linden.

 

4.) Buying online (or from a big store): usually the best deals but then I think you should have some mechanic skills as there will be necessary tweaks and fixes and if you need to run to the LBS with every little misfire you will soon spend all the money you saved (I’ve done this too :wacko: ).

 

So I would say go for 2 or 3 and convince yourself to spend a bit above your budget (get someone to chip in as an Xmas gift?) – you won’t regret it. I personally think try and get something with SLX or better components but that's just my opinion.

Edited by Memnon

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