Four thousand Rand

[nomad_za]

Hi Guys,

 

I have been entered into to Argus with the team from work and need to buy a bike. I have R4k to spend on something that I would be able to use for the Argus and the Xterra at a later stage.

 

I am not a cyclist.

 

I am a Trail runner, so I wan't some sort of MTB.

 

From what ive read I need a 18.5 - 19 frame to accommodate my 1.8m body and other than that the word 29'er has been thrown around a lot.

 

I would appreciate some input and even some links to some classifieds... as I would prefer purchasing a good condition second hand bike.

[ScottCM]

No need to go for 29er, 26er also a possibility

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/64772-gt-zaskar-price-drop/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/70934-specialized-hardrock-sport/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/70922-new-175-trek-wahoo-29er-mountain-bike/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/70888-silverback-stride-26er-hardtail-xl/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/70644-wheeler-mountain-bike/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/70662-giant-iguana-for-sale-mtb/

 

just use the filters in the classifieds

 

welcome to the hub

[nomad_za]

Hey man, I have checked out the bikes but need somebody to tell me which one is the better deal... i.e. is it worth paying the extra R1k for the New trek rather than a second hand Giant?

[eddy]

Hey man, I have checked out the bikes but need somebody to tell me which one is the better deal... i.e. is it worth paying the extra R1k for the New trek rather than a second hand Giant?

 

No

[nomad_za]

Hey Eddy, help a up and commer out here and tell me why?

[Brighter-Lights]

2nd hand offers MUCH better value, especially when buying a 26er since the market is pro 29er... can buy a top level 26er bike, one that's won xc world cups 3 or 4 years ago for 1/4 of the price of the same spec 29er... I'm afraid that for 3-4k you're not going to get anything that will provide you with a positive ride experience, but for 6-8k there's many options of very well specced bikes.

[Super Sywurm]

Hey man, I have checked out the bikes but need somebody to tell me which one is the better deal... i.e. is it worth paying the extra R1k for the New trek rather than a second hand Giant?

 

It is possible that you can get a secondhand bike (worth R10 000 new) in good condition for R 4 000 - R5 000, a new bike is not always the best buy!

[The MTBer]

Nah, ek het 3 weke terug vir my, my eerste 'n 29er gekoop en sal nooit terug kyk nie, dis die beste geld wat ek die jaar spandeer het ek ek is nie spyt nie! Maar gaan eerder 2dans daar is baie mense wat 'n MTB net koop en dan nooit ry nie en hom later vir goedkoop wil verkoop net om hom weg te kry. Koop een keer en koop klaar, al is dit duur, dis my moto in 'n fietswinkel.

Edited December 9, 2013 by The MTBer

[DJR]

Hi Nomad

 

Use the Hub Classifieds and search for something in your size (Large, most likely), in your area, and in your price range. I would think a 2nd hand hardtail will give you the best value for money. Look for a race orientated type bike. (Giant XTC, GT Zaskar, Scott Scale....they won races a few years ago). Look for good components (Shimano XT or SLX, SRam X7 or X9). Then get someone who knows his mtbs to check it out for you before buying. I think you can find something to suit you. Put slicks on for the Argus and ride XTerra on knobblies.

 

Good luck.

[eddy]

Hey Eddy, help a up and commer out here and tell me why?

 

 

R4000 is buying at the very bottom end of the new bike price spectrum. Keith Bontrager (one of the sages of MTB has told us, Cheap, Durable, Light, pick any two. When you go very cheap, you will find it is very heavy and not at all durable.

 

Buying a cheap new bicycle from one of the Massmart stores or Sportsmans is foolish and false economy. Firstly, they are all built down to a base price and the frames and components will be heavy and below entry level. And when it breaks (which will be soon) you will find out that proper components are incompatible with yours.

 

Second, you will get no service from the shops. The bike will be poorly (and even dangerously) assembled and when it needs adjustment, they will be unable to do it properly.

 

Bikes lose value faster than second hand cars and with the fashionable swing from 26ers to 9ers (and 27.5) there are many good 26 " bicycles that people are struggling to give away. Look at the classifieds and find a good, older bike (no need to pay the 29er premium) and have something race worthy that will last.

Edited December 9, 2013 by eddy

[nomad_za]

Thank you guys (special thanx to Eddy for taking time to actually type out something)! Now these replies have given me something to think about.

 

Anybody in the Northern Subs that knows about bikes that wants to help?

[dre]

...Cheap, Durable, Light, pick any two. When you go very cheap, you will find it is very heavy and not at all very durable...

 

Fixed

 

Edit: I agree with Eddy wrt to the crappy quality of cheap bikes/parts from sportsm@ns etc. But the new Giants/Silverbacks etc in the R4-5k range is cheap and heavy but durable...

Edited December 9, 2013 by dre