Advice on first ever MTB - R25k-ish

[SiriS]

Hi there

 

I'm looking at buying a first mountain bike. Mostly XC riding, perhaps a few 2-3 day events later on. Currently looking at hardtail for maximum R25k-ish budget. Not to fussed about alu vs carbon.

 

I've spent some time looking at bikes at different LBS' around me...and lots of internet research...pretty much overwhelmed at this point.

 

Couple of options at the moment, I really like the look of this bike -

 

Momsen SL729 -

 

http://www.momsenbikes.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&layout=item&id=178&Itemid=754

 

http://www.olympiccycles.co.za/uploads/8cf7b5d2f6e24846a35e5e0b99c8ecf1-08042013-11411.jpg

 

...but there does to be quite a few stories about broken frames so I'm unsure.

 

Also looking at something like the Scott Scale 940.

 

Any advice, specific model I should perhaps look at, issues to avoid etc?

 

Thanks in advance!

[Butterbean]

Buy what makes your belly button fizz when you ride it... Buy the one you want to keep in your bedroom cause you just need to look at it all the time and make sure it's ok...

 

 

Nothing else is better than that bike.

 

All the broken frame stuff is not too important when buying new... You'll have to a warrantee and change the important parts like saddles and stems and grips anyway...

Edited January 12, 2014 by AfdElite

[G e r h a r d Odendaal]

Add about 4k and get the carbon comp stumpjumper from Specialized. Youll never regret the decision.

[Heel Drop]

get a silverback

[EnkeltSporSinn]

I have the scott scale 920. Best bike i have ever owned!

 

[dee_biker]

For 25k, and a hardtail, there is nothing that will beat your gut. That Momsen SL729 is a fabulous bike!

[dee_biker]

If you decide to do Dual suspension, it is a whole different story though, then I would say the Giant Anthem X1.

 

Especially if you're getting into the technical stuff and planning to do 2-3 days stuff...

[Maximis]

Add about 4k and get the carbon comp stumpjumper from Specialized. Youll never regret the decision.

+ 1

[VeloErv]

Merida FTW! I can organize you the Big7, or the Big9 Carbon XT for R25k

[SiriS]

Buy what makes your belly button fizz when you ride it... Buy the one you want to keep in your bedroom cause you just need to look at it all the time and make sure it's ok...

 

Momsen it is for now then.

 

Add about 4k and get the carbon comp stumpjumper from Specialized. Youll never regret the decision.

 

Good looking bikes, I will have a look tomorrow at the Spes LBS.

 

Good prices and quite a few options at www.vbikes.co.za. Seems legit from other threads on The Hub...but prices seems almost too low?

[EdGe]

Hi there

 

I'm looking at buying a first mountain bike. Mostly XC riding, perhaps a few 2-3 day events later on. Currently looking at hardtail for maximum R25k-ish budget. Not to fussed about alu vs carbon.

 

I've spent some time looking at bikes at different LBS' around me...and lots of internet research...pretty much overwhelmed at this point.

 

Couple of options at the moment, I really like the look of this bike -

 

Momsen SL729 -

 

http://www.momsenbik...=178&Itemid=754

 

http://www.olympiccycles.co.za/uploads/8cf7b5d2f6e24846a35e5e0b99c8ecf1-08042013-11411.jpg

 

...but there does to be quite a few stories about broken frames so I'm unsure.

 

Also looking at something like the Scott Scale 940.

 

Any advice, specific model I should perhaps look at, issues to avoid etc?

 

Thanks in advance!

It is a great bike!

I've got one, and never had a moment's problem. Fastest bike I've ever owned (11 bikes in 8 years).

[EdGe]

Hi there

 

I'm looking at buying a first mountain bike. Mostly XC riding, perhaps a few 2-3 day events later on. Currently looking at hardtail for maximum R25k-ish budget. Not to fussed about alu vs carbon.

 

I've spent some time looking at bikes at different LBS' around me...and lots of internet research...pretty much overwhelmed at this point.

 

Couple of options at the moment, I really like the look of this bike -

 

Momsen SL729 -

 

http://www.momsenbik...=178&Itemid=754

 

http://www.olympiccycles.co.za/uploads/8cf7b5d2f6e24846a35e5e0b99c8ecf1-08042013-11411.jpg

 

...but there does to be quite a few stories about broken frames so I'm unsure.

 

Also looking at something like the Scott Scale 940.

 

Any advice, specific model I should perhaps look at, issues to avoid etc?

 

Thanks in advance!

It is a great bike!

I've got one, and never had a moment's problem. Fastest bike I've ever owned (11 bikes in 8 years).

[Bike Lore]

for that price you must go Dual suspension!!!! your but is going to thank you later if you do.

[Vanzyl]

Nice scott spark 910 on the hub.... Good value!!!

[SiriS]

It is a great bike!

I've got one, and never had a moment's problem. Fastest bike I've ever owned (11 bikes in 8 years).

 

Thanks for the feedback, reassuring to here postive comments.

 

for that price you must go Dual suspension!!!! your but is going to thank you later if you do.

 

This was probably the single hardest thing to decide about...I've changed my mind a couple of times. My thinking now is that, being completely new to cycling, that a hardtail would force me to focus on technique, control, picking lines etc? If the bug bites I can always upgrade later on.

 

Budget wise it of course also allows for better components, lighter frame.

 

Nice scott spark 910 on the hub.... Good value!!!

 

Looks good! From all I've read I would need a Large frame, but I should probably get a proper fit to be certain.

[LazyTrailRider]

 

My thinking now is that, being completely new to cycling, that a hardtail would force me to focus on technique, control, picking lines etc?

 

Spot on. Don't listen to those who claim that it's "better for your butt", that's BS.