Mtb bike buying help

[Wil6]

Got a friend who is interested in starting mountain biking with his wife. Please take note that not one of them has ever ridden more than 5km on a bicycle.

 

He asked me to help them search for bikes. He does not want to buy entry level bikes and want something that they do not need to upgrade in a year.

 

The thing is he wants to buy/looking at a GT Marathon Team Carbon 2010 with SLR wheels, 3 × 9 XTR groupo. Here is the specs : http://www.bikepedia.com/quickbike/BikeSpecs.aspx?year=2010&brand=GT&model=Marathon+Carbon+Team

 

The price is R25k and the bike is new. For his wife he wants/looking at a GT Marathon Expert Carbon with 3 × 9 SLX Spec.Wheelset is Mavic Crossride. Also new. Both of the bikes is 26" wheel sizes.

 

Is it wrong for me to suggest to him to buy a Giant Anthem 29er or similar and for her something else?

 

I know the GT's is not bad bikes but the surely for that amount he can something better/newer ?

[fanievb]

I agree. they can surely get something better for that price, without the need to upgrade in the next year

[dev null]

Giant Anthem 27.5.

[Wil6]

Giant Anthem 27.5.

Price?

[Wil6]

I agree. they can surely get something better for that price, without the need to upgrade in the next year

Any suggestions?

[fanievb]

Any suggestions?

 

FS http://cyclefactory.co.za/index.php/bikes/27-5-mtb/giant-anthem275-3-2014-detail#tech-specs

HT http://cyclefactory.co.za/index.php/bikes/27-5-mtb/sb-slade2-2014-detail#tech-specs

[Eugene]

So.....he is about to shell out R50k in total on a sport that he hasn't tried yet. What if they don't like it?

[Wil6]

So.....he is about to shell out R50k in total on a sport that he hasn't tried yet. What if they don't like it?

Thats a gamble he is willing to take. I just want to help him get the best bikes that if they don't ride the bikes, can sell again without to much loss. Like the Anthems Edited April 14, 2014 by Wil6

[Pusher]

Got a friend who is interested in starting mountain biking with his wife. Please take note that not one of them has ever ridden more than 5km on a bicycle.

 

He asked me to help them search for bikes. He does not want to buy entry level bikes and want something that they do not need to upgrade in a year.

 

The thing is he wants to buy/looking at a GT Marathon Team Carbon 2010 with SLR wheels, 3 × 9 XTR groupo. Here is the specs : http://www.bikepedia...hon Carbon Team

 

The price is R25k and the bike is new. For his wife he wants/looking at a GT Marathon Expert Carbon with 3 × 9 SLX Spec.Wheelset is Mavic Crossride. Also new. Both of the bikes is 26" wheel sizes.

 

Is it wrong for me to suggest to him to buy a Giant Anthem 29er or similar and for her something else?

 

I know the GT's is not bad bikes but the surely for that amount he can something better/newer ?

3 x 9 and 26" a bit out of date!

[F.C]

Buying a 26er at that price is def a loss if the try to resell it

[watsonr]

My wife and I took up mountain biking last year June. Started her off with a Scott Aspect 610 (26) and 10 months into it and a couple races under the belt, the bug has bitten and she is planning on getting a dual suspension 27.5 before wines2whales. She is naturally fit so riding came easy to her. My suggestion would be to get a 27.5" for your missus based on my experience. That said, any takers for a small Aspect 610?

[Guest EdEdEd]

tell him to buy two bikes of 12k each and take his wife on a holiday with the other 25K

[Tankman]

So.....he is about to shell out R50k in total on a sport that he hasn't tried yet. What if they don't like it?

 

Then some hubbers can pick up a brand new bike at a bargain price!

 

Seriously, how many people have you heard of that gave cycling, especially mtbiking, a go and end up totally hating it?

 

Buying a crappy enrty level bike might just leave a bad taste in you mouth and that might put you off.

 

I see it daily, people buy the cheapest bike they can find. They also expect much more from the equipment than it was intended for. Couple of weeks later they are frustrated, have broken bikes and start realising they need the correct equipment to get the job done . And that the more expensive bikes are more expensive for a reason. All those things about the gears, shifters, weight, wheels, suspension, tubeless ... etc that didnt make sense at first, starts dawing on them.

 

Best advice ... determine your budget, spend 95% of that budget on the bike and upgrade your helmet, shoes and accessories when you can.

 

If his budget allows R25k per bike, go for it! Buy new and he will end up enjoying the bike much more than a secondhand bike that comes with its own problems.

 

Goedkoop koop, is duur koop!