2013 Axis A40 any good?

[sendit]

Hi All,

 

Im looking at getting into MTB, but don't have a big budget at the moment. Im around 1.80m tall and would mostly be using it for some light/moderate trails and to ride along the beach. Ive looked around and so far found the Axis A40 going for under R6000.00 - see image attached.

 

It a 29er that seems to have some decent features (for me at least) but I'd like to know if there are any others that I can consider for in this price range? Ive looked around for a good secondhand deal but haven't spotted any thing good around Durban.

 

I would appreciate any advice or suggestions!

Edited September 1, 2014 by durban

[bullet77]

_{Should be fine for your intended use, if you get into MTB'ing you will upgrade later, I think we all do.}

[sendit]

Thanks! I don't mind upgrading later (once I know more) and also have the cash to do so

[Raydek]

I've got an A20 FS 2013 and I am very happy with it. No quality issues or support issues.

 

One thing about the Kore rims though is when I started riding I was a tad on the heavy side (101kg) and I seemed to buckle the rims a lot, but now at 89kg they are perfect, no problems.

 

Also as Bullet77 says though, wont be long till you upgrade, 9 months later and I am looking at bigger/better and more $$$$$ already..

[sendit]

I've got an A20 FS 2013 and I am very happy with it. No quality issues or support issues. One thing about the Kore rims though is when I started riding I was a tad on the heavy side (101kg) and I seemed to buckle the rims a lot, but now at 89kg they are perfect, no problems. Also as Bullet77 says though, wont be long till you upgrade, 9 months later and I am looking at bigger/better and more $$$$$ already..

 

Thanks! Im around 90Kg at the moment so should be OK I guess.

 

We've all got to start somewhere, so I really don't mind upgrading in the future once I know what I'd like. The last thing I want to do is spend a fortune on a bike that ends up sitting in the garage all the time.

[Eugene]

Axis are good value for money. Probably one of the best in terms of value. You can't go wrong.

[bullet77]

Thanks! Im around 90Kg at the moment so should be OK I guess.

 

We've all got to start somewhere, so I really don't mind upgrading in the future once I know what I'd like. The last thing I want to do is spend a fortune on a bike that ends up sitting in the garage all the time.

That's how I and many of us started, get the bike and ride. Enjoy the journey and spending $$$.

[sendit]

Axis are good value for money. Probably one of the best in terms of value. You can't go wrong.

Thanks for the feedback Eugene!

[Raydek]

Axis are good value for money. Probably one of the best in terms of value. You can't go wrong.

 

Yeah!!! Bought mine for R13k and insured it for that.. 6 months later emailed the specs without the name of the bike to 5 dealers to get an idea of replacement value to update my insurance. Cheapest replacement came in at R28k and most expensive at R32k...

 

So ja, you do get bang for your buck!!!

[Skubarra]

Agree, enjoy the journey, part of the fun is upgrading your ride over time and by the time you upgrade you will be much more knowledgeable and have a clearer idea of what/where to spend your $$$

[sendit]

Yeah!!! Bought mine for R13k and insured it for that.. 6 months later emailed the specs without the name of the bike to 5 dealers to get an idea of replacement value to update my insurance. Cheapest replacement came in at R28k and most expensive at R32k...

 

So ja, you do get bang for your buck!!!

 

Wow! now im fully sold on it

 

Agree, enjoy the journey, part of the fun is upgrading your ride over time and by the time you upgrade you will be much more knowledgeable and have a clearer idea of what/where to spend your $$$

 

Yeah, i must say I am looking forward to it!

[Raydek]

Agree, enjoy the journey, part of the fun is upgrading your ride over time and by the time you upgrade you will be much more knowledgeable and have a clearer idea of what/where to spend your $$$

 

So true, when I first walked into my LBS I had no idea about the jargon or what setup I wanted. Or every time there was a squeak or something feeling wrong on my bike it went back.

 

Over time you get more comfortable with 'tinkering' yourself and checking what that little squeak is and what happens if you adjust this bit slightly more and in turn you become more in tune with you bike and know what it can and can't do and if that squeak/knock should worry you while headed down the trail at 60+kph or not.

 

There are the frustrating learning curves though like when you are so proud of yourself for stripping and service your hub body and getting it back together, but then it doesn't turn, doh!!! Only to realize that you put one too many ball bearings on the one race... LEARNING CURVE!!

 

But two of the....make that three of the best assets you will have in the this game is 1) this wonderful resource of The Hub 2) Youtube!!! and 3) patience.

 

You will not look back.....

[Disher]

mate of mine bought exactly that on Saturday, nipped out for a little introductory ride at the farms yesterday, all performed well except for a little pedal issue, I think its great value for an entry level bike.... one thing is that the handlebars are VERY wide ??? any comments on this??sorry about the underlining, wont go away

[Raydek]

mate of mine bought exactly that on Saturday, nipped out for a little introductory ride at the farms yesterday, all performed well except for a little pedal issue, I think its great value for an entry level bike.... one thing is that the handlebars are VERY wide ??? any comments on this??sorry about the underlining, wont go away

 

I believe with wider bars and shorter stems you get more feedback/control when it comes to steering. Also not so twitchy..

 

Heard its also better for breathing, widens your arms and opens your chest.

[jules1976]

Its good value for money and trust me you will start to upgrade later.. we all did that !

 

heres to many happy kms !

[Skubarra]

 

Over time you get more comfortable with 'tinkering' yourself and checking what that little squeak is and what happens if you adjust this bit slightly more and in turn you become more in tune with you bike and know what it can and can't do and if that squeak/knock should worry you while headed down the trail at 60+kph or not.

 

 

I agree, semi hijack, I sometimes wonder about the rich guys with tons of money, yes, no reason anyone MUST start out with an entry level bike if they can easily afford not to, but so much of my knowledge/enjoyment of mtb'ing came from learning from scratch and improving my ride over time. In a sense you miss out if you can "have it all" right from the start.