Slowbee Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 Hi AllOk so I have been watching, reading (of course the hub) and gleaning info from the roadside. Now its time to get on my bicycle...a mtn bike .. but alas ..which one? Since I am for more likley to get honest opions here than the guy trying to push a bike onto me here is the question . I am looking at starting out, so the budget is tight. The Minister(ess) of Finance and Home Affairs has capped the spending at R5000 - but I am sure I can squeeze R6000 with the right application forms (i.e flowers, chocolates, dinner, new shoes, tidy garden etc etc etc). I am looking at the Raleigh Namib. Is this a good bike? How does this compare to a Scott 60 or 70 say? Could I get a better bike second hand through you guys? (I REAALLY like scot bikes - no idea why they just look good) Lots of people have said buy a good frame and as you wear down the components upgrade them. But reading here, the debate is softtail or hardtail. Because of cost I would start on a hard tail and upgrade to a dual later. The type of riding I want to do is getting into MTB riding - wanting to do Die Hell, Lourensford, Stellenbosch, Argus MTB, that type of stuff. If I can prove to myself that I will enjoy it and make the time to ride then I will upgrade to dual suspension for the epic in 2010. Will the Namib / Scott 60 survive this type of riding? I dont want to win - just to take part and enjoy the ride.
TitusTi Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 Maybe try the Scwinn range as well, I was terrified by their prices the other day!
Slowbee Posted March 13, 2008 Author Posted March 13, 2008 Hi TitusUmm this sounds silly - but how do the schwin's comapre with the raleigh's and scotts. i used to love giants - but they dont have middle range stuff - its all or nothing with them.
lihan Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 Hey Slowbee, We are in the same boat. I will keep i close eye on the replies
FanieFiets Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 Silverback het ook belaglike goeie pryse. http://cyclefactory.co.za/content/view/56/182/
Gert Janse v Rensburg Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 I dis To hell and back on a Scott scale 60... came in in the top 50 so there is nothing wrong with it... Scott is relatively expensive though... but mine lasted until I upgraded.... so see what ur budget allows...
NC_lurker Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 I picked up an '05 model Schwinn Moab (Deore parts, v-brakes) in May 06 (bike was new & unused)for R4500 (included in the price was a towbar bike rack & Specialised mtb shoes) . I upgrade the brakes to Avid V's.I've ridden most of the rides you've mentioned (except Epic!) on it, no problem. Been very happy with the bike, Schwinn is definitely worth looking at.
Hog_ Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 I bought a Mongoose Meteore as my first MTB, and it's been serving me very well, except for throwing my off every now and then! I can recommend the Mongoose, but there really are so many bikes in the R5k range that you can look at. There's a buyers guide on bicycling.co.za that really helped me. If you are looking a 2nd-hand, visit a bike shop to get your measurements first, and inspect the bike properly!
PappaBear Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 2008 schwinn moab disc SRAM x.7 front SRAM x.9 Back Rock Shox Tora fork Avid Juicy 3 Hydrolic disc brakes R7000 Best value for money in my opinion, had to make this choice december and ultimately spent R500 more than my planned budget, but got a much better bike.
Eugene Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 If I'm not mistaken, the Scott Scale range have a more race orientated frame geometry whereas the Namib has a "comfort" orientated frame.I too would take the Scott as it looks so much nicer. Frame geometry aside, the Scott's paint scheme is way faster than the Namib's paint scheme.
Gert Janse v Rensburg Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 youre right... the scott is a racing frame.... but I rode one for 3years... they are helluva comfy...
Slowbee Posted March 13, 2008 Author Posted March 13, 2008 thanks guys - scott does look way more cool.what about a second hand bike in that price range? do you guys know anything about the Raleigh Namib ? Is it a good bike ?
HomerSimpson Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 I have a Scott Scale 70 (bottom of the Scale range), and have done 2 Stellenbosch MTB mudfests, Lourensford, Seweweekspoort, Argus MTB...planning to do Die Hel this year...bike has given me zero problems in the two years I have had it. The Scotts are more expensive than other bikes with similar components, though. See if you can find a '07 model (or even '06!!) in a bike shop somewhere..... HomerSimpson2008-03-13 08:11:12
Slowbee Posted March 13, 2008 Author Posted March 13, 2008 Sorry Pappa Oh dear !! Things got really messy. Was so excited today I went to the LBS (4 in the area) and I saw a really well priced Shwinn !! Now being able to make a decision on a bike is about as thick as mud !! Still no ideas on the raleigh? Should I be worrying about V brakes or disk brakes?
Paulm Posted March 13, 2008 Posted March 13, 2008 I was in the same boat a year ago and eventually settled for the Giant Alias (disk brakes). The '08 has a changed frame and components. What I paid and what I got is a pleasure, it works well. I share your likes in the Scott range and it will definetly be my next bike if I upgrade. At this stage, my wife is in line for a bike - the plan is to get her............, yes youre right, a second hand, good as new Giant Alias. The Scott is coming this way!
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