2nd hand bike advice.

[Attie Lourens]

Hi guys.

 

Found a 2012 silverback mercury 1 in the classifieds for R8k.

Bike looks to be in good condition and is well specced.

 

The only thing is, it is a 26er.

For me this is not a problem.

I just don't now if it is still worth buying 26" bikes.

 

Would like to ride it for atleast 2 years and don't want things like buying tyres and rims etc become a problem.

 

Is this bike worth a look?

[An3]

Hi Attie

 

I will much rather ride a decent 26er than an entry level 29er. (Which is what you'll get for R8k)

 

There are very good 26ers available, take your time and you will find a great bike.

We bought a fantastic Merida 26er for under R8k this week for my Fiance.

She loves it, really great components and fairly light.

[Gitfo]

I bought a 26er in may and have no problems with spares and i use hatfield cycles they are a more mtb orientated cycling shop. I do not foresee to much issues on wheels for the future but getting specific makes is a bit stringent.

And i agree with the statement of rather a better 26er then a cheap 29er big difference 

[Attie Lourens]

That is a very good point. I see a lot of guys on the hub still rides and love their 26er bikes.

 

Thanks for the advice.

[nickelass]

I think I have seen the ad you are referring to, I would consider it a good buy.

I ride 26 ers still, and don't think I am really worried about tyres , will just buy on line anyway.

[porqui]

Is the bike the right size (remember wheel size does not determine bike size)?

 

Does it suite your kind of riding?

 

If "yes" then go for it - 26rs are not so yesterday as they are made out to be (marketing).

[BenReaper]

26ers are stil alive and well,the only place you might have problems with this wheel size is if you are one of the top 10 racing snakes,as the top end parts are the ones that are getting scares.

 

If you are only competing for fun or riding for personal gain,you can buy a well specced second hand 26er for little money(as suggested Silverback) and decent mid level parts will stil be available for some time to come.

[Attie Lourens]

Is the bike the right size (remember wheel size does not determine bike size)?

 

Does it suite your kind of riding?

 

If "yes" then go for it - 26rs are not so yesterday as they are made out to be (marketing).

I believe so. I'm 1.83 and the bike is a large. Would like to do trail riding mostly. Places like red barn, vlei cycle park, modderfontein, avianto etc.

[Quantum Theory]

I had the 2011 Silverback Slider, which was a similar lower spec'ed bike. Also bought secondhand. It was the perfect starter bike for me. Did mostly Tygerberg trails with it and it handled them quite well for over a year. Had some issues with the rear suspension swing arm, but nothing major. My new bike is 27.5 and it is definitely faster, but this does not matter when you are starting out, with a lower budget.

[Attie Lourens]

Thanks for all the advice. On my way to go pick it up now.

[Gadgetman]

Enjoy Attie..

[johanpre44]

Nothing wrong with a 26er, no problems with tires (just need to know which LBS's still stock decent 26" tires). Other bits are all the same regardless of wheel size (excluding the fork which will last some time depending on current condition).

 

I also ride a 26er some of the time (use the 29er only for long rides and races but use the 26er the rest of the time).

 

One of the benefits of 26er is that you sometimes find ridiculous specials on parts like wheels, I bought mine a nice set of Fulcrums a year ago for a fraction of the price of the same decent 29er wheels.

[porqui]

Enjoy - one happy chappie tonight !

[Attie Lourens]

Got the bike. Spend about 30 min on her tonight and it was briliant. Can't wait for tommorow morning.

[Pure Savage]

Got the bike. Spend about 30 min on her tonight and it was briliant. Can't wait for tommorow morning.

Awesome to hear, think you will be very happy