New bike advice for a newbie

[LeonvT]

Hi Guys,

 

I have decided to purchase a mountain bike for em and my wife to have some fun with on weekends. No real serious riding just some fun on weekends.

 

I popped into our local bicycle shop to get and idea of what is available and for how much. The guy recommended one of the following for me:

Silver Back Sola 3 (R8900.00)

Giant Revel 0   (R6500)

 

and for my wife a Merida Big 7 100    (R6800)

 

I did some Googling for reviews and all of these and they seem to be decent bikes and will fit our purpose.

 

Can anyone give me some advise on this? Are these bikes and components decent value for money? Are there anything better in this price class that I should be considering?

 

Thanks

 

Leon

[Fabian46]

I suppose that's as affordable as it gets "New". 

 

Maybe consider 2nd hand as well, like 1 year old. Same price, but better spec. But if its just for fun weekend rides...I suppose it should serve its purpose. 

[Mousea]

Buy the most expensive frame you can afford.

Components can always be upgraded at a later stage

[venom1]

Silverback is good value for money. 

[AlanD]

In my experience, i bought a Mongoose duel sus many years ago and i regret it as i got hooked on the sport and eventually had to replace every sinlge component, including both shocks as the bike could not handle the hard riding we did back in the day.

 

The frame then eventually cracked and broke and found another bike on the hub here that back in the day i drooled over but could never afford and now i have it at a fraction of the cost.

 

So my advice would be to consider second hand bikes on the Hub, duel sus is a must, as there are great bikes and great deals that would more than likely come with better spec components that the lower range new bikes. Don't be in a rush and consider the second hand market as new bikes are just so expensive.

[johanpre44]

I bought my wife a Silverback Sola 4 in March and she really enjoys it, for the odd weekend fun ride. I have a 2 year old Silverback 26er which is still going strong (think I clocked more than 4000km on the bike and still riding it regularly).

 

If you are going for just having fun on the Weekends, the Sola 3 should be perfect.

 

Word of warning, if the bug bites it bites hard. My second bike is about 5 times the price of the cheap Silverback 26er I bought 2 years ago, and its not even a dual suspension.

[Eugene]

Those are perfect for you. They will serve you well.

 

I bought an entry level Scott 8 years ago. The parts are similar to those on the bikes you mentioned and they are still running perfectly.

[LeonvT]

Thanks for all the information!

 

If I do buy second hand, what should I look out for to make sure I purchase a well looked after bike?

[Fabian46]

Straight wheels, check that chain, chain rings and cassette aren't worn...clean cassette doesn't mean new cassette...dont get caught there. Check every where's welding joints for cracks. Check that wheel bearings, bb("crankbearing") neck bearings are not noisy and worn. Check that frame is straight. Okes will say they have been servicing the bike...ask for proof of he's taken it to a shop. That's all I can think of off the top of my head. All the best with ur purchase

[Spokey]

While I agree with Fabian46 regarding the things to check on a 2nd hand bike, I think you should go with the new bikes you mentioned. Silverback is great value. Without being rude, at your experience level you have a big chance of securing a less than grand deal on a previously loved bike, unless of course you can take someone along when you go and view these machines. The costs can add up very quickly if you have to be replacing running gear/tyres etc.

I bought Silverback Sola for my large 6ft 2 gym bunny son and the bike has done us proud!

I believe a lot in Merida too, I have nothing but praise for the after sales service I received when I broke a frame on my first bike.

Welcome to the world of MTB, enjoy it!

[AlanD]

I would check the frame is in good nick (no cracks), tires have still got life left in them as tyres ca get expensive. Shocks work and there is no obvious leaking, cassette has no borken teeth, wheels are not bent nad gears in working order. Best to ride it and og through the gears before you buy. Also you can tell alot by the seller. The guy i bought my bike from was very helpful and friendly. He had a few MTbs and had a very neat garage, told me to ride the bike, gave me sapre break pads, allen keys, a new set of grips bleed kits for the fork and seat post, all the manuels he had for the parts on the bike and had it washed. At the end of the day you will replace most parts on the bike due to wear, breakage and upgrades so the frame is most important and that the compents on there will get you through alot of rides before having to replace much. That's my experience, hope it helps.