Budget conscious newbie buying a Raleigh MTB from Makro

[ians H2Sport]

you get what you pay for, its not just marketing, its fact. Agree with the comments above, go 2nd hand with good specs. Although the market is now (understandably) 29er obsessed, you will get great deals on used 26er bikes on the Hub. If the bug bites properly, which it will, you will end up wanting to upgrade soon. So buy the best you can afford up front. 

[RichieT]

Classifieds on the Hub... 2nd hand

[Ispeed_V]

Not sure how tall you are or what size you would take, but here is a perfect option:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/77351-merida-tfs-500/

[GLuvsMtb]

Like most things in life, there is a sweet spot in terms of spec and the price that you wish to pay. 

R5k will not buy you a good enough experience in my view. Also consider that you will require a proper helmet (one that fits properly and airs well enough to allow air flow to cool you down), basic tools to fix a puncture (tube, tyre levers, pump) and you may wish to get clipless pedals (SPD's) early on to avoid having to learn how to ride with them later, so throw in a pair of shoes as well. 

 

I would suggest that you save up for another month or 2 and try and get your total budget to R10k. Helmet, shoes and one or 2 cycling shorts are also decent christmas pressies to get. 

 

PS: A softer saddle is not necessarily the answer. Good cycling shorts are. 

[Tacet]

Helmet, shoes and one or 2 cycling shorts are also decent christmas pressies to get. 

 

PS: A softer saddle is not necessarily the answer. Good cycling shorts are. 

 

+1

I saw someone at Rosemary Hill on Sunday who had a bad fall.  His helmet was cracked - probably saved his head.  Probably the most important bit of gear you'll get.

 

As for shorts - get something decent, it makes a major difference. 

[MuddyMike]

http://i2.wp.com/alivecampus.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/dont-do-it.png?zoom=1.5&resize=257%2C300

[MuddyMike]

You will get a far superior bike for your R5,000 here in the hub classifieds. There are lots of guys here to help guide you in the right direction.

 

The wrong bike and it could put you off riding forever. The right bike will make you ride forever.

[kevinsfish]

I was going to buy from makro but friends strongly suggested I didn't and should buy 2nd hand on the hub, I'm glad I listen, I managed to get a better bike altogether for the budget I had

[MarickH]

You can buy a perfectly decent second hand bike for R5000. Over the past three weeks I have purchased two second-hand bikes for R4000 and R3500 respectively (one from a Hubber, and the other off Gumtree). I spent money on a helmet (essential), bottle cages, a computer and a saddle bag.

 

If you do some homework, you can get a decent bike for around R4000, spend R500 on a helmet, and then another few hundred bucks on bottle cages (R50 bucks each), a saddle bag, a spare tyre, a small pump, and a puncture kit.

 

That really is all you need for now. The rest of the stuff (computer, cycle shorts, Co2 bombs, and any other fancy stuff) can come later, for now get the essentials - helmet, bike, and ways to fix a flat (in that order - safety first).

 

There is another prominent cycling website that has a South African price guide, use that to determine whether you are being ripped off, and always make a cash offer.

 

If you buy from a Hubber, your chances are quite good that the bike will be well looked after, and serviced regularly. Gumtree perhaps less so, but if you get someone who was seriously into cycling, the bike should be in good condition.

 

Remember that the frame is the important part, it should be in good condition. All other parts can be replaced.

 

Ride the bike before you buy - check the gears, check the suspensions, check the brakes.

 

Happy shopping.

[Odinson]

The biggest problem with buying Game / Makro "specials" are is that the bikes are shyte and you will get no enjoyment out of them. You'll end up hating the bike and possibly cycling. 

 

Another thing is that although these "specials" resemble MTB's, they are not! They are not intended, designed or fabricated for any hard trail riding. 

 

Save for a bit longer and buy higher up.

[GLuvsMtb]

Here is what I did 8 or so years ago. 

I went riding with a friend who purchased a new bike as he was going to do the Epic in 2007. He passed his old Scott onto his wife and I borrowed her old Giant Boulder (that was way too big for either of us!). We went for a ride in Jonkershoek on a sunny day in October 06. The circular loop of 12kms. I was knackered afterwards but had such a good time that I made him an offer there and then for the old bike. He donated the bike to me on condition that should I enjoy mountain biking and buy a new bike, I donate the bike to another keen biker or development rider. 

Those in the know will realise that a Giant Boulder, with Deore groupset, V-brakes, coil fork and the stock seat was nowhere near suitable for proper mountain biking. I got frustrated with losing gears throughout races, my hands being sore and my butt being chewed and almost quit. If I had not gone out and spent money on a good Bell helmet, Olympic SPD shoes and the basic spares I probably would have walked away. Almost a year later and about 6000km on I bought a "proper" bike. A Merida hardtail FLX (I still have the bike at home, now my wife's trusty steed). XT groupset, Fox fork, Selle Italia SLR seat, man... I was in heaven! a Sub 10kg hard tail! I am thankful for the time spent on the Boulder as I still nurse my gears and brakes as if they are entry level. I pick smooth lines rather than direct ones and I respect even the guys with the Makro Specials and Dunlop helmets that are out there every weekend giving it a bash. 

 

If you are set on a Makro special cruise the classifieds. Buy the cheapest bike you can get and donate it in 6 months once you have made up your mind. Just know that the things that are going to frustrate you (heavy bike, poor braking, poor shifting etc) would be due to your initial purchase decision. Push through, get fitter and save up for a good mid-range bike and you will see your cycling go to the next level. 

[Marius]

Ok, my buddy ( Donkey ) won one of these Raleighs from Makro once as a lucky draw, he was a full on roady but thought now that he has this "Mtb" he might as well do a Mtb race... about 30mins into the race he was walking, he completely destroyed the drive-train, the crank as hanging on hinges and BB was f$cked.

 

Buy a proper brand Secondhand. 

Edited October 22, 2014 by Marius

[MTBc]

In summary...

 

 

Don't do it, you will regret getting one of those things from Makro.

Anything like these would be better -
https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/108056-titan-trail-650b/

or
https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/106335-price-dropped-nomad-fs-twenty/

 

 

Whatever you do don't do it!!!

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/107580-gt-avalanche-30-2013/

 

A good start, remember most sellers will also be a bit negotiable

 

 

Look around there are better options both in the classifieds and at shops with specials as they replace for new 2015 stock.

 

 

 

Dont do it.

 

 

Don't do it!

 

 

As they all say, don't do it.
 

[Master83]

Don't do it. The Shocks on those bikes just add weight without function. Friend picked up a Silverback Sola 4 29er with Deore drivetrain, Airshock and hydraulic discs brand new for ZAR 6 500.

[Super Sywurm]

Do not buy it!!!  Rather buy a 5k bike from a dealer, where you will get after sale service from people who knows (supposed to know) bikes.  Better still, buy secondhand.

[Little Fish]

Firstly, I am not that knowledgeable on all things cycling...but I had the same debate earlier in the year.

I would say first go to a shop or try out some friends bikes & see if you prefer a 26er, 650b (27.5) or a 29er.

That will help you narrow things down.

I went with the middle option.

Then go & see what you can get for R5000 at your LBS.

If you can try & stretch to R5500 you can get a new Silverback Slade4. With some extras.

Ask friends & family to buy you cycling gear for xmas - shoes & shorts etc

And yes....a helmet - it will be another R500 odd. Take cash, go to somewhere that gives you discount for cash & save 10%.

I used Westdene Cycles & Linden Cycles, but sure there are many that will give you those products for same prices.

Have fun, you will love it more with a decent bike.