I want to get into MTB'ing

[Kriminell Zyclewerks]

Hi Guys

 

I'm looking at starting out in the MTB sport. However, I do not want to spend too much on my first bike, as I am not sure if I'm going to like it or take it too seriously with events. My budger for a bike is AT MOST R6k. I don't really want to buy a second-hand cycle. I Googled a bit, and found several bikes within my budget:

 

• AXIS A60
• AXIS A40
• SILVERBACK STRIDE 10
• SILVERBACK SPECTRA SPORT
• TITAN 650B SPORT
• TITAN CRUZ
• TREK 4700 DISC
• MOMSEN AL029
• RAPID PEAK 650B ALLOY
• RAPID PEAK PRO

 

I'm sure there are other bikes in that range... I went to a local cycle shop, but they kept trying to sell me R10k+ cycles, and I don't like being forced into buying something outside my budget. 

 

Also, my wife wants to join me on social rides, but not events, so I am looking at a bike for her as well, but something basic that would not fall apart after 10km.

 

Please could you advise which brands there are and what would be the best buy within my budged. I am 1.85m, and my wife 1.68, I know that will determine the size of the cycles.

[popcorn_skollie]

Welcome!

 

I would suggest you consider buying used for that budget.

You could post your suggestions of potentials from the classifieds and ask abiout them here.

 

Otherwise any of the brands you suggested are worth a look depending on model.

But stay away from Rapid. Those don't look too promising.

[Raf]

Welcome indeed...

 

As PopCorn guy has advised, look at the "Pre-loved" models under the classifieds tab

 

Try GT Karakoram 29er... good value for money

 

Silverback has a nice Slade 4 (27.5 / 650B) within your price range but you could possibly find a Slade 3 hardly used

 

i would suggest that if you know of anyone with a bike, take a 29er & a 27.5 for a spin & fist decide what wheel size sits well with you.

This will quickly narrow your search to potential bikes

 

ps, if you intend to do more Jeep Tracks etc. i'd suggest stick with a 29er 

 

ultimately you would like to get the best bang for your buck so look for things like disk brakes rather that V-brakes etc etc

 

seats & handle grips are easily customized

 

 

Happy Hunting

[Kriminell Zyclewerks]

Hi Guys

Thanks for your comments and advice. I will take it into account!

Regards

[KarlvN]

Cool. Best decision you have made by far.

 

Get a helmet! this is not negotiable as you will fall and knock your pip. I am assuming you want to be able to get up again and have a decent conversation with your fellow riders afterwards yes? So, get a helmet   

 

Now, to decide whether you are going to like it. As a point of starting you may experience all or most of the following symptoms, depending on your level of fitness - note these may imitate the symptoms of a heart attack, but be assured that they are not!

 

1. Shortness of breath,

2. Rapid escalation of heart rate,

3. excessive sweating,

4. more shortness of breath

5. possible dizziness

6. aching legs

7. numbness in the hands

8. more sweating

9. a sore bum

10. exhiliration

 

Once all these symptoms begin to stabilize, your first kilometer should be well covered, by which time you can proceed to ride the second and possibly third. Now, it is imperative that you do not decide to quit at this stage. You must do this at least another 10 times before you really know if you don't want to ride MTB anymore.

 

If you are anything like me it will take some fairly easy singletrack to convince you that MTB is utterly worth it in the long run, in which case your wallet will start to take massive hits every payday.

 

Next on the agenda is to get clip in peddles and mtb shoes with cleats, and then the fun (read falling) begins, but by now you will have become thoroughly addicted with no hope of cure.

 

Happy riding

[Kriminell Zyclewerks]

In your point on the helmet... I already have the kit, including the helmet!!!! Now I just need to figure out which cycle to get.

 

I am not too keen on clip-in's yet, I use to ride with them in my earlier road-cycling days and properly went down a few times, due to not getting my feet out in time. I will rather ride with 'normal' pedals and shoos for a while.

 

Thanks!

[scotty]

I see you in Kempton, chat to Clint at Finish line in Glen Marais.

[Kriminell Zyclewerks]

Well guys, after driving around a bit today, I found a cycle I quite like. It seems to be fine for what I want to do for now.

 

Its a Trek 3 Series (3700), with the follwing:

24speed

Mechanical discs

21" frame

26er wheels

SR suntours shocks

Shm Altus components

 

I know its quite basic, but it falls well within my budget at R3900.

 

Just before I decide, I thought I'd get some thoughts from you all.

 

Regards

[Kriminell Zyclewerks]

A pic of the Trek...

[TrackGuy]

Just by looking at what you buying there, it is really hard for me to say that it's a good buy because you can get a lot more for your money if you buy second hand.

You get stuff like this:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/124301-gt-karakoram-10-2012-been-ridden-once/

Which is all in all, a lot better than what you are buying there. I mean this in a constructive way.

If you don't want to do the second hand thing, I would rather look at a Titan because you get far more bang for your buck with those bikes I would have to say.

[Amberdrake]

Just by looking at what you buying there, it is really hard for me to say that it's a good buy because you can get a lot more for your money if you buy second hand.

 

You get stuff like this:

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/124301-gt-karakoram-10-2012-been-ridden-once/

 

Which is all in all, a lot better than what you are buying there. I mean this in a constructive way.

 

If you don't want to do the second hand thing, I would rather look at a Titan because you get far more bang for your buck with those bikes I would have to say.

That is a really good deal and should be snapped ASAP. Take someone with that knows bikes tho. Titan is a good deal but usually quite bit more expensive than trek. Trek is an okish starting point but will require major upgrading when you ride more.

[Tienie]

Get a good hospital plan !

[Redlight]

That entry level bikes will just give you one crap first experience and probably a dangerous one too. rather wait until a try before you buy day. Or loan a bike from a proper bike shop.. That way if you like, you can make a loan at the bank. Cause all up kit shoes and everything, minimum it's gonna rip a 50k hole in your pocket.

[marko35s]

That entry level bikes will just give you one crap first experience and probably a dangerous one too. rather wait until a try before you buy day. Or loan a bike from a proper bike shop.. That way if you like, you can make a loan at the bank. Cause all up kit shoes and everything, minimum it's gonna rip a 50k hole in your pocket.

Yeah because as everybody knows you aren't a real mountain biker and can't enjoy yourself unless you spend R50k...

Have a word with yourself.

[SiriS]

Well guys, after driving around a bit today, I found a cycle I quite like. It seems to be fine for what I want to do for now.

 

Its a Trek 3 Series (3700), with the follwing:

24speed

Mechanical discs

21" frame

26er wheels

SR suntours shocks

Shm Altus components

 

I know its quite basic, but it falls well within my budget at R3900.

 

Just before I decide, I thought I'd get some thoughts from you all.

 

Regards

 

That leaves you with R2100 change...which will be handy when you upgrade to dual suspension in 6 months... 

[Nayr]

That entry level bikes will just give you one crap first experience and probably a dangerous one too. rather wait until a try before you buy day. Or loan a bike from a proper bike shop.. That way if you like, you can make a loan at the bank. Cause all up kit shoes and everything, minimum it's gonna rip a 50k hole in your pocket.

 

Sorry but thats *** advice...

 

Many people on here have ridden entry level bikes and have gotten hooked in the sport, and you should be able to get away with 10k no problems including new bike and kit...