#Feeltheburn Posted March 2, 2015 Posted March 2, 2015 Hi Everyone. Got on a mountain bike recently, first time in 15 years riding a bike and I realised that I'm in trouble. Yes, you all know "that" trouble ... you realise that very soon you are going to be spending some money. So here is my problem. Last time I was bike shopping, I was 13 years old, didn't have a say in the budget and my only options were what ever Game had. Started doing some research and talked to some family members that are already into the mountain biking thing and to be honest, I'm more lost than ever. The selection of manufacturers and different prize ranges are so vast, that I don't know where to start looking. Who would have thought you can spend R150k on a bike without a motor! [emoji13] If you guys can give me some tips on where to start, it will be highly appreciated, so here are some information:1. I want to buy a bike for me and the Miss. 2. Budget per bike is max R8000 (well let's see if we can keep to it [emoji6]). Want to buy decent enough that I don't have to upgrade again in a year or two. 3. Not going all professional now. We want to ride a few trails, some dirt roads and ride for the exercise on tarred roads. Enter the odd one day event, take the bikes on holiday.4. I know I should not ask this, as there will probably be thousands of different answers but, what manufacturer/s can I look at? 5. What cycle shop can you recommend in Jhb area where I can go and look, get advise and start my cycling shopping addiction. I'm not sure if this is enough information, but that is basically what I've got to work with. Looking forward to your advise. Thanks.
Wayne Potgieter Posted March 2, 2015 Posted March 2, 2015 Firstly...welcome. Secondly...buy second hand. Dont be scared. If you are unsure...ask us. If the deal is bad. We will tell you. Thirdly...dont get worried about going crazy on accessories. To start you need two things...a helmet and a tubeless conversion (which if buying second hand is probably done already) Helmets....580 bucks for an etto. Its all the helmet you will need. Do you know what sizes you need?
dev null Posted March 2, 2015 Posted March 2, 2015 If you can, get second-hand. If not, I can recommend Silverback in that price range; decent frames with good parts. If you are unsure, get a hubber in your area to go to a bike shop with you.
quintonb Posted March 2, 2015 Posted March 2, 2015 Agree with what's been said regarding a used bike. Get a friend or fellow hubber to assist you of you not technically clued up. 2 weeks ago I bought a Merida big 9 XT edition for R8200.00. Stripped it, serviced hubs and fork and gave a good clean, bike is like new for under 10k.
#Feeltheburn Posted March 2, 2015 Author Posted March 2, 2015 Size? Ja I realised that there are different options with that as well. What is the general rule of thumb when choosing your size bike? I'm about 1.88m, does that factor in? Thanks for the second hand advise, but if I may ask, why second hand? Always afraid buying someone else's headache. Thanks guys
Wayne Potgieter Posted March 2, 2015 Posted March 2, 2015 Bikes depreciate worse than my land rover. You get a really great bang for buck in the second hand market. Go to a bike store and get measured properly. A bike thats the wrong size is terrible.
quintonb Posted March 2, 2015 Posted March 2, 2015 At 1.88m you would probably be in for an xl frame (21"), but there are other factors than just height to consider. Bicycles depreciate in value worse than motor vehicles do. A bike that costs 20k brand new could cost you half that if bought used. Lots of guys out there who buy bikes and don't ride hard at all, often you get a used bike just needs a good clean and a service. But as already been said, if you not too technical ask for advice. Lots of good guys here who are always willing to assist a newbie.
eddy Posted March 3, 2015 Posted March 3, 2015 Size? Ja I realised that there are different options with that as well. What is the general rule of thumb when choosing your size bike? I'm about 1.88m, does that factor in? Remember, size here refers to frame size, NOT wheel size.
s14phoenix Posted March 3, 2015 Posted March 3, 2015 put all your criteria in the classifieds search and see what comes out. Remember, size here refers to frame size, NOT wheel size. Also there is not a general rule of thumb when it comes to size anyway but you are of the taller ones so you are going to look for XL probably. So try this - go to the classifieds - enter frame size XL and your budget on complete bikes and see what you find. There is lots of brands that can do a sufficient job as to what you want to use it for. in that price range I would suggest a hardtail as you will get a better spec bike than a lower spec dual suspension. Some I have seen in the classifieds: GiantSilverbackScottspecialisedCannondaleGTTitan is lower spec but ok.etc etc Just don't buy a his and hers from PnP or Makro or similar.
cobus3000 Posted March 3, 2015 Posted March 3, 2015 Knowing what I know now, I would also have gone second hand for my first bike. You can always get the bike checked out by your local bike shop ("LBS") before you buy it. You can't go wrong with Silverback, Merida, Giant. Check the classifieds on thehub. Make sure the wheels on the bike will be strong enough to support your weight so you won't have to get it trued all the time - problem I had way back when I had my first MTB. Google is fantastic for this Hydraulic disc brakes is a must - Shimano Deore or SLX are perfect. Happy shopping!
BBN Posted March 3, 2015 Posted March 3, 2015 I am 1.87m and have always ridden a Large frame with no issues. I was advised to ride a smaller frame up high rather than a bigger frame lower down. Obviously there is a slight weight advantage with the smaller frame and remember that not all frames are the same, a Large could be 19" or 20" depending on the make. Best ride as many bikes as you can before buying.
Jeansie Posted March 3, 2015 Posted March 3, 2015 I do agree with the above to go second hand with the very first purchase...My parents went all out and bought top of the range mountain bikes with all the bells and whistles and my mom did her first 20km ride and never got back on again.Needless to say that they never got back what they paid when they sold the bikes.My husband bought me a decent second hand road bike to start out with and learn how to clip etc and I had to prove that I really want to cycle before I got a brand new Cannondale :-)
#Feeltheburn Posted March 3, 2015 Author Posted March 3, 2015 Thanks a lot guys. Yes, from everyone I've spoken too, they say stay away from places like Makro etc. So on that note, what is a good cycle shop to visit in Jhb. Preferable more to the northern suburbs?
s14phoenix Posted March 3, 2015 Posted March 3, 2015 Don't be scared to travel. some good deals out there....
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.