Trying to buy a new bike

[F411en]

Hey guys am trying to buy a bike to start riding and I need some advice.

 

My budget is around 15k for a mountain bike.

 

I came across a KTM score 2.0 26er for around 12000

 

 

http://m.junkmail.co.za/ads/umhlanga/sports/cycling/ktm-score-2-0-mountain-bike/40083209

 

I was wondering what u guys think?

Also I was wondering is 26" is the right choice because all my friends ride 29er but when I tried them I didn't feel comfortable (am 1.77)

[Eugene]

You probably won't feel comfortable on your friends bike because their bikes are set up for them, not you.

At your height a29er is perfect for you.

 

Most bike companies have stopped making 26ers on all but their entry level stuff. The good thing is that they are dirt cheap second hand.

 

Personally, I would go 29er or 650b.

[s14phoenix]

With that budget you can buy a very decent bike. Nothing wrong with a 26er or a 650B or a 29er but you should compile a list of what you need and then from that shortlist you  buy what you want.

 

Don't buy a brand or groupset or a wheelsize or a framesize just because you think it is "cool"

you might find out some months down the line you where horribly mistaken.

 

You need someone knowledgeable to size you out so you know what size to buy because you are on that happy border of medium and large.

 

How heavy are you? - yes it makes a difference.

 

I know you are just starting out but what kind of riding are you doing or going to be doing?

 

Where are you going to ride? (would help if you know maybe typical bike parks your friends that already ride visit frequently or the type of terrain)

 

For what it is worth - your price indicates a medium spec dual suspension or a slightly higher spec hardtail.

 

For the money there is some or close to:

 

Specialised Stumpjumper FSR

Scott Spark

Giant Trance and Anthem 26er (cheaper) 29ers (in budget) 27.5(just over budget)

 

And the KTM you have there does not look particularly like anything particularly special.

Think you need to shop around the classifieds a bit more. Read more reviews maybe. Bikeradar has some great historic reviews if you do not find anything in our very own Hub reviews.

[mudda]

silverback sola 1 is +- that price new .... check it.

 

 

http://www.silverbacklab.com/bike/mountain/silverback-sola-1/

[F411en]

@s14phoenix I haven't ridden a bike in many years and am looking for a bike to start out with.

 

I am around 71 kg and am living in Swaziland so I'll maunly be riding with friends on dirt trails and dirt roads.

 

I was looking at the KTM because my friends with bikes say it's a good brand and that's after talking to seller he seems willing to let the bike go for 10k and I was told its a good price

[s14phoenix]

10k sounds better... honestly not much value in 26ers... still brilliant bikes. Swaziland should have some really awesome trails.

 

Good luck!

[Ed-Zulu]

@s14phoenix I haven't ridden a bike in many years and am looking for a bike to start out with.

 

I am around 71 kg and am living in Swaziland so I'll maunly be riding with friends on dirt trails and dirt roads.

 

I was looking at the KTM because my friends with bikes say it's a good brand and that's after talking to seller he seems willing to let the bike go for 10k and I was told its a good price

That specific bike with named specs and no frame cracks etc for R10k is well worth the money.

 

For a starter bike it will serve you incredibly well, especially in Swaziland with the type of trials and dirt roads around.

 

   

[F411en]

Thanks a lot for the help ...stumbled randomly into this forum last night when I was researching bikes and u guys have been awesome with the advices

[Disher]

KTM is a great brand, the components look great, the service history seems good so for ten K as a first bike, I don't think you can go too far wrong. the 26'er is still a good wheel size, granted most manufacturers have moved away from them but there is still an awesome amount of fun to be had on a 26er. Remember they were the bike of choice for many many years until the bike manufacturers conjured up a way to increase revenue by increasing wheel size. Go to YouTube and see a few videos on what's wrong with a 26 er?/

 

Nothing.

 

for 10K buy it get on it and ride until your smile goes away which I feel (especially in Swaziland) will be a long time. Your privileged chap.. those forests near mblambanyati are awesome.

 

enjoy.