rusted_knees Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Good day guys, first time poster and I hope I am posting this in the right place. I have been riding actively for the last 3 years on a Schwinn Mesa that has seen its day. My skills are average but the bike is limiting my fun when hitting the trails hard. I can never find the traction I want and this makes me nervous when taking corners or jumps. I have had some bogus falls due to the front end slipping out with me going face first into the dirt. The question is, do I upgrade the bike. New fork to replace the Suntour, which probably screwed as it has probably never been serviced in 6 years (was my fathers bike who has switched to riding asphalt). Upgrade the groupset as this has seen some heavy use. OR Take the money I would spend, add some more cash and buy a complete new or 2nd hand full-sus mountain ripper and get some stoke flowing through my veins. I really want to get more into enduro/all-mountain style riding but still partake in a few XC rides and races. I have consulted the classified section and have come across this one that caught my eye...https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/141669-kona-dawg-medium/ I have taken a look at the bike and it fits me, however, the bike needs some work as it has been standing for some time. The shocks (back and rear) need a major service. rear brake need to be sorted out. I took it for a short test ride but the gears are shot, when you put the power down to pedal, the gears just slip and go all over the place (loose cale? or messed up deraileur?). So granted this bike needs some work, but I have a budget of 10 grand that I could possibly stretch. I have heard that Kona frames are pretty much bomb-proof so I am not to worried about the frame. Just worried the service and repair costs to the components might make it a dodgy buy. The other options are: https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/141867-commencal-meta-4x/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/143347-morewood-izimu/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/131431-morewood-izimu-dh-82/ and this beaut if a can sell my guitar for the extra cashhttps://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/145395-santa-cruz-nomad/ Any advice would be appreciated guys.
Shebeen Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 no point spending R8k on a bike if it's going to cost you another R4k to get it on the trails. i would guess that the chain is probably worn, hence the slipping - no big deal. could be cassette and chainrings too. get it assessed properly by a decent bikeshop independant of the seller - kind of like an AA test. might be very minor issues and then you have a decent deal. if he doesn't want to do that, walk away.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Agreed with Shebeen here. As for the choices, if you have the cash, that Santa is a beautiful bike and a decent deal. The Izimu x 2 isn't really suited to your stated type of riding - it's a downhill bike through and through. The Commencal is a 4x / slopestyle bike which again isn't really suited to your type of riding. There's also THIS to consider, which is also a bit above your budget, but still pretty darn good. Not as good a deal as the Santa, but good nonetheless. Good luck dude...
Cruz Addict Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 take the Santa Cruz!!!! sell a kidney if you have to its worth it
raptor-22 Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 ho tall are you? the Nomad is a large or Xl since the owner is 1.84m tall
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 ho tall are you? the Nomad is a large or Xl since the owner is 1.84m tallIt's a large, with a 100mm stem. 607mm top tube, not sure of reach (not in the geo figures)
AlanD Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Things I learnt when I bought my bike is that both shocks as well as the dropper post can cost you alot if they need to be serviced, espcially if a damper service is also needed so check when those shocks have been serviced. Another thing that you should check is all the bearings and pivots. That cost me a bit to get serviced. Other parts can be replaced as you go along. Agree with all above, that Santa Cruz is the bomb. Check your sizing also.
rusted_knees Posted July 27, 2015 Author Posted July 27, 2015 Things I learnt when I bought my bike is that both shocks as well as the dropper post can cost you alot if they need to be serviced, espcially if a damper service is also needed so check when those shocks have been serviced. Another thing that you should check is all the bearings and pivots. That cost me a bit to get serviced. Other parts can be replaced as you go along. Agree with all above, that Santa Cruz is the bomb. Check your sizing also. The Kona has last seen a service 2 years ago. The owner was out the country a lot... So i am very worried as to what it will all cost to get it back into a good condition. I will try to get it into a bike shop when I have a chance this week and if the seller is willing. As for the Nomad, I am 176-178cm tall... I think cant remember what the stats were after my last fitting to my road bike. I would love that Nomad and buy it in a heartbeat if i fit her. I will go check it out this week.
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 The Kona has last seen a service 2 years ago. The owner was out the country a lot... So i am very worried as to what it will all cost to get it back into a good condition. I will try to get it into a bike shop when I have a chance this week and if the seller is willing. As for the Nomad, I am 176-178cm tall... I think cant remember what the stats were after my last fitting to my road bike. I would love that Nomad and buy it in a heartbeat if i fit her. I will go check it out this week. you should fit her fine. DO NOT apply roadie sizing to MTB. 2 totally different sizing practices.
AlanD Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Maybe you could negotiate with the seller for a better price if the bike will cost a bit to service. Main costs as mentioned are shocks, dropper and pivots. If pivots need replacing it will cost you. Me thinks just the seal service on the shocks need to be done then its not too bad. Check the stantions are clean of nicks and scratches also.
rusted_knees Posted July 27, 2015 Author Posted July 27, 2015 Thanks guys for the comments and advice. Man I hope I fit that Nomad. It is one sexy bike .
Captain Fastbastard Mayhem Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Thanks guys for the comments and advice. Man I hope I fit that Nomad. It is one sexy bike .If you go see it, see if you can ask to try it out with a shorter stem - 40-60mm. That 100mm jobbie is far too long for a bike like that, and I have a feeling you'll feel a bit stretched out on it with that stem.
DR ◣◢ Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 Dunno... I'd walk away from that Kona and buy this instead https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/143804-intense-uzzi-g3-drop-outs/ I know this bike and it's in killer condition. Will suit you perfectly. Will be about R600 to ship to CT. Sure the seller could be coaxed to include shipping. The Morewoods you listed are full on DH bikes. Not worth a look.
rusted_knees Posted July 27, 2015 Author Posted July 27, 2015 Dunno... I'd walk away from that Kona and buy this instead Why man? Could be a killer deal if I can get it checked out and get some dollar knocked off to cover the expenses to get it mint. That Intense is appealing and I had a look at the advert. However, reluctant to purchase anything without being able to get a feel for it and taking it for a quick ride.... So guys, my next question. Kona Dawg... a good frame (strength, weight, geometry)??? or should I be looking at other bikes. Not in any rush to buy something then regret it down the line. I work hard for my cash. Anyone with experience buying from outside of your province?
KingTJ Posted July 27, 2015 Posted July 27, 2015 The Kona has last seen a service 2 years ago. The owner was out the country a lot... So i am very worried as to what it will all cost to get it back into a good condition. I will try to get it into a bike shop when I have a chance this week and if the seller is willing. As for the Nomad, I am 176-178cm tall... I think cant remember what the stats were after my last fitting to my road bike. I would love that Nomad and buy it in a heartbeat if i fit her. I will go check it out this week. That Santa is the One ,she is a beautiful little beast, the size will fit you fine... I have a XL Santa Blur, and wont swop it for the world
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