Beginner's MTB Buying Guide

[Lloydl]

Hi my name is Lloyd and I'm not an alcoholic :-)

Jokes aside... I'd like to get into mountain biking and was planning on buying a bike in December; I've been reading a few posts here and there and e-mailed a few bike shops in the western cape to make enquiries. A bike shop from the west coast got back to me, we communicated and basically he advised that it would be a good idea to get an entry level bike under R5k to start out; he added that the market is flooded with second hand bike's in this price range and buying new offers more guarantees etc. He suggested the Giant Revel 2. Then today I went into another bike store in the north and spoke to one of the attendants - he advised that a bike for under R5k for mountain biking is not preferred as 'bike would start breaking soon' etc. He had a MTB Scott (did not ask type) for R4k but advised it's not for mountain but for riding in the 'neighbourhood'??? He went on to say that an entry level bike, which they had in store, would cost R9k minimum - Silverback Sola 29"; better parts etc would last much longer. I'm intending on riding once a week (4 times/ month) and at least once a month hit a trail; I don't think that frequency warrants a bike for R9k??? Advice please...

[henningvr]

You might find that your initial intentions end up being just that. In Afrikaans we say "goedkoop koop is duur koop" - I can attest to that. I bought a cheap 2nd hand bike from my cousin. It was literally brand new. To date (in the space of 6 months) I have pretty much replaced all parts on it (crank, bottom bracket, casette, chain, rear derailleur, shifters, brake levers, grips.) I am about to replace the wheel set next, as the stock wheels are just not up to it, even though I only ride once or twice during the week, and most weekends.

In hindsight, I should have just bought a new mid-level bike with SLX/XT components, which is what I have now. Look around in the classifieds here, there are some real nice deals going around. Good luck!

[Mntboy]

Hi my name is Lloyd and I'm not an alcoholic :-)

Jokes aside... I'd like to get into mountain biking and was planning on buying a bike in December; I've been reading a few posts here and there and e-mailed a few bike shops in the western cape to make enquiries. A bike shop from the west coast got back to me, we communicated and basically he advised that it would be a good idea to get an entry level bike under R5k to start out; he added that the market is flooded with second hand bike's in this price range and buying new offers more guarantees etc. He suggested the Giant Revel 2. Then today I went into another bike store in the north and spoke to one of the attendants - he advised that a bike for under R5k for mountain biking is not preferred as 'bike would start breaking soon' etc. He had a MTB Scott (did not ask type) for R4k but advised it's not for mountain but for riding in the 'neighbourhood'??? He went on to say that an entry level bike, which they had in store, would cost R9k minimum - Silverback Sola 29"; better parts etc would last much longer. I'm intending on riding once a week (4 times/ month) and at least once a month hit a trail; I don't think that frequency warrants a bike for R9k??? Advice please...

Hi Lloyd

 

Welcome to the Bike Hub.

 

My 2c for what it's worth:

 

If you're going to buy new I would suggest a budget of 8-9k for the bike and a further budget of 3k for helmet, shorts, shirts and gloves. However I would not advise a 29er as a first bike. Try to get a 26er or a 27.5er wheel size bike. You should be able to get a decent selection in that price range. Silverback is usually very good for cost effective bikes.

 

The other option is to go second hand on the bike. If you keep the budget the same you could get a greater selection of bikes to choose from. Just remember to have a friend who knows bikes with you to help with knowing whether you're getting a good deal or a crap one. Also make sure to check that everything is in good condition and has been cleaned and serviced regularly.

 

Good luck with the bike hunting!

[Lloydl]

You might find that your initial intentions end up being just that. In Afrikaans we say "goedkoop koop is duur koop" - I can attest to that. I bought a cheap 2nd hand bike from my cousin. It was literally brand new. To date (in the space of 6 months) I have pretty much replaced all parts on it (crank, bottom bracket, casette, chain, rear derailleur, shifters, brake levers, grips.) I am about to replace the wheel set next, as the stock wheels are just not up to it, even though I only ride once or twice during the week, and most weekends.

 

In hindsight, I should have just bought a new mid-level bike with SLX/XT components, which is what I have now. Look around in the classifieds here, there are some real nice deals going around. Good luck!

[Lloydl]

Thanks

[Lloydl]

Thanks guys appreciate the advice

[Lloydl]

So I'd like to get the most advise possible as I'm entirely new to this.

Some of these questions may sound silly but I would like to cover all my bases.

 

Why would it be advisable not to start out with a 29er but with a smaller wheel size instead?

 

Regarding accessories, namely helmets - are there any drawbacks from buying these second hand or is it preferred & safer to buy this first hand?

 

Then, are there specific benefits from wearing cycling shirts as opposed to just wearing a normal sweater?

 

Thanks.

[HenryS]

So I'd like to get the most advise possible as I'm entirely new to this.

Some of these questions may sound silly but I would like to cover all my bases.

 

Why would it be advisable not to start out with a 29er but with a smaller wheel size instead?

 

Regarding accessories, namely helmets - are there any drawbacks from buying these second hand or is it preferred & safer to buy this first hand?

 

Then, are there specific benefits from wearing cycling shirts as opposed to just wearing a normal sweater?

 

Thanks.

 

It's always best to find things out before spending your money.

 

I reckon you can start out on any wheel size. Plenty of people have started on 29er's and are quite happy with them. It would really help if you could test ride a few different bikes and see what you feel most comfortable on.

[Mntboy]

So I'd like to get the most advise possible as I'm entirely new to this.

Some of these questions may sound silly but I would like to cover all my bases.

 

Why would it be advisable not to start out with a 29er but with a smaller wheel size instead?

 

Regarding accessories, namely helmets - are there any drawbacks from buying these second hand or is it preferred & safer to buy this first hand?

 

Then, are there specific benefits from wearing cycling shirts as opposed to just wearing a normal sweater?

 

Thanks.

A couple reasons why I think it's better to start off on one of the smaller wheel sizes is down to skills development, gaining confidence and simply get used to a bike's handling while riding.

 

Handling in particular is important as it is easier to adjust up with wheel size than down.

 

Helmets should be bought new imho. You don't want to take a risk with your head.

[AlanD]

Hi, you say that a ride once a week and a trail ride once a month is what you intend doing. What happens when the bug hits after that trail ride which it is extremely liky to do?

 

Then you have a cheap 4k bike that you realise will not cut it and want to upgrade which is gonna cost you.

 

I would suggest buy something good out the gate with good components like slx/XT so that you can ride without upgrading for a while.

 

The bike hub is a great place to look for second bikes and you will get far better value for money that buying an entry level new bike.

 

If you go for a cheap MTN and really like it you will regret the purchase and if you don't like the sport (highly doubt that) then you could always sell the bike.

 

Remember to check frames are in good nick with no scratches, when the bike was last services including pivots and when the shocks were last serviced as that could cost.

 

Also leave some cash for helmet, shoes, shorts, gloves and all that stuff.

 

Take your time, search the classifieds and view all the bikes within your budget.

[AlanD]

So I'd like to get the most advise possible as I'm entirely new to this.

Some of these questions may sound silly but I would like to cover all my bases.

 

Why would it be advisable not to start out with a 29er but with a smaller wheel size instead?

 

Regarding accessories, namely helmets - are there any drawbacks from buying these second hand or is it preferred & safer to buy this first hand?

 

Then, are there specific benefits from wearing cycling shirts as opposed to just wearing a normal sweater?

 

Thanks.

You should try test ride all wheel sizes and see what is most comfortably for you.

 

Nothing wrong with a second hand helmet as long it has no visible cracks and is in good nick.

 

A cycling shirt will offer you better sweat management, more pockets for stuff and make you look like a cool cyclist as long as it's not lycra...hahaha

[AlanD]

Something to look at..not sure which area you in:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/index.php?app=hubmarket&do=view_item&item_id=152086

[edgarblount]

Hi, you say that a ride once a week and a trail ride once a month is what you intend doing. What happens when the bug doesn't hit after that trail ride which it is extremely likely not to do?

 

Then you have an "expensive" 9k cheap 4k bike that you now need to sell again realise will not cut it and want to upgrade which will lead to making a loss is gonna cost you.

 

I would suggest rent buy something good out the gate with good components like slx/XT so that you can ride and see if you like the sport without upgrading for a while.

Some bike parks in GP rent out some well spec'd entry level bikes e.g. Momsen AL729.

 

Try and find a trail in the WC that rents out some lekke bikes and see if you enjoy the sport.

[AlanD]

Some bike parks in GP rent out some well spec'd entry level bikes e.g. Momsen AL729.

 

Try and find a trail in the WC that rents out some lekke bikes and see if you enjoy the sport.

Looking at it from that angle, agree that renting is a good option to see if you like the sport. ...Then buy the "expensive" 9k bike????

[velomonatiCT]

Some bike parks in GP rent out some well spec'd entry level bikes e.g. Momsen AL729.

 

Try and find a trail in the WC that rents out some lekke bikes and see if you enjoy the sport.

 

edger really raises a good point....you may never need an expensive bike !

 

go ride a bike somewhere see what you think - theres a bike park in tokai or dirtopia does have some bikes im sure there are other places

or go to a bigger bike store and ask all your questions and ask to test pedal a bike or two in the parking lot - you can ask questions all day you aren't required to buy anything

 

don't let all the bikehubbers persuade you to blow over your budget just because that's what they did .....

[Lloydl]

Thanks everyone.

 

These are really good suggestions & giving me good guidance.

 

I will definitely look into the 'rental' option.