zwischenzug88 Posted November 10, 2015 Posted November 10, 2015 Hi everyone I'm looking to get a new bike and I'd love some advice. I've been commuting to work for the past two years on an entry level MTB (Axis A90), but I definitely consider myself a complete novice when it comes to knowing about bikes and parts. At this stage I'm ready to get a bike better suited to my needs which are as follows: 1. I need a reliable bike that can handle ~5000 km per year for many years. (I cycle about 100 km per week as part of my commute). 2. Something that will just enhance the joy of riding by making each commute or leisure ride faster and/or easier :-) 3. I'd love to improve my speed and I love earning a personal best on Strava, but I'm not out to win any races. That being said, I will be riding in a couple of races quite soon (including the Argus next year). 4. I like the idea of a bike that has the build and advantages of a road bike, but the seating and handlebar position of a mountain bike. Is this possible? I've been looking at the Silverback Scento 1 and I think I really like it. A hybrid seems to be the right choice for me. I don't think I want a pure racing bike or road bike. Drop bars scare me. 5. The ability to attach mudguards in winter might be nice (lots of rain in Cape Town). 6. Definitely want to be able to have a rear rack and maybe panniers one day. Possibly interested in touring. I'm perfectly willing to spend money (in the region of about R10k) on quality that will last and meet the above needs. But I don't need anything over the top or features that I'm not actually going to use. (Number of gears for example.) So what price range do you think I should be looking in? Road / commuter / city / hybrid ... there seem to be many different options and it's a pretty confusing world to someone who is still very much a beginning cyclist in this area. All advice will be appreciated! :-) Thanks so much
Patensie Posted November 10, 2015 Posted November 10, 2015 Get a cyclo cross (CX) bike. Biggest mistake I made when I bought my commuter bike while still living in Somerset West to commute to Stellenbosch, was getting a road bike. Should have gotten a CX bike instead. (The road bike paid for itself in 6 months and I used it for 4 years.)
DJR Posted November 10, 2015 Posted November 10, 2015 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/anyroad.1/18747/76169/ Something like the Giant Allroad perhaps? It is very capable on and off the tar and much more upright than a racing road bike. There are others also which has basically the same geometry but with flat handlebars.
Bernard Horn Posted November 10, 2015 Posted November 10, 2015 Giant Escape or if you want something more exclusive Specialized Cirrus.
rock Posted November 10, 2015 Posted November 10, 2015 something like this if its in the budget http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-za/bikes/model/toughroad.slr.2/24184/88478/#overview http://d2k6j1fqfkfmqi.cloudfront.net/_generated/_generated_za/bikes/models/images/2000/2016/ToughRoad-SLR-2-Black.jpg
rock Posted November 10, 2015 Posted November 10, 2015 http://d2k6j1fqfkfmqi.cloudfront.net/_generated/_generated_za/bikes/models/images/800/2016/Escape-2-West-Charcoal.jpg
rock Posted November 10, 2015 Posted November 10, 2015 Check out Chris Willemse Cycles Greenpoint. Tell 'em I sent you!
Loose cog Posted November 10, 2015 Posted November 10, 2015 Hybrids are not popular in SA and hence secondhand bikes are dirt cheap. Keep a look out in the classifieds. Spend a bit extra on a good set of tyres what can be used on or off road and handle the wet and gravel. Puncture are not pleasant especially a slow punter that you only notice when you want to go home or leave in the morning. Panniers again are cheap when you do find them secondhand but easy to import some that fit over basic frame. Due to low demand for hybrids they are are also less likely to be stolen if properly locked up. I commuted for five years in London throughout the year and had some "wellies"rolled into a saddle roll permanently strapped to my saddle. Came in very useful when the weather turned bad. The larger wheel size and better gearing on a hybrid makes for far better commute than any MTB. CX bikes are a novelty in SA and whilst their popularity is growing they are pricey. I believe you could get a very nice hybrid and panniers for half your budget. Don't forget to spend a fair amount on two GOLD rated D locks.
eccc whippet Posted November 10, 2015 Posted November 10, 2015 I agree with the hybrid suggestion...i have a hybrid...road bike and mtb...if you ride on the road...my favourite bike is still the hybrid...i do beachfront cruises and general commuting on it...it is the most comfortable to ride...did my first strava 100 km challenge on it...and to date is the cheapest bike to to maintain...i have 100 x 35 C tyre on it pumped to 500 psi. i have a lock which fits behind the seat... A bracket which holds my iphone so i can play music. I also have pedals with cleat on one side and a flats on the other...for when i ride with the family or if i decide to go for a faster ride on my own...the bike is a about 15 years old (i got it a year ago when someone was gona dump it) and still going strong...the only issue i have had is the spokes rusted from riding on the beachfront so I found one second hand rim...now i just need to find a second hand front wheel. gona fit a coffee mug holder for those early morning beachfront cruises and a side stand...just makes life a whole easier. scary thing i am only 2 seconds slower up the steepest road in my hood...on the hybrid (8 speed) compared to the anthem (10 speed) ...and faster than my road bike (9 speed) up the same hill.
simpythegimpy2 Posted November 10, 2015 Posted November 10, 2015 Check em out at fairdalebikes.comWho stocks fairdale in South Africa? They do look nice but I haven't seen a stockist in SA.
zwischenzug88 Posted November 11, 2015 Author Posted November 11, 2015 Thanks everyone. I'll consider all the options mentioned. Thanks in particular to Loose Cog and isetech for the detailed replies and additional advice. I think I'll go for a hybrid which was my original gut feel. Now starts the journey of choosing one and sourcing it.Thanks again!
skipperw Posted November 11, 2015 Posted November 11, 2015 Who stocks fairdale in South Africa? They do look nice but I haven't seen a stockist in SA.Hunter Cycling in Melville.
OBicycleTouring Posted April 23, 2016 Posted April 23, 2016 I have this German Hybrid Bike for sale as its too big for me. Its a size 60cm Here is a link: https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/182437-new-german-bergamont-city-hybrid-commuter-bike/
brumby Posted April 24, 2016 Posted April 24, 2016 something like this if its in the budget http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-za/bikes/model/toughroad.slr.2/24184/88478/#overview http://d2k6j1fqfkfmqi.cloudfront.net/_generated/_generated_za/bikes/models/images/2000/2016/ToughRoad-SLR-2-Black.jpgBest all round bike I've owned - does anything you want it to.
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