advice needed for beginner

[Friedpiggy]

Greetings everybody

 

Ok, so I need a bike so I can start getting fit again. I am a total beginner so dont really have a clue what I am looking for. I have decided to go for a mountain bike as I am stuffed if i can find a road bike for my size that is in my price range. I was wondering if anybody could shed some light on the following bike.

 

http://www.sportsmanswarehouse.co.za/product/lycan-orvin-v2-29-mountain-bike/4421

 

It is at the top end of what I want to spend on a first bike. Dont really want to go out and drop 100k on a bike only to find I dont enjoy it and then sit with the thing. So I am thinking a 5k bike that is fairly decent will let me find out if its the right sport for me or not. But at the same time I dont want to buy something that is going to make me hate the sport.

 

Any and all advice is welcomed.

[Eon du Plessis]

Look for second hand bikes here in the classifieds. I managed to pick up a Silverback Sola for not terribly much money and it's a solid enough bike.

Look at Silverback, Momsen, Merida and Titan.

Prices are almost always negotiable.

Remember to budget for gear. You're going to need a helmet at the very least.

[AlanD]

Hi and Welcome.

 

I think because you are a total beginner, perhaps its a good idea to rent a bike a few times and ride before dropping 5k on a bike only to realize its not for you.

 

If you do enjoy it then you will want to get a bike with slightly better components and the second hamd markey here on the hub will be a good place to start.

 

Also keep in mind that you will need cash for Helmut, shoes, shorts, gloves, shirts, socks and all those accessories.

[Veebee]

go hire a bike from Bike & Bean just outside suncoast, they have some decent stuff there. This will help you get a feel of cycling and then you can decide if you want your own.

[Mojoman]

Skip that SW one. I reckon that one will put you off riding!

Rather see if a proper bike shop in your area has a decent 26in bike for that price, they might even through in some goodies to win the sale! You can only ask.

[Mojoman]

Skip that SW one. I reckon that one will put you off riding! WinZip brakes? Are they made by Microsoft?

 

Rather see if a proper bike shop in your area has a decent 26in bike for that price, they might even through in some goodies to win the sale! You can only ask.

[Friedpiggy]

Problem I have is that I am 1.98m tall weighing in at 100kg. I am a bit overweight so as I cycle more the weight should come down,

 

Would prefer a road bike, but going by the size calculators I have seen, I need a 61-63cm frame road bike and I haven't seen anything along those lines in second hand and the new ones start at around 10k. 

 

My last bike was stolen about 2-3 years ago and I thoroughly enjoyed riding that. So I think I will make a trip to the various LBS in the area and see what is on offer. I also have an uncle who is big into his cycling so will press gang him into providing assistance.

 

Thanks for the heads up about the SW offer.

[Dubbin]

Hi

​

Personally I don't know that brand and would be wary buying from a shop other than a designated bike shop. At some point in time you are going to need servicing. The big stores can offer you a good price on a mass produced bike of unknown origin, but that's it. Just take that crap that Makro is offering as example.

 

Go to your local bike shop and have a look at the Axxis and Titan's. Search the classifieds here for a good second hand Scott, Merida or Giant.

 

Do yourself a favor and search the forums here for this topic. It has been discussed a few times before. 

[KingTJ]

Welcome mate,

 

I agree, if you can beg, borrow or rent a bike before buying it would help you a lot. Alot of people go buy these makro specials and then they are not up to the task, and peop.e quit befoe eally starting....the biggest question is you have to decide what rides you going to do...beachfront cruising/road or trail/mtb riding...if you want to ride trails and in the bush then look on here for a good clasifieds 2nd hand bike, or go to a good bike shop shop. If it is beachfront cruising, then ypu will get away with a "makro" special but i still wont recommend it.

 

Remeber it never gets easier, it just gets faster and more enjoyable.

 

Good luck!!

[Eugene]

Bike size and setup is the most important thing to consider when buying a bike, for that you need an experienced person. You won't get that experience at Sportsman's Warehouse. I doubt the floor staff even ride themselves.

 

Go to a proper bike shop. You will get better service and it will be cheaper.

[Veebee]

you may be tall but your weight is not a problem. I started riding at 105kg - 1.83m so more overweight that what you are.

 

I still say rent first, but if you set on buying then just go to a few bike shops in your area.

 

1 shop I can recommend is Cyclesphere, go check them out and discuss what you need, they have another shop that sells second hand bikes so may be able to get you some good deals.

[Clint_Merida]

Hey Howzit.

Have a look on obike.co.za or Merida, Momsen. Titan would be lowest I would go but that is just me. Those Lycan bikes wont get you going for long.

 

Hire a bike for a bit or ask or lend one if you can that is your size for a while.

 

Good luck have a good one. MTB is really grate.

[Friedpiggy]

After much to-ing and fro-ing, I now have a new (2nd hand) bike. Went to Urban Cycles and picked up an Avalanche Solo. Perfect condition and super helpful staff there had me leaving as a happy camper.

 

Many thanks to all for the advice.

 

Edit to add pic.