Advice for a beginner MTB buyer

[GeoffChisnall]

What size bike are you looking for?

Large 29er. 

[Bomberman]

http://www.olx.co.za/ad/g-t-karakoram-comp-2016-IDUz08k.html#288fbe1e4e not sure about the size

[porqui]

Geoff - what type of riding are you most likely going to do as that determines the type of bike and wheel size that would suite you best. (Your height does not determine the wheel size of a bike)

 

I would recommend you connect and chat to somebody in your area - 10-1 someone on the bikehub in your area.

 

Consider 2nd hand first as you get more bang for your buck - when bike shops start creating deals for you I begin to ask questions. (8 or 9k can buy a lot of bike on the 2nd hand market). 2nd hand tends to keep it's value for a while if you look after it.

 

Plenty of guys here that would be willing to help you find a bike and or look at a bike to see if it is a good deal - buying from dealer or 2nd hand can be daunting.

[Tony datoy]

Don't buy crap, cheap steel frame bikes are heavy and have substandard components. Rather buy a good used bike, just wait for a deal to come along or advertise in the Wanted. Rather pay a few rand more now on a decent bike that you won't be ashamed of on your first big ride.

[GeoffChisnall]

Hey guys

 

I just want to thank you all for the advice and suggestions.  

In the end I picked a bike up at a local shop and went for my first ride yesterday evening at a local bike trail park.

 

Why did I not start this earlier???? Totally loved it and cannot wait to hit the trails more! 

[EmptyB]

Hey guys

 

I just want to thank you all for the advice and suggestions.

In the end I picked a bike up at a local shop and went for my first ride yesterday evening at a local bike trail park.

 

Why did I not start this earlier???? Totally loved it and cannot wait to hit the trails more!

What did you get?

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

Hey guys

 

I just want to thank you all for the advice and suggestions.

In the end I picked a bike up at a local shop and went for my first ride yesterday evening at a local bike trail park.

 

Why did I not start this earlier???? Totally loved it and cannot wait to hit the trails more! 

I don't believe you,

 

Pixtcha??? or it didn't happen

[JuddMan]

I don't believe you,

 

Pixtcha??? or it didn't happen

 

Agreed!  Pics or it didn't happen.

[s14phoenix]

Agreed!  Pics or it didn't happen.

 

 

I don't believe you,

 

Pixtcha??? or it didn't happen

 

 

What did you get?

 

+1

 

You cannot ask advise and then not share... pitchas!!!

[porqui]

How does the Fools Garden song go I think it's title was "Lemon Tree" something about I wonder how ...?

[GeoffChisnall]

Here is me picking the bike up at the shop.

Going to take some pics at the trail on Sunday 

 

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

Here is me picking the bike up at the shop.

Going to take some pics at the trail on Sunday 

 

Congratulations :clap:

Enjoy the bike.

 

apart from all the advice out there, please do me one favour. I learnt the hard way.

 

When you get your cleats, go for a proper bike fit. It will cost a few hundred rands but will save you alot of frustrations with knee, back and other injuries related to a bike not set up properly. the bike shop could have set you bike up, thats ok for now but get the proper bike fit

[GeoffChisnall]

Thanks Oufy! I am still pondering what I should get but I am not too worried yet as I want to first get used to riding and getting to trust the bike. 

 

Had my first fall yesterday down a single track on my first trail! It was pretty good to get the first fall out of the way.