New to MTB

[traildemon.co.za]

Looking to get into the sport. Mostly recreational trails etc

 

Budget around 5 to 10k and dont mind 2nd hand.

 

Heightbis 1.67cm so need a small frame any recommendations?

 

Thanks

[Arrowhead]

Get a 26er, you can find good bikes at great prices, use your spare change for minor upgrades or updates, and decent gear (a worthwhile investment) and basic tools (shock pump etc.). Stick to the common brands and you should be ok.

[traildemon.co.za]

Get a 26er, you can find good bikes at great prices, use your spare change for minor upgrades or updates, and decent gear (a worthwhile investment) and basic tools (shock pump etc.). Stick to the common brands and you should be ok.

Any reasoning for this as everyone says 29er?

[scotty]

2nd hand will get you more bang for bucks, pains me to say it but i would not look at 26" as parts (wheels, fork, tyres) are getting thin so i would rather opt for 27.5. You will also need to set aside some cash for stuff like helmet and kit. 

[rvdm1]

Any reasoning for this as everyone says 29er?

You can get really good deals on them secondhand and there is absolutely nothing wrong with a 26er. You will be able to get a decent spec 26er to start with as opposed to an entry level 29er.

[Eugene]

Any reasoning for this as everyone says 29er?

26ers are all but extinct, except for the real entry level stuff. Get yourself a 29ER or a 27.5.

[Swany05]

Same boat as you about a year ago, 

 

At my budget the only bike i was able to look at was a 26er, i found an Anthem with upgraded wheels, fork, crank seat post and stem. walked away with extras having only paid 5K. only things i have changed since buy the bike is sealant in the tires and slapped on a 780mm rapide Riser bar, 

 

With this bike i realised how rubbish my technical abilities were (Having come off a 29er a couple months prior) but soon got back into the swing of it 

 

Shop around, go ride a few bikes, dont worry about the wheel sizes now, stick to the known brands and most importantly just have a jol.

[Paulst12]

Up your budget substantially... the bug is going to bite very quickly and you are inevitably going to spend the cash

[AlanD]

If you habe not ridden much or at all, a good idea is to first go on a few rides to see if its for you.

 

There are places that rent bikes out then once you certai then you can look at buying.

 

Remember there ia also kit to get like helmut, shorts, shoes, gloves ...etc

[porqui]

Wheel size is determined by the TYPE of riding you are most likely to do.(So is the type of bike like dual suspension or hard tail)

 

There will ALWAYS be parts for 26" bikes.

[Chip]

I think this would be a good buy..https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/173182-titan-elite-29er-small/

 

and you will still have some cash to buy a helmet, etc, etc.

[jaco369]

look at a seconf hand Scott aspect 27.5.  second hand you looking at 5 to 7K

[scotty]

Wheel size is determined by the TYPE of riding you are most likely to do.(So is the type of bike like dual suspension or hard tail)

 

There will ALWAYS be parts for 26" bikes.

Tell my LBS that. 

[Swany05]

Tell my LBS that. 

maybe time for a change

[traildemon.co.za]

Thanks for all the info. Il have a look at the Titan and look out for a scott aspect. 

 

my buddy has  that titan and likes it so it could be an option. 

 

Anything to look out for when purchasing second hand. No crack on frame and whatelse ?

[Muzee]

Also bought a bike a few months ago and still very much an amateur still. Was nervous to buy a second hand as I did not really know how to check the condition (specifically small cracks on the frame, bad shocks etc etc). Second hand provides much much better value though. 

 

Opted for a brand new but 2015 model. Call around the bike shops to see what older models they have, usually at a decent reduced price. 

 

Was told that brands such as silverback and axis provide much more value for the price paid, particularly for beginners.