New to MTB

[traildemon.co.za]

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

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/172010-scott-aspect-40-small/

[Chip]

I would go for the Titan, it has an air fork, hydraulic brakes and hugely better components than the Scott has, should you buy the Scott and really like mtb'ing then you are going to want to upgrade fairly quickly.

 

Titan FTW and if the bug doesn't bite, you could sell the Titan for the same price.

[traildemon.co.za]

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.

Thanks. 

 

THis is the 2015 model. The 2013 is better specced am I right?

[PregoRoll]

Any reasoning for this as everyone says 29er?

 

Any reasoning for this as everyone says 29er?

 

Your a shorter rider, 29er will be harder to get up to speed and turn, 26" or max a 650b (27.5inch) 

 

26" bikes you will find for cheaper as its not the craze anymore, still love my 26" 

 

be prepared to blow your budget very quickly this sport is as addictive as heroin.....and much more expensive 

 

Look for brands like Silverback, Momsen and Titan for great value, Merida is still a good buy if you want a slightly better frame...Happy riding!

[jaco369]

yeah go for the titan,   if you like MTB and get into it then you upgrade and get a real bike

[Marius]

For R5-R10k you looking at one Multi Day Race fee. 

[traildemon.co.za]

What about this

 

cyclelab.com/mountain-and-road-bicycles/mountain-bikes/merida-big-seven-team-replica-mountain-bike.html

[Chip]

I would still go for the Titan, the Merida is 9spd and the Titan is 10spd and has an air fork. You are not going to beat the Titan for value vs great components.

 

Or this would also be a good buy...https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/145983-as-new-commen%C3%A7al-flame-half-price/

[traildemon.co.za]

I would still go for the Titan, the Merida is 9spd and the Titan is 10spd and has an air fork. You are not going to beat the Titan for value vs great components.

 

Or this would also be a good buy...https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/145983-as-new-commen%C3%A7al-flame-half-price/

The titan is sold.

 

Theres this giant

 

www.vbike.co.za/giant-talon-27-5-2-2015/

 

 

Thanks for the help

[Chip]

The Giant Talon is nice, but the components are entry level.

 

Think you could get a much better deal 2nd hand.

 

Like this..https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/173451-fuji-navada-10-29/ (my pick) or

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/172019-giant-trance-4/ if you can negotiate a better price or include shipping costs.

 

Or for a new bike, better spec than the Giant Talon...https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/173173-silverback-sola-3/

 

Check out CycleLab...

http://cyclelab.com/mountain-and-road-bicycles/mountain-bikes/?sef_rewrite=1&subcats=Y&features_hash=P2999-10275-ZAR

[Christian van Zyl]

I agree with Chip, 

 

Invest in something with at least Deore or SLX. 

 

Saves a lot of headache and searching for parts in the future... Will also give you more confidence that your ride will be without too many hiccups. 

 

When you start really loving the sport you can cash out your annuity to feed the cycling beast. 

[traildemon.co.za]

I agree with Chip,

 

Invest in something with at least Deore or SLX.

 

Saves a lot of headache and searching for parts in the future... Will also give you more confidence that your ride will be without too many hiccups.

 

When you start really loving the sport you can cash out your annuity to feed the cycling beast.

Something like this?

 

Maybe look around for a clearance model

 

 

www.jowettscycles.co.za/collections/merida-mtb-bikes/products/merida-big-nine-tfs-500

[frikkels01]

I'm a short rider - 161cm - and I started out on a "26" Titan hard tail in 2010, upgraded to a "27" Merida hard tail in 2014 and then to a "29" Scott full suspension in 2015. Was initially scared of the "29" but I now enjoy every moment on it without any issue. I would start with a "26", see if it's for you and then upgrade. Make sure you start with something decent. It also depends what type if riding you want to do. I still have the "27" for tighter corners. Welcome to mtb!

[traildemon.co.za]

Trying to pick up a 2md hand merida big 9 500 for R7.5k should serve me well for a while.

[traildemon.co.za]

Thanks for all the advise. Does anyone know if the merida big niner tfs 500 2015 model wheels are tubeless ready?

 

 

I also realised the fork is Rock Shox XC30TK29 SA 100 which is a coli spring if im not mistaken. Are coils really that bad?

[traildemon.co.za]

I picked up a trek x caliber 9. 2015 model from cyclelabs.

 

 

Does anyone where i can get a ground anchor