Upgrade to 29er- Advice Please

[lyslexic]

Hello,

 

I'm getting back into biking after a long break. (2years). The downside is that I've Porked up 20kg's and am now 120kg

 

Decided to look for a 29er. My current bike is a Fuji Tahoe 26er with slx/xt components.

 

My budget is around 15K.

 

These are what I have been looking at. Given my Porky situation at the moment, Which one would be best?

 

 

Momsen AL429 2015

Scott Scale 950 2015

Silverback Sola 2 2015

Tital 29R Pro2015

Specialized Crave Comp

[gerhardsnorbaard]

Silverback is known to be best value for money in that class. You could find a good condition Sola 1 for under 15k second hand.

 

That said, you can find higher spec bikes for that price range in the classifieds. E.g. Giant xtc, top spec scott scale or decent cannondale. Or a more fun dual sus? Hmmm

 

Cannot comment on the weight issue, but if you have a tubeless setup at the right pressure, you should be fine in most situations.

[Rick Sanchez]

Go second hand if possible.

So much more bike for the money.

 

Something like this:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/176406-spesialized-camber-29er-2014/

 

And you'll never need anything more...

[raptor-22]

aat your weight I'd be inclined to keep the 26er.

Stronger wheels and less overall weight may make the overall comeback experience more enjoyable than a cheap heavy 29er

[lerouc]

aat your weight I'd be inclined to keep the 26er.

Stronger wheels and less overweight may make the overall comeback experience more enjoyable than a cheap heavy 29er

 

Get yourself a secondhand bike. I have a Giant XTC 29er and i weigh more than you and i only broke 1 spoke in 4 years. (PXCR 2 - wheelset)

[Dubbin]

All of the above is sound advice. All I can add is if you considder a Scott beware of the Alex rims the entry level bike's are usually fitted with. Not made for heavy riders. I had numerous issues with mine.Also the bike Mastadon recommends looks like a very good option.

[T-Bag68]

When i first switched from 26" to29, I purchased the Carve, What a great bike, but after 2 yrs on this baby, i realised my back needed some relief, i sold it to my mate, who happens to be about 120Kg, he is loving it. That said, I got myself a Secondhand Dual Suspension .. Im still singing    best move ever for me... if you can get secondhand, you can get a lot of bang for your buck...  if your buying new, i would move quick, R/$ not in your favor 

[Martin PJ]

aat your weight I'd be inclined to keep the 26er.

Stronger wheels and less overweight may make the overall comeback experience more enjoyable than a cheap heavy 29er

 

I agree with this. 29 er will only make a difference if you ride fast over bumpy stuff. SLX / XT are pretty good components. Try to destroy the 26 er first.

[porqui]

Keep to your 26".

 

Then reward yourself when you reach a goal.

 

Try some demo bikes during that period.

[nonky]

Go second hand if possible.

So much more bike for the money.

 

Something like this:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/176406-spesialized-camber-29er-2014/

 

And you'll never need anything more...

^ ^ ^ ^ this ^ ^ ^

[lyslexic]

Thanks for the advice.  Budget upped to 20K

 

Will defo look at 2nd hand first

[worriesnot]

^ ^ ^ ^ this ^ ^ ^

yoh... I reckon that'll sell quick...

[RockCoach]

You don't really get bad new bikes anymore unless you buy cheap chinese stuff.

When looking to buy a bike, first look at:

- frame type depending on the majority of riding you will do (hardtail, fulll sus marathon, full sus trail etc)

- fork quality (well known brand, air or coil)

- wheel quality (it's going to take some research but worthwhile to know your stuff)

- groupset and brakes

[GLuvsMtb]

 

Thanks for the advice.  Budget upped to 20K

 

Will defo look at 2nd hand first

 

Beware of frame warrantees not being transferrable. At your weight, that can be important.

Next in line is wheels. Get something that has a wheelset that can carry your weight. Most of the wheelsets specced are rated at around 95kg's or so, so really ask questions here.

I would be inclined to continue on the 26'er, unless it is beyond economic repair after standing for so long

If you need to service the fork, BB, headset, freewheel body, redo cables, put new tyres on etc. to get it ridable, it may be better to donate the bike to a charity who can strip it for usable parts or re-use the frame. Thats what I did with my old 26er hardtail, that was passed to my wife, who eventually got her own bike.

[KarlvN]

Get yourself a secondhand bike. I have a Giant XTC 29er and i weigh more than you and i only broke 1 spoke in 4 years. (PXCR 2 - wheelset)

 

Jy ry nie hard genoeg nie...

 

I popped a few already last year, and killed two rear hubs. But then again, when I see a smallish jump, or a drop, or a rock garden, or or or...ah heck, I just hit anything and everything I can find. My Bergamont Revox 5.3 HT has held up VERY nicely all things considered, but I am a total porker.

[KarlvN]

Beware of frame warrantees not being transferrable. At your weight, that can be important.

Next in line is wheels. Get something that has a wheelset that can carry your weight. Most of the wheelsets specced are rated at around 95kg's or so, so really ask questions here.

I would be inclined to continue on the 26'er, unless it is beyond economic repair after standing for so long

If you need to service the fork, BB, headset, freewheel body, redo cables, put new tyres on etc. to get it ridable, it may be better to donate the bike to a charity who can strip it for usable parts or re-use the frame. Thats what I did with my old 26er hardtail, that was passed to my wife, who eventually got her own bike.

 

Wait! Did you just imply your wife is a charity ?

 

Sometimes my wife acts like she is a registered NPO, and is constantly hitting me up for donations. I was planning to splurge on a new shock for my current bike, but she informed ma coolly yesterday that she went and bought a tent with the cash...