Any Point buying a 26er

[matteox]

was thinking of a budget from R14k-R18k , is that a reasonable budget 

[Rick Sanchez]

was thinking of a budget from R14k-R18k , is that a reasonable budget 

With that budget,  you could get a good 29er, even a dual suspension

[Fox3]

Agree with Ricky G. See if you can't take the two wheel sizes for a spin. Then shop around a bit. And tell us what you find.

[Danger Dassie]

With that budget,  you could get a good 29er, even a dual suspension

 

Agreed, even brand new on the hardtail side. Rocky Mountain Trailhead range for example, as well as Silverback, Scott, Specialized, Momsen .... lots of choice.

 

Carbon is over rated unless you're really counting grams or an experienced enough race snake.

[RyanD]

29er. It suits our conditions and events.

Better resale I feel.

[madbradd]

was thinking of a budget from R14k-R18k , is that a reasonable budget 

 

With this sort of budget you can get a new "recreational" hardtail, second hand "racing" (usually a lighter frame - sometimes carbon, and more aggressive geometry) hardtail or a second hand dual suspension from about 2013.

 

remember you need a bit for kit which can pretty easily cost you R5k, though you can get away between 2k and 3k still buying new kit.

 

Good deal for a new bike:  https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/149349-2016-merida-big-nine-xt-11-speed/

 

Some good second hand options:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/208947-scott-spark-elite-29er-large/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/209955-merida-big-99-xl/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/209910-silverback-storm-1-carbon/      (Just be careful of wheels - at 110 kgs you CANNOT ride on Crest wheels)

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/209940-cannondale-f29-price-dropp/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/209374-silverback-sola-1-mtb-29/    (again - careful wheels here)

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/209318-scott-920-carbon/    (I know it's small but you get an idea on pricing)

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/208883-cannondale-f29-lefty-xl/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/203265-merida-big-nine-lite-xl/

 

As you can see.... when you start pushing R18k there are LOADS of second hand options. at 186cm I'd say stick with a Large. XL is probably going to be a little big, though you can always put a shorter stem on the bike (careful if you buy a giant or cannondale then, because they use a different size/type stem).

 

As people have mentioned, try ride a few types of bike in your budget and see what you enjoy most, and then buy that one!

 

Happy shopping!

[JXV]

A mate bought a 27.5 Anthem with a mix of Deore and SLX 2x10 brand new for R18k last year. It was 2014 old stock. Rides really well.

 

Another mate bought an older Anthem 29er for R12k. Its drive train was quite worn out but new cassette, chainrings and chain sorted that for under R3k.

 

So you should be able to find a decent 2nd hand bike of any wheel size within your budget. The main thing is not to overpay. Eyeball the bike. If the wheels don't run true or the bearings rumble, if the fork stanchions show scuffing, if the gears are worn to sharp points then you need to budget for fixing it and the price must come down.

 

Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk

[porqui]

Wheel size is determined by the type of riding you are mostly going to do.

 

Most important is frame size determined by your body size.

 

With your budget 26 / 27.5 / 29 take your pick esp 2nd hand.

[matteox]

guys thanks for the feedback , Brad thanks for the detailed information , do you suggest a hard tail MTB ?