First time decision's

[Sheldon Mason]

Hi Everyone. 

 

The mountain biking but has bitten me, I am now in the tough decision phase of buying my fist mountain bike. 

I am stuck between buying a second hand bike and a new one, mainly an "Axis" (I don't have the model) and a Titan peak 26" (new) 

 

Main tow questions I have is 1.which is the better brand. 

2. The axis (2nd hand bike) is a 650B, the Titan is a 26" As a new rider that cycles at PWC bike park which size would be better? 

 

I have taken measurements and need to have a small frame (17-18") 

 

What is suggested? 

 

[100Tours]

The 650b is perhaps the better choice - you'll just get irritated about getting dropped on the 26'er.

 

Also the second hand bike will usually be better value.

[Odinson]

What is your budget? That's the best way for the peeps here to give sound advice.

 

If it's a number that Zooma can read out loud, then you'll be fairly limited in terms of options and would perhaps be better served by a well-kept 2nd hand ride.

[Sheldon Mason]

My Budget is max R 5500 as this is a fist time MTB 

[porqui]

Welcome to the bikehub and condolences.

 

Best buy would be 2nd hand here on the hub at R5 500.

 

Remember you would need cycling gear too which can be pricey.

 

I would not worry about wheel size too much for a 1st bike.

Remember your height determines frame size and the type of riding determines the wheel size. Frame size is crucial and wheel size not.

[Shebeen]

The 650b is perhaps the better choice - you'll just get irritated about getting dropped on the 26'er.

 

Also the second hand bike will usually be better value.

whaat?! there's so much more to bikes than wheelsize.

 

but agree on the second point. you can get amazing value in the 2nd hand 26er market(because of people who live by the first point).

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/206032-fuji-nevada-30-26/

 

bit old but looks in good condition

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/210108-giant-alias/

[slickjay007]

Don't limit yourself to those 2 brands as there are many on the market (second hand my preference) which can be better value. There is a GT on the Hub going for R5500.

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Maybe worth checking it out.

[popcorn_skollie]

Please buy a used bike from the classifieds. 26 is just fine. 

Ronald Reagan's suggestions are good ones. 

 

I have taken measurements and need to have a small frame (17-18") 

 

I have to point out that 17-18 fits squarely into the medium category.

 

What are you measurements? 

[Sheldon Mason]

I am about 1.75m tall, at the bike shop we measured and they recommended a 17-18 inch frame or (S), Its a little confusing. I don't have inner leg measurement 

[Maniac Merv]

Get a medium frame - shorten the stem to 50mm so you don't have to reach that far and put on some 760mm bars for better control and happy days

[porqui]

.

[m-squared]

I am about 1.75m tall, at the bike shop we measured and they recommended a 17-18 inch frame or (S), Its a little confusing. I don't have inner leg measurement

You're my height and I ride a medium. The step over height should be the real measurement for frame size. All brands have their own definition of small, medium and large.

 

My first bike was a small frame and to be honest, I was never comfortable on it. When I moved up to medium it felt a lot better. I would go for a medium. As the other hubber said, just shorten the stem if the reach is too far.

 

Get a second hand bike off the hub. It will give you more value for your money.

 

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

[Wayne Potgieter]

Medium.

 

Second hand.

 

Personally, i would look for better components rather than fixate on wheelsize at this point.