First Mountain Bike

[MarshMellow]

Good Day Everyone,

 

I've been keen to try out mountain biking for the past year and haven't really made much of an effort to get into it. I've now decided that I'd like to buy a decent (within budget) mountain bike that will allow me to experience this sport which I'd love to get involved in. My thoughts are to purchase a second hand bike so I can introduce myself with the sport, get familiar with what is needed, what I prefer etc. when it comes to bikes and equipment before purchasing my new ride. I have done some reading as to what goes into choosing a bike, even with this knowledge, I'm finding it difficult to know when a second hand mountain bike is reasonable priced or not.

I've found a Silverback Saturn with the following specs given:

• Silverback Saturn 19"(large frame)
• 26" Double wall Alloy rims
• CST Copperhead tyres
• Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
• Removable gel seat cover
• Rebound adjust suntour fork
• Double butted 6061 aluminium frame

So my question is, what would be a reasonable price for such bike? The bike looks to be in good condition as far as my knowledge allows.

 

Note: I was looking at a cheaper Ralleigh (29 inch), which didn't look too bad, but have a weird feeling that I'd get what I'm paying for.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, especially what you think the Silverback would be worth.

[Guest]

I would say R3,5-5000 depending on age and condition. The components( cranks, derailleurs) also add value depending on what is on the bike

 

I would not go the cheap Raleigh if I was you.

[Kalahari Vegmot]

Gel seat covers are always a bad sign... Whoever has one on their bike obviously don't know too much about cycling...

[m-squared]

What is your budget? I wouldn't buy the cheap and nasty as that is a sure way to be turned off the sport.

 

Take your time going through the classified. Lots of deals on 26er with very decent spec. You can go 29er but you will find the spec levels drop. Look out for the guys trying their luck with converted 26er into 27.5s.

 

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[CraZyCupCake]

Hey m. Mellow. Please dont waste your cash on any Game/makro bikes. Whats your budget?

[JXV]

Reserve some of your budget for a helmet, gloves and 2 pairs cycling shorts and a little more for a pump, puncture kit and spare tube.

 

The key thing with used bikes is to assess how much milage remains in the drivetrain and brakes and fork. It can be difficult to tell so try to get a friend who knows to assist you .... or a nearby hubber.

 

For example say you find a nice clean looking bike for about R4000. Within a few months you discover its gonna need new chainrings, cassette, chain and brake pads.....this could set you back between R1k and R2k for older midrange 9spd or 10spd stuff.

 

 

 

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[MarshMellow]

Hey m. Mellow. Please dont waste your cash on any Game/makro bikes. Whats your budget?

 

What is your budget? I wouldn't buy the cheap and nasty as that is a sure way to be turned off the sport.

 

Take your time going through the classified. Lots of deals on 26er with very decent spec. You can go 29er but you will find the spec levels drop. Look out for the guys trying their luck with converted 26er into 27.5s.

 

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I was hoping to look close to R3000 , not sure how feasible that is though.

[MarshMellow]

Reserve some of your budget for a helmet, gloves and 2 pairs cycling shorts and a little more for a pump, puncture kit and spare tube.

 

The key thing with used bikes is to assess how much milage remains in the drivetrain and brakes and fork. It can be difficult to tell so try to get a friend who knows to assist you .... or a nearby hubber.

 

For example say you find a nice clean looking bike for about R4000. Within a few months you discover its gonna need new chainrings, cassette, chain and brake pads.....this could set you back between R1k and R2k for older midrange 9spd or 10spd stuff.

 

 

 

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Yeah, have thought of all the accessories, so have my budget just for the bike itself. Thanks for the insight, that's the issue I'm having with looking at second hand bikes. Thinking it'll be best to be a second hand one from a local bike shop, they should, in theory, be more trustworthy.

[m-squared]

I was hoping to look close to R3000 , not sure how feasible that is though.

R3,000 is a very tight budget.  If you can, look at upping it a little to R4,000 and if possible R5,000.  A lot more options at those price ranges.  

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/222192-merida-hfs-1000/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/222012-commencal-supernormal-large/

[CraZyCupCake]

It is tight,but with some patience im sure you can get something ridable. As mentioned before, be prepared to spend some more cash to replace parts.

[m-squared]

Good Day Everyone,

 

I've been keen to try out mountain biking for the past year and haven't really made much of an effort to get into it. I've now decided that I'd like to buy a decent (within budget) mountain bike that will allow me to experience this sport which I'd love to get involved in. My thoughts are to purchase a second hand bike so I can introduce myself with the sport, get familiar with what is needed, what I prefer etc. when it comes to bikes and equipment before purchasing my new ride. I have done some reading as to what goes into choosing a bike, even with this knowledge, I'm finding it difficult to know when a second hand mountain bike is reasonable priced or not.

 

I've found a Silverback Saturn with the following specs given:

• Silverback Saturn 19"(large frame)
• 26" Double wall Alloy rims
• CST Copperhead tyres
• Shimano hydraulic disc brakes
• Removable gel seat cover
• Rebound adjust suntour fork
• Double butted 6061 aluminium frame

So my question is, what would be a reasonable price for such bike? The bike looks to be in good condition as far as my knowledge allows.

 

Note: I was looking at a cheaper Ralleigh (29 inch), which didn't look too bad, but have a weird feeling that I'd get what I'm paying for.

 

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated, especially what you think the Silverback would be worth.

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/222732-volcan-magma-29/

 

Check this out and price is negotiable. Slightly more than your price range but it's a good bike.  Sorry, don't know what size you are.

[MarshMellow]

Thanks to everyone for their input, given me a few things to think about.
I have a very considerate boss who has a bike he no longer uses and has gracefully said I can have it, I just need to get it serviced. This will hopefully allow me to get into the sport and save up a bit more for a better "first purchase".

[Mr lee]

Awesome news. Post a pic when you get it 

[CraZyCupCake]

Congrats,yes,lets see it!!