Newbie needs advice

[Mntboy]

Big as in fat. And my initial budget was about R10k, but I now realise that that's not gonna work...

 

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R10k can still work. It will mean a 26" wheel size bike though and second hand rather than new. Saw a Giant Trance (I think) in the classifieds for about R7k which would leave you with R3k. You can get good kit at that price range which will definitely include a decent enough helmet and padded pants. So yes it's doable and tbh I think most of us started that way in any event.

 

But as Petri said if you want better then save up and then get what you can afford, working within your budget constraints.

 

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[Mntboy]

Here this is the one I was refering to. https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/226137-giant-trance/ And it has decent components.

 

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[brucem76]

So I'm 120kg, 1.95m and I bought an XL hardtail, and surprisingly have never felt the need for dual sus. But 40km races are as far as I go. Also just helped my mate get an excellent XT/SLX/RockShox Recon Silver 29er for 8k, that has done <100kms so I wouldn't rule out 29ers ...

 

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[AfricaMike]

Welcome to the forum!!  in my experience you will get much more value for money buying a pre-owned bike but take someone along who is knowledgeable when you try it out - I've seen newcomers on bikes that are completely the wrong size.  Then take the bike and get it set up properly (there are ads in the prominent cycling magazines).  From a kit perspective I've found good bargains at the anatomic factory shop on Beyers Naude Dr.......

[MSquared]

Off topic...@Cactus 3 days and 17 hrs

[Mongoose001]

Very interesting, exactly what I was looking at asking. I dont have 10k to spend, so secondhand is gonna be the way for me and a 26er. But im sure you some of you guys prefer a certain brand. Like with group sets or components, what would a newbie look for? We obviously want the best we can get with whatever money we have to spend on a bike.