monadnock Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 Hi hubbersBrand new to the sport, and looking to buy my first bike. I have been told to look at hardtail 29ers and I am considering the Silverback Sola 2 and the Merida Big Nine 500. I don't know enough to compare groupsets and other specs. Which would you choose between these two and why? I am also open to other options in the R15K price range.
Grease_Monkey Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 Maybe post some links to the specs of both bikes if you have them. From a brand perspective you won't go wrong with either of those bikes. Merida ad Silverback both make quality frames. Make sure the bike you end up buying has an air fork, it's the one thing you don't want to have to upgrade, everything else is feasible to chop and change as you find out what yout preferences are. Welcome to the sport and the hub! And when you do end up buying remember to post some pics!
Uni Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 I am also open to other options in the R15K price range.Hi. Bicycling magazine did quite a comprehensive comparison amongst some bikes in the under R16k category. Have a look here (though they didn't review the silverback) http://www.bicycling.co.za/bikes-gear/bike-reviews/titan-29er-elite/ Check at the bottom of that review for links to the other bikes they did. If memory serves, it was the Titan that came out tops for them.
m-squared Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 Hi hubbersBrand new to the sport, and looking to buy my first bike. I have been told to look at hardtail 29ers and I am considering the Silverback Sola 2 and the Merida Big Nine 500. I don't know enough to compare groupsets and other specs. Which would you choose between these two and why? I am also open to other options in the R15K price range.Each model have several spec lines. It's better to post the links so that hubbers can give you the best advice. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
monadnock Posted January 7, 2017 Author Posted January 7, 2017 Thanks, Grease_Monkey! Merida Big Nine 500===============Frame: 6061 Double butted and Technoformed aluminium frame. Tapered headtube (with reducer for future upgrading) Inboard disc mounts Fork: Rock Shox XC30 Silver solo air with 100mm travel Headset: FSA NO.572/61BP-1 1-1/8″ 44.05/55/30D H:9L Bars: Merida Comp 12mm rise, 700mm wide Stem: Merida Comp 6061 aluminium 6 degrees Front Mech: Shimano Deore Rear Mech: Shimano SLX Shadow Speed: 20 Chainset: Shimano M627 36-22 Cassette: Shimano CS-HG50, 10 speed, 11-36 Chain: KMC Z10, 10 speed Front Brake: Shimano M315 hydraulic disc, 180mm rotor Rear Brake: Shimano M315 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor Rims: Merida Big Nine Comp 32 hole Front Hub: Shimano centerlock quick release Rear Hub: Shimano centerlock quick release Tyres: Maxxis Ikon 29er 2.2″ Kevlar bead Front – Maxxis Ikon 29er 2.2″ Kevlar bead Rear Seatpost: Merida Comp alloy 27.2mm in-line Pedals: XC pro alloy Silverback Sola 2=============Frame: 29” Butted 6061 Aluminium, Tapered 1-1/8” – 1.5” headtube, 135mm QR Dropouts Fork: Rock Shox Recon Gold TK29, 100mm Travel, Tapered Alloy Steerer, Remote OneLoc Sprint, QR15 Dropout, Diffusion Black Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore FD-M615, Double, Black Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT Shadow Plus RD-M786, Long Cage, 10Speed, Black Cassette: Shimano CS-HG50, 10 Speed, 11-36T, Silver Handlebars: Sector Plane, W: 700mm; Back Sweep: 9° x ∮31.8mm; 6061 Butted Oversized Handlebar Stem: Sector Reach, 3D Forged 6061 Alloy, S/M: 80mm; L: 90mm; XL: 100mm, 7° x ∮31.8mm, Black Tyres: Maxxis Crossmark, 29” x 2.1, Foldable 60TPI Saddle: Sector, Cr-Mo Rails, Light Foam Padding Seat Post: Sector Level, Alloy, ∮31.6mm, S/M: 350mm; L/XL: 400mm, Black
Theunissa Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 Silverback has better shock. Better rear derailleur. As far as i know sola is tripple butted. Buy the silverback. I have one but cheaper version and i enjoy it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
JXV Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 Thanks, Grease_Monkey! Merida Big Nine 500===============Frame: 6061 Double butted and Technoformed aluminium frame. Tapered headtube (with reducer for future upgrading) Inboard disc mounts Fork: Rock Shox XC30 Silver solo air with 100mm travel Headset: FSA NO.572/61BP-1 1-1/8″ 44.05/55/30D H:9L Bars: Merida Comp 12mm rise, 700mm wide Stem: Merida Comp 6061 aluminium 6 degrees Front Mech: Shimano Deore Rear Mech: Shimano SLX Shadow Speed: 20 Chainset: Shimano M627 36-22 Cassette: Shimano CS-HG50, 10 speed, 11-36 Chain: KMC Z10, 10 speed Front Brake: Shimano M315 hydraulic disc, 180mm rotor Rear Brake: Shimano M315 hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor Rims: Merida Big Nine Comp 32 hole Front Hub: Shimano centerlock quick release Rear Hub: Shimano centerlock quick release Tyres: Maxxis Ikon 29er 2.2″ Kevlar bead Front – Maxxis Ikon 29er 2.2″ Kevlar bead Rear Seatpost: Merida Comp alloy 27.2mm in-line Pedals: XC pro alloy Silverback Sola 2=============Frame: 29” Butted 6061 Aluminium, Tapered 1-1/8” – 1.5” headtube, 135mm QR Dropouts Fork: Rock Shox Recon Gold TK29, 100mm Travel, Tapered Alloy Steerer, Remote OneLoc Sprint, QR15 Dropout, Diffusion Black Front Derailleur: Shimano Deore FD-M615, Double, Black Rear Derailleur: Shimano XT Shadow Plus RD-M786, Long Cage, 10Speed, Black Cassette: Shimano CS-HG50, 10 Speed, 11-36T, Silver Handlebars: Sector Plane, W: 700mm; Back Sweep: 9° x ∮31.8mm; 6061 Butted Oversized Handlebar Stem: Sector Reach, 3D Forged 6061 Alloy, S/M: 80mm; L: 90mm; XL: 100mm, 7° x ∮31.8mm, Black Tyres: Maxxis Crossmark, 29” x 2.1, Foldable 60TPI Saddle: Sector, Cr-Mo Rails, Light Foam Padding Seat Post: Sector Level, Alloy, ∮31.6mm, S/M: 350mm; L/XL: 400mm, BlackWhat is your height and weight. The Silverback offers a much better fork and a better Rear derailleur with clutch (making it more suitable for a future 1x10 upgrade). Your specs don't list the brakes, hubs and rims on the Silverback. The Merida has centrelock hubs which lock you into buying Shimano centrelock discs.... you'll need an adapter to fit 6 bolt discs if you want to in future. Based on specs given here the Silverback is better value if it fits and rides well for you. Sent from my SM-G935F using Tapatalk
monadnock Posted January 7, 2017 Author Posted January 7, 2017 Thanks guys, appreciate your advice. I am 1.72 and 83kg.
Kalahari Vegmot Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 Why not buy secondhand at that price point? You will get much better spec. Why do people even buy new at this price point? This is a genuine question btw
monadnock Posted January 7, 2017 Author Posted January 7, 2017 I have been looking at 2nd hand bikes, but I can barely compare new bikes and specs, never mind comparing 2nd hand bikes with different mileage/usage across different specs.
cpelser Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 The best advice I can give is to go secondhand.If you decide you don't like the sport you can sell it and recover most of your money. If you fall in love with the sport and ride a lot you will likely want to upgrade and then again you can get your money back. I may even have an option for you, have a medium aluminium Axis frame (basically new) 29er lying around and have a full XT 2x10 groupset and a Reba and proper aftermarket wheels (Edge Design) that I'd likely be able to build up for R12 000. Carbon handlebar as well Bought all the components for a friend who unfortunately cannot afford it anymore.
scubes Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 I am also 172 m and weigh 86kg.As theunissa said the sb has better fork and rear der . At the moment I ride a silverback sola 2 and am very happy with it. I have converted to 1x10. The conversion was fine and no chain slap at all. Iv also just installed a Lynne internal dropper seat post which is awesome and had to drill a hole in the frame for this. Sb in Cpt helped advise me where to drill. All went well so am very happy with the bike and the support from sb who helped me along with prompt advice and were very friendly.
scubes Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 Oh also...buy new if u can.There is an argument to buy used to see if u like the sport. Agreed. I bought my sola 2 used and have to replace or service a number of items from the fork to hubs etc. Adding that up i may as well have bought new.
Baracuda Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 I was in a similar situation a year ago and bought a Sola 1 second hand. If one is patient a good few deals come through. I managed to find a more or less new one for 11k. It came with ZTR crest wheels, which are rubbish, so I sold those and bought a pair of XT wheels.I had a Giant XTC before and the Sola 1 is not as rigid, but more comfortable. It is a really great bike
Grease_Monkey Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 Silverback has better shock. Better rear derailleur. As far as i know sola is tripple butted. Buy the silverback. I have one but cheaper version and i enjoy it. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Spot on. If you buy a new bike, the Silverback would my choice too. The better shock and derailleur will have a massive impact on the enjoyableness and quality of your ride! Nevermind the price point - the Silveback with an XT derailleur and Rock Shox fork gives you a very good bike that will last you for a good couple of years.
Grease_Monkey Posted January 7, 2017 Posted January 7, 2017 Why not buy secondhand at that price point?You will get much better spec. Why do people even buy new at this price point? This is a genuine question btw Because you get a pretty good hard tail at this price point IMO. And you do not have to worry about unseen damage, wear on drivetrain, and of course you get the warranty. The little bit of extra you get by going second hand is not worth it for me. But that is just my opinion - in general I do not like to buy anything except for solid parts such as stems, seatposts, and handlebars second hand - have learnt the hard way with parts that wear.
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