Best entry level mountain bike for 10k? New vs. Used?

[KeanuSa]

Hi, looking for some advice on starting mountain biking.. What is the best/recommended budget mountain bike that I can get that for around R10 000? (preferably less). Also would I be better off buying one 2nd hand or brand new for that price?

 

Apart from a helmet and a pair of gloves, is there anything else thats really essential when starting?

 

Lastly, any recommendations for trails around Port Elizabeth or general tips on starting mountain biking? Much appriciated.

[bullet77]

You'll be able to get a good 2nd hand hardtail for R10k. Join Fattracks Mtb club they have group rides around Baakens valley, PE golf club and also Norm Hudlin trails all included in membership.

[Jarod]

I recommend second hand , you can get a better spec bike , but you just need to make sure everything is in good working order. Cycling shorts are also very useful as well as a multi tool for the trail

[Fruity]

Not sure on the prices from the bike shops these days, but here's an idea of what you can get for under R10k - http://www.bicycling.co.za/?buyers-guide-year=8206&gearcategory=3497&brand=0&s=Search+by+model+name&post_type=buyersguide&min_price=0&max_price=10451&page=1

 

As Jarod mentioned, if you go the second hand route, just make sure everything is in good working order. You could take your bike to your local bike shop and ask them to check everything for you. Maybe you could find a good deal here on BikeHub in the classifieds?

 

Edit: perhaps add water bottle, or a hydration pack as well to the list of things you may need to start with, and I wouldn't recommend cleats just yet, until you're confident on the bike.

[Rigardt@Scott]

I also think second hand...

 

Kit you will have to buy is obviously hlmet and gloves as you mentioned as well as:

 

- Water bottle cages or hydration pack

- Multi tool

- Tyre levers

- Spare tube

- Co2 cartridges and Co2 tool or mini pump

- Floor pump

- Multi tool

- Some good cycling shorts or a bib

- Pedals - no bik you buy will come with pedals so you will have to either buy flats or clippless pedals as well as shoes if you plan on going clipless.

 

It may seem like overkill at first, but you don't want to the guy that never carries his own spares and has to rely on others, or even worse, have to walk home coz you have flats.

[Hackster]

Some good answers here.

 

All I can add is that if you go the second hand route please enlist someone knowledgeable to help you evaluate these bikes.

 

For instance, if the drivetrain is knackered, your purchase could end up costing you a few more grand than you anticipated in the months to come.

 

I personally would be inclined to visit a few local bike shops to see what they can give you for your money, give them a shopping list with all the kit you'd like. And see what they can come up with.

 

It's a quiet time of year for most businesses so you might be able to get a good deal on new kit...