Keegan G Posted March 25, 2017 Posted March 25, 2017 Hi Guys The Wife and I including 2 kids aged 11 and 15 have decided to start mountain biking. I am looking for some advice please. Firstly I don't want to purchase bikes only to be told later that I need to upgrade the gears to lower ratios for climbing and change tyres to tubeless and my brakes and whatever else is very entry level and not a wise buy. I've Recieved a few quotations ranging from 80k upwards. I dont require carbon bikes as it's a family fun adventure and fitness. My wife has a back problem and have been advised to purchase a full suspension bike for her to lesson the impact on her spine. 1) What's a good quality bike that has good components? Does not have to be a Ferrari, but what majority go for. I don't want entry-level stuff that will waste money in the long run. 2) What bikes would you recommend for my daughter aged 11 and 1.63cm tall? 3) Son aged 15 and 2.00m and 110kg. He is going to as I know ramp and jump etc. Wife is 1.7m and me 1.9m 4) Who do you recommend going to for the best advice?
Mamil Posted March 25, 2017 Posted March 25, 2017 I was a newbie and have found Justin at the gear change in mowbray extremely friendly and genuinely helpful. A bit far for you perhaps? I think you will get a lot of advice here but the most helpful thing i have found is a relationship with a knowledgeable and interested propieter of a bike shop.
Phatman Posted March 25, 2017 Posted March 25, 2017 Look for hydraulic disc brakes, air forks, and avoid gear components that say Acera, Alivio or Altus on them. You should be able to get decent bikes if you're willing to spend 80k+ for 4 bikes. Check out Silverback bikes, really good value for money. If you post the bikes you've been quoted on here, I'm sure you'll be well advised as most of the guys on here are quite knowledgeable. And consider getting a bike fitting done, especially for your wife, as the fitter will be able to set up the bike to reduce back strain.
Mntboy Posted March 25, 2017 Posted March 25, 2017 Hi Guys The Wife and I including 2 kids aged 11 and 15 have decided to start mountain biking. I am looking for some advice please. Firstly I don't want to purchase bikes only to be told later that I need to upgrade the gears to lower ratios for climbing and change tyres to tubeless and my brakes and whatever else is very entry level and not a wise buy. I've Recieved a few quotations ranging from 80k upwards. I dont require carbon bikes as it's a family fun adventure and fitness. My wife has a back problem and have been advised to purchase a full suspension bike for her to lesson the impact on her spine. 1) What's a good quality bike that has good components? Does not have to be a Ferrari, but what majority go for. I don't want entry-level stuff that will waste money in the long run. Answer: Pretty much as Phatman indicated below. Anything with SLX would be a decent start. 2) What bikes would you recommend for my daughter aged 11 and 1.63cm tall?Answer: imho a 26" wheeled bike would work. A medium would be good as it would allow you to adjust it's got with a stem change as your daughter grows. But I also recommend listening to the advice of others wrt this. 3) Son aged 15 and 2.00m and 110kg. He is going to as I know ramp and jump etc. Wife is 1.7m and me 1.9mAnswer: Giant Anthem/Trance or Silverback Sido/Slider could do for you guys as it would cover all your requirements. Silverback might work best if you're looking to keep costs down. 4) Who do you recommend going to for the best advice? Answer: On the Bikehub there's a whole bunch who can give good advice. Bike shops I can't advise as I don't know any of the one's in the Northern Suburbs. Also do a lot of reading and visit a number of different stores to get a feel of what is out there and to find a bike shop you feel comfortable with.See my comments above after 'Answer:'. Good luck with the shopping!Look for hydraulic disc brakes, air forks, and avoid gear components that say Acera, Alivio or Altus on them. You should be able to get decent bikes if you're willing to spend 80k+ for 4 bikes. Check out Silverback bikes, really good value for money. If you post the bikes you've been quoted on here, I'm sure you'll be well advised as most of the guys on here are quite knowledgeable. And consider getting a bike fitting done, especially for your wife, as the fitter will be able to set up the bike to reduce back strain.Couldn't agree more with you. Sent from my SM-J200H using Tapatalk
Keegan G Posted March 25, 2017 Author Posted March 25, 2017 Hi Guys Thanks for the advice so far, really appreciate the assistance. Have no idea regarding name brands and what to choose.Merida?Giant?Momsen?Cannodal?Silverback?Specialized? Company A recommendation. Sons bike. Momsen al129 2017 29er Daughter. Momsen la651 650b Wife and I Merida 96 600d 29er Company B Son.... 2017 specialized Rockhopper expert 29 or 2017 giant talon. Daughter 2016 giant liv tempt 3 or 2016 specialized jynx 650b Wife.....2017 giant liv embolden 2 or 2017 womens camber 650b Mine 2017 giant anthem x 29er 2 or 2017 giant stance 2 27.5 Company CWife....Silverback sido 3 Kids and I...Silverback Sola I Thanks in advance
Oldtmr Posted March 25, 2017 Posted March 25, 2017 Hi My take on it would be: Silverback Wife Slider 2You Sido 1Boy Slider 1Girl Sola 4 - you are going to replace her bike again.
Mr lee Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 My goodness you are a tall family That being said I am 2.03m but I don't think I was there at 15....maybe 18 . Cycle lab has specials on currently...I know it doesn't help much as you are not in Gauteng but you could use their prices to negotiate a better deal cause I am sure cycle lab would ship country wide... I would go 29r across the board. My wife went from 650 to 29r (full sus) and will never go back. Was much more of a comfortable ride for her, granted it is a full suspension bike, but her riding has also improved and she is more eager to try new terrain due to the larger wheel size gliding over the bumps. Oh and she is around 1.65m tall. You can't go wrong with Silverback as they are the best bang for buck in terms of how they are spec'd. With regards to components it all depends on your weight and type of riding you want to do. Always try and get the best you can afford as those parts will be more durable and won't need early replacement. Go for anything from Shimano Deore and above and at least an air shock (Suntour or the higher end Rockshox and Fox). Shimano MTB components go in the order of Deore > SLX > XT > XTR. Can't comment on SRAM as I have neever really been interested in the brand. All the brands you have listed are great (model and price bracket dependant) but are all spec'd differently so it all comes down to which bike design/colour tinkles your fancy
Mr lee Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 Oh and don't go over the top with something for your daughter cause the chances are she is going to grow a little taller and she will need go up a frame size in a few years!
Allrounder Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 My goodness you are a tall family That being said I am 2.03m but I don't think I was there at 15....maybe 18 . Cycle lab has specials on currently...I know it doesn't help much as you are not in Gauteng but you could use their prices to negotiate a better deal cause I am sure cycle lab would ship country wide... I would go 29r across the board. My wife went from 650 to 29r (full sus) and will never go back. Was much more of a comfortable ride for her, granted it is a full suspension bike, but her riding has also improved and she is more eager to try new terrain due to the larger wheel size gliding over the bumps. Oh and she is around 1.65m tall. You can't go wrong with Silverback as they are the best bang for buck in terms of how they are spec'd. With regards to components it all depends on your weight and type of riding you want to do. Always try and get the best you can afford as those parts will be more durable and won't need early replacement. Go for anything from Shimano Deore and above and at least an air shock (Suntour or the higher end Rockshox and Fox). Shimano MTB components go in the order of Deore > SLX > XT > XTR. Can't comment on SRAM as I have neever really been interested in the brand. All the brands you have listed are great (model and price bracket dependant) but are all spec'd differently so it all comes down to which bike design/colour tinkles your fancyThere is a cyclelab in tokai....
Allrounder Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 I would suggest you have a chat with marc at attitude cycles in brackenfell. He might not have bikes to sell you, but his advice is always solid. So is his workshop.
Allrounder Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 You can also try cyclosport in Kuilsriver, Chat with Elof there.
Allrounder Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 for what you are going to do, the name does not matter, as long as it is a brand. Stay clear of game. Rather make sure you have quality components. (the frame just holds everything together!) Later when your son or daughter gets serious, invest in proper frames.
NelAndre Posted March 30, 2017 Posted March 30, 2017 Silverback and/or Giant- Good value for money. Suggest 29 across the board.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.