Trans Baviaans Bike

[Angus**]

Hi Guys 

 

Need some advice. 

 

Last year spent my time and money doing triathlons, one of my mates entered me into Trans this year so needing to get a bike. 

 

My Height is 174, Weight 62Kg thinking Medium frame. 

Max budget is R17000. 

 

Is it worth opting for an older dual suspension or would I get away with a newer hardtail for trans? (i'm 24 so my back still has some spring in it). 

 

Saw these as options? 

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/234597-specialized-camber-medium-29er/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/244612-specialized-camber-medium-29er/

 

 

Sorry to be such a noob just don't want to spend all my saved cash on something which is not right.

 

Please let me know if you have any recommendations

 

Thanks

Gus  

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Skubarra]

My 2c - don't think you should buy a bike with just one event in mind but more with the general type of riding you are going to do on it.

 

Both hardtail or dual suspension would be fine for the baviaans, can't say that one would be hugely better than the other (most prefer to do it on a dual though, but you really don't NEED to do it on one)

 

My personal preference would be to go for the hardtail and then upgrade to dual when your budget is a bit bigger and your knowledge better - but that is really just a personal preference.

[Long Wheel Base]

If you go dual, make sure the shock is at the right angle. Those 2 bikes you have selected are wrong. Vertical, Not Horizontal.

 

#ButItsNotFridayYet

[Angus**]

Thanks for your feedback- really appreciate it.

 

@Skubarra - Type of riding will vary - Thinking of doing mainly trail type riding as well as long gravel road rides. 

Will also want to do the Xterra again next year with it. 

[Gate closer]

If you go dual, make sure the shock is at the right angle. Those 2 bikes you have selected are wrong. Vertical, Not Horizontal.

 

#ButItsNotFridayYet

Good Morning

Can you please explain this as I don understand why this would be a major factor? 

[Squier]

You'll get a much higher spec hardtail for your budget. I would consider it as well.

 

Last year the section between checkpoint 1 and 2 (between kms 50 and 100) was very corrugated and I was thankful for my dual sus, even though it still really hurt.

 

That being said, if I weighed 62kg I would've looked for a decently spec'd carbon hardtail.

[Schnavel]

Good Morning

Can you please explain this as I don understand why this would be a major factor? 

 

He is making a joke - big thing on the hub about the shock angle 

 

Pertaining your original question, I would definitely recommend a hardtail for Baviaans - it's mostly jeep track, so there is no real need for a dual suspension.

 

Also, you will get a hardtail with a much better spec compared to a dual suspension for that budget.

[Long Wheel Base]

Good Morning

Can you please explain this as I don understand why this would be a major factor? 

Morning.

Like Schnavel said, I was making a joke. Hence the reason I used comic sans font.

It goes way back to the debate between the anthem and the epic frames. Then when Scott moved their shock it made the debate even better. It's a great Friday thread. Almost as good as asking what wheel size is best.

[Jurgens Smit]

He is making a joke - big thing on the hub about the shock angle 

 

Pertaining your original question, I would definitely recommend a hardtail for Baviaans - it's mostly jeep track, so there is no real need for a dual suspension.

 

Also, you will get a hardtail with a much better spec compared to a dual suspension for that budget.

 

Are there any technical parts?

 

Then a cross / gravel bike could work (SC Stigmata or Spez crux etc.)

[Jurgens Smit]

Morning.

Like Schnavel said, I was making a joke. Hence the reason I used comic sans font.

It goes way back to the debate between the anthem and the epic frames. Then when Scott moved their shock it made the debate even better. It's a great Friday thread. Almost as good as asking what wheel size is best.

 

Obviously horizontal and 29er 

[BlinkFan]

Like Squier said - Last year the section between 50 and 100km was very rough. Even on a dual. But the rest of the ride is actually not that bad, and after 100km your ass hurts anyway.

 

So for your weight I would probably go for a good hardtail over an average dual. But if you will be doing some trail rides then a dual would probably be a better bet for the future.

[arendoog]

At 62 kg i would go HT all the way .Rather spend cash on some 2.4 wide tyres both ends that you can run on 1,4 bar and get one with a really good serviced fork like a Kashima fox , SID or lefty

[Angus**]

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/244945-medium-giant-xtc-29er-1x10-neg/ 

[jcza]

He is making a joke - big thing on the hub about the shock angle 

 

Pertaining your original question, I would definitely recommend a hardtail for Baviaans - it's mostly jeep track, so there is no real need for a dual suspension.

 

Also, you will get a hardtail with a much better spec compared to a dual suspension for that budget.

 

CX/Gravel bikes allowed?

[Kom]

CX/Gravel bikes allowed?

Digging this topic up again - apparently most of the road sections have been graded for this year - anyone planning on doing it on their gravel bikes?

 

I was pretty amped coming out of doing the Potberg 100miler on my Diverge - is the TB a bit of a stretch to consider for a no-suspension bike?