First Full Sus - Help a NOOB

[Vee-Man]

Then we are on the same page.

 

There are so many options open to u right now.

 

Its all very exciting & scary at the same time, isn't it?

 

Don't stress, no matter what u get, it should be good. Bad bikes are pretty rare, I haven't ridden one yet.

 

Some are just better at doing some things than others, depending what the designers are wanting out of the bike.

 

 

The perfect bike is just a myth.

Yes there are so many options. makes my life tough! I will give the YT guys a call and sit on it all for a little while.

 

Thanks for all the knowledgable input guys! 

 

Appreciate it 

[Vee-Man]

1 more point I would like to touch on.

 

In terms of general cost of maintenance etc are they all going to cost much the same?

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

1 more point I would like to touch on.

 

In terms of general cost of maintenance etc are they all going to cost much the same?

Yeah, pretty much. 

[ChrisF]

Just gone through this same process .... bought last week .....

 

 

CWC - have a look at this MErida - http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/full-suspension/cross-country-marathon/2016/ninety-six-800-4319.html

 

 

I ended up buying from Cycle4Life in Paarl - Trek Fuel EX5 - cant say why, but the EX5 just "feels right" for me - more comfortable seating position, longer bike.

 

 

BUT, before you spend a cent - PLEASE do yourself a big favor and contact http://www.euodia.co.za/ in Hermanus.  They have some really nice bikes on the floor, for really good prices ...

 

best of luck with the search .... so "lekka", and yet so frustrating ....

[Ride Rate Review]

1 more point I would like to touch on.

 

In terms of general cost of maintenance etc are they all going to cost much the same?

Yeah all bikes should work out to being the same cost to service and maintain, but maintenance costs depend on how many miles you do, quality of parts etc.

Don't expect the same maintenance costs on something like SRAM eagle.[emoji15]

 

Items like the specialized brain, cane creek shox, lefties etc may cost more to service.

 

Fox I think requires more servicing than rockshox which I think has longer intervals, MRP I believe has 200hr intervals, which is frikken main.

 

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Just gone through this same process .... bought last week .....

 

 

CWC - have a look at this MErida - http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/full-suspension/cross-country-marathon/2016/ninety-six-800-4319.html

 

 

I ended up buying from Cycle4Life in Paarl - Trek Fuel EX5 - cant say why, but the EX5 just "feels right" for me - more comfortable seating position, longer bike.

 

 

BUT, before you spend a cent - PLEASE do yourself a big favor and contact http://www.euodia.co.za/ in Hermanus.  They have some really nice bikes on the floor, for really good prices ...

 

best of luck with the search .... so "lekka", and yet so frustrating ....

Yeah, they have good stock. Just not the Merida here, please - that's an out and out race bike and IMO not ideal for the OP. Fuel EX5 would be a good option, though. 

[Headshot]

Yeah all bikes should work out to being the same cost to service and maintain, but maintenance costs depend on how many miles you do, quality of parts etc.

Don't expect the same maintenance costs on something like SRAM eagle.[emoji15]

 

Items like the specialized brain, cane creek shox, lefties etc may cost more to service.

 

Fox I think requires more servicing than rockshox which I think has longer intervals, MRP I believe has 200hr intervals, which is frikken main.

 

Sent from my SM-N910F using Tapatalk

The other thing of course is full suspension frames and bearing life. Its not an everyday issue but bearings can cost R1000 or more plus labour. My frame has 14 of the things. 

[NelAndre]

I object! I've never ridden a scalpel in my life. And if you beat me i was riding my merida which weighs 14kg.

 

Ha ha... I was waiting for this....

[NelAndre]

Vee-man:

 

I am no race snake but I try and go as fast as I can and I am learning to ride trails and tech stuff.....

 

I went from a Merida Big Nine 5000 HT (carbon race bike) to a Santa Cruz Tallboy 2 (which I bought second hand) and the change is mind blowing. I am no race snake at all and the Santie only has 100 mm travel front and back but I am much faster because I am so much more confident. I am also looking at going 120 mm upfront to relax even more on the bike.

 

My opinion is to go look at the 120 mm + travel trail bikes and do not throw away the option of going second hand. Lots of shops will help you assess a bike for a small fee.

 

Happy shopping

[ChrisF]

Yeah, they have good stock. Just not the Merida here, please - that's an out and out race bike and IMO not ideal for the OP. Fuel EX5 would be a good option, though. 

 

Thanks, even gladder I bought the TREK then ....

[RiverInTheRoad]

Buy a Specialized Camber, you can thank me later.

 

I currently have a Jeffsy. Awesome bike but does not climb well enough to be an "quiver killer". The Camber is however one. 

[ChrisF]

Buy a Specialized Camber, you can thank me later.

 

I currently have a Jeffsy. Awesome bike but does not climb well enough to be an "quiver killer". The Camber is however one. 

 

NICE bikes !!

 

But the mix of Shimano and SRAM is just a bit wierd for me .....  And the Camber in this price range has a total mix of parts .... 

 

 

That said - DO go to the Specialized shop off Durband road in Bellville.  GOOD service !!!!! http://www.tygerbergcycles.co.za/   Speak to MIKE.

 

And they will even arrange a test ride, so you can FEEL if it works for you.

[PhilipV]

I really rate the Trek Fuel EX range. The Spez Camber and new Scott Spark as well. You won't go wrong amongst those three. Pick a spec level to suit your budget.

 

I ride a Giant Trance, it's a 140mm travel bike and to he honest I think it is too much to be the One Bike to rule them all.

 

I reckon 120mm travel with a slightly more relaxed geometry is the sweet spot. Fast enough for multi day stage races (I'll pick a camber for j2c) and fun enough to be a capable descender and able to handle 90% of the trails in SA.

[Vee-Man]

NICE bikes !!

 

But the mix of Shimano and SRAM is just a bit wierd for me .....  And the Camber in this price range has a total mix of parts .... 

 

 

That said - DO go to the Specialized shop off Durband road in Bellville.  GOOD service !!!!! http://www.tygerbergcycles.co.za/   Speak to MIKE.

 

And they will even arrange a test ride, so you can FEEL if it works for you.

Which Camber do you have? 

[Jehosefat]

I can second the new Scott Sparks. Got mine weekend before last and I'm absolutely loving it.

[ChrisF]

Which Camber do you have? 

 

I looked at the Camber that costs about R35k ... sorry, cant recall the exact model number.

 

Ended up buying the TREK Fuel EX5.  After test riding it, I just knew it "fit" me perfectly.