Newbie MTB riders wanting some advise

[bologniusmaximus]

First piece of advice, hide from Patchelicious.

 

Second: https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/153452-sockdoping/

 

Ok ok, can't resist wearing fancy socks.

[bologniusmaximus]

X post from another thread that I want to put here as well to keep information in one place.

 

With all of the above in mind, I have an update to my whole bike buying experience!

 

First off, this is going to be long and juicy for those of you who like information overload. Went to Hattons Cycles in Umhlanga. They gave me the first initial quote of:

 

2 x Silverback Sola 4 2016 @ 9035.54 per bike

2 x Bongtager helmets @ 613.99 per helmet

2 x Ryder Ventgel gloves @ 175.39 per pair

2 x Camelbak Podium Chill 620ml @ 201.71 per bottle

1 x Ryder Pump mega @ 166.62

2 x Topeak Bag Wedge @ 447.32 per bag

1 x Chain lube @ 87.68

2 x Ravx Bottle Cage Dart x @ 113.99 per cage

1 x Topeak tire lever @ 113.99

1 x Cycloplus lock @ 113.99

1 x HoldFast Boot Carrier @ 1491.18

 

Prices are excl vat, and no specials given. Total incl vat = R 26 389.15

So I phone Bike Life to find out about financing. They immediately let me know they no longer provide financing. Asked why, lady said she was new and had no idea why. Perhaps it's just temporary. But that's interesting none the less.

 

So with my hopes dashed like that I was about to give up. When the Credit Card idea sunk in, and wedged itself. So if I pay by Credit Card I can get the specials and stuff. So we worked out the following quote:

 

1 x Trek Marlin 6 2016 @ 7456.10

1 x Trek Marlin 7 2017 @ 10087.68

 

Total incl VAT: 19999.90

 

Part of the special is that these bikes come with a total of R3000 to spend on whatever I want in the shop. So I dropped the bike rack (I'll put them in my car and just remove the wheels for now) and got extra water bottles plus cages and a few other bits and bobs. Ended up with about an extra R300 credit which the store will give me on future purchases.

 

I think I might just go for the above. But would love some feedback!

 

I finally found out what frame size I should get as well. Turns out a medium frame on 29 wheels will work great. So getting a small frame for the wife.

[RobertWhitehead]

Dude, Wait wait wait! I can get everything mentioned above plus the boot carrier for less than R15k. 

 

I'm making this statement without even looking for bargains but, I'm sure if I have a look at the water bottle price: 

 

2 x Camelbak Podium Chill 620ml @ 201.71 per bottle 

 

that it won't take me too long to get something worth while  .

 

I see a challenge coming and is very keen to take you up on that challenge.

[bologniusmaximus]

Dude, Wait wait wait! I can get everything mentioned above plus the boot carrier for less than R15k. 

 

I'm making this statement without even looking for bargains but, I'm sure if I have a look at the water bottle price: 

 

2 x Camelbak Podium Chill 620ml @ 201.71 per bottle 

 

that it won't take me too long to get something worth while  .

 

I see a challenge coming and is very keen to take you up on that challenge.

 

Keen to see what you can get. But just some things to note, I want to try and buy centralized if I can specifically with the bikes for services and such. That is something I need. I don't want to go out of my way to get the bikes looked after and the shop custodian was very willing to help train me if I ever have any questions. I bombarded him with questions and he answered everything truthfully.

[RobertWhitehead]

No problem, as mentioned earlier: you don't have to service where you bought but allow me 18 hours to get you some online options then we compare prices. I will try to keep to the above mentioned brands

[ChrisF]

Keen to see what you can get. But just some things to note, I want to try and buy centralized if I can specifically with the bikes for services and such. That is something I need. I don't want to go out of my way to get the bikes looked after and the shop custodian was very willing to help train me if I ever have any questions. I bombarded him with questions and he answered everything truthfully.

 

For better or worse I also prefer to buy from my local bike store.

 

 

NICE to be able to walk into a store and develop a long term relationship with a "real person".

 

 

 

Knowing Mark from the early 90's, it is just so nice to walk in there and have a nice chat.

 

For a few bucks saving .... not me.  If the local bike shop cant supply what I want well that is a different story, and having MANY bike stores close by also helps.

[bologniusmaximus]

For better or worse I also prefer to buy from my local bike store.

 

 

NICE to be able to walk into a store and develop a long term relationship with a "real person".

 

 

 

Knowing Mark from the early 90's, it is just so nice to walk in there and have a nice chat.

 

For a few bucks saving .... not me.  If the local bike shop cant supply what I want well that is a different story, and having MANY bike stores close by also helps.

 

Exactly my point! Also I know no riders here so I really do need the shop for potentially meeting some people. Might ask at the company I work, I've heard some rumors that there are some people who enjoy riding...

 

In any case. Tomorrow is D-day. Waiting to hear on financing, if I hear before lunch then I will be buying some bikes.

 

I got a story about riding a bike today and ending up on my arse, in a parking lot. On flat smooth cement. Even ended up with a scratched cheek, bloody elbow and knocked up knee. I think the bug has bitten HARD.

[ChrisF]

ENJOY !!

 

 

This weekend will be the first "event" that Maritz and I will be doing.  Steadily built up our riding distances and experience.  Really looking forward to it.

 

Should add that Maritz is 5 years 10 months old, only been on two wheels since mid February this year.

 

 

Hope you and your wife enjoy this as much as we do.

 

Now :

 

 

January :

 

 

this is what we were doing tonight :

[Slowbee]

A brief read suggests you dont want glasses. (Quick read, so I may be wrong).

 

My advice would be to include them. The number of times glasses have saved my eyes from all sorts of flying matter pales in comparison to the price. D'arcs at sportmans are an excellent choice (R1200 I think for interchangeable 3 lenses), even if you only use the clear vision one. We currently ride with ocean wear ones, also from sportsmans, photochromatic and cost about R750 each.

 

I would advise you to re think the glasses thing.

[bologniusmaximus]

ENJOY !!

 

 

This weekend will be the first "event" that Maritz and I will be doing.  Steadily built up our riding distances and experience.  Really looking forward to it.

 

Should add that Maritz is 5 years 10 months old, only been on two wheels since mid February this year.

 

 

Hope you and your wife enjoy this as much as we do.

 

Now :

Hermanus Trails-10.jpg

 

 

January :

Fiets 1-8 (Large).jpg

 

 

this is what we were doing tonight :

DSCN3709 (Medium).JPG

 

Awesome! Had the wife jumping on the couch in excitement. Do I even know this woman?

 

I hope it goes well for you guys. Perhaps you'll come join us in PMB / Durban at some point? I know of some amazing trails in the Midlands. Unfortunately I need to go and find trails here. Google fu.

[bologniusmaximus]

A brief read suggests you dont want glasses. (Quick read, so I may be wrong).

 

My advice would be to include them. The number of times glasses have saved my eyes from all sorts of flying matter pales in comparison to the price. D'arcs at sportmans are an excellent choice (R1200 I think for interchangeable 3 lenses), even if you only use the clear vision one. We currently ride with ocean wear ones, also from sportsmans, photochromatic and cost about R750 each.

 

I would advise you to re think the glasses thing.

 

I wear glasses, so I need something to keep them from falling off. I have some prescription sunglasses as well. Will be using those as well. So I don't have much of a choice at all!

 

But thanks for the info!

[Slowbee]

just had a look at the list.

 

1 tyre lever wont help much, you need two.

 

Also, do not !!!!!! I mean, do not (!!!!) pay good money for a water bottle! R200 bucks for a bottle is plain silly. Especially at 650ml. Wait a bit and look for hydration packs in the classifieds, as they can also act as bags to carry all those goodies.

 

Your list does not include spare tubes or tyre liners? (yet does have chain lube?) WHat about cycling kit? Cycling shorts at least!

 

Also remember takealot is your friend. They often have good specials.

 

And, I cant believe I am about to say this, but if that is your list, give CWC a call. They also have very good specials here on the hub and on their online store. Ask them if they cant do a special for you. Tell them what you want, tell them your budget, and see what happens. You will find yourself surprised. And postage might even be included.

[bologniusmaximus]

just had a look at the list.

 

1 tyre lever wont help much, you need two.

 

Also, do not !!!!!! I mean, do not (!!!!) pay good money for a water bottle! R200 bucks for a bottle is plain silly. Especially at 650ml. Wait a bit and look for hydration packs in the classifieds, as they can also act as bags to carry all those goodies.

 

Your list does not include spare tubes or tyre liners? (yet does have chain lube?) WHat about cycling kit? Cycling shorts at least!

 

Also remember takealot is your friend. They often have good specials.

 

And, I cant believe I am about to say this, but if that is your list, give CWC a call. They also have very good specials here on the hub and on their online store. Ask them if they cant do a special for you. Tell them what you want, tell them your budget, and see what happens. You will find yourself surprised. And postage might even be included.

 

Oh yeah I totally forgot the tubes, they were actually included. Two tubes to be exact. And the levers do include two levers.

 

Cycling kit is a different story. I prefer baggy shorts so will keep my eyes peeled for some. But for now my usuals will have to do. I'll see what I can do about potentially finding better gear.

[Slowbee]

I know I am late to the party, but really do give CWcycles online a call. They often run specials on the hub and have a good reputation for service.

 

It will be well worth the few randella's for a phone call!

[ChrisF]

For clothes also consider Mr Price SPORT.

[RobertWhitehead]

By merely following the discussion from the beginning it's clear to see that a decision has already been made about the where and how and merely relies on the finances to come through. I've therefore decided to bow out of this discussion without offering any further advice. All the best with the purchase and enjoy the journey