Scott contessa 620 vs Silverback Splash 3

[NewGirl]

Hi Guys,

 

I am new to the cycling community. Me and a friend decided to take up cycling as hobby for socialising while getting fit. We didn't much want to be stuck in a gym exercising and decided we could explore our city in the sun and having fun.

 

After doing some research and visiting various cycling stores, I narrowed my list down to two options, both of which stretched the budget for a simple socialising thing. I came to the forum because I couldn't decide which bike was better. The Scott Contessa 620 (26" 2015 model) or the Silverback Splash 3 (27.5" 2016 model).

 

I initially only thought a 26" or below (kiddies) bikes would fit me seeing as I am only 1.50m  in height(shorty - I know)  . However I fitted an extra small frame and found I could actually fit on a 27.5" bike.

 

The thing is now I am not sure which to chose? Most people are saying that the Scott is better brand... The stores i want to buy them from are biased to their own product (some are more gentlemanly than others). But i was hoping someone here could explain it better? I tried doing some research but jargon used explaining about the different shimano shiffters and what not, or how they work, is way over my head.

 

Basically I started out by just wanting to get me a normal Marko bike, but after reading various comments and taking advice, I decided to stretch the budget more in order to get me a better bike. So hopefully you guys can point me in the right direction?

 

Thanks for your time

Best regards

[bertusras]

To me the two bikes look fairly similarly specified. Is there a price difference between the two? I would go with the 27.5" option, purely for the sake of future proofing in terms of affordable tyres. 

 

If I were you I'd go for the one you like more, which one makes you excited to go ride a bike.

 

Hub Jury might disagree.

[NewGirl]

To me the two bikes look fairly similarly specified. Is there a price difference between the two? I would go with the 27.5" option, purely for the sake of future proofing in terms of affordable tyres. 

 

If I were you I'd go for the one you like more, which one makes you excited to go ride a bike.

 

Hub Jury might disagree.

 

Hi Bertusras,

 

I got both of them for the same deal R5k. Which are good deals i think, they both felt great to, that's my dilemma. But I can see about the tyres though.

 

One of the bike shops suggested that I leave out all the extra gear I asked for ( helmet, gloves, light, slime and linners) and take a better bike with the extra money.

 

But I think both of these bikes are good money and I think i require at least the essentials.

 

Thanks for your help!

[Desi]

Hi NewGirl.

Taking a quick look at the bikes (if I have found the right specs), the main differences are the 26" vs 27.5" wheels, and the Silverback has disc brakes vs v-brakes on the Scott. Both are good brands, but given these two things, I would go for the Silverback.

As much as people say 26" won't die, 27.5" and 29" are the most common sizes now. Disc brakes are also the 'standard' on better bikes now.

I had a quick 'comparison' look at CWC and Cycle Factory websites - there are Titan and Momsen bikes at around the same price, and they have comparable 'parts' (components) and disc brakes for that price.

You can get away with cheap gloves, shorts and slime, but DO NOT skimp on the helmet you buy! You can always replace a bike - a head, not so much! 

Many happy kms to you!

[NewGirl]

Hi NewGirl.

Taking a quick look at the bikes (if I have found the right specs), the main differences are the 26" vs 27.5" wheels, and the Silverback has disc brakes vs v-brakes on the Scott. Both are good brands, but given these two things, I would go for the Silverback.

As much as people say 26" won't die, 27.5" and 29" are the most common sizes now. Disc brakes are also the 'standard' on better bikes now.

I had a quick 'comparison' look at CWC and Cycle Factory websites - there are Titan and Momsen bikes at around the same price, and they have comparable 'parts' (components) and disc brakes for that price.

You can get away with cheap gloves, shorts and slime, but DO NOT skimp on the helmet you buy! You can always replace a bike - a head, not so much! 

Many happy kms to you!

Hi Desi,

 

 I agree safety first! LOL I don't think my mom wants to see my head rolling after the first run. 

 

I did look at the Momsen before I chose these bikes but most of the guys I work with are serious cyclist and they don't seem to recall hearing about this brand, so i dropped it off my list. I did try out a Titan bike but it didn't feel as good as the two above, which is why the Silverback and Scott got shortlisted. I just couldn't decide between the two.

 

Both had disc brakes, both were at discounted to R5k. The only difference was the wheel size and year model and obviously brand name.

 

I will let you know Monday about the bike, as I am planning on picking one of them up by Saturday!

 

Thanks again

Cheers, here is to happy riding

Enjoy your day!

[Desi]

Post a pic when you get your new bike!

[Uni]

Hey New Girl 

My first 'proper' mountain bike was a Silverback splash 1 - I bought it in 2014 - it lasted me over 2 years with all my bashing into things and falling over - it's a good hardy bike. 

I notice the Scott has V brakes - I don't know what kind of terrain you'll be riding in, but I did a ride in my old bike with V brakes down a muddy dirt road in Magoebaskloof and my life flashed before me - disc brakes IMO would be a better idea. 

It's awful trying to decide what to buy when you aren't clued up - I've been through it - luckily I think my current bikes found me. 

Happy shopping and happy , safe riding.