What bike to get

[Spearo71]

Hi All

New on this forum, so would appreciate any help or advice. I am finally planning on upgrading to a dual-sus MTB. I mostly ride single track and have been advised by friends that a Giant Trance would suit my style of riding but I would like to find out about other options. 

Thanks in advance. Cheers,

Spearo71

[Odinson]

A bit more info on where you live/ride, budget and aspirations would help others to give better advice. 

[MTBeer]

A bit more info on where you live/ride, budget and aspirations would help others to give better advice. 

or just get a Trance

[Letum911]

Hmmmmm, I would say Cannondale Scalpel, the Team edition is purdy!!! 

 

On a more realistic note. You will have to give loads more info. The Giant Trance is a brilliant all round bike, and most likely the best bang for your buck.

 

But without knowing where you ride, what you budget is, what you're aiming to do with the bike etc, it is basically impossible to make a decent suggestion. To give you an example, the bike I suggested is super sexy, costs R140k and goes like hell on the XC scene. However it is not the best bike for a downhill world cup section, where it will be killed by a R30k DH bike.

[Stevief]

trance, spez camber, trek fuel ex

 

take your pick they all good

[Patchelicious]

Hi All

New on this forum, so would appreciate any help or advice. I am finally planning on upgrading to a dual-sus MTB. I mostly ride single track and have been advised by friends that a Giant Trance would suit my style of riding but I would like to find out about other options. 

Thanks in advance. Cheers,

Spearo71

Which bike that you have seen do you like the most?

 

Buy that one.

[anybody seen george?]

Also, consider Trek Fuel EX (See thread)

[Spearo71]

Hi All

Thanks for the replies. I mostly ride at Giba Gorge in KZN, not downhill type stuff, just the single track. Definitely on a budget so no chance of spending 140k on a bike  . The thing that has put me off the Trance (slightly) is that they no longer do 29" and having a 29er would I think be more versatile if I do some trail riding in the future. Trying to compare the idea and cost-effectiveness of buying a second hand one and replacing the drive chain etc

Cheers,

[Odinson]

Don't fall into the trap of thinking you only need to buy a 29er. 650Bs make great bikes and are lekker for trail riding. 

[Mtree]

Momsen Vipa 2(2017) ?

A great looking bike. Locally produced too.

There are one or two in the classifieds too.

https://www.bikehub.co.za/features/_/gear/reviews/momsen-vipa-two-long-term-review-r6646

[GLuvsMtb]

It seems like you are then more into the “All Rounder” category. If I had to replace my 2015 Stumpy now, it would be with a Trek Fuel EX 9.7. At around R55K it does not break the bank. After sales support and guarantees also needs to be considered, so make sure that whatever you get is easily serviceable in your area.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[slickjay007]

If you still like Giant then maybe test out the Anthem 29 range

 

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/za/bikes-anthem-29-2018

[rudi-h]

don't stress about the brand...

 

I think you're on the right track with a giant trance...  For Giba and the KZN trails you need a slack geo trail bike with a dropper post and NOT a typical marathon style bike.  You'll thank me later...

 

So this means NO to spez epics, cannondale scalpels, scott sparks, momsen vipa's, giant anthems etc. and YES to pyga 140's, spez stumpies, scott genius', giant trance's and then obviously the whole list of more expensive drool bikes i.e. the santa cruz's, evil's, banshee's, yeti's, YT's, Ibis' and the whole long list which I would consider buying second hand if i were you.

 

wheel size?  yes, i guess 29" is more versatile, but I don't think that 650B would be a wrong decision.  The 650 wheels won't hold you back with trail riding, but might be a bit of a drag if you're planning to do 100+km marathon stages on flat dirt roads.

[SuperDooperSnooper]

It seems like you are then more into the “All Rounder” category. If I had to replace my 2015 Stumpy now, it would be with a Trek Fuel EX 9.7. At around R55K it does not break the bank. After sales support and guarantees also needs to be considered, so make sure that whatever you get is easily serviceable in your area.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

 

 

Unfortunately it is this line of thinking that has the sport of cycling in the position it is where throttlingly high prices are just the accepted norm. I don't have a problem with your choice of bike, but R55K IS breaking the bank for most people.

It is completely ridiculous to make a new starter believe that he/she needs to accept that they can only get a decent bike for more than R50K. Heck, even for more than R30k.

The rest of your advice rings true.

 

I am sure you can pick up a decently specced new Trance 3 or similar for mid to high R20k's with a bit of bargaining. That would be perfect for the OP's intended use for now.

 

As to 29" wheels - it may be a better option if you are lank tall, but I wouldn't dis the 650b's. I've been riding a 29er for 4 years and would consider a 650b any day if it is a fun, suitable bike.

 

OP, in the end just make sure whatever you choose makes YOU happy and is not only to satisfy the majority's expectations.

[GLuvsMtb]

Unfortunately it is this line of thinking that has the sport of cycling in the position it is where throttlingly high prices are just the accepted norm. I don't have a problem with your choice of bike, but R55K IS breaking the bank for most people.

It is completely ridiculous to make a new starter believe that he/she needs to accept that they can only get a decent bike for more than R50K. Heck, even for more than R30k.

The rest of your advice rings true.

 

I am sure you can pick up a decently specced new Trance 3 or similar for mid to high R20k's with a bit of bargaining. That would be perfect for the OP's intended use for now.

 

As to 29" wheels - it may be a better option if you are lank tall, but I wouldn't dis the 650b's. I've been riding a 29er for 4 years and would consider a 650b any day if it is a fun, suitable bike.

 

OP, in the end just make sure whatever you choose makes YOU happy and is not only to satisfy the majority's expectations.

Similarly you can get an EX 5 for under R30K. The R55K comparison was made against my Stumpy with replacement value of R90K (just to provide context, as it seems that context is lost to some who read my post).

 

PS: on a R40K budget, the Anthem 2 probably gets my vote.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

[Christofison]

Hi All

New on this forum, so would appreciate any help or advice. I am finally planning on upgrading to a dual-sus MTB. I mostly ride single track and have been advised by friends that a Giant Trance would suit my style of riding but I would like to find out about other options. 

Thanks in advance. Cheers,

Spearo71

How tall are you? I know someone selling a size small 2015 Trance 2 in very good condition with a dropper post for R20k.

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/za/trance-27dot5-2-2015