New riders advice please

[slush-puppy]

Hi everyone me and the wife want to start Mountain biking

 

Location: Rustenburg

Type of riding: cross country mainly and novice trails where xc bikes can handle it

Me:  1.8m tall inside leg 0.83m

Wife 1.62m tall inside leg  0.715m

Goals: Do mountain biking as a hobby, do some races once we are fit  enough, will re evaluate  goals once our skill level and fitness is improved to a point where we can decide what next.

Budget for bikes: R10 000 per bike(not including gear& accessories)

 

Wife's bike: I was thinking a soft tail for comfort. 26er or 27.5 second hand . A bike that is easy to ride

and in good condition mechanically, Reliable rather than super light weight.Would be super if tubeless

 

Me: I want a Hard tail 29er or 27.5.Preferably rather an Aluminum frame than carbon and tubeless.

 

I don't mind  working on the bikes myself  i just don't have the special tools at this stage,will purchase

as i require.

 

 

gear that we must still get:

-saddle bagx2   -tube x2     -puncture rep kitt     -floor pump    -bike rack car carrier     -digital gauge    

-lock x2    -mens short x2     -ladies top x2     -mens top x2     -ladies shortx2    -glovesx2    -cleaning kitt     

-rep stand    -multi tool    -flat pedals x2    -shoes x2    -women saddle      -carry bag   -glasses

 

 

Thanks for taking time to read my post will link some of the bikes in the classifieds, then you guys can give me some guidance please.

[slush-puppy]

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/280434-momsen-29er-1x11-price-drop/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/279709-2016-29r-sbk-sola-2-2x10-xt-rockshox-air-shox/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/279487-29er-scott-aspect-910-in-immaculate-condition/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/279135-merida-bignine-500/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/279108-scott-scale-960-2015-model-with-ekstras/

 

 

If stretching budget:

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/279181-merida-big-nine-800-2015-excellent-condition/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/279108-scott-scale-960-2015-model-with-ekstras/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/278332-scott-scale-940/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/278106-merida-big-nine-xt-l-29er/

[ChrisF]

Welcome to the forum.

 

Trust you will have an awesome time on your bikes !

 

 

Sounds like you have done your homework already.

 

At that price range your best bet is a secondhand bike .... Probably a 3x setup (3 gears on the front cogg).  These WORK !  But the 2x is just easier to use ....

 

 

You wont be upgrading a 10k bike .... might as well get a 3x unit that is in good nick, ENJOY it, and if the bugg bites sell it for you bought it and "go big" ,,,,

 

 

 

Hard-tail vs soft-tail ..... I MUCH prefer the comfort of my dual suspension !! :)  Technically a lot to be said for hardtail .... but for enjoyment and comfort I wont use a hardtail off raid again ....  (and I KNOW the racing snakes do prefer their hardtails)  So best of luck in getting what suit YOUR needs and wants !!

 

 

 

 

Gearing - when you start out the hills are long and steep .... you CAN swop out the rear cogg easily.  But give it a month and a bit of practice before spending money on this .... you will be surprised when you see just how quickly your body adapts 

 

Do some homework on bike computers ..... being able to SEE my heart rate and cadence has helped me to adjust my gearing and riding style ... due to weak knees I go for a lower gear and SPIN up hills.   First few rides WORKS the lungs !!  This is where it is important to see your heart rate, manage your heart rate to avoid "hitting the wall" ....  Wrapping your mind around these basics, and YOUR genetics is important.  Now you see a section of trail and manage your effort ....

[slush-puppy]

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/281104-volcan-fs-carbon/

wondering if this is far too advanced?

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/280850-trek-fuel-ex7/

 

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/279579-cannondale-scalpel/

[ChrisF]

Have another look at what you want to do ...

 

"cross country"(XC) or "trails" .... the head angle makes a BIG difference in the "feel" of the bike !!!

 

 

I much prefer a non-agressive steering setup

[slush-puppy]

Thanks for taking time to help me out here.

 

Chris as i understand most of the roots that i can ride daily is more Xc orientated,but i don't want a aggressive steering setup. i would rather opt for something a little bit slacker and relaxed

[ChrisF]

At 1,8m you are leaning towards a Large frame.  I am 1,76m and between M and L depending on the brand.

 

27,5'' will do the job fine, and as it is not the flavour of the month you may well pick it up for a steal.

[slush-puppy]

Thanks Chris seems like me and the wife should try and test some bikes to

feel the difference

[ChrisF]

now you talking :)

 

 

paper and specs are a good guide ... but NOTHING like a decent test ride ....

 

 

maybe some of the hubbers can point you to the better bike shops in your area .....