Momsen AL429 vs Silverback Sola 2

[Petrobooysen]

Hi guys,

 

New to mountain biking, we live in CPT and really keen to start riding the trails. 

Budget was R10 000, but now, after much reading and discussions, we are considering to go higher for the right bike. Absolute max R15 000 per bike. Excluding gear.

 

My husband and I both want to start riding, he is a large frame and I'm a small. I think hard-tail rather than dual suspension. 29'' Wheels. 

 

At the moment we are looking at Silverback's sola 2 range, but I'm also very keen on Momsen since it is a local brand and I've heard good things about the AL429. 

 

With our budget I think it will be better going 2nd hand.

 

Could you guys please assist with advice about which bike to choose and why? 

Thanks in advance!!

 

 

Here are the specs:

 

Momsen AL429 (Can get new 2018 model for R13 150)

 

• Frame: Race Tech SL Alloy, Exclusive LSG Design, Integrated Toptube Box ( I.T.B )
• Fork: Rockshox 30 Silver, Air Damping, 100mm Travel, Rebound Adjust
• Headset: Taper Integrated Type
• Stem: Alloy 7 Degree Oversize 31.8mm, S/M ( 70mm ), L ( 80mm ), XL ( 90mm )
• Handlebar: Alloy Oversize 31.8mm , 720mm Wide
• Grips: Kraton MTB Lock-On
• Rotor: Shimano RT-10 Centerlock, 160mm Front and Rear
• Brake Lever: Shimano M365 Hydraulic
• Tyres: Vee Tire Co. Mission Tubeless Ready, 72TPI, Folding Bead
• Tube: Kenda 29 x 2.10 Presta
• Rims: Alex/Momsen DP21 Custom, Tubeless Ready, 32H
• Spokes: Stainless Butted, Brass Nipples
• Front Hub: Shimano RM35 Centerlock
• Rear Hub: Shimano RM35 Centerlock
• Chainwheel Set: Shimano MT-600 11 Speed, 36/26T, 175mm
• Chain: KMC 11-Speed
• Bottom Bracket: Shimano Outboard
• Pedals: MTB Platform, Alloy Cage
• Saddle: Momsen Custom
• Seatpost: Momsen Alloy, 31.6mm
• Seat Binder: Alloy Quick Release 34.9mm
• Shifters: Shimano M7000 SLX for 2 x 11 Speed
• Front Derailleur: Shimano M7000 SLX
• Rear Derailleur: Shimano M7000 SLX 11-Speed Shadow Plus Design / Clutch
• Cassette: Shimano M7000 11-Speed 11-42T
• Accessories: Rubber Chainstay Protector, Metal Headbadge, Owner’s Manual
• Weight: 12.90kg ( Medium )

 

Sola 2 (Can get 2018 model new for R14000)

 

·         Frame:29” butted 6061 aluminium, tapered 1-1/8” – 1.5” headtube, treaded bb, 135mm qr

·         Fork:rockshox recon silver rl 29″, 100mm travel, solo air, tapered alloy steerer, remote oneloc sprint,       qr15 dropout, post mount disc

·         Rims:wtb stp i19 29″, rim width : 19mm, 32 hole drilling, disc only, black anodized; pv drilled, pinned joint, tubeless compliant

·         Hubs: front : shimano deore hb-m618, centre lock, 15mm thru axle, old: 100mm, w/lock ring rear: shimano, centre lock disc mount, adjustable cup and cone angular contact bearings, cassette, black

·         Tyres:maxxis crossmark, 29” x 2.1, 60tpi

·         Stem:sector, 3d forged 6061 alloy, s/m: 80mm; l: 90mm; xl: 100mm 7° x dia 31.8mm, black

·         Handlebar:sector plane, 6061 double butted alloy, w: 700mm, back sweep: 9° x dia 31.8mm

·         Seatpost:sector level, alloy, dia 31.6mm, s/m: 350mm; l/xl: 400mm, black

·         Saddle:sector, cr-mo black rails

·         Brake set:shimano bl/br-m425, open hydraulic system, rotors front: 180mm; rear: 160mm, centre lock,

·         Shifters:shimano slx sl-m7000, w/optical display, 2×11, trigger, black

·         Front derailleur:shimano slx fd-m7025-11-h, dual pull, high clamp 34.9mm

·         Rear derailleur:shimano xt shadow tech plus rd-m8000, 11 speed, black

·         Cassette:shimano slx cs-m7000, 11 speed, 11-42t

·         Crankset:raceface aeffect sl, 38/28t, s: 170mm; 175mm all other sizes, black

·         Bottom bracket:raceface, bsa

 

[Petrobooysen]

Acc to this review Momsen wins.

http://www.bicycling.co.za/bikes-gear/budget-bike-reviews/6/

[bullet77]

There's not much difference between those bikes as far as components goes. The Momsen has the LSG design which has a more modern geometry and may be better suited to someone new to the sport.

 

They are both good bikes. Get the one which looks the best. 

[Petrobooysen]

There's not much difference between those bikes as far as components goes. The Momsen has the LSG design which has a more modern geometry and may be better suited to someone new to the sport.

 

They are both good bikes. Get the one which looks the best.

 

Cool, thanks for advice!

[Chingy182]

Lots of good deals right here on the hub to buy 2nd hand too.

 

I bought a Silverback Sprada 2  (dual suspension) a while ago for R15k on the hub, bike was virtually brand new and done less than 500km.

 

Browse the ads posted here in the classifieds and just search in Google for information on the bike posted for RRP and reviews, etc...

[Petrobooysen]

Is this is a good deal? For AL629 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/281668-momsen-al-629-xt-excellent-condition/

[dasilvarsa]

On your budget you could also look at 2018 Merida big 9 500 or 600 (Brand New)