Need help choosing a new bike, please!!!

[ADIsaac]

Hello Everyone,

 

I need some help deciding on a decent entry level bike for me and my fiancé. Our riding will be mostly on tar and unpaved roads, with the occasional track (Modderfontein Reserve may be).

We have a budget of around R 7000 each and are looking at the following bikes:

 

- Titan Rogue Cruz 29er 2018

- Titan Rogue Calypso Nova 26” (For her)

- Silverback Stride 29 HD 9 2018

- Silverback Spectra Sport 29” 2017

- Silverback Spectra Comp 29” 2017

- SCOTT Aspect 960 29” 2017

- Momsen RX290 2018

- Momsen AL029 2018

 

If there are any other bikes that are better value for money and not on the list above, but in the price range, I’m all ears.

 

Your advise will be highly appreciated.

 

Thanks in advance

Alan

[Boerklong]

Momsen al029. Maybe check the classifieds for second hand bikes

[Eugene]

I'm not sure of the specs of each bike as there are too many to Google, however I am willing to bet that most of them will be very similar in quality and have a very similar spec level.

 

They are all respected brands and should all be more than competent to do what you want them to.

 

It boils down to looks. Which one looks and feels the best for you.

[keithbe]

You can also throw Specialized into the mix especially if there is a concept store near you -

2017 ROCKHOPPER 29

2017 ROCKHOPPER SPORT 29

 

At this price point, for all bikes on your list, components are standard entry level. These can be upgrated as and when needed -drive train, brakes, saddle / seat.

 

On the other hand a poor (build) quality frame and incorrect fit / sizing can only be changed if you buy a another bike.

 

Happy riding!

[Lurch the stalker]

I'm not sure on the specific bikes listed so don't take this is a fact, but, Silverback often have better value for money components to other brands.

[dasilvarsa]

Try to get a good second user bike with @ least a 2X10 or 3X10 or 3X9 drive train and a decent fork.

Some of the budget bikes 7 and 8 speeds do not have the gearing needed for Modders because of the steep climbs.

[cristian]

Hi more then the brand and within your budget this is what you need to look at to make the right choice:

1) start with front suspension and not front and rear suspension.

2) try to get a bike with fox suspension 32 or 34

3) frame: aluminium( not steel) or comp

4) disc brakes. Components shimano SLX or XT

5) 29r is ideal

 

You can find all this characteristics in a Merida entry level for Cross country and you will be happy.

Gears: try 1.x 11 or 1 x 12 or 2 x 10

Good luck

[Traveler]

Hi more then the brand and within your budget this is what you need to look at to make the right choice:

1) start with front suspension and not front and rear suspension.

2) try to get a bike with fox suspension 32 or 34

3) frame: aluminium( not steel) or comp

4) disc brakes. Components shimano SLX or XT

5) 29r is ideal

You can find all this characteristics in a Merida entry level for Cross country and you will be happy.

Gears: try 1.x 11 or 1 x 12 or 2 x 10

Good luck

You are not going to get an entry level Merida within the R7k budget new, and even less likely to see a 1x12 or 1x11 specced bike for R7k.

 

I doubt that Modderfontein cannot be ridden and enjoyed on any 29’er irrespective of the gearing.

 

 

My advice is close to what Eugene stated, they are close to each other. Titan & Silverback offer very good value for money offerings. Momsen, Spez, Trek, Scott, Fuji.... buy what you like and what you feel comfortable on.

 

Personally I’d start with Titan.... they build strong bikes with nice colour combinations.

 

IF you go over R10k you can add the Merida Big 9 300.