Help with buying a new Bike since High School

[Transformer09]

Hi all,

 

So I'm new here and hope to be here for a while Long story short, I stopped riding around 2007 and want to get back on the bike.

 

Used to be a road fan but going for a mountain bike this time. Need help as I've lost track of "decent" vs "great" specs on bikes and which ones are worth your money (frame, shock, tires ect ect).

 

Budget is around 15k for the bike alone... Looking for a 29er, preferably a hard tail (I have no idea how a full suspension is and if I rather should consider one?)

 

I'm around 177cm @105kg at the moment. 

 

Currently looking at 3 options and would like to know which one has the best specs or which one will be the best value for money.

 

- Silverback Sola 2 (2018)

- Scott Scale 970 (2018)

- Giant Fathom 2 (2018)

 

If there are any other options, please include them in your HONEST opinions and not because you simply like the "brand"

 

I will go to a local bike shop for more advice before I buy, just like to see what you guys think about the above.

 

Thanks

Johann

[Pedal Maniac]

Hi Johann

 

This is what i think:

 

What do you want to do with the bike? Enduro/trails/xc or just ride around the block?

 

To spend 15k on a hardtail you should seriously be considering racing of some sorts?

You will get a reasonably good groupset on a hardtail in that price range with an air-shock. 

 

or

 

Most people start with a hardtail and upgrade to a dual suspension bike after a year or two. You need to consider if you are the type of person who will upgrade later. Will you have the money later on? I would rather spend a few more bucks and get a dual suspension bike around 20k. 

 

Back to hardtail.

 

If you buy a hardtail for say 10k you will have enough money for all sorts of kit(helmet/bottle cage/lights/saddle bag/spare tube/puncture kit/ pump) and you might be able convert tires to tubeless. First get fit and upgrade your groupset when ever it gets worn out. I did not check the prices of bikes but you should be able to do this with a Giant talon, merida big nine 300.

 

 

There is nothing wrong with the bikes you mentioned. 

 

Regards

Jacques

[Boerklong]

Maybe look at a 2nd hand bike. Some great deals in the classifieds.

You will save some bucks and be able to buy some good quality apparel.

[Eddy Gordo]

I would suggest possibly get a short travel dual suspension. Will be easier on the back. Unless of course you like the gravity side of things then maybe a trail bike.

There are some good second hand options available.

But it all depends what kind of riding you will be doing. Maybe go test ride some bikes, see what you like, hardtail vs dual vs 29er vs 27.5

[Transformer09]

I would suggest possibly get a short travel dual suspension. Will be easier on the back. Unless of course you like the gravity side of things then maybe a trail bike.

There are some good second hand options available.

But it all depends what kind of riding you will be doing. Maybe go test ride some bikes, see what you like, hardtail vs dual vs 29er vs 27.5

 

Yeah everyone seems to ask me what type of riding will I be doing. Well just the odd ride on the local gravel roads in my area and some trails near Saasveld ect. I want to do fun rides on weekends with friends and a nice Mountain bike Comp in the area here in there.

 

Im not going to jump rocks and cliffs and do all the extreme stuff. Just normal Mountain Biking if that makes sense. 

 

I actually have no idea what bike to get. The only reason why I am going for a hardtail is the fact that they are cheaper. 

 

Prefer to buy myself a new one. Going to stick with 29er as my one friend told me so. I dont even know what a "short travel dual suspension" is...

 

Like I said, this is the first time since 2007 that I am going to buy a bike so I have no idea what type of bike to get... 

[scotty]

Type of riding you plan doing the HT should be fine, looking at your bikes listed the Silverback would get my nod, it's well specked and Silverback have excellent warranty and backup. 

[Chingy182]

Im not going to jump rocks and cliffs and do all the extreme stuff. Just normal Mountain Biking if that makes sense. 

 

Ha!! Famous last words.

I believe I uttered those exact same words once upon a time.

 

Some epic trails at Saasveld and some serious fun at Witfontein, although there I'd recommend a dual suspension if you love your bum...

 

At your budget you can actually afford a decent dual suspension 2nd hand bike on the hub or mtb buy/sell group on Facebook, etc. or a Carbon hardtail.

 

Speak to some of the local cyclists in George. 

Plenty of them to help you out.

[Eddy Gordo]

Normal mountain biking consists of rocky trail, plenty of single track, some hectic and not so hectic technical bits with jumps, drops thrown in between.

Riding a gravel road, is CX bike territory.

[Transformer09]

Thanks for all the help so far guys. Will be looking to save up a little bit more for a dual suspension. Will also go the local bike shops to listen what they have to say. 

[Eddy Gordo]

Get to test ride the bikes. That way you will quickly know what you like.

[Transformer09]

Any suggestions for a entry level dual suspension bike? Preferably one with good parts

[Eddy Gordo]

Any suggestions for a entry level dual suspension bike? Preferably one with good parts

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/175645-xctrail-bike/?p=3312329

[Chingy182]

Any suggestions for a entry level dual suspension bike? Preferably one with good parts

Silverback make good bang for your buck bikes in my opinion and you'll be able to get something brand new around the R20k mark perhaps on a deal.

[Transformer09]

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/175645-xctrail-bike/?p=3312329

 

Um this takes me to a post where guys speak about a 35k budget... Nope lol. Im looking for a entry level dual suspension.

 

I'm also looking to buy new, not second hand.

 

If I cant find a decent dual suspension for 20k then Im going to buy a hardtail for now and upgrade in a year or two. After all its been 9 years since a proper bike ride, so need to get used to it again. Over 20k is just not an option at the moment. 

[Pedal Maniac]

Sorry i do not advertise for anyone. 

 

This is a good start:

 

http://cyclelab.com/cannondale-rush-2-29-mountain-bike/

[Odinson]

Um this takes me to a post where guys speak about a 35k budget... Nope lol. Im looking for a entry level dual suspension.

 

I'm also looking to buy new, not second hand.

 

If I cant find a decent dual suspension for 20k then Im going to buy a hardtail for now and upgrade in a year or two. After all its been 9 years since a proper bike ride, so need to get used to it again. Over 20k is just not an option at the moment. 

 

Rather a good hardtail than a bad full suspension bike. 

 

Find a good hardtail. A slightly more aggressive hardtail would be a good bike to get back on the trails with, although they aren't that common in SA.