Giant XTC Advanced SL Composite frame vs Buying Entry Level Bike

[River]

I'm just getting into the hobby with very little experience and knowledge. Your guys thoughts and advice would be very much appreciated at this point as I'm not really sure what I'm doing with regards to gear choice etc. Thanks in advance to any sages who can help figure this out!

 

So I'm looking to get my first bike and am torn between buying an entry level for around 9k such as the Momsen AL129 (I hear good things about it at the price point) or buying a Giant XTC Advanced SL Composite frame 2013 model for R6500 and just adding the components I need myself. The XTC comes with a BB, seatpost and headset.

 

Do you guys think R6500 for the frame is a good price? I would think long term it would be a good idea to invest in a good frame and just upgrade the other components as i progress through the hobby. 

 

Is it a well regarded frame in general and would i noticed a big difference using this frame and dropping another 5k or so on parts vs just buying a prebuilt for around the same price? Also is it realistic to expect to get the rest of the kit needed (decent parts) for only 5k?

 

Cheers!

 

[Eugene]

Giant is up there with the best of the best, but depending on the condition of the frame, it is probably a good buy.

 

You'll get way for R5k for everything else if you shop around for used parts. The problem is compatibility. As a novice, you are going to need someone with tech knowledge to help you select the used parts as they may not be compatible with the frame or the other parts you buy.

 

If it was my money, I would go new. You have the peace of mind of a warranty and you know the bike will be set up correctly for you.

[River]

Giant is up there with the best of the best, but depending on the condition of the frame, it is probably a good buy.

 

You'll get way for R5k for everything else if you shop around for used parts. The problem is compatibility. As a novice, you are going to need someone with tech knowledge to help you select the used parts as they may not be compatible with the frame or the other parts you buy.

 

If it was my money, I would go new. You have the peace of mind of a warranty and you know the bike will be set up correctly for you.

 

I can see your logic with regards to just buying a new bike, but getting a carbon frame at such a price seems really appealing to me.

 

Do you have any recommendation for a new entry level at around the 10k mark? 

 

Also are there serious advantages to carbon over Alu other than weight? Apparently they also help dampen vibrations and absorb shocks better than Alu providing a smoother ride.  

[matthieup]

I would personally look for a good alu 2nd hand. that way you're set to go immediately amd you have the luxury to upgrade parts as you go along 1 by 1 with being able to carry on riding, as opposed to having to buy all budget parts to get the frame ready to ride quickly. Also as you start riding you'll get a feel for what you want to upgrade and adapt it to the type if riding you enjoy

[Eugene]

I can see your logic with regards to just buying a new bike, but getting a carbon frame at such a price seems really appealing to me.

 

Do you have any recommendation for a new entry level at around the 10k mark?

 

Also are there serious advantages to carbon over Alu other than weight? Apparently they also help dampen vibrations and absorb shocks better than Alu providing a smoother ride.

My personal opinion, the benefits of carbon on a mtb are negated. Yes, it does dampen vibrations and give a smoother ride, but mtbs have big, low volume tyres and suspension forks that do that for you. Others may disagree with me.

 

It all boils down to your personal preference, if you want a carbon frame, then go for the Giant. You'll feel better on something you like than something that is practical.