New here

[Alicia Van De Meie]

Hi everyone, so I'm brand new to the idea of getting more active with cycling.  

I've been looking at buying my first bike, however there is so much information out there and I'm just confused.

 

Ideally I would like a Mountain Bike that can also be use for road cycling.  From what I can gather a mountain bike is heavier (?), but since I'm not planning on doing the TDF in the next year I think thats fine.

 

Any suggestions here for me on what bike could be good for a newbie looking to start off with some MTB trails and a little bit of road cycling?  Ideally I would like to stay below R8000 if that's possible for a decent bike that will be appropriate for the next two to three years.  

 

Thanks!

[Paddaman]

Best advice:  stay off the tar.

[Dexter-morgan]

First of all, Welcome to the HUB, check out the classifieds, make sure you get the correct size and do not forget protection(Helmet) and a semi decent Cycling shorts, I assume you are a lady, decent shorts will be money well spent.

[Jase619]

Best advice:  stay off the tar.

 

[tinmug]

Since I have not ventured close to a road bike in many decades I will comment only on the mountain bike side of the spectrum.

 

• Mountain bikes are HIGHLY versatile.
• Don't make the mistake of buying at the low end of the market then finding out a few weeks later that you want (and can actually afford) to levels up (I did, and trade-in values are extortionate).
• Brand A, with Components X, can cost less than Brand B with same components.
• Visit your nearest (good, large) bike shop.
• Above all, get a proper professional fitting when you buy a bike, even if you buy a used bicycle.

 

Save some money for shoes, shorts (and many, many other bits you never dreamt of owning   )

 

Above all enjoy the journey. 

[Spinnekop]

Best advice:  stay off the tar.

Can't disagree more.  

I digress.

 

 

Anyway.

 

Welcome to the Hub!

 

MTB would be a more versatile option.  

Decide what your mail goal is (94.7 or CTCT etc....the road bike or hybrid)(Just riding out in nature....MTB)(Joyning a "race" every now and again on the tar or on the veld....MTB)

 

You get the idea.

What's your mail reason for biking.  Get the appropriate bike.  

 

Enjoy the journey!

[Pure Savage]

Best advice:  stay off the tar.

Woah woah woah, well there is a lie.

 

Roadies are the best. 

 

do you like coffee?

[Alicia Van De Meie]

Thanks! Solid advice.  

Since I have not ventured close to a road bike in many decades I will comment only on the mountain bike side of the spectrum.

 

• Mountain bikes are HIGHLY versatile.
• Don't make the mistake of buying at the low end of the market then finding out a few weeks later that you want (and can actually afford) to levels up (I did, and trade-in values are extortionate).
• Brand A, with Components X, can cost less than Brand B with same components.
• Visit your nearest (good, large) bike shop.
• Above all, get a proper professional fitting when you buy a bike, even if you buy a used bicycle.

 

Save some money for shoes, shorts (and many, many other bits you never dreamt of owning   )

 

Above all enjoy the journey. 

[Alicia Van De Meie]

I'm definitely more interested in MTB, but I want to hit the road as well - hopefully only metaphorically.  

I have a little mini goal of training for my first multisport event.  

 

Can't disagree more.  

I digress.

 

 

Anyway.

 

Welcome to the Hub!

 

MTB would be a more versatile option.  

Decide what your mail goal is (94.7 or CTCT etc....the road bike or hybrid)(Just riding out in nature....MTB)(Joyning a "race" every now and again on the tar or on the veld....MTB)

You get the idea.

What's your mail reason for biking.  Get the appropriate bike.  

 

Enjoy the journey!

[Alicia Van De Meie]

Coffee is a food group on its  own  

Woah woah woah, well there is a lie.

 

Roadies are the best. 

 

do you like coffee?

[Dirkitech]

Hi everyone, so I'm brand new to the idea of getting more active with cycling.  

I've been looking at buying my first bike, however there is so much information out there and I'm just confused.

 

Ideally I would like a Mountain Bike that can also be use for road cycling.  From what I can gather a mountain bike is heavier (?), but since I'm not planning on doing the TDF in the next year I think thats fine.

 

Any suggestions here for me on what bike could be good for a newbie looking to start off with some MTB trails and a little bit of road cycling?  Ideally I would like to stay below R8000 if that's possible for a decent bike that will be appropriate for the next two to three years.  

 

Thanks!

Welcome to the wonderful world of cycling, Alicia  

 

Which city are you based and how far are you willing to travel? That will aid in suggesting relevant cycling trails.

 

You'll probably be getting a lot of personal experience opinions so here is mine-

 

A hardtail bike with decent front suspension (with a lock-out for use on road) would be a good suit. Whether you go with coil or air depends on maintenance costs really, but I really prefer my versatile air shock of coils.

Thin silicone grips should be fine for light mtb and road use mix, but as soon as some rough offroading gets involved, it can become painful on your hands. This will probably end up as a simple personal preference choice really.

As for the groupset, since you're not looking to race just yet, a good 2nd hand 2x10 speed bike should work well. 11 speed sets still cost more and the extra climbing gears aren't as useful on tar as on a rocky mountain.

Strictly speaking any MTB works on the road, but a hardtail mtb, with or without a front shock, will probably suit you better. The rear shock will just be a waste of lots of money in proper maintenance.

If you put cheap slicks or mtb tyres on your mtb you'll be fine on the road. I sometimes switch between CST Traveller slicks when riding only tar and Kenda Kadre knobblies when expecting some off road sections. I have a separate set of grippy knobblies I keep aside for races.

As for the weight- the heavier it is, the stronger you'll become! I started out on a 19kg bike with no suspension, now I ride a 10.5kg dual suspension with front and rear lockouts, but I still miss the hardtail some days.

Brand wise, like @Tinmug said, shouldn't sway your choice too much to begin with. The best groupset on the right size frame is better than an expensive racing frame that doesn't suit your riding style. If you find bikes you're interested in and post them here, you ought to get many good replies.

 

I think once you get into riding, you'll discover what you really want and need and also what works well for you personally.

 

Oh and please advise if any of the jargon is unclear!

May you have 10000's of happy km's!

[PhilipV]

Coffee is a food group on its own

You'll do fine here.

 

I'd recommend a 2nd hand mtb. But it's a potential minefield if you don't have someone to help you.

 

Look for a hardtail with air suspension (because they are easier adapted to the lighter weight of a lady rider) hydraulic disc brakes that is the right size for you. Size is very NB.

 

I would also recommend a good helmet, saddle that suits your body, and cycling pants.

 

I would most definitely very highly recommend you go for a skills lesson or two. Don't know where you live, but I'll recommend Joanna Dobinson from Biking in the Bosch in a heartbeat.

 

Oh and enjoy it. If the bug bites, you may not have money for drugs ever again.

[Alicia Van De Meie]

I'll look up Joanna when I'm all setup.  That's my neck of the woods.  Thanks!

You'll do fine here.

I'd recommend a 2nd hand mtb. But it's a potential minefield if you don't have someone to help you.

Look for a hardtail with air suspension (because they are easier adapted to the lighter weight of a lady rider) hydraulic disc brakes that is the right size for you. Size is very NB.

I would also recommend a good helmet, saddle that suits your body, and cycling pants.

I would most definitely very highly recommend you go for a skills lesson or two. Don't know where you live, but I'll recommend Joanna Dobinson from Biking in the Bosch in a heartbeat.

Oh and enjoy it. If the bug bites, you may not have money for drugs ever again.

[Alicia Van De Meie]

Thanks for all the info.   Sounds pretty spot on gear wise.  

I'm in Somerset West (Cape Town), so lots of trails there I believe, but as PhilipV mentions some skill lessons would be good.  

I've found a lot of trails out Hermanus way as well that sounds enjoyable along with a little canoeing on the Kleinriver - happy to travel a fair distance every now and then.

 

Welcome to the wonderful world of cycling, Alicia  

Which city are you based and how far are you willing to travel? That will aid in suggesting relevant cycling trails.

You'll probably be getting a lot of personal experience opinions so here is mine-

A hardtail bike with decent front suspension (with a lock-out for use on road) would be a good suit. Whether you go with coil or air depends on maintenance costs really, but I really prefer my versatile air shock of coils.
Thin silicone grips should be fine for light mtb and road use mix, but as soon as some rough offroading gets involved, it can become painful on your hands. This will probably end up as a simple personal preference choice really.
As for the groupset, since you're not looking to race just yet, a good 2nd hand 2x10 speed bike should work well. 11 speed sets still cost more and the extra climbing gears aren't as useful on tar as on a rocky mountain.
Strictly speaking any MTB works on the road, but a hardtail mtb, with or without a front shock, will probably suit you better. The rear shock will just be a waste of lots of money in proper maintenance.
If you put cheap slicks or mtb tyres on your mtb you'll be fine on the road. I sometimes switch between CST Traveller slicks when riding only tar and Kenda Kadre knobblies when expecting some off road sections. I have a separate set of grippy knobblies I keep aside for races.
As for the weight- the heavier it is, the stronger you'll become! I started out on a 19kg bike with no suspension, now I ride a 10.5kg dual suspension with front and rear lockouts, but I still miss the hardtail some days.
Brand wise, like @Tinmug said, shouldn't sway your choice too much to begin with. The best groupset on the right size frame is better than an expensive racing frame that doesn't suit your riding style. If you find bikes you're interested in and post them here, you ought to get many good replies.

I think once you get into riding, you'll discover what you really want and need and also what works well for you personally.

Oh and please advise if any of the jargon is unclear!
May you have 10000's of happy km's!

[ABrooks]

First off welcome to the Hub. all good advice that has been mentioned. I would just add that you should look at a mountain bike with 29-inch wheels seeing as you want to use it for road cycling as well. Look at an air fork and if you can get a 2x10 drivetrain, once again better in my opinion if you are going to use the bike on the road.

 

Most importantly is finding out what size frame you need. Lastly, remember to set out money for buy gear such as a helmet and cycling pants. Oh, and if you do find a second-hand bike, see if you can get someone who knows a thing or two to go with and just inspect the bike before buying, might save you some headaches in the future.

[PhilipV]

Thanks for all the info. Sounds pretty spot on gear wise.

I'm in Somerset West (Cape Town), so lots of trails there I believe, but as PhilipV mentions some skill lessons would be good.

I've found a lot of trails out Hermanus way as well that sounds enjoyable along with a little canoeing on the Kleinriver - happy to travel a fair distance every now and then.

We're in Somerset West as well.

The Wannabees (yes, that is the club's name) trails are perfect for riders starting out. Scenic meandering but easy rides through the vineyards. The club also has a lot of groups catering for all levels, so joining them isn't a bad idea.

Grabouw is one of my wife's favourites, oak Valley in particular, Wildekrans on Botrivier, Greyton and the Hemel en Aarde Valley Trails in Hermanus are all great.

Stellies has a myriad of options and the Tygerberg trails near Durbanville is also worth a mission.

 

If my Wifey wasn't pregnant I would have organized that you join her on a ride, but it's going to be a while before she rides again.