Yet Another new bike advice thread

[g04tm4n]

Hi Everyone,

 

I am new to this forum, but have read a fair bit of the posts here and found them quite helpful. My girlfriend and myself have decided to start out with mountain biking. What follows will be purely for the bike that I am looking at purchasing, as choosing one for her seems to be a whole other story.

 

So after visiting a few bike shops this past weekend, some internet research, and reading many posts on here cluttered with jargon my noob brain cannot quite comprehend fully(yet), I would like to ask advice on the following.

 

Now I have read many posts that says you absolutely need an air shock, and others that say you should certainly look for the best derailleur based on your budget, and I have seen other comments mentioning XT, and also that the "XCR" air forks on entry level bikes are not great air forks.

 

I have so far narrowed my search down to silverback(not buying it because it is German, also not not buying it because it was South African now trying to be german....yes I ended up reading that thread as well). I simply like the way the bike looks and it seems to tick some boxes. My question is the following:

 

Between the Silverback spectra sport and the spectra comp, I can see some differences in the gears and derailleur. The latter seems to have the "XT", as well as it being  a 10 speed, where the sport has a 9 speed. Both of these come with either a rockshox coil fork, or a Suntour XCR air fork. The air fork pushes the price up a bit.

 

To shorten a very long introductory tale(I apologise), I would prefer to not spend more than about R8 000 on my first purchase. I can either get the Spectra sport with the air fork for that price, or the spectra comp with the seemingly better other components, but with a rockshox coil spring for a very small amount more.

 

Which one would I be better off with? You are all of course welcome to tell me that I am completely wrong, and I should rather buy a (insert your favourite brand here)...

 

Thank you

[Me rida my bicycle]

Had a look at those bikes and would go with the 2019 spectra comp air I know they little over R9k but the 2019 is a boost frame with Rockshox Judy air boost fork. Just my opinion control and ride quality will be better making it more fun which would make you ride more.

[V18]

If I had to start all over again, I would look hard at the classifieds again.

[g04tm4n]

Had a look at those bikes and would go with the 2019 spectra comp air I know they little over R9k but the 2019 is a boost frame with Rockshox Judy air boost fork. Just my opinion control and ride quality will be better making it more fun which would make you ride more.

 

Thank you for the advice. I guess going up by a little over R1 000 won't kill me. So I also found a 2018 Momsen AL229(new) that I could get for R8 500, would you still recommend going with the Spectra comp air instead of this? The spec for the Momsen seems pretty good, but based on some posts their aftersales service is not great.

 

here is the details for the momsen:

 

Frame Race Tech Two Alloy, Exclusive LSG Design, Integrated Toptube Box ( I.T.B )

Fork SR Suntour XCR32 Air, 100mm Travel, Rebound Adjust, Lockout

Headset Taper Integrated Type

Stem Alloy Forged Oversize 31.8mm, S ( 60mm ), 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 M315 Hydraulic

Tyres Vee Tire Co. Mission Tubeless Ready, 72TPI, Folding Bead

Tube Kenda 29 x 2.10 Presta

Rims Weinmann XM260, Alloy, Doublewall, Custom, 32H

Spokes Stainless Butted, Brass Nipples

Front Hub Shimano RM35 Centerlock

Rear Hub Shimano RM35 Centerlock

Chainwheel Set Shimano M3000 Acera 9 Speed, 40/30/22T, 175mm

Chain KMC 9-Speed

Bottom Bracket Cartridge Type

Pedals N/A

Saddle Momsen Custom

Seatpost Momsen Alloy, 31.6mm

Seat Binder Alloy Quick Release 34.9mm

Shifters Shimano M3000 Acera for 3 x 9 Speed

Front Derailleur Shimano M3000 Acera

Rear Derailleur Shimano M592 Deore Shadow Design

Cassette Shimano HG400-9 11-34T

Accessories Rubber Chainstay Protector, Metal Headbadge, Owner’s Manual

Weight 13.85kg ( Medium )

 

 

 

If I had to start all over again, I would look hard at the classifieds again.

 

Thank you for the suggestion. I will keep looking at the classifieds, but I am also a bit scared of buying used as I don't know enough yet to make an informed 2nd hand bike purchase. I could however, ask the seller to send the bike for a service at my expense to establish the condition.

[Me rida my bicycle]

Yes would still suggest the comp air 2X10 and Rockshox Air vs 3x9 and suntour. But the biggest difference is the new tech (boost) frame and fork everything is going that way.

 

This is if you want to buy new second hand you could also have a look and might find a bargain but if you don't know much about bikes take a buddy who does just to make sure you don't buy something that needs attention because that could be expensive.

[MarcBurger]

The Cannondales from makro might not be a terrible option if you can find one in your size. Just check out the makro cannondale thread.

Else, the classifieds are your friend here. New bikes aren't always as hassle-free as expected.

 

Just remember the remainder of your gear can cost a bit too. In case it hasn't been factored in.

A good pair of shorts and shoes can make or break your riding experience.

 

What sizes do you require?

[g04tm4n]

Yes would still suggest the comp air 2X10 and Rockshox Air vs 3x9 and suntour. But the biggest difference is the new tech (boost) frame and fork everything is going that way.

 

This is if you want to buy new second hand you could also have a look and might find a bargain but if you don't know much about bikes take a buddy who does just to make sure you don't buy something that needs attention because that could be expensive.

 

Thank you very much for the advice, I will keep looking around a bit.

 

The Cannondales from makro might not be a terrible option if you can find one in your size. Just check out the makro cannondale thread.

Else, the classifieds are your friend here. New bikes aren't always as hassle-free as expected.

 

Just remember the remainder of your gear can cost a bit too. In case it hasn't been factored in.

A good pair of shorts and shoes can make or break your riding experience.

 

What sizes do you require?

 

I have read through the makro cannondale thread, and based on the price I have considered getting one of them. The bike for myself would be a medium, but the other might need to be a small. I often get very up hung up about technical specifications when purchasing anything. As for my girlfriend, she just wants "a mountain bike". - I think the makro cannondale might work quite well for that "requirement".

[Robbie Stewart]

I bought my first bike after months of doing my "homework" and getting hung up on technical jargon and specs. In the end I picked up a Bergamont hard tail for a steal. It had 3x10, and a coil spring.

Today I ride a Specialized Camber, and I struggle to break some of the Strava PR's I set on that hard tail on the local single tracks around Tygerberg MTB club's trails.

 

My point is that it is not always about the equipment, more than what you end up doing with it that counts.

 

Get a reliable first bike that fits your budget, together with at least the best quality helmet you can afford to start off with, and progress from there. No need to get sucked in by all the sales pitches you will get thrown your way.

 

Coil vs Air forks should not be an issue if you are starting out on MTB. Groupsets are also not really the end of the world. What is "out-dated" today, was high end spec about 5 years ago, so don't sweat it.

 

And finally, welcome to an awesome adventure. You are going to love it.

 

p.s. (start saving NOW for your next want / need / must have bike)

[Alouette3]

There are some good deals to be had in the classifieds, just don't be in a rush. Some of the stuff is also just way overpriced.

 

Where are you based? Could always ask someone here to take a look at a bike with you.

 

If you want new, this is a good time of the year with all the new 2019 stuff coming out, you can get great deals on 2017-2018 old stock but top spec. Always chat to the sales man or the owner if he is around, there are often bikes in a back store room or an agent that has offered something. Bridge Cycles in CT is especially good at this and very quickly knocks off a couple grand from the price tag.

 

You on the right track with an air fork, then I would look at 10speed. Don't need XT, Deore SLX is perfectly and basically last years XT tech any way and there year befores XTR.

 

Those Suntour coil forks are crazy heavy. 2.4kg for the one on my GF's bike while a Reba air is 1.4kg!

[rudi-h]

so i don't know the bike in question, but some comments based on your initial post...

 

To me it all comes down to geometry, fork, weight, and groupset in that order.

 

Geometry...  I personally like slack geometry (i.e. head angle < 69 degrees) bikes with short stems and wide bars that kick up a little.  Makes me feel at home on the rough stuff and I love the way the bikes handle.  I was on a top end XC bike with a narrow flat bar the other day and I really did not enjoy the ride.  Not saying this is everyone's cup of tea, but at least ride different geometry bikes to make up your mind.

 

Forks...  Good forks cost $$$$, but try and get a best fork that you can afford from the get go

 

Weight...  A MTB becomes a drag if it weighs more than 13.5kg, so stay under this no matter what

 

Groupset...  Anything, but I'd opt out of the 3-chainring makro type of stuff.

 

I know you don't want to hear it, but rather increase your budget, especially if you know cycling is something that you would do in the long run.  You'd kick yourself if you spend bucks on a bike now just to realise in 6 months that you don't quite have what you wanted.

[g04tm4n]

Thank you all very much. This is really great advice. One thing I have sort of overlooked so far is the weight of the bike until it was mentioned now. I do quite like the idea of looking for 2017/2018 models, as this seems like a good value for money option.

 

@Robbie Stewart - "more than what you end up doing with it that counts" I think is a very good point.

 

@Aloutte3, At the moment I am based in PTA.

 

It seems to me that no matter what, once the "bug bites", I will end up spending a lot more on a new bike later on anyway(and I am okay with that, given that I do not lose my job due to a newly found MTB obsession), so I will for now patiently look for for the best value option and get riding.

[RobertWhitehead]

I've sent you a pm 

[GrahamS2]

Weight...  A MTB becomes a drag if it weighs more than 13.5kg, so stay under this no matter what

 

LOL. You forgot the comic text. 

[porqui]

Where are you based?

Do you have an idea of what type of riding you will do most - more or less.

At R8,5k I would definitely look at 2nd hand as you could pick up a better specced bike.

And as for the girlfriend make sure she does not have a lesser bike in fact she should have the better bike so as to make it easier.

The Makro Cannondale Trail 5 would be great for both of you - if you decided to upgrade later you would be able to get your money back.

[Robbie Stewart]

Another VERY WISE bit of advice.

Have Medical Insurance, for both you and the GF.

 

This is WAY more important than what bike you ride. Have that...!!!

 

Trust me on this. seriously. I have visited the ER 4 times in the last 36 months already.

[g04tm4n]

@Porqui - I am based in PTA at the moment. At first, just casual riding on any terrain we can find, for a couple of days/weeks, but I really want to do trail and/or XC. I have no intentions on getting her a lesser bike, but I figure she should go and try out a few and get what she feels most comfortable with, she won't care about this derrailleur over that one etc. I think I will go to my nearest makro to check out the cannondales also.

 

@Robbie Stewart, good advice thanks, we have medical insurance that should cover it, but I will double check the fine print.