Another newbie question

[SSA]

Hi all

I am new to the biking scene, looking at buying my 1st bike, and not too sure if this is for me, I will buy used and hope for the best.

2 bikes I am looking at, see links below, could you guys comment on pros and cons, considering this is my 1st bike. Thanks

 

 

Please view these 2 ads:

 

Giant Revel 0 - Medium frame 26er with upgraded components. Deore, Rockshox,

https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-mountain-bikes/durbanville/giant-revel-0-%2B-medium-frame-26er-with-upgraded-components-deore-rockshox/1004191496970910255397509?utm_source=com.google.android.apps.docs&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

 

 

 

Please view this ad:

 

Giant Trance X 26er Med ,

https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-mountain-bikes/brackenfell/giant-trance-x-26er-med/1004173835320910075687009?utm_source=com.google.android.apps.docs&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

[RobertWhitehead]

Is there a reason why you're looking at 26ers other than maybe budget? 

[SSA]

Thanks for the reply. Budget, and probably also not knowing if theres that much difference between 26 and 29, should I rather look at 29?

[fanievb]

first bit of advice, be careful when dealing with scamtree 

 

use the bikehub classifieds

[JohanDiv]

You are only starting out now.. It doesn't matter if you ride a 26 or 29er. The only important thing is THAT YOU RIDE!

But, if you are going to keep on riding, you will probably want to upgrade in a few months or a year. Then it would be better to have a 29er as their resale value at the moment is better. You'll probably be stuck with the 26er for a bit longer if you try and sell it again.

 

BTW, if that's your only two options, I'd take the Trance X over the Revel.

[Dirkitech]

Thanks for the reply. Budget, and probably also not knowing if theres that much difference between 26 and 29, should I rather look at 29?

 

 

You are only starting out now.. It doesn't matter if you ride a 26 or 29er. The only important thing is THAT YOU RIDE!

But, if you are going to keep on riding, you will probably want to upgrade in a few months or a year. Then it would be better to have a 29er as their resale value at the moment is better. You'll probably be stuck with the 26er for a bit longer if you try and sell it again.

 

BTW, if that's your only two options, I'd take the Trance X over the Revel.

 

Welcome to Bikehub SSA.

 

The reason I quoted JohanDiv's post is to highlight the first part - at this point it doesn't matter too much what wheelsize you're getting if your aim is to get riding within your budget.

You will get a plethora of different opinions and there is a plethora of different things you could consider when buying second hand, but in the end, getting a bike that works, is safe and is fun si the point, right? For what it is worth, my first serious mountain bike was a 26" dual sus - I still use it 6 years later and have no intention of replacing it. The road bike has 29"/700c wheels, but for the mtb, meh, largely semantics in my opinion.

 

Regarding the 2 ads you shared - the one looks kind of alright, but neither are unbelievable deals. I've seen better here on the hub. A pro for buying from someone on the hub is you have access to a mob, torches at the ready, should the bike you buy not be what was advertised (or vice versa). Good luck with your search and may you enjoy every km!

[TyronLab]

Having recently been through this same process my advice would be:

• Don't be too stressed about the drivetrain (deraileurs, cassette etc.), especially if you're only testing the water. Don't buy Shimano Tourney, as it'll break pretty easily when you eventually do hit the deck, but above that the cost vs. performance benefit is negligible for your level.
• Buy a hardtail (i.e. a bike with just a suspension fork, no rear suspension). It's much cheaper to maintain and you'll spend more time riding than repairing.
• First thing to check is the fork. Try and squeeze in an air sprung fork not a coil fork as you'll run into its limits very quickly.
• Rather buy lower spec components that are in good shape than expensive components that have visible signs of wear.
• Try and stretch for a 29er. Finding spares (even just tyres) will be substantially easier than for a 26in bike.

[Dirkitech]

 

Having recently been through this same process my advice would be:

• Don't be too stressed about the drivetrain (deraileurs, cassette etc.), especially if you're only testing the water. Don't buy Shimano Tourney, as it'll break pretty easily when you eventually do hit the deck, but above that the cost vs. performance benefit is negligible for your level.
• Buy a hardtail (i.e. a bike with just a suspension fork, no rear suspension). It's much cheaper to maintain and you'll spend more time riding than repairing.
• First thing to check is the fork. Try and squeeze in an air sprung fork not a coil fork as you'll run into its limits very quickly.
• Rather buy lower spec components that are in good shape than expensive components that have visible signs of wear.
• Try and stretch for a 29er. Finding spares (even just tyres) will be substantially easier than for a 26in bike.

 

Agree with all the bolded... not sure where there is a shortage of spares for 26" bikes?

[DJR]

The TranceX in 26er version is an awesome bike. I still have 2 in the household (team DJR). I rode mine for about 5 years before passing it on to one of my sons. It did duty on anything from enduro, multi day stage races, dirt grinding, trail riding, you name it. It is light for a bike of its capabilities, nimble, pedals well uphill, stable and predictable. It is also pretty sturdy and not very prone to frames breaking. If the drivetrain, suspension likages, wheels and fork are in reasonable condition, I would go for it. 

 I then upgraded to a 27.5 version and some days still miss the 26er. 

[SSA]

Thanks guys for all the replies!

I didn't expect this many replies, appreaciate it.

 

I was also just looking at a hard tail, based on maintenance and cost of the bike, but I thought I found a dual Sus at a great price, so thought of taking it.

For me at the moment, based on a little research, air suspension is the only must have.

I'm in no hurry though,couldn't find much on the hub, so went to gumtree.

 

Thanks again

[SSA]

first bit of advice, be careful when dealing with scamtree

 

use the bikehub classifieds

Thanks man. I had a look at the hub, not finding much for around 7/8 k. If you guys know of something, please let me know, thanks

[rorydewet]

look at visiting www.bikemarket.co.za

Hi all
I am new to the biking scene, looking at buying my 1st bike, and not too sure if this is for me, I will buy used and hope for the best.
2 bikes I am looking at, see links below, could you guys comment on pros and cons, considering this is my 1st bike. Thanks


Please view these 2 ads:

Giant Revel 0 - Medium frame 26er with upgraded components. Deore, Rockshox,
https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-mountain-bikes/durbanville/giant-revel-0-%2B-medium-frame-26er-with-upgraded-components-deore-rockshox/1004191496970910255397509?utm_source=com.google.android.apps.docs&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android



Please view this ad:

Giant Trance X 26er Med ,
https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-mountain-bikes/brackenfell/giant-trance-x-26er-med/1004173835320910075687009?utm_source=com.google.android.apps.docs&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=socialbuttons&utm_content=app_android

[RobertWhitehead]

If you're just starting out and not sure if you're going to keep at it, my suggestion would be that you look at a relatively cheap bike (something under R7k) in relatively good nic and take it from there. No need to break the bank to try something new, but you also don't want to get something only to have to constantly fix it

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/346344-2012-schwinn-moab-elite-price-drop/ 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/346702-felt-nine70-29er-mountain-bike/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/344512-specialized-stumpjumper/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/346687-giant-animator-12/   (Only a joke)

 

Your other alternative would be to go to a bike park and rent a bike for the day. 

[SSA]

If you're just starting out and not sure if you're going to keep at it, my suggestion would be that you look at a relatively cheap bike (something under R7k) in relatively good nic and take it from there. No need to break the bank to try something new, but you also don't want to get something only to have to constantly fix it

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/346344-2012-schwinn-moab-elite-price-drop/ 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/346702-felt-nine70-29er-mountain-bike/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/344512-specialized-stumpjumper/

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/346687-giant-animator-12/   (Only a joke)

 

Your other alternative would be to go to a bike park and rent a bike for the day. 

 

Thanks, That last one is perfect.... for my 3 year old!

Will also look into the one in cape town.

 

 

[dasilvarsa]

29er

[SSA]

Guys, from the 2 bikes I mentioned in my initial post, what would a decent price be to pay?

Considering it is a 26er and will probably sell in a year or 2 , if I do decide to pursue the sport .

 

And what do I look out for if I go an view and test it out

 

Thanks