wa88 Posted February 11, 2019 Posted February 11, 2019 I've been riding an older, entry level 29" hardtail for a while (alivio components, coil fork, etc), to find out if I enjoy cycling - needless to say, the bug has bitten hard. This has inevitably lead to a serious "gatjeuk" for an upgrade... I'm sure any bike with a more modern frame and better components will make a huge difference, but the question I'm faced with, is where to from here? My budget is around R 15 - R 20k, and I'd want something capable and reliable that I'd be happy to ride for a few years. On the one hand are a number of new hardtail options. For example, the 2019 Scott Scale 960 is around R 20k. Bike Addict has a 2018 Scale 940 on special for +- R21k (am I wrong in thinking that this is a very good deal? The 2019 model is close to R 30k!). On the other hand, a 2nd hand dual suspension bike could be the answer... After a quick scan through the hub's classifieds, some potential options are a 2014 Giant Anthem X or a 2015 Scott Spark 950 for example. I ride a variety of different routes, ranging from single track to gravel district roads, and would prefer something versatile. I'm still learning new things with each ride, but don't want to make an ill-informed decision at this point in time. I'm not planning on riding anything crazy like the Epic with whatever I buy, but would like to have the option of doing something like the Karoo to Coast at some point in time. I'm not particularly partial to a specific brand. I know there are very obvious benefits to a dual suspension, ito ride comfort, grip, etc., but then again they require more maintenance, and there is obviously risk involved in going 2nd hand... Any advice/inputs/suggestions are appreciated.
scuzzy Posted February 11, 2019 Posted February 11, 2019 Hello, I was faced with a similar decision when I went the 29'er route, way back. Budget was a concern at the time and I decided to go for a proper hardtail bike, 2nd hand at the time, carbon and light. My thought process was, what kind of riding do I do, I won't do the Epic either. I came to the conclusion that at the time, I do ride on the road to where ever I want to be, 3/4/5 hour rides, from the North to Jonkershoek, ride there and back, Tygerberg trails on this side of the world. I came to the conclusion that on a long ride, of the 4 hours, 30-60mins might be on single track, and the single tracks are so manicured that I honestly do not need full suspension for that. The hardest race I've done on the HT was probably the Tankwa Trek, and I cannot say that I regretted my decision. Having said all of this, you probably need to be fitter on a HT than on a FS, no relaxed Sunday rides on single track. Also, I did decide if I go HT, it must be carbon, as theoretically it will absorb some of the vibration. I still love my bike, even though I do not get to ride it that often any more. Maintenance is minimal, I think with the money my mates have spent on pivot service and replacement, I could have bought another bike. This is my 10c, it does come down to what you want to do to.
ChrisF Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 I LOVE my dual sus ..... Yet a (much younger) buddy has an older hardtail and does litterally thousands more kilometers than me each year .... he is doing the Trans Baviaans this year with his hardtail. So if it is a matter of "comfort" - heck yes, full sus all the way But there simply is nothing wrong with a hardtail. PS - that SCOTT is damn good value for money !! And YES, all brands sell last years models dirt cheap, as bike buyers are the biggest bunch of juppies you will find outside of a gold-store ... By end 2018 the R50k Scott Spark 940 was selling for R36k ....
ABrooks Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 If budget is a concern for you, take the maintenance of a dual-sus into account, pivots need to be serviced and an additional rear shock require service as well. I went from a hardtail to a dual-suspension bike a while back and while it is more comfortable and a bit more confidence inspiring on the trails, I am not much faster on it. If it was my money I would go for a carbon hardtail or high-specced alu version hardtail.
Fruity Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 I've always seen it as - hardtail for going faster up the hills, dual sus for comfort and for going faster down the hills. Well that's what I experienced in my years of riding, then again, I only had one dually.
DieselnDust Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 I've been riding an older, entry level 29" hardtail for a while (alivio components, coil fork, etc), to find out if I enjoy cycling - needless to say, the bug has bitten hard. This has inevitably lead to a serious "gatjeuk" for an upgrade... I'm sure any bike with a more modern frame and better components will make a huge difference, but the question I'm faced with, is where to from here? My budget is around R 15 - R 20k, and I'd want something capable and reliable that I'd be happy to ride for a few years. On the one hand are a number of new hardtail options. For example, the 2019 Scott Scale 960 is around R 20k. Bike Addict has a 2018 Scale 940 on special for +- R21k (am I wrong in thinking that this is a very good deal? The 2019 model is close to R 30k!). On the other hand, a 2nd hand dual suspension bike could be the answer... After a quick scan through the hub's classifieds, some potential options are a 2014 Giant Anthem X or a 2015 Scott Spark 950 for example. I ride a variety of different routes, ranging from single track to gravel district roads, and would prefer something versatile. I'm still learning new things with each ride, but don't want to make an ill-informed decision at this point in time. I'm not planning on riding anything crazy like the Epic with whatever I buy, but would like to have the option of doing something like the Karoo to Coast at some point in time. I'm not particularly partial to a specific brand. I know there are very obvious benefits to a dual suspension, ito ride comfort, grip, etc., but then again they require more maintenance, and there is obviously risk involved in going 2nd hand... Any advice/inputs/suggestions are appreciated. My 2p is that although a Full susser is potentially more capable it comes at higher cost, weight and increased maintenance. I rode a Hardtail for years and years before I bought a Full susser.Now I want a hardtail again. There just isn't a better bike to really hone your skills and develop trail free than on a hardtail.The Scott and Giant options in your price range offer superb value for money but don't forget about GT either. The ZASKAR ELITE or KARAKORAM ELITE are superb machines with geometry that lends itself to having fun. If you buy 2nd hand full susser do your homework and inspect thoroughly before you buy. Take a knowledgeable friend with you to inspect before handing over any cash
Warthog Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 The Scott and Giant options in your price range offer superb value for money but don't forget about GT either. The ZASKAR ELITE or KARAKORAM ELITE are superb machines with geometry that lends itself to having fun. Who are the agents for GT in SA? I battle to find them...
JK7 Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 General consensus from when I was in your position:You hone your skills more on a HT when learning to rideFull sus doesn't makes you a faster rider. Maintenance on HT is (much) cheaper Full sus a lot more comfortable, but that doesn't mean a h/tail uncomfortable. As people mentioned above, plenty still do stage races in them. Component wise, you usually get more bang for buck on a HT. Generally the components on a full sus are cheaper to compensate for the price of the 2nd shock. Even if you go second hand. Scott is a good option. Also check out Momsen too at that price range, and compare the components: https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/momsen/products/momsen-al629-2019 Full disclosure: I went H/tail and have never ridden a full sus, but the above is the conclusion I got to after many hours of chatting to many people. You get the odd outlier who says differently to the above, but 80/20 rule. Enjoy!
DieselnDust Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 Who are the agents for GT in SA? I battle to find them...Omnico.co.za
Hairy Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 If you are "finding" yourself still RE the kind of riding you are doing and what kind of "feel" you want from a bike, and given the type of ring you described, then I would recommend buying the best spec'ed hardtail you can. Ride this bike, ride it alot and then over the time decide what kind of a biker you really are. Should you want to then upgrade to a dually later on, you can always sell your HT frame and buy a duallie frame second hand. This would be the most economical way to approach it in my mind. While you are riding your HT, read lots of reviews, chat to other riders and try and get on demo bikes when the opportunity arises, so that should the time come to buy a duallie you can then make an informed decision based on your personal needs and preferences. Whatever you do, HT or Duallie, the improvement in ride over your current bicycle will be huge, Best wishes, and take / post pics of the bike you decide on!
Wimmas Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 Just my 2c: If you are going to do stage races like Sani2c etc I would recommend a dual sus. I own the 2018 Scott Scale 960. It's not a bad bike, I just dislike the standard rims and tyres. I have 300km on the clock and my one front spoke is bent, and the thin rims feels "loose", so I am shortly going to upgrade. What else I dislike is that it's QR and non-boost which is sort of outdated. Does not bother me that much. Other than that it is a lovely bike. I also got mine new at R13.7k on special. If I had to choose a HT at R20k, I would go for the Silverback Sola 1, or a Sola 2 and upgrade the rims immediately with a set of Lyne Pulse 30.
DieselnDust Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 Thanksalso check obike.co.za Its their direct to consumer online outlet store
Skubarra Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 If you are going to do stage races like Sani2c etc I would recommend a dual sus. I certainly don't agree with that. HT is fine for most stage races When I was in the OP's position I opted for the HT and it worked out perfectly fine. What I would add that few years down the line you will eventually come to a point where you would want that full suspension, but then it is also nice if you can keep the old hardtail and have the option to use either.
Vetplant Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 Got my first Dual Susser a year ago, very happy with my choice, 2nd-hand Giant Anthem. Don't care if I would have been 2mins faster on a hardtail over a 40km cruise on the weekend, whereas comfort and control on descents is what is important to me. 2nd hand dual susser gets my vote...
BMXER Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 For years I had a dual and a HT in my fleet. After 2 years I called up the distance on my Garmin and found the HT did 3 times more distance. Now I own one mtb, a top end HT. A dual costs more and needs more maintenance. A HT is simple and fun. I have raced some of the toughest events in SA and always been 100% happy on my HT. That been said, years of BMX racing means I am smooth on a bike and able to clear most obstacles.
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