wa88 Posted February 12, 2019 Author Posted February 12, 2019 Thanks for all your inputs thus far. Generally, it appears that at this price point, it'd be preferable to get a higher spec hardtail. I'm 30 and relatively fit, so I don't think the time is right for a dual yet. I also believe that riding a HT for a few years could also be beneficial when possibly getting a dual in the future. Based on some of the replies, and what is available at bike-addict, the following appear to be good options, all around the R20k mark: 1) 2018 Scott Scale 940 : https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/sale/products/scott-scale-940-2019 2) 2019 Silverback Sola 1: https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/mtb/products/silverback-sola-1-2019 3) 2018 Momsen AL629: https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/momsen/products/momsen-al629-2019 4) 2019 Scott Scale 960: https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/mtb/products/scott-scale-960-2019 5) 2019 Merida Big Nine NX-Edition: https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/mtb/products/merida-big-nine-nx-edition-2019 These are ranked more or less in terms of preference, based on my limited knowledge, and without having ridden any of the bikes. I'm not limiting my choices to these 5 options, and will definitely check out the LBS as well before making any decisions. On paper there's obvious differences, for example groupsets ranging from 2x11 XT/SLX on the 2018 bikes, to NX and GX on the 2019's, Fox/Rockshox/Manitou forks, etc. Are any of these differences game changers, or does it come down to personal preference? Anything specifically to avoid?
pista Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 Nothing wrong with a HT if you doing shorter rides and no stage races.HT will also help develop your skills in the long run. https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/260046-steel-is-real-niner-mcr-9-for-sale/
BMXER Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 Simple, Shimano components get a tick.Sram crap gets a cross. Your list just got shorter. Thank me latter.
Hairy Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 fatty! Why? I ride a HT and have done 3 Epics, many W2W's and all sorts of other races. I would not change it for the world. In fact a few of those races were single speed to boot. I weigh 85 90kgs and have no issues whatsoever. Curious as to your thinking on this one?
Goodbadugly 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.A hardtail not suited for S2c?Ha ha.
ajnkzn Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 I'm very happy on my used Carbon Hardtail. Got a Spaz Epic HT and it's amazing for gravel, bit of road training and the normal single track riding I do. Maintenance is also very minimal. Very rocky terrain needs full suspension, otherwise HT all the way! Don't write off a used HT - because they're simpler they can be a less risky proposition and for R 20 k you can get a very tasty slightly used machine.
mrcg Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 Age old discussion with only one definitive answer: it is what you prefer. You will be riding it, know your skill and competency, what tracks you will ride and if you will compete in any events, and if so which kind/distance and your competitive nature.Having both in my arsenal, I still ride my dualsus way more as the Cape is rough, tough and rocky and I usually do marathon distances. The amount of effort on these distances is way higher, no matter how smooth you are, most notably when competing in an event.But again, it's your decision in distance you do, effort you put in etc. and just what you enjoy more. Of course budget is a factor as well as maintenance. But I look after my bikes so not that much difference in maintenance. Remember if you bash the HT around it will take a beating and wear components. There was a time when my HT needed lotsa TLC.Good luck in your choice
Rouxenator Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 Been riding HT since I started. My current bike (2014 Silverback Sola 1) has done more than 21,000km since I got it used in 2016. Very cheap to keep on the road, which is good since I commute to it on work everyday. So I'd say hard tail.
Wimmas Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 A hardtail not suited for S2c?Ha ha.Where did I say not suited? I just recommended a dual sus..... It's an opinion, get over it. To the OP, from your list, I'd go for the Scott Scale 940. If for some reason you can't get it due to stock etc, I'd go for the Silverback Sola 1 or get the Sola 2 and you can use the spare cash for a wheel upgrade. Good luck with your choice, whatever your choice I am sure you will enjoy the upgrade!
ChrisF Posted February 12, 2019 Posted February 12, 2019 ..... On paper there's obvious differences, for example groupsets ranging from 2x11 XT/SLX on the 2018 bikes, to NX and GX on the 2019's, Fox/Rockshox/Manitou forks, etc. Are any of these differences game changers, or does it come down to personal preference? Anything specifically to avoid? You should at least get an "air-shock" in the front in that price range. Meaning you would want a "shock-pump" (R600) at some point to fine tune the handling of the bike to your liking. Some of the more experienced riders may be able to give you some more pointers on this item ... Gearing .... 1x vs 2x (1 or 2 rings in the front) is a matter of treason, and people get shot for debating this ... yada yada ... I currently have a 1x on my MTB, and an old x3 on my commuter. The 1x is much easier to work with ... JA jaaaa, okay, the old riders operate the x2 systems in their sleep ! But when on a trail it really makes life a bit easier when you only need to deal with one shifter .... BUT, everything comes at a price .... top end speed vs climbing ... and this is where the fight normally start .... Many are HAPPY with the range of gears of a GX (10 to 50), and yet there are enough people groaning that they would want just that bit more range between top and bottom ..... Personally I would like just a "bit" more when riding on tar from my house to the trails ... on the trails I find the range perfect. Part of me wants to recommend a 2x, just because will then have the range, but I know I will buy 1x again .... GX (10 to 50) vs NX (11 to 50) .... the NX is the newer low price option from SRAM. There are couple of technical reasons I may go this route in the future ... BUT, the you loose 10% top end speed, OR you loose out some on the climbing side ..... Worth noting this is such a hot topic that a new 13 cogg setup is on its way .... gearing certainly aint in its final design just yet ..... I certainly would prefer a bike with a lockout lever for the shock .... SRAM vs Shimano .... Been using the later for most of my life, only recently went over to SRAM. HAPPY with both !! I have read some good feedback on BOTH, and I have seen unhappy clients from BOTH .... There are subtle differences in the braking systems (the feel of it), and I know some prefer the one over the other. Sure you will get more feedback regarding this, decide for yourself if you are riding at the level where these subtle differences will make a difference in your world. PLEASE, PLEASE consider going for a "bike fit" before spending your money !! Some of the shops will even make a bike available for you to go do a bike fit. And NO, the 15 year old casual at the shop cant do a bike fit for you !!!! And even the owner may just sell what he has in stock, rather providing proper advise .... Having lost more about R30k due to buying the wrong size bike, from a professional cyclist that owns a shop in Paarl, I am understandably pasionate about this topic. BEST is to go to somebody like Irma at Meerendal - https://irmfit.co.za/services/ - and get totally independent advise.
cpelser Posted February 13, 2019 Posted February 13, 2019 None of the options you listed. For R21k on a Sola 1 you get a RockShox Judy fork.... Seriously? That is terrible. Go second hand hardtail. You can get a proper brand proper spec carbon hardtail in your budget. What size do you need? Let us help you search.
ABrooks Posted February 13, 2019 Posted February 13, 2019 Of all the options listed the scott 940 is the best in my opinion, but I would also take a good hard look at the classifieds section, there are some good bikes on there. If you have change left, buy a Lyne or Rapide dropper post, probably the best single component upgrade you'll make.
Rouxenator Posted February 13, 2019 Posted February 13, 2019 Got my used Sola 1 for R9k kitted out with XT 2x10. After killing that it has since been a mix of Rapide and Sunrace 1x10 components. For those that have been around here a few year will know I cracked 3 GT frames and 3 Giant frames before getting the Silverback. Thus far I have not been able to crack it. The frame design is simply superior. No weak sports such as a top tube getting thinner towards the seat post.
wa88 Posted February 13, 2019 Author Posted February 13, 2019 I'll definitely consider a good 2nd hand option as well. My current ride has an XL frame, and it seems to be OK, but could probably be better. I'm 1.85 - according to most manufacturers' size guides I'm at the top end of L, but think some smaller XL's could also be ok? My concerns with buying 2nd hand is that:I'm not exactly spoiled for choice ito 2nd hand cycles where I live (Southern Cape), meaning I'll probably have to buy a bike with no chance of riding it prior to purchase. I'm not too sure what to look out for ito warning signs, although a reputable LBS or a someone in the area could probably have a good look at it for me.Going through the classifieds, I didn't look too much at bikes older than 2015. I plan on riding whatever I buy for at least 3-5 years, and am worried that components which are already 4-5 years old could give problems and require more maintenance/replacing sooner than when buying new. I'm aware of the advantages to carbon (lighter, more flex), but is it as durable? Keep in mind I will probably have a few crashes in the near future (I'm still getting used to riding with clipless peddals..) I'm also not sure whether at the level I'm riding, that I will even notice these advantages? Nevertheless, I came accross these three carbon options: https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/335458-carbon-ht-cube-reaction-gtc-upgraded/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/346636-cube-reaction-gtc-pro-carbon/ https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/335384-2014-niner-air-9-large/ Thoughts? I'm not too familiar with the brands? Taking all of this into account, are any of these 3 options better suited than the Scale 940 (2018) in the longterm? None of the options you listed. For R21k on a Sola 1 you get a RockShox Judy fork.... Seriously? That is terrible.Go second hand hardtail. You can get a proper brand proper spec carbon hardtail in your budget.What size do you need? Let us help you search.
Goodbadugly Posted February 13, 2019 Posted February 13, 2019 https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/344555-giant-xtc-hardtail-xl/
cpelser Posted February 13, 2019 Posted February 13, 2019 LOL, doubt he'd sell it but I'm building a new Turner Czar for my brother in law who lives in George. His current bike is a 2016 Rocky Mountain Vertex 990 XL - with his preferred 2x10 XT groupset, proper DT Swiss wheels, carbon SRAM crank, carbon handlebars, carbon seatpost etc. Maybe he can be swayed. We're a helpful bunch on he Hub, you'll find guys willing to have a look at bikes all over for you. Just ask!!
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