T-Bob Posted April 25, 2019 Posted April 25, 2019 But not for me. I'm happy with my ride. It's actually for my wife so she can ride with the kids and me. Nothing too stressful and to be honest it's going to be flat gravel routes around lower Tokai (where the horses go) and on the cycling paths in and around the southern burbs etc. I doubt it'll even go to tigerberm and by the time that happens it'll be time for an upgrade. You never know if the bug might bite for her. I tried to pass over my Dirt Jumper and she wasn't impressed at all, grabbed the Ripmo and peddled off after my kamikaze children saying 'oh, this is so much better'. So, I was thinking a hardtail and started looking then I started getting carried away because the low spec on bikes under R8K (even second hand) is pretty sad. Then N+1 kicked in. So I started thinking maybe she'd like a gravel bike that I could use... or a Cotic... or a different steel hooligan hardtail... or an Orange Crush / P7 or.. or... or... Nope. Stop. It's not needed. So, I backed it up and then decided some advice was needed. There are tons of Scales, Big Nines and all sorts of things in the marketplace but I don't know a thing about them, never rode them and don't have a clue on their 'rolling with the kids' chops. Doesn't have to be fancy but shouldn't be a dog and put her off riding for life. What would you guys n' gals suggest? Budget is about R8k max I'd guess for the use it'll get.
Beard Posted April 25, 2019 Posted April 25, 2019 My 2c really is for someone who is not looking to race or go extreme you just need a basic yet decent quality bike... doesnt need the latest or greatest components. If your wife is anything like mine then something like this would probably be great... Maybe neg on the price. https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/355031-specialized-jynx-ladies/ and then "most importantly" take the spare change and let her customise it... colour matching esi grips & coloured flats and whatever else she might like to make her love the look of the bike. If the bug bites either then upgrade the bike or components. For a beginner and especially if she is anything like my wife, a lot of the time the look of the bike is way more important than the spec sheet.
popcorn_skollie Posted April 25, 2019 Posted April 25, 2019 Having been in the same boat I would advise that you rethink your n+1 option. Especially if you guys are the same size. My wife moaned and moaned about me getting around to building her bike. Only for her to take it out twice for the year. Even my toddler outpaces her on his little push bike and she feels as if its easier for her to keep a watchful eye on them if she doesn't have to divide her attention between where the 4 year old has disappeared to and making sure her bike is in the right gear. Now granted my kids are still quite young and her riding experience would probably be more rewarding if she didn't have to mama bear with the eye of sauron. So advice on choosing the right frame then.A light, relaxed geo hardtail with a good standover. Probably in the 120mm range. Components in order of importance. Saddle, saddle, saddle. Then just a reliable and simple,1x drivetrain. Shimano preferably so she can decide if shes more comfortable shifting with thumb or index finger. Everything about the bike needs to be comfortable and easy. Racy bikes may tick the right boxes in weight category but they're not always the most comfortable.
T-Bob Posted April 25, 2019 Author Posted April 25, 2019 My 2c really is for someone who is not looking to race or go extreme you just need a basic yet decent quality bike... doesnt need the latest or greatest components. If your wife is anything like mine then something like this would probably be great... Maybe neg on the price. https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/355031-specialized-jynx-ladies/ and then "most importantly" take the spare change and let her customise it... colour matching esi grips & coloured flats and whatever else she might like to make her love the look of the bike. If the bug bites either then upgrade the bike or components. For a beginner and especially if she is anything like my wife, a lot of the time the look of the bike is way more important than the spec sheet. That is a pretty good option. Not going to be some thing I'm going to 'borrow' but looks like it will do for now as half of her 'riding' will prolly be carrying a kids bike, pushing hers and encouraging the bin lid to get to the car!
T-Bob Posted April 25, 2019 Author Posted April 25, 2019 This has come up as a pretty good option for the upper end + a bit but seems to be something that will last and I can 'borrow'. https://silverbacklab.com/product/slade-comp-3/ Even has a cheeky little dropper post thrown in for good luck!
WaynejG Posted April 25, 2019 Posted April 25, 2019 This has come up as a pretty good option for the upper end + a bit but seems to be something that will last and I can 'borrow'. https://silverbacklab.com/product/slade-comp-3/ Even has a cheeky little dropper post thrown in for good luck!That is a fine looking ride.
popcorn_skollie Posted April 25, 2019 Posted April 25, 2019 This has come up as a pretty good option for the upper end + a bit but seems to be something that will last and I can 'borrow'. https://silverbacklab.com/product/slade-comp-3/ Even has a cheeky little dropper post thrown in for good luck! Great option. It was always gonna cost more than your initial budget anyways.Take her for a demo if possible.
T-Bob Posted April 25, 2019 Author Posted April 25, 2019 Great option. It was always gonna cost more than your initial budget anyways.Take her for a demo if possible. When you say 'her' do you mean wifey or the bike?
popcorn_skollie Posted April 25, 2019 Posted April 25, 2019 When you say 'her' do you mean wifey or the bike? Well I meant the bike assuming you knew that you should probably take your wife along! But just so we clear. Take wife. Demo bike.
T-Bob Posted April 25, 2019 Author Posted April 25, 2019 Well I meant the bike assuming you knew that you should probably take your wife along! But just so we clear. Take wife. Demo bike. Err.. yeah. I totally knew that. For sure. Of course.
porqui Posted April 25, 2019 Posted April 25, 2019 https://www.cwcycles.co.za/product/silverback-bike-mtb-29-spectra-comp-se
NC_lurker Posted April 25, 2019 Posted April 25, 2019 There's always the option of finding a nice lightweight carbon 26er hard tail... For what it sounds like she'll be using it for, having a light bike will definitely outweigh the 26 vs 29 wheelsize issue. Much easier for her to put into/onto the car etc.
DuncanCT Posted April 25, 2019 Posted April 25, 2019 Not sure what her skill levels are like but a couple of things to consider... 1x obviously great for ease of us. 3x can be a dog show explaining chain cross / gear selection / front rear combinations. Saying that it's hard to find cheap 1x hardtails. Also dropper post has alternate use of helping the rider putting their feet on the ground while still on the saddle, feeling safer and more under control. Other option is just to drop the saddle height of a fixed post below 'optimum' pedaling height. Disclaimer - Personal Opinion: Also be careful of the Slade's steep seat tube angle, if you are not going to be climbing steep stuff there is no point in pushing her center of gravity forward.
Wayne pudding Mol Posted April 26, 2019 Posted April 26, 2019 Having been in the same boat I would advise that you rethink your n+1 option. Especially if you guys are the same size. My wife moaned and moaned about me getting around to building her bike. Only for her to take it out twice for the year. Even my toddler outpaces her on his little push bike and she feels as if its easier for her to keep a watchful eye on them if she doesn't have to divide her attention between where the 4 year old has disappeared to and making sure her bike is in the right gear. Now granted my kids are still quite young and her riding experience would probably be more rewarding if she didn't have to mama bear with the eye of sauron. So advice on choosing the right frame then.A light, relaxed geo hardtail with a good standover. Probably in the 120mm range. Components in order of importance. Saddle, saddle, saddle. Then just a reliable and simple,1x drivetrain. Shimano preferably so she can decide if shes more comfortable shifting with thumb or index finger. Everything about the bike needs to be comfortable and easy. Racy bikes may tick the right boxes in weight category but they're not always the most comfortable.I'm going to second this N+1 story - Fact is you need a new bike that your wife is going to use once or twice - if the bug bites then so be it and you lose your new bike.I tried to involve my better half - complained the gears were confusing, so dug deeper and went 1x11 on a well priced second hand set. "the roads are bumpy, I want a bike with a basket" So her friend got a lovely well specced Momsen with less than 40km for half price and a free 1x. Bike with basket has been in garage for 3 years, only been to the shops once and that was by me.Make sure you need "her" bike
T-Bob Posted April 26, 2019 Author Posted April 26, 2019 Make sure you need "her" bike Made my morning!
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.