Budget mtb

[Traveler]

Maybe....... https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-malt-mountain-bike-frame-rockshox-revelation-forks-2018-115006.html

[V18]

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/370778-bergamont-revox-carbon/

[Tristan6]

I went and had a look at the bike and the frame. It seems to be a very nice bike but something does not seem right. I can't seem tp find any real info on the bike. The head angle says 70.4 degrees, but it does not look like it. The supplier also seems to be in the UK. So shipping might be quite expensive.

 

Do you guys have any advice?

Maybe....... https://www.merlincycles.com/merlin-malt-mountain-bike-frame-rockshox-revelation-forks-2018-115006.html

[RobertWhitehead]

Hey Tristan

 

If you already have a set of Cobalts (I also ride Cobalt and love them) then I would suggest you look at an entry level or mid market 650B and slap the Cobalts onto their. I mean the Cobalts come with the adapters to go QR or Thru Axle o that won't really matter too much. 

 

The other alternative will be to sell the Cobalts and increase your budget. 

 

I do not think you're an XL frame, I think you're a L but here's a link of a fairly accurate calculator: https://www.competitivecyclist.com/Store/catalog/fitCalculatorBike.jsp#results

 

If you have long arms the Silverback will work nicely as the top tube is nice and long but, with a long top tube comes a shorter seat tube and you'll find that you have to increase the height of the seat post quite a bit to get a proper fit. 

 

This will increase your center of gravity and make you feel slightly disconnected from the bike (Top heavy).

(This is just my view and is based off my experience with a Silverback in the past) - I'm 1,90cm tall. 

 

Maybe look at something like this one below and slap the Cobalts on here:

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/366806-amazing-condition-new-parts-great-dealbargain/

 

I would also suggest looking at one of the following brands as well: GT, Trek, Giant. 

 

If you want to consider build I can give you some tips to ensure that you don't buy something that doesn't fit together: 

 

First purchase needs to be a frame then: 

 

• Frame
• Fork needs to match the steerer, if the frame has a straight steerer then the fork needs to match, same with tapered - the headset bearings are quite easy to find from a Bike shop if they're not included in your purchase
• BB - again, this can be easily be purchased at a bike shop and they can fit it for you if you take the frame to them. This does come with the frame from time to time
• Crank, this fits into the BB, so you need to get the BB code if you do not know what it is. Again, the bike shop / friend who knows his stuff will be able to assist
• Wheels, you already have a set so not too much to worry about here. This will probably include tires and possibly cassette. 
• Groupset - here you'll need to decide what you want, ss, 1x9, 1x10, 1x11, 1x12, 2x10, 2x11 etc etc. Just bear in mind that you will not be able to go to a 12 speed on the Cobalts without having to change the hub. This can be pricey
• Handlebars, stem, seatpost, saddle, pedals, bottle cage, grips are all preference and can easily be changed as time goes by. It's also preference, how wide do you want to go, how short do you want to go with the stem etc etc. 
• Brakes & rotors are also preference and the brakes normally come with mineral oil and hoses so you can just fit them. 

That's the most important "pit-falls" most guys step into but I would not be too afraid to give it a shot. But if you're uncertain feel free to send me a PM to help you out 

 

 

The reason I decided on 130mm or more is because I am more interested in riding the rough and tecky as opposed to XC.

Wheel size is not that much of a concern for me but because of what I want to ride, I believe 27.5 might be best. I also have a set of 27.5 Crankbrother Cobalt 3's that are just waiting to be used.

I have definitely thought of building a bike. What concerns me is that I have no experience with building a bike from scratch. I'm also worried that it will take me too long as I would like to get on the trails in the near future.

I am 186cm tall and have quite long arms and legs. I have done some research and think an XL bike will be best for the riding I intend to do.

Up until now I haven't really thought of kit, I have sort of been obsessed with finding a bike that could get me on the trail. I have a helmet but that is about that.

I'm looking for an aggressive hardtail with a low, slack and long geometry. Something with a reasonable slack head tube angle and low top tube. Do you have any suggestions as to wich bike would suite me best for the amount that I am able to spend?