MTB for my girlfriend

[KevinV]

I'm sure others have already put this question out there but as there are new bikes coming out all the time, I am looking for fresh advice.

I want to get a mountain bike for my girlfriend, something in the R6000 range. Some bikes in this range seem ok but weigh a ton. Obviously I want her first rides on the bike to inspire her, not put her off. I know that discs are heavier than v-brakes, but would still rather get a bike with good disc brakes.

What do you guys recommend?

 

[karenb]

Hi, KevinV

This is my first day on TheHub, so I was really grateful when I read your post.

I'm looking for a MTB myself. Have read up a bit about it, but still don't really have a clue.

My budget is, however, a bit tighter than yours. I'm looking for a bike about R3000-R4000.

Could you please share any valuable info if you get any replies? Would really appreciate it!!

 

Thanks! And hope you find what you're looking for!

karenb

[Sammajoor]

 

Hi, KevinV

This is my first day on TheHub, so I was really grateful when I read your post.

I'm looking for a MTB myself. Have read up a bit about it, but still don't really have a clue.

My budget is, however, a bit tighter than yours. I'm looking for a bike about R3000-R4000.

Could you please share any valuable info if you get any replies? Would really appreciate it!!

 

Thanks! And hope you find what you're looking for!

karenb

[/quote']

 

Karen, welcome to the hub may you find what you are looking for.

 

Firstly in your budget range look at the Silverback range.  They are great value for money and well specced.  Not the lightest, but then also not the heaviest.

 

Secondly look in the classifieds on the hub, the junk mail as well as some of the local bike shop specials.

 

I know of LBS's in Pretoria selling 2006/7 bikes at fantastic prices PM me and i will give you some numbers, and WHO NOT to business with

 

My R0.10c worth

 

[KevinV]

There is a good review in the May/June 2008 Bicycling mag with 5 entry level bikes evaluated. They are:

Mongoose Tyax Super Disc

Raleigh Ridge

Silverback Phoenix

Giant Rincon Disc

Specialized Hard Rock XC Sport

 

They are all in your price range so you should find the article of value. Take your time deciding and you will find a good bike to start off on. Let us know what you choose.

[Sammajoor]

 

There is a good review in the May/June 2008 Bicycling mag with 5 entry level bikes evaluated. They are:

Mongoose Tyax Super Disc

Raleigh Ridge

Silverback Phoenix

Giant Rincon Disc

Specialized Hard Rock XC Sport

 

They are all in your price range so you should find the article of value. Take your time deciding and you will find a good bike to start off on. Let us know what you choose.

 

My foster son got a Silverback Phoenix when they stole his old MTB,  very good spec with lock out shock  and all this at R3100.

 

Very very good value for money

 

 

[Cranky]

If you're going to buy new, rather than second-hand, Silverback offers the best deal. Rather get the Nabraska, than the cheaper Dakota or Phoenix. The most important things to look at when buying a bike are: the frame, the brakes, and the suspension fork. The Phoenix offers the excellent Rock Shock Tora (with lockout) and Avid Juicy 3 brakes. Also has LX/XT drivetrain and Shimano clipless pedals (essential, and about R500 bought separately), and good weight. It's a bike you'd be happy with and not need to upgrade (for a while, anyway!).

 

See:

http://www.silverback.co.za/bike_specs/nabraska.htm

Cranky2008-06-22 07:59:36

[scotty]

The Silverback got v good reviews in that article. Just make sure you size the bike correctly and you will have hours of fun on it.

[mbaymike]

For a R 6000 budget I would recommend the Giant Yukon, Raleigh RM4 (shimano hydraulic brakes and remote lockuit Suntour Axon shock), or Silverback Nebraska (best specs).  For a budget of about R4000 I think the Silverback Pheonix is good value for money. Hope you all find what you looking for and welcome to the hub Karen.   

[KevinV]

Thanks for all the input, I will definately look at the Silverback Nebraska this week. It appears to be one of the lighter bikes in this range, and the specs do look impressive. It appears that local IS lekker. Was thinking of the Giant Mesa but the weight did not impress me. At just under 13kg the Silverback looks like a good bet.

[mbaymike]

don't you mean the Schwinn Mesa.....

[KevinV]

Yup, you're right. I've looked at that many bikes I'm mixing up names. The Giant I was thinking of is the Alias I think, but I was referring to the Scwinn when I mentioned weight. It seems a nice bike but it's just too heavy.

[Spaceboy]

KV... also check out the Womens specific bikes from GT. I think Trek also have womens specific bikes, as do Specialized, but they may be over the budget. The GT Avalanche 1.0 for women seems very nicely specced....but unsure of the price.

 

Good luck bud, and let us know what you decided on. Is it gonna be a birthday present?

[mountain_lion]

 

It is very important to feel comfortable on your first bike.

A reputable bike shop should be able to advise you about basic sizing and setup to get you on the right size frame.

After that it is up to you to test ride a few bikes of approx that size and see which bike feels right for you. As a minimum try the parking lot outside the shop;  some shops even have loan bikes that you can take out on a trail.

 

If you are considering Giant and can get to Stellenbosch this weekend:

from http://www.dirtopia.co.za

28 June: Giant Demo Day @ Trail Centre. Come test the Giant bikes like the Anthem amongst others for free! Bring helmet, pedals & ID book. From 09h00.

 

http://www.dirtopia.co.za/images/demoday2.jpg

 

mountain_lion2008-06-23 12:08:27

[Zoo Cookie]

woman specific mtb or just get a woman specific saddle. in my opinion the saddle could be the difference between her nagging you to go back for more or, never getting on the "damn thing"again.  can recommend specialized. they are great. and yes, do spend a little extra on the setup as well.

[PhilipV]

Specialized also makes nice lady mtbs, and not that expensive compared to their normal hardtails. My girlfriend got a silverback alpine, and she is nagging me to go ride with her the whole time, very happy with that buy. Good luck, and enjoy. muddy p2008-06-24 01:05:09

[KevinV]

Thanks guys, seriously looking at the Silverback Nabraska. I bit more than I wanted to spend but very well specced (think I might put the XT rear derailleur on my bike and give her my LX!) and a reasonable weight. Will definately get a ladies saddle and make sure the setup is right.