Looking for MTB - first timer

[karenb]

Hi

I'm new to the Hub and new to cycling...very new. I want to buy my first MTB. Have read up a bit on the technical terms, but would appreciate specific advice a lot.

My budget is small, I must mention. Looking for something in the range of R3000/R4000. I live in Harrismith, so quite close to PMB, Durban and Jozi.

Please - open to any advice on the type of bike and all that. Am a medium sized female .

thanks!! karenb

[gparsons]

Hi Karen. Welcome - this is something all us newbies go through so welcome to the club. My advice is to get a well fitting bike asap and just get out there and enjoy the great outdoors. The longer you worry about the bike you are going to get, the longer it will be before before you can enjoy mtb riding. My advice would be to go to a good bike store, get someone to fit you properly on a bike and ride it home (if its close enough to your home!). After looking and looking, my favourites were Silverback (www.silverback.co.za) (I bought the S-Sierra) and Giant (in Durban, I liked Cyclesphere for Giant bikes: www.cyclesphere.co.za). However, in the end it will come down to what you like best (colour, components, feel, etc), so do a little looking, go and spend a bit of time at a good bike store, and buy the one you like the most in your price range. Just remember though, try not to over-analyse.

 

Hope this helps, G.  

[Rich]

Have a look at June (I think) edition of Bicycling magazine - there was a feature on MTB bikes for around R4k. Very interesting! It will help your choice.

[mountain_lion]

Welcome to TheHub karenb!

 

As I said on KevinV's thread, you need to test ride the bikes on your short list so that you can see what feels right for you.

 

 

[GT oke]

welcome welcome karenB!!

[XTC OKE]

Welcome GT oke go buy yourself a GT man

[GT oke]

i already have all the stuff named after GT

[KevinV]

Any progress with your search for a bike yet?

[karenb]

Hi! Thanks for all the replies and advice - this Hub thing is great!  

I'm seriously considering the Silverback Phoenix...but being a girl, I like the LOOK of the Merida AND they've got woman-specific bikes... So, I'll speak to the bike specialists this weekend. Going to Maritzburg.

PS - KevinV, how do I send a msg as a thread so everyone can read it? I'm new to this. Thanks!

[mbaymike]

welcome karenb.....hope you have many fun moments on the hub and even better ones on the bike

[Zoo Cookie]

Hi! Thanks for all the replies and advice - this Hub thing is great!  

I'm seriously considering the Silverback Phoenix...but being a girl' date=' I like the LOOK of the Merida AND they've got woman-specific bikes... So, I'll speak to the bike specialists this weekend. Going to Maritzburg.

PS - KevinV, how do I send a msg as a thread so everyone can read it? I'm new to this. Thanks!

[/quote']

 

hey karenb, welcome to the hub.

 

you can't go wrong with Merida. Got myself one a while ago. if you're not looking to spend a fortune, merida is good value for money.

 

i got the matt sub 40 from Cyclelab. included in the price is a free bike setup, which is, in my opinion, very important to get right from the start.

 

the woman specific merida got a bit of a better shock and a lady specific saddle. to me that did not justify the price difference. i just got a specialized woman specific mtb saddle which was not so expensive and it's very comfortable.

 

i just  my merida.