Time to upgrade from my beloved Makrodale...

[NeverNotRolling]

So I reckon it's about that time to upgrade from my beloved and once controversial Makrodale, to a lekker Dual-Sus bike.

 

Been riding for about a year now and absolutely love it. I tend to mix up my riding a lot and enjoy everything between races, downhills/singletrack and long trail riding.

 

Must have's/Want to have's:

- 29er Medium

- Dual Suspension

- Dropper(I don't mind adding one down the line)

- Tubeless (Oh the amount of pinched tubes I've had to endure on the Makrodale)

- 1x drivetrain

- Alloy is just fine

 

Budget:

R25-R35k

 

Type of Riding:

- I ride about twice a week

- Tokai (Some of the technical trails)

- Hoogies(cobra) and surrounds

- Table Mountain

- 50km+ races

 

Ideally I'm after a bike which is suitable for a lot of downhill with enough control, but also nimble enough for the long hauls and climbs.

 

I would like to buy a new bike however I do know I can get more bang with a pre-loved bike, but you know how it goes, we all want something shiny...

 

As it approaches the end of the year and new models come out I would be very happy to pick up a 2019 model. If I do need to stretch my budget a little more then please let me know.

 

Below are some bikes I have come across that fit the spec:

 

- Scott Spark 960: http://www.olympiccycles.co.za/shop/scott-spark-960-2019/ 

or https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/mtb/products/scott-spark-960-medium-2019-demo

 

- Scott Spark 970 (2020): https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/mtb/products/scott-spark-970-2020

 

- Giant Anthem: http://www.olympiccycles.co.za/shop/giant-anthem-29-3/

 

- Giant Trance 2 on sale if I'm lucky.

 

- I've also seen a Merida or two that fit's the price and specs, not sure about build quality or stability however.

 

I'd love to hear your guys thoughts or advice on which bike I should really consider. Sorry for the detailed write up and thanks for taking the time. Cheers!

[IceCreamMan]

Consider them all, take numerous demo rides, do much research then buy a Giant.

 

Can’t go wrong with a Giant. Actually can’t gobwrong with any of those you list. They all built by Giant probably so whichever you buy will be a Giant of sorts.

[RiverInTheRoad]

Have a look at the Merida One Twenty 800. It's a great bike, with good parts and good geometry at a great price. Perfect for trail riding and longer distance events. You probably won't find one in stock though. The 6000 is similar and is carbon.

 

Make sure to demo as many bikes as possible as IceCreamMan said.

 

All your options are good.

 

Test them first!

[NeverNotRolling]

Consider them all, take numerous demo rides, do much research then buy a Giant.

 

Can’t go wrong with a Giant. Actually can’t gobwrong with any of those you list. They all built by Giant probably so whichever you buy will be a Giant of sorts.

 

Ha ha I do like them Giants to be honest!

[NeverNotRolling]

Have a look at the Merida One Twenty 800. It's a great bike, with good parts and good geometry at a great price. Perfect for trail riding and longer distance events. You probably won't find one in stock though. The 6000 is similar and is carbon.

 

Make sure to demo as many bikes as possible as IceCreamMan said.

 

All your options are good.

 

Test them first!

 

Thanks for the advice, will definitely do some test rides.

[NeverNotRolling]

Also before I forget, anything I should know about which rear shock is preferred? Less maintenance, etc? 

 

And maybe some knowledge on a front shock while I'm asking? 

[Dexter-morgan]

Consider something like the Scott Genius with the more Trail riding you do and forget what people say that bikes with long travel don't climb well, these days with lock outs and proper suspension, they all climb lekker.

[thebob]

Also before I forget, anything I should know about which rear shock is preferred? Less maintenance, etc? 

 

And maybe some knowledge on a front shock while I'm asking? 

 

Can't go wrong with a brand name shock. Stick to the service intervals as per the manufacturer and all will be good. Air fork, brand name and again everything should be good.

 

Consider something like the Scott Genius with the more Trail riding you do and forget what people say that bikes with long travel don't climb well, these days with lock outs and proper suspension, they all climb lekker.

 

Try find one these days. Scarce as heck. Importer battles to sell them so they bring next to none in anymore

[Me rida my bicycle]

Could also look at the Anthem 2 (red/black) I know a couple of places (cwc, bike addict etc) have them for under R30k. And the spec on that would be hard to beat at that price.

[slickjay007]

Out of the choices given , Anthem but like post above says try go for the Anthem 2... but would suggest test riding all your options if you can.

[Alouette3]

Have a look at that Merida 120, I was very impressed with spec Vs price and value. Bike Addict had some very good deals.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

Merida 120 over Anthem any day. Better geo, more suited to trail riding than the anthem and it's bloody cheap for what it is. 

 

Other options are the Trance 29 (which is excellent) and the Spark. 

 

For me, it'd be between the Merida and Trance 29. You may get on with the Scott better, but that's why you need to test. 

[ABrooks]

Word of caution with the Merida, you cannot fit a large water bottle in the frame so if you prefer to ride without a backpack this might be an issue, otherwise, I think they are the most bike for the least amount of money in the proper trail bike category. 

[Onegear]

I too would say the merida one twenty. My only issue with the bike is the max tyre clearance. You cannot get more then a 2.35 in the rear. I have seen the bike in person and there is really minimum tyre clearence even with a 2.35. I was considering one and that is the only thing that put me off it.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I too would say the merida one twenty. My only issue with the bike is the max tyre clearance. You cannot get more then a 2.35 in the rear. I have seen the bike in person and there is really minimum tyre clearence even with a 2.35. I was considering one and that is the only thing that put me off it.

The question is... WHICH 2.35. Schwalbe? Then that's larger than a maxxis 2.5WT. As far as I know they come shipped with a Maxxis Forekaster 2.35 which is a decent tyre, though not that wide. Still a good option. 

[Spinnekop]

I had one of these for a while.  Thoroughly enjoyed it. 

https://www.cannondale.co.za/mountain/scalpel-si/can19-scalpel-si-al-6-eagle-bk-md-rep.html