Time to upgrade from my beloved Makrodale...

[tinmug]

For 30-35K you can do a LOT better in the components department. 

[Onegear]

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.

 

Yeah the one twenty I was after had a forekaster 2.35. When seeing it in person it was physically much narrower then a 2.5dhr on a 30mm internal rim. And my go to would be a 30mm inner rim width with a 2.5 dhr. So when seeing the clearance with the forekaster it totally put me off. And it wouldn't even be a case of just squeezing the 2.5 tyre in, it literally wouldnt fit. So still trying to get my head around it and see If I could survive with a tyre that narrow. Just such good value for money and that's what keeps drawing me in.

[Wet Ears]

Makrodale - I like that!

[dannygirl]

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.

 

Would second this - absolutely enjoying the Genius!

[Dexter-morgan]

Would second this - absolutely enjoying the Genius!

As a previous person commented, you don't see many of them, even in classifieds they don't sit long, I got a Genius 950 but then changed to 11x1 XT gearing with some new tyres and man what a lekker ride.

 

This pic was way before the upgrades.

[Kranswurm]

The Scott is the better bike

The Giants steer like a bus.Try the two and you will see

[dasilvarsa]

Cycle Lab has the Spark 970 for 24K

It's a 20 Speed though. 2019 model

[thebob]

Two great options depending on what size you want.

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/380349-giant-trance/

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/classifieds/369515-giant-trance-29-2-mtb-bike-medium-frame/

[Super Sywurm]

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

 

I considered buying the Giant earlier this year, but the color scheme...urrrghhh

[Super Sywurm]

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.

I second this statement, although I did not buy a Giant.

[Super Sywurm]

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!

What about this:     https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/silverback/products/silverback-stratos-al-2-2020

 

Giant was my brand, until  I got the Stratos.  My next bike will be a Giant again, I have to have a Giant (hard tail) and a Silveback (dual susp).

[NeverNotRolling]

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.

 

 

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

 

Thanks! I see a few of the Scott's have a X-Fusion rear shock... I'm guessing I should rather aspire for a Fox or RockShox am I correct?

[NeverNotRolling]

For 30-35K you can do a LOT better in the components department. 

 

What would you suggest given the budget?

[NeverNotRolling]

Yeah the one twenty I was after had a forekaster 2.35. When seeing it in person it was physically much narrower then a 2.5dhr on a 30mm internal rim. And my go to would be a 30mm inner rim width with a 2.5 dhr. So when seeing the clearance with the forekaster it totally put me off. And it wouldn't even be a case of just squeezing the 2.5 tyre in, it literally wouldnt fit. So still trying to get my head around it and see If I could survive with a tyre that narrow. Just such good value for money and that's what keeps drawing me in.

 

Thanks for this heads up, been eyeing the Merida's online, too bad that's a caveat. Perhaps I can look at a Merida more superior than the One Twenty.

[RobertWhitehead]

I always weigh in on this topic and my suggestion is always the same, lots of people disagree but I'm a firm believer in building rather than buying off the shelf 

 

Thanks! I see a few of the Scott's have a X-Fusion rear shock... I'm guessing I should rather aspire for a Fox or RockShox am I correct?

[NeverNotRolling]

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

 

I considered buying the Giant earlier this year, but the color scheme...urrrghhh

 

I have to agree with you. I really love the simplistic look of the Giant Trance 2. And the subtle logo underneath the downtube is clean.