Full Suspension help please

[DCJ]

There are a few different types of bike geometries around. These different styles of mountain bikes are better for different things. Let me start of by giving a bit of a breakdown of some of these. I have left out enduro and downhill bikes, they are out of scope for this conversation. I'm using rear travel as a basic classification mechanism, but it is only one of many factors to consider when defining the "type" of bike. But I'm trying to keep it simple. Any more knowledgeable hubbers, please feel free to chip in!

XC bikes/Marathon - typically come with approx. 90 - 110mm of front and rear travel. Lightweight and fast. Good for climbing and really long distance rides. Designed for fast ascending, can be a bit unforgiving when descending trails that are a bit "narly", especially if you are inexperienced.
Trail bikes - Anything from 120 - 130mm of front and rear travel. A bit heavier than XC bikes, but more comfortable and forgiving because of the extra travel. They still climb pretty well, but generally descend a fair amount better than an XC bike.
All mountain bikes - 140 - 150mm of front and rear travel. Generally start to get a fair amount heavier. Modern bikes however are pretty good with regards to the peddle efficiency, but the extra weight will weigh you down a bit. Much better for navigating the more technical trails/descents.

So, now its time for me to give my opinion. I think that too many bike shops in SA only stock XC bikes, and will persuade you that that's what you want/need. While the modern day XC bike is very capable, the light weight and extra climbing ability are only really going to make a difference to the riders where the time that is saved is important. For example riders trying to get into the top echelon in racing etc.

If you can only have one bike, which is what most of us mere mortals can afford, I would recommend considering a trail bike. The added comfort, more forgiving nature and fun factor outweigh the advantages of an XC bike for most riders. For me, they are more balanced, and will serve you well for long rides, and give you a bit more bang for your buck on the descents.

The problem that you'll have though is finding a trail bike that will fit a tight budget, they are generally more expensive than the equivalent XC specced bike as it is, but that coupled with the fact that fewer of them are brought in to the country, makes it a bit worse. The Merida One Twenty came to mind because they are

• good bang for your buck
• reasonably easy to find in SA
• have a good range of specs that can suit more wallets

You mentioned the Big Nine, it's a good bike for your money if you decide to go the XC hardtail route. Many companies make trail hardtails, but you won't find them easily if at all in SA. 

If your budget can make it, take a look at:

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/2020-merida-one-twenty-600-grey-29-dual-suspension-aluminium-mountain-bike

 

 

Thanks DCJ. For the type of riding I describe.. Am I looking at the right type of bike? Or should I rather look at a better hardtail? Since you're recommending the merida, I saw the Big Nine xt 2 is going for a pretty nice price at the moment.

[Me rida my bicycle]

Just throwing another option in here - have you perhaps had a look at the Stratos AL2 or AL1? Very versatile bikes, modern geometry and well specced for the price. I think CWC still has some decent specials on them.

I know I am a broken record but when I first saw the carbon Stratos it was love at first sight and when I heard there was a alu one coming I was full of excitement... Until I saw it they could not have spoiled it more even if they covered it in dog ????

[DieselnDust]

Thanks Headshot. Seems that I'll be bang on in a Medium with a Specialized. But something like a Giant I'm on the edge....

I'd say you're a medium either way. I'm 172cm inseam 81.5 ride a medium with reach 425mm and 80mm stem. Seat tube angle 73.5 degrees, in line or 0 mm set back seat post with saddle in the centre of the rails. A small could work if you like a racy set up with 90mm or 100 mm stem slammed and more weight on the front wheel.

 

If you looking at the anthem, Specialized and merida that are in the R40k territory there may be other new old stock available in Scott and cannondale as well. There could be some good deals around if you shop patiently

[figjam_sa]

Hi guys, the topic is taking a turn, but here is the update....

 

I decided to opt for another hardtail, my wife can take over my Silverback and we can do a couple of races maybe and see how it goes from there...

 

I was looking at the

Merida Big Nine xt2 - https://www.merida-bikes.com/en/bike/555/bignine-xt2 (missed out)

Now I can get a Big nine 600 (2019) for a good price - https://www.merida-bikes.com/en/bike/46-46/bignine-600 (under R16k). 

Stocks are very low at the moment and after looking around I am now waiting on a quote on a Scott Scale 950. https://www.scott-sports.com/global/en/product/scott-scale-950-bike

It seems almost the same specs as the Merida xt2. I take it the Fox Rhythm shocks are decent? Compared to the Markhor?

 

One last potential problem is I (again) fall exactly between Small and Medium on the Scott sizing haha. Anybody around 1.7m with a Medium Scott Scale?

 

I looked at the Titan Drone Elite as well, not the best looking bike in the world to me and doesn't seem very light for the specs compared to the Scale 950? But the specs sure are attractive! 

 

There's probably nothing wrong with the Big Nine 600 but if I want to upgrade in the future it will probably cost the same as these other bikes.
 

By now you know I'm looking at a XC/marathon bike

 

Once again, thank you for the input

[Spoke n Bean]

I 100% agree that a trail bike is your best bet. Since you mentioned you are struggling with your back, I would think the extra 'forgiveness' for lack of a better word would really help you.

Someone on here mentioned the Merida One-Twenty 9 600. It's an amazing bike, the higher models barely have better spec, it's worth keeping the nx specc'd one and just buy a shimano SLX upgrade kit, it will still end up being cheaper.
Get a good setup on a decent trail bike and you'll love riding forever!

I personally went a bit further and took the Merida one forty with 150mm front travel, its only limitation is when I get slaughtered at XC races, but I'm there for fun, I survive the racey bits but really thrive on the more downhilly stuff.

I loved the A-line at van Gaalens and Buffelsdrift trailseekers last year.

My best advice. buy the bike you're most comfortable on. Few of us normal mortal humans with "office backs" can rarely enjoy a XC bike for what it's worth.

If you're riding for fun, don't bother with carbon. Get the best specc'd aluminium bike you can afford and enjoy it. (I can from a 12kg Scott spark 650b carbon to my 15kg Merida and I can honestly say being lighter didn't make me faster)

[Spoke n Bean]

Size wise, I prefer going a size up, I'm on the verge of Medium/Large and no matter what I tried on mediums, I was not comfortable. The large with a shorter stem and good setup worked well for me.

[figjam_sa]

Thanks Ruan.. My back is alright, I was merely hoping to buy a dual suspension for a long term "investment". Luckily I'm not in pain everyday with my back.

 

I'm leaning towards XC as we don't have any trails, so doing km's for training on dirt roads and tar roads with a trail bike defeats the purpose?

 

Thanks for the input on size. I was thinking the same way, Unfortunately bike shops aren't close by so I can't just go compare.

[figjam_sa]

Hi guys - This thread needs an update and some more input if you don't mind..

 

So, bought a Scott Scale 950 2020 model last year just before the new stock landed. Have been cycling quite a lot since then. Did Piket-Bo-Berg - scary as sh!t for my skills back then, but I learned A LOT from that experience and what is required from my cycling going forward. Did a 38km "race". Did quite alright.

 

So I bought the wife a Spez Epic comp evo (2020 model) in December. Cycling is now a lifestyle in this home... Old Silverback is getting used on the trainer - I want to get a gravel bike for replacing that and also for training on my local tar/gravel roads.

 

We joined a local MTB Club about 50km from here and they have lekker trails. I never knew about it until about 5 months ago. Lots of long rocky climbs, short technical climbing and some decent singletrack downhills. And we have only ridden about 40km loop a few times. There's way more to explore still. Our skills are improving everytime and the time comes for me to decide on a bike for the next couple of years.

 

Bikes I like:

 

Trek top fuel 9.7/9.8 - Which Trek dealers would you recommend in Western Cape and also... Is Trek's backup good with warranties and stuff like that? 

 

Spez Epic Evo/ or Evo comp (2021 model) / Previous Spez Epic Evo Expert if I can find one available (affordable) - I know enough that I like the brand and my first experience in the Tygerberg Shop was better than ANY bike shop I have ever experienced and the guys knew from the start that day that we wouldn't be buying anything. We were just checking models and sizes. Ended up testing a bike and getting saddle fitments for both of us. 

 

I also thought about buying a 2018-2020 model Epic and upgrading the fork

 

Scott Spark/ RC - I've always liked the Scott Spark 920 as a package. The previous 930 sure is a looker, but will need a few upgrades down the road. The RC I will try and find a 2020 Team or maybe the 2021 model. I know the RC is more racy, but I think it is still more trail capable than my Scott Scale. 

 

Giant Anthem 2 2020 or maybe the Anthem 1 2021 is still a dark horse as it's the only alu bike in the lineup, but by far the best spec'd for the money and even lighter than some of these carbon models. Problem is, way less travel and for some reason I just like the look of the others more. Will I wish for more bike if I go this route?

 

Closest big bike shop is Bike Addict and I service my Scott there and bought my daughter's bike there as well. 

 

Of course I will try to go secondhand if at all possible. But laying out R50k+ and then still trying to sell my bike from my location is way more difficult than Trading in and although financing will cost me more - it will give some flexibility and advantages like warranty and possible services etc. 

At the moment the secondhand market appears to be quite up as stock availability on new bikes is an issue. 

 

My goals:

My wife and I want to do a couple of races, so let's talk Marathon/xc bikes and hopefully something like W2W in a year or 2.

 

I am quite indecisive and particular when I'm spending this much money on a toy, but we're already doing and enjoying this hobby more than the last and only hobby we did together (quad bikes)

 

Thanks for reading. I tried to explain the whole situation so you can understand our requirements.

 

Please try to stick to the bikes mentioned. I'm already confused. Basically the only one that I know very little about (apart from internet forums/reviews) is the Trek Top Fuel. But somehow at the moment I'm really drawn to it. 

 

Cheers guys!

[figjam_sa]

Thanks Copperhead. But I live 200km from Cape Town. Do you think any of the dealers will be able to arrange a bike for me? How does that work? I've only ever tried bikes in the parking lot, and that doesn't give much feedback. 

[Showtime]

 

Please try to stick to the bikes mentioned. I'm already confused. Basically the only one that I know very little about (apart from internet forums/reviews) is the Trek Top Fuel. But somehow at the moment I'm really drawn to it. 

 

Cheers guys!

 

Sorry ...

 

My R50k would go to 

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/products/titan-cypher-comp-carbon-2021?_pos=1&_sid=fa4571cbc&_ss=r

[figjam_sa]

Sorry ...

 

My R50k would go to 

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/products/titan-cypher-comp-carbon-2021?_pos=1&_sid=fa4571cbc&_ss=r

 

Haha, I had a feeling someone would go that way, I must say, if it MUST be a Titan I will go for the Titan Cypher Carbon Pro.

 

But I'd like some comparisons, advantages, disadvantages of the mentioned bikes if possible.

[figjam_sa]

I can only suggest getting a hold of the shop you have had a good experience with and Gear Change. Tell them your story. Try and get the bikes for a week? See what they can do. I can only think this will take time. Or if you get a day spare try and get the bikes and I will show you a bit of Tokai. You will get a very good feel for them there. I stay very close by. 

Apart from this I can't offer much more. Also try Freehweel. They too have excellent customer service. If I can help let me know and I will see what I can do. 

Freewheel are the Spez guys close by. Helpful and a great bunch.

 

Thanks again! I might take you up on the offer, even if I get right with a bike... We would like to explore some new trails