Budget Dual Suspension Shootout R35k

[RobertWhitehead]

I've had a look at the sheet now and it's a lot of money for bikes that have parts on them which will have to be upgraded down the line. Take the SX and NX for instance. There is nothing wrong with either of them but are they known for their durability and quality? Then how does the MT400 or MT500 brakes compare to XT or XTR? It's chalk and cheese, you can barely put them next to each other.

My opinion is just that you're spending close to 40k on something that you're going to spend some more money on in the not to distant future after buying it.

Then my last observation: what wheels do these bad boys have on them?

[Bosman]

Made a quick update to the sheet to include hubs and rims as well.

 

In terms of the upgrades... to be honest, coming off the 2016 Silverback Sola 4 and my noob status - I probably won't even be able to tell the difference between some of the higher specced components. The new bike in itself is probably going to be a major upgrade to me, with that being said always open to get the best bang for my buck straight out of the gate.

 

Where do one even start to look for good frames at a reasonable price, saw a couple of large frames in the classifieds but these range from +-R15k to R25k... which does not leave much to cover other parts.

 

RobertWhitehead I've seen your DM, I'll reply now.

Bike Comparison.xlsx

[MudLark]

You might want to consider going down to Bike Market (bikemarket.co.za) and taking a look around. They deal in used bikes and generally are pretty straight. You can take the bikes for a spin in the yard as well. They don't sell only used bikes – quite often they also have new old stock (in other words new bikes but the previous year model). Just going down there will give you an idea of what you can get used for your money. Some years ago I bought a used dual suspension bike from them – I still have it and am very happy with it, although it is now no longer my "primary back". I paid R20k for it and it has served me very well. I haven't done any upgrades to it – other than standard maintenance – tyres and so forth. The bike they sold me was also the right geometry for me as a beginner.

[RobertWhitehead]

You might want to consider going down to Bike Market (bikemarket.co.za) and taking a look around. They deal in used bikes and generally are pretty straight. You can take the bikes for a spin in the yard as well. They don't sell only used bikes – quite often they also have new old stock (in other words new bikes but the previous year model). Just going down there will give you an idea of what you can get used for your money. Some years ago I bought a used dual suspension bike from them – I still have it and am very happy with it, although it is now no longer my "primary back". I paid R20k for it and it has served me very well. I haven't done any upgrades to it – other than standard maintenance – tyres and so forth. The bike they sold me was also the right geometry for me as a beginner.

 

This is also something worth considering for a first buy

[MarcBurger]

For an absolute longshot: If you have mates that don't use their multiply discounts, you can get 25%-off discount vouchers for Cyclelab. (there's a 20k yearly spend limit, so you'll need at least 2). You would be able to get a 2020 Merida OneTwenty 700 for about R34k. It's quite kitted out

 

But find out first whether you can use vouchers from different people

 

*Taking no responsibility if it doesn't work out

[Dexter-morgan]

For an absolute longshot: If you have mates that don't use their multiply discounts, you can get 25%-off discount vouchers for Cyclelab. (there's a 20k yearly spend limit, so you'll need at least 2). You would be able to get a 2020 Merida OneTwenty 700 for about R34k. It's quite kitted out

 

But find out first whether you can use vouchers from different people

 

*Taking no responsibility if it doesn't work out

I did this a couple of years ago, my mate bought some pro-shop vouchers with my credit card, on his multiply profile bought a Bike of R24 000 for much less from Cycle lab.

[Dexter-morgan]

I've had a look at the sheet now and it's a lot of money for bikes that have parts on them which will have to be upgraded down the line. Take the SX and NX for instance. There is nothing wrong with either of them but are they known for their durability and quality? Then how does the MT400 or MT500 brakes compare to XT or XTR? It's chalk and cheese, you can barely put them next to each other.

My opinion is just that you're spending close to 40k on something that you're going to spend some more money on in the not to distant future after buying it.

Then my last observation: what wheels do these bad boys have on them?

I feel the same, I also want a new shiny bike but on my current Scott, I have 1 x 11 XT with SLX BR600 Brakes - and some lekker Rapide Wheels, I will stick to my steed for now and maybe upgrade the suspension fork later.

[TyronLab]

As much as there is a lot of good advice on this thread and a lot of valid opinions to guide you in buying the best bike you can, keep in mind that unless you're buying a R100k+ bike there will always be things that can be upgraded.

 

Buy the best bang-for-buck bike, but realise that there will always be some compromise somewhere. Buy the one that makes your stomach tingle and that you can't wait to ride, that'll be the best bike you own.

[Darko]

Has anyone suggested the Scott Spark? 

 

I see the 970 is available for under R30k. 

 

Is it any good as an entry level dual sus? 

[thebob]

The 970 is decent, but very basic. The Judy fork is very flexy, heavy wheels, entry level brakes. There are better bikes out there for the same money

[DieselnDust]

Has anyone suggested the Scott Spark? 

 

I see the 970 is available for under R30k. 

 

Is it any good as an entry level dual sus? 

 

 

flippen heavy..... like a DH bike. Its 15kg and some change

[Darko]

I see. So then the highest Spark one should look at potentially would be the 950 as the fork is the Fox one.

[Rocket-Boy]

Nice MXPX avatar!

 

If I were you I would go for something like this;

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/za/trance-29-3

 

I'm sure the guys at the giant store could knock off some ZAR to fit your budget.

 

That bike really does 'do it all'

I was scrolling through here to see if anyone else knew what it was.

MXPX featured heavily in my teenage/early 20's

[Dexter-morgan]

I see. So then the highest Spark one should look at potentially would be the 950 as the fork is the Fox one.

Yip the lower the number the higher the spec, but the 900 series is on its own.

[Jewbacca]

I was scrolling through here to see if anyone else knew what it was.

MXPX featured heavily in my teenage/early 20's

haha yeah... same

 

I still listen to them when I'm feeling angsty or getting amped for a surf.

 

Despite pushing 40, I seem to listen to a lot of music I would associate with teenagers! 

[Bosman]

I can totally relate, nothing like good old 90s and early 00s punk to get the blood flowing... MxPx, NOFX, Bad Religion...

 

On another note, Im happy to report that the guys at Mellow Velo came through with awesome service and an awesome deal - all in my budget.

 

Paid a deposit today to secure the bike and will hopefully be spending the weekend with this beaut... 2020 Norco Fluid FS1!

 

Thank you everyone for all the guidance.