Advice for next bike

[SundayCycler]

Hi Hubbers

 

I need advice on my next mtb.

I'm currently riding a basic 2017 Rockhopper and I think it's about time I upgraded and got a new bike.

I've been looking around at bikes with a budget of R20k.

I want to stick to a 29er hardtail (because I'm stubborn like that).

I mostly ride XC or fairly intermediate trails (no big jumps or crazy rock gardens).

Just looking for the next bike in the journey,

 

I want to know from you guys which bike do you think I should be looking at.

Been keeping an eye on the classifieds but haven't found anything yet that made me want to throw my money at.

A few bikes I've looked at:

Momsen Al529

Norco Charger 1

Specialized Rockhopper Expert

 

I'm also considering the idea of getting a frame and slowly building up a bike as my current ride still gets things done.

 

So what do you guys think?

Edited September 22, 2020 by SundayCycler

[bullet77]

Your budget should get you a really nice hardtail. Look at the frames geo and try get a bike with "modern geometry" with a slacker head angle and a dropper post. Post links to the bikes you are looking at if possible.

[SundayCycler]

Added links to the bikes I've looked at.

[pista]

Specialized if you want to be part of the "cool" club.Momsen if you want a few better parts.

[eddy]

Specialized if you want to be part of the "cool" club.Momsen if you want a few better parts.

 

And Cotic if you want a great ride....

[Koos Likkewaan]

Hi Hubbers

 

I need advice on my next mtb.

I'm currently riding a basic 2017 Rockhopper and I think it's about time I upgraded and got a new bike.

 

I've been looking around at bikes with a budget of R20k.

I want to stick to a 29er hardtail (because I'm stubborn like that).

I mostly ride XC or fairly intermediate trails (no big jumps or crazy rock gardens).

Just looking for the next bike in the journey,

 

I want to know from you guys which bike do you think I should be looking at.

Been keeping an eye on the classifieds but haven't found anything yet that made me want to throw my money at.

A few bikes I've looked at:

Momsen Al529

Norco Charger 1

Specialized Rockhopper Expert

 

I'm also considering the idea of getting a frame and slowly building up a bike as my current ride still gets things done.

 

So what do you guys think?

 

This ^^^.

 

You do not seem in a hurry, and you already have a decent enough bike at the moment.

 

The joy of building what you like over time is way better than to just buy another one. (in my view at least)

Edited September 22, 2020 by Koos Likkewaan

[slickjay007]

Out of the 3 bikes you listed the Momsen would be the best option IMO. Better quality components and it's local.

[SundayCycler]

And Cotic if you want a great ride....

 

 

This ^^^.

 

You do not seem in a hurry, and you already have a decent enough bike at the moment.

 

The joy of building what you like over time is way better than to just buy another one. (in my view at least)

 

I was leaning towards the idea of building up a bike, I guess I just needed the extra encouragement.

 

Although I will say the Momsen looked tempting. Maybe I'll look at the Momsen frames as well.

[Trevz]

Get the Momsen frame. See what you can transfer over from your current bike.

 

I'm thinking of going through the same process. I like my bike and the component upgrades on it.... but want that steel frame. 

[Mntboy]

I was leaning towards the idea of building up a bike, I guess I just needed the extra encouragement.

 

Although I will say the Momsen looked tempting. Maybe I'll look at the Momsen frames as well.

The Momsen was the best of the complete builds you were looking at. I'm sure that Momsen does sale frames although I think those were dual suspension bikes but it would be worth the while to have a look on their website to see if they sell hardtail frames as well. 

[Kom]

I’ll be the first to advise that for R20k you could get an alloy soft-tail like the 2014-2015 epic. If you can push the budget this scalpel up on the hub at the moment is a bargain (full Carbon too!) https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/dual-suspension-bikes/428525/cannondale-scalpel

 

Soft-tails keep their value for resale/upgrade one day, Cannondale, Specialized tend to do a better job of value retention. Momsen, silverback make up for their perceived lower value by offering better group sets, it will bite you when you need to sell it though.

 

I know you are set in a hardtail, but soft tail opens up so much more to you with comfort!