Beginner Advice on Raleigh MTB Reflex, Mason or MXR 29"

[Wayne Wagner]

Hi guys, seen some previous posts on buying from Game & Makro but the pricing is affordable. Are these bikes really that bad to start off with? Surely Raleigh wouldn't be that profitable if the bikes are that bad a decision to buy? I'm looking to get back into riding and might take it more serious but if I do, then I'll buy a road bike. Just looking for something to help keep any cholesterol problem away as I approach the 40mark.

These bikes come with Shimano components and what look like decent specs for R3k new

What else is there under R5k almost new?

2nd hand market seems to think we all in SA Gov wrt prices on other brands, or am I shopping in the wrong 2nd hand places?

Thanks I advance

Oh forgot to mention, I'm 1,8m tall and 90kgs currently hoping that changes to a lower figure with the running and cycling overtime

Edited February 1, 2021 by waynewags@gmail.com

[JacBrand]

Good day

 

If those bikes fit your budget, then go for it and enjoy the cycling.

Take note that Shimano has a wide variety of bicycle parts, and their entry level parts are by no means comparable to their discipline specific components. In mountain biking you want components from Shimano's Deore range (Deore, SLX, XT or even XTR) and preferably hydraulic disk brakes. 

 

From experience I can tell you that my "budget" mountain bike was a lot more maintenance (setting gears, brakes and wheel bearings) than my current bike, due to poor quality products.

 

If I were in your position, I would get the best spec 2nd hand bike I can (regardless of wheel size). But I have been in the sport long and know what to look for.

Something like this would be my choices:

https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-mountain-bikes/hillcrest/univega-mountain-bike/1008803440860912681725809

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/932350204175158/?ref=search&referral_code=undefined

 

If you find something and need an opinion, feel free to send me a message.

[droo]

Those things will give you nothing but grief.

 

Rather check out entry level offerings from decent brands like Titan, Silverback or Momsen. You'll spend a few more bucks, for sure, but in terms of cost of ownership, availability of spares, upgrade options down the line and just overall enjoyment of the sport it'll be well worth the premium.

 

(Unless you have a decent workshop and want to learn how to rebuild bikes from the ground up on weekends, in which case the Makro option will be helpful, if a bit frustrating.)

[Headshot]

Cycling and MTB in particular has become extremely expensive especially since the Covid pandemic and further loss in value of our currency. Just bought some new gloves - old stock R475 ( bad enough as it is), new stock over R800. That said, those Makro specials should be avoided at all costs. Rather buy an old 26er in the classifieds but be prepared to spend between 5 and R10k. 

[AdamA]

Shimano have Different Levels same as Intel CPU Chips in a PC. 

 

Intel Atom = Shimano Components ( Makro/Game) 

Intel Celeron = Shimano Acera/Alivio

Intel I3 = Shimano Deore

Intel i5 = SLX

Item i7 = XT

 

Edit: 

 

With a Makro/Game Bike : -

• the wheels are Crap and will buckle in a week
• The brakes will stop working 
• and the head set bearings (steering bearings) will need constant maintenance 

 

My first 3 Rides (18 years ago) a borrowed a bike from my brother's neighbor, 26", Cantilever Brakes and rigid fork ( better that a Makro Bomber) after 3 rides I knew I liked the sport and was willing to buy a decent entry level Bike (R4300 18 years ago)

 

Where are you based?

What size are you?

 

If you're in JHB, am willing to take you on 3 rides to see if you want to get into this, I have a couple of spare bikes and we can do easy rides like the Spruit, or the Cradle or Northern Farms

Edited February 1, 2021 by AdamA

[Newbie321]

Depends on how you will use the bike, if you really want to take if off-road and not just smooth gravel roads then in the long run save yourself money and time and buy something decent. Just to give you an idea, I bought a entry level Silverback, was around R5k and in 6 months, the rear axle broke 4 times, had to replace the bottom bracket, I lost a couple of teeth on one of the cassette cogs and had to replace a couple of spokes. After that I bought and more expensive bike and in the 2 years the only things I've had to replace was the chain and brake pads (wear items), a couple of spokes and now the rear wheel. 

 

Subjectively the more expensive bike has also been far more pleasurable to ride, less frequent brakeage and more capable of tackling a wide variety of terrain. 

[Wayne Wagner]

Shimano have Different Levels same as Intel CPU Chips in a PC. 

 

Intel Atom = Shimano Components ( Makro/Game) 

Intel Celeron = Shimano Acera/Alivio

Intel I3 = Shimano Deore

Intel i5 = SLX

Item i7 = XT

 

Edit: 

 

With a Makro/Game Bike : -

• the wheels are Crap and will buckle in a week
• The brakes will stop working 
• and the head set bearings (steering bearings) will need constant maintenance 

 

My first 3 Rides (18 years ago) a borrowed a bike from my brother's neighbor, 26", Cantilever Brakes and rigid fork ( better that a Makro Bomber) after 3 rides I knew I liked the sport and was willing to buy a decent entry level Bike (R4300 18 years ago)

 

Where are you based?

What size are you?

 

If you're in JHB, am willing to take you on 3 rides to see if you want to get into this, I have a couple of spare bikes and we can do easy rides like the Spruit, or the Cradle or Northern Farms

 

Thanks @AdamA that is an amazing offer, unfortunately I'm in Cape Town and won't be able to take you up on the offer :-(

At least not while Covid holds us down for so long

[Wayne Wagner]

Good day

 

If those bikes fit your budget, then go for it and enjoy the cycling.

Take note that Shimano has a wide variety of bicycle parts, and their entry level parts are by no means comparable to their discipline specific components. In mountain biking you want components from Shimano's Deore range (Deore, SLX, XT or even XTR) and preferably hydraulic disk brakes. 

 

From experience I can tell you that my "budget" mountain bike was a lot more maintenance (setting gears, brakes and wheel bearings) than my current bike, due to poor quality products.

 

If I were in your position, I would get the best spec 2nd hand bike I can (regardless of wheel size). But I have been in the sport long and know what to look for.

Something like this would be my choices:

https://www.gumtree.co.za/a-mountain-bikes/hillcrest/univega-mountain-bike/1008803440860912681725809

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/932350204175158/?ref=search&referral_code=undefined

 

If you find something and need an opinion, feel free to send me a message.

 

Local cycle shop has APEX brand available, I see a A900 for approx. R5k or should I look at A900 PRO instead, approx. R9k?

Not sure I'll get into road bikes as those are very expensive and always preferred the mountain bike comfort before

[AdamA]

Hi Wayne

 

This type of bike would be great as a beginner. only problem is it a M not a L

 

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/455701/giant-yukon-26er