Bike for longer rides

[Op1]

HI Guys

 

I am currently riding a momsen hardtail and started doing longer rides 60+, with the intention of training for the race to the sun and other similar long rides.

I realized quiet soon that a hardtail is tough on the body esp on rough terrain. So im planning on getting a dual sus in the next couple of weeks. but would like something that is comfortable and easy to ride during longer rides but can also handle the occasional rough trails.

I have pinned it down to the following ( purely based on it being on special at Cycle lab for December ) - I know there are better options but I dont know what to look at - your advice would be greatly appreciated.

Merida 96 RC XT -https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1017166-bike-mtb-ds-carb-merida-ninety-six-rc-xt-my22

Orbea OIZ H30 and H20 XT https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1016522-bike-mtb-ds-alu-orbea-oiz-h30-my22

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1016513-bike-mtb-ds-alu-orbea-oiz-h20-my22

outlier of the group - KTM skarp 294 SX - https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1010739-bike-mtb-ds-alu-ktm-scarp-294-sx-12-spd

thanks in advance guys

 

 

 

[Tandemuis]

Have a look at the Trek series called Top Fuel.

It won bike of the year a couple of years ago and is widely used by professional cyclists in the Cape Epic race, Tankwa races etc. 

It is exactly what you described as wanting. Cross Country bike, dual suspension but can take on rougher trail if you want. It is basically a "down country" bike.

 

Here is one in you price range:

https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/top-fuel/top-fuel-7/p/35070/?colorCode=black

Edited December 17, 2022 by Tandemuis
Added link

[RobertWhitehead]

Of the options listed the Merida is the best but also the most expensive. It is shocking to see what the stuff goes for and then what you get for the 😳. I would also consider Trek and most likely go for a 2nd hand. 

[Tandemuis]

12 minutes ago, RobertWhitehead said:

Of the options listed the Merida is the best but also the most expensive. It is shocking to see what the stuff goes for and then what you get for the 😳. I would also consider Trek and most likely go for a 2nd hand. 

You are 100% correct about the prices. As someone who also ride motorcycles, I cannot believe the prices of bicycles and their parts...but what is one to do?

That lifetime warranty on Trek frames, is a good thing to have though...

[RobertWhitehead]

1 minute ago, Tandemuis said:

You are 100% correct about the prices. As someone who also ride motorcycles, I cannot believe the prices of bicycles and their parts...but what is one to do?

That lifetime warranty on Trek frames, is a good thing to have though...

True, but, IMO: the lifetime warranty does not mean much if you pay more than R20k over the value of what you're getting 😜. 

That warranty only applies to the first owner so that is how they catch you 

[Tandemuis]

Just now, RobertWhitehead said:

True, but, IMO: the lifetime warranty does not mean much if you pay more than R20k over the value of what you're getting 😜. 

That warranty only applies to the first owner so that is how they catch you 

My local store did a owner stransfer thingy...think they call it "subsequent owner". Might be a new thing?

[ChrisF]

1 hour ago, Tandemuis said:

My local store did a owner stransfer thingy...think they call it "subsequent owner". Might be a new thing?

 

Have a closer look ....

 

 

Lifetime for original owner.

 

 

Three years for next owner ....

 

[Tandemuis]

6 minutes ago, ChrisF said:

 

Have a closer look ....

 

 

Lifetime for original owner.

 

 

Three years for next owner ....

 

Never said the second owner gets lifetime warranty....but you do get a warranty as a second, third, fourth etc owner...

 

The subsequent owner thing I was referring to.

[Op1]

Thanks guys,

 

 I will have a look at the Trek bikes as well...any comments on the OIZ H20?

 

 

 

 

[Tandemuis]

2 hours ago, Op1 said:

Thanks guys,

 

 I will have a look at the Trek bikes as well...any comments on the OIZ H20?

 

 

 

 

Had one and sold it about 3 months ago. It is a very capable and good bike. Very close to the Trek SuperCaliber. Hard and fast! Aggressive ride. However, it rides a bit harder. Not suited for Downhill or Technical trails. 

 

[Op1]

Thanks, I do alot of gravel and long rides (4hrs+) and want something comfortable and fast. I don't do alot of downhill and technical already I really do enjoy tech rides a few times a year

 

So between the Merida and the trek then?

[Tandemuis]

1 minute ago, Op1 said:

Thanks, I do alot of gravel and long rides (4hrs+) and want something comfortable and fast. I don't do alot of downhill and technical already I really do enjoy tech rides a few times a year

 

So between the Merida and the trek then?

If you can, ride both of them first. Test them. My local shop is currently selling the 2023 Trek Top Fuel 7 for R52 000 as a Christmas special. 

[ChrisF]

1 hour ago, Op1 said:

Thanks, I do alot of gravel and long rides (4hrs+) and want something comfortable and fast. I don't do alot of downhill and technical already I really do enjoy tech rides a few times a year

 

So between the Merida and the trek then?

 

Something else to consider ....

 

Which of these brands have a shop near you ?  The warantee on all these require "an approved dealer" service the bike.

 

Nothing worse than doing a 90km trip to drop off the bike for a service .... another 90km to pick it up .... two days later you realise they missed something .... rinse-repeat ....

 

Just nicer dealing with a shop near you.

 

 

 

As for which bike .... specs are fine and dandy ... test ride and get the one that puts a SMILE on your face.

 

 

Last thought from me - longer rides ... Camelback OR frame for two bottles ??

[Tandemuis]

9 minutes ago, ChrisF said:

 

Something else to consider ....

 

Which of these brands have a shop near you ?  The warantee on all these require "an approved dealer" service the bike.

 

Nothing worse than doing a 90km trip to drop off the bike for a service .... another 90km to pick it up .... two days later you realise they missed something .... rinse-repeat ....

 

Just nicer dealing with a shop near you.

 

 

 

As for which bike .... specs are fine and dandy ... test ride and get the one that puts a SMILE on your face.

 

 

Last thought from me - longer rides ... Camelback OR frame for two bottles ??

This is solid advice!

Get a bike where you can test ride it first and also one that has an authorized dealer/workshop close to you. Some shops are not listed on the manufacturer website but are indeed authorized dealers/workshops. Ask for proof. 

 

They must also be able to sort out any and all warranty and guarantee issues you might have.

 

For the waterbottle thing...there are plenty of options for mounting extra bottels onto any frame. I have 5 waterbottles on my one bike and 4 on the other one. Wife has 5 on hers. Don't let that be the deciding factor.

 

The most important thing is how YOU feel on the bike (test it), the service available close to you for issues, repairs, services etc. 

[Tandemuis]

If you are considering secondhand bikes too, then have a look at Scott and Specialized bikes.

In your price range, you would be able to find very good bikes (even with added upgrades) for that price. 

[Steady Spin]

On 12/18/2022 at 7:32 AM, Op1 said:

Thanks guys,

 

 I will have a look at the Trek bikes as well...any comments on the OIZ H20?

 

 

 

 

I have the OIZ H30 and it is a fantastic bike. Great climber and behaves very well on the downs. 

The extra bit of cash spent on the H20 is worth it for the dropper post and slightly better components.