RPearse17 Posted January 5, 2023 Share Hey all, hoping for some advice on what is reasonable cost for componentry, and generally if my buying logic makes sense. I have started cycling recently and the bug is biting. I am currently on my old childhood Mongoose (15 yr old hard tail, that I think is also too small. I have given it a service and cleats but I think its just getting a bit tired). The idea for now is to be riding at least once a week with family on the spruit, with the intention to ride 94.7s/Argus and ultimately things like Wines 2 Whales. I think that previously loved always tends to give better bang for buck than new, just need to find a good deal. So the first question would be: is second hand carbon as much of a problem as I think it is? I seem to see mixed feelings when reading reviews, and am leaning on the side of carbon will be more likely to have damage. (Obviously need to have a look at bikes in person regardless, I'm just concerned that I wouldn't be able to see a problem even if it where there, as I don't really know what to look for.) WRT components, I think XT or equivalent seems to be a reasonable point of solid components but not outrageously costed? I think that I am looking for: 29 inch Aluminium (Carbon?) Full sus XL (I am 187cm so a bit on the boundary between L/XL). XT/equiv components all round 1x / 2x (I know 1x is the more modern option, but suspect that I could find a good deal on 2x and nothing wrong here?) Tubeless! I have seen a couple bikes that fit my description, but I don't know if I'm looking at good deals or lemons, as I don't really know what this should cost? Any advice on whether my thinking makes sense, and further whether something of this spec at around the R25k mark seems reasonable? Also not sure if things like travel on shocks is something I should be worrying about for now? Thanks in advance Ross Titan Racing Bikes and Fred van Vlaanderen 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebra Posted January 5, 2023 Share the BIKE RADAR website has some good tips on achieving a good fit; at 187cm, you are mostly in XL territory, but let’s see what the hub says… Bike size Frame size Rider height Extra-small 13-14in 152-162cm (5ft – 5ft 4in) Small 14-16in 162-170cm (5ft 4in – 5ft 7in) Medium 16-18in 170-178cm (5ft 7in – 5ft 10in) Large 18-20in 178-185cm (5ft 10in – 6ft 1in) Extra-large 20-22in 185cm plus (6ft 1in plus) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burger 555 Posted January 5, 2023 Share There are a couple of good deals on here. Scrolling through I quickly found this one that might work for you. All depends on how much travel you want and what terrain you will be riding most. https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/dual-suspension-bikes/611127/merida-96600 RPearse17 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zebra Posted January 5, 2023 Share …and nothing wrong - whatsoever - with looking at a 2x setup, either; actually allows a better chain-line run, in many cases, though 1x is very much in vogue presently, and has its own benefits, etc. Paradoxically, the history of MTB was 1x (old school), then 2x, the the TRIPLE ring was invented, so…..much later……1x was, er, re-introduced! (the Cynic’s view to drive train development!) Fred van Vlaanderen, RPearse17 and Mtree 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobertWhitehead Posted January 5, 2023 Share 15 hours ago, RPearse17 said: Snip Hey Ross I am going to explain something but I am not comparing the one to another, I am merely trying to explain my point: When someone who knows nothing about the inner workings of a motor vehicle and walks into a mech shop whilst someone is busy stripping a gear box and asks: please quickly help me understand how the gearbox works . The point I am trying to make is that the answer is a bit more complicated and the cycling industry is also quite daunting when you just start out. To answer some of your questions: XL Carbon is fine and can easily be repaired if damaged, whereas alu will need to be welded etc. 2nd hand will be a better option than new IMO The type of riding you mentioned is quite varied so you may be better off getting more than 1 bike. (gravel, hybrid, road for the black stuff) and a dual for the stage races. You can even go so far as to upgrade the current HT to become your bike on the road and the dual for the trails etc. But anyway, I am keen to assist you on your journey and if you need advice or guidance feel free to contact me Edited January 6, 2023 by RobertWhitehead Smorgasbord of spelling errors Fred van Vlaanderen, Zebra and RPearse17 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theunissa Posted January 5, 2023 Share 2 hours ago, Zebra said: the BIKE RADAR website has some good tips on achieving a good fit; at 187cm, you are mostly in XL territory, but let’s see what the hub says… Bike size Frame size Rider height Extra-small 13-14in 152-162cm (5ft – 5ft 4in) Small 14-16in 162-170cm (5ft 4in – 5ft 7in) Medium 16-18in 170-178cm (5ft 7in – 5ft 10in) Large 18-20in 178-185cm (5ft 10in – 6ft 1in) Extra-large 20-22in 185cm plus (6ft 1in plus) Does this relate to dual sus because my HT is medium. A d I'm 1.63. But I habe normal upper body but short legs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Theunissa Posted January 5, 2023 Share 5 hours ago, RPearse17 said: Hey all, hoping for some advice on what is reasonable cost for componentry, and generally if my buying logic makes sense. I have started cycling recently and the bug is biting. I am currently on my old childhood Mongoose (15 yr old hard tail, that I think is also too small. I have given it a service and cleats but I think its just getting a bit tired). The idea for now is to be riding at least once a week with family on the spruit, with the intention to ride 94.7s/Argus and ultimately things like Wines 2 Whales. I think that previously loved always tends to give better bang for buck than new, just need to find a good deal. So the first question would be: is second hand carbon as much of a problem as I think it is? I seem to see mixed feelings when reading reviews, and am leaning on the side of carbon will be more likely to have damage. (Obviously need to have a look at bikes in person regardless, I'm just concerned that I wouldn't be able to see a problem even if it where there, as I don't really know what to look for.) WRT components, I think XT or equivalent seems to be a reasonable point of solid components but not outrageously costed? I think that I am looking for: 29 inch Aluminium (Carbon?) Full sus XL (I am 187cm so a bit on the boundary between L/XL). XT/equiv components all round 1x / 2x (I know 1x is the more modern option, but suspect that I could find a good deal on 2x and nothing wrong here?) Tubeless! I have seen a couple bikes that fit my description, but I don't know if I'm looking at good deals or lemons, as I don't really know what this should cost? Any advice on whether my thinking makes sense, and further whether something of this spec at around the R25k mark seems reasonable? Also not sure if things like travel on shocks is something I should be worrying about for now? Thanks in advance Ross Components I can't advise. But price. I always look what I think is reasonable and also compare to new price of item as well as what others ask for same item Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fred van Vlaanderen Posted January 5, 2023 Share 1 hour ago, RobertWhitehead said: Hey Ross I am going to explain something but I am not comparing the one to another, I am merely trying to explain my point: When someone who knows nothing about the inner workings of a motor vehicle and walks in to a mech shop whilst someone is busy stripping a gear box and then asks: please help me understand how the gear box works in less than 5 minutes. Now the point I am trying to make is that the answer is a bit more complicated than what can be divulged in one thread. But the answer to your questions XL Carbon is fine and can be more easily repaired than alu 2nd will be a better option than new The type of riding you mentioned is quite varied so you may be better off getting more than bike (gravel, hybrid, road for the black stuff) and a dual for the stage races. You can even go so far as to upgrade the current HT to become your bike on the road and the dual for the trails etc. But anyway, I am keen to assist you on your journey and if you need advice or guidance feel free to contact me +1 on what Robert said. And I also think it would be a good idea to contact someone like him to ask a couple of questions. Threads can sometimes become cloudy with information overload. Being a keen follower of threads, I can vouch for his experience. My two cents - you'd be able to buy a very very capable bike for R30k. Important to match your purchase to what you'll be riding. And you don't necessarily have to think 5-year plan. It can be a bike you'd want to ride for the next year. Currently the market is still quite fluid and you can easily sell and upgrade in a years' time or change from arguments' sake a decent HT to a full sus. You're welcome to DM me some of the bikes you are looking at for comments & advice as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisF Posted January 5, 2023 Share Read up on Bike Hub Pay. Tech has already been answered Fred van Vlaanderen 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eugene Posted January 6, 2023 Share Just reading your post, one can tell that you have done some research and have already built up some good knowledge. XT is good, but not necessary. There are some very good lower tier components that will do the job just as well, but at a cheaper point. SLX and Deore are good examples. With your budget, check out Titan Racing. You'll get a new bike for budget, with an industry leading warranty. RPearse17, Fred van Vlaanderen, Zebra and 1 other 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasilvarsa Posted January 6, 2023 Share 17 hours ago, burger 555 said: There are a couple of good deals on here. Scrolling through I quickly found this one that might work for you. All depends on how much travel you want and what terrain you will be riding most. https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/dual-suspension-bikes/611127/merida-96600 Grab This Now Priced to Sell (Fox Front and Back) Edited January 6, 2023 by dasilvarsa Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Martin PJ Posted January 6, 2023 Share The Silverback Sido's are great value. Nothing on these bikes is cheap, they go for 17 to 20K. I have bought two the past year and a bit, my mate also bought two - three Sido 1's and one Sido 3. Most are medium or large, possibly wait for an XL, try find one in South Africa. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmarc Posted January 6, 2023 Share 19 hours ago, burger 555 said: There are a couple of good deals on here. Scrolling through I quickly found this one that might work for you. All depends on how much travel you want and what terrain you will be riding most. https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/dual-suspension-bikes/611127/merida-96600 This is a good deal - Spec wise. Just make sure when you looking at used carbon frames you go over every inch to check for cracks and damage especially at the BB, pivots & corners. If i find what i think is a crack i spray some penetrating oil and place some torsion or twist into the frame back and forth - if the oil bubbles out and sucks back in where the crack seems to be = don't touch it find another deal Fred van Vlaanderen and RPearse17 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OVERDRIVE Posted January 6, 2023 Share Only @Titan Racing Bikes can help you here dasilvarsa, Titan Racing Bikes and Fred van Vlaanderen 1 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dasilvarsa Posted January 7, 2023 Share 20 hours ago, OVERDRIVE said: Only @Titan Racing Bikes can help you here Free Advertising ! Me No Likee ! Edited January 7, 2023 by dasilvarsa OVERDRIVE and ChrisF 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisF Posted January 7, 2023 Share 7 minutes ago, dasilvarsa said: Free Advertising ! Me No Likee ! We all KNOW @Titan Racing Bikes have a WIDE range of bikes, from entry level all the way up. We KNOW they have one of thee best warranty policies. Whats even better, they take the time to interact on the Hub 👍👍 By all means, give "free advertising" to the other bike brands that tick these three boxes - for bikes in this price range. Fred van Vlaanderen, Titan Racing Bikes, OVERDRIVE and 1 other 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now