Good bike brands for a beginner at a reasonable price point

[Onik Dovahkiin]

So I did some intensive browsing and got a list together, if anyone has some deeper knowledge on the following in terms of what to look out for or what to avoid (like the type of metal the frame is made from) I'll appreciate it a ton.

https://bike-addict.co.za/products/titan-rogue-cruz-2022 (over my budget but seems like a solid choice, seeing that a lot here recommends Titan)

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1014374-bike-mtb-ht-alu-scott-aspect-970-my22 (I really like this one, don't know anything about the brand tho but seems like a good deal)

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1016916-bike-mtb-ht-alu-titan-rogue-ryde-my22 (also seems like a solid choice)

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1014195-bike-mtb-ht-alu-marin-bobcat-trail-4 (no opinion but looks good)

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1014119-bike-mtb-ht-alu-slvback-stride-delight-2022 (looks like a great choice as well)

If anyone else have some good links to share I'll appreciate it (budget is R5000-R11000, but the lower the better as I want to get a ton of bags for the ride).

Thanks again to everyone, all of you are helping a new rider with excellent knowledge. I hope this forum will help out other intrigued minds as well.

[RobertWhitehead]

1 hour ago, Onik Dovahkiin said:

Snip

Out of the options listed: 

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1016916-bike-mtb-ht-alu-titan-rogue-ryde-my22

There's a gazillion reasons why one would not want to get a certain bike and there will always be something else that has something better. The point is: Everything on a bike can be upgraded and or changed so get the bike that makes you warm and fuzzy inside. 

[dasilvarsa]

1 hour ago, RobertWhitehead said:

Out of the options listed: 

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1016916-bike-mtb-ht-alu-titan-rogue-ryde-my22

There's a gazillion reasons why one would not want to get a certain bike and there will always be something else that has something better. The point is: Everything on a bike can be upgraded and or changed so get the bike that makes you warm and fuzzy inside. 

Agreed.

At a Cost.

A good Set of Wheels Will Cost You More than a Complete Cheap Bike

I Like to buy Stuff that's "Ready to Fly"😁

Edited July 25, 2023 by dasilvarsa

[ChrisF]

1 hour ago, Onik Dovahkiin said:

So I did some intensive browsing and got a list together, if anyone has some deeper knowledge on the following in terms of what to look out for or what to avoid (like the type of metal the frame is made from) I'll appreciate it a ton.

https://bike-addict.co.za/products/titan-rogue-cruz-2022 (over my budget but seems like a solid choice, seeing that a lot here recommends Titan)

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1014374-bike-mtb-ht-alu-scott-aspect-970-my22 (I really like this one, don't know anything about the brand tho but seems like a good deal)

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1016916-bike-mtb-ht-alu-titan-rogue-ryde-my22 (also seems like a solid choice)

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1014195-bike-mtb-ht-alu-marin-bobcat-trail-4 (no opinion but looks good)

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1014119-bike-mtb-ht-alu-slvback-stride-delight-2022 (looks like a great choice as well)

If anyone else have some good links to share I'll appreciate it (budget is R5000-R11000, but the lower the better as I want to get a ton of bags for the ride).

Thanks again to everyone, all of you are helping a new rider with excellent knowledge. I hope this forum will help out other intrigued minds as well.

 

It is much of a muchness between these bikes.

 

Technically the only one I will remove from the list is the Scott (and I am a Scott fan), as it has a 3x7 drive train.  It will be marginally more cost to upgrade to a 1x11 than the others.

 

Go to the shop and have look-feel of these bikes .... the paint scheme, or saddle, or similar of one will bring a smile to your face.... THATS the one to get.

 

As @RobertWhitehead said, all these bikes can be upgraded as your needs change.

 

 

If you want a better specification bike for this price, you will have to go second hand.  IF you know what you are looking at, this is a good idea.  I have sadly also seen huge costs when people buy a poorly maintained  bike .....  Should you consider second hand, you may want to speak to @RobertWhitehead

[Onik Dovahkiin]

2 hours ago, ChrisF said:

Technically the only one I will remove from the list is the Scott (and I am a Scott fan), as it has a 3x7 drive train.  It will be marginally more cost to upgrade to a 1x11 than the others.

Please explain this to me like I'm 8 years old. I'm not going to do any touring, I'll probably be max 4 hours on a ride session but most probably 2. Also won't be near any mountains or intense inclines.

And sadly I don't have a proper bike shop where I live, just a basic one that's catering more to the road cyclists community. And the usual Game options.

[117]

3x7 means 3 gears upfront and 7 at the back. Sure, sounds great at 21 different gears to use, but it aint. Its super old school tech

a 2x10 or 2x11 is a better spread across the ratio range compared to a 3x7 (ie: ratio for climbing gears)

A 1x11 or a 1x12 system is best ratio range, and far less maintenance with no front derailing system

A x7, x9, x10 and x11 usually have the same wheel width on the back so your options to upgrade the x7 to a x11 later is there, albeit at a cost to change the rear hub freebody

 

[Onik Dovahkiin]

51 minutes ago, 117 said:

options to upgrade the x7 to a x11 later is there, albeit at a cost to change the rear hub freebody

Much appreciated, this made so much sense to me without YouTubing.

I'm glad it can be upgraded later on.

I'll most likely going to get the Scott Aspect 970, the frame for me just looks better and stronger. The in pipe custom tubing just makes sense to me as well, something I don't see with the other options that I listed. All in all, like y'all said a bike can be upgraded later on...

[Onik Dovahkiin]

So... Any thoughts on the following bike?

https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1013355-bike-mtb-ht-alu-slvback-stride-sport-2022

Seems to be a solid start for a lot of people seeing that it has a 100 plus reviews.

[dasilvarsa]

Your Weigh Should be a Concern. 🙉

Speak to Experts at a Bicycle Shop for Advice 🏏

[Onik Dovahkiin]

The search has ended.

I settled with a Trek Marlin 5 on sale for R8999

https://biket.co.za/products/2022-marlin-5-lithium-grey?_pos=1&_psq=Marlin&_ss=e&_v=1.0

It's the only bike with a high weight rating of 136KG that I could find. It also has internal routing and a 8x2 drivetrain. 

I can't wait to start my bikepacking trips!

[dasilvarsa]

22 minutes ago, Onik Dovahkiin said:

The search has ended.

I settled with a Trek Marlin 5 on sale for R8999

https://biket.co.za/products/2022-marlin-5-lithium-grey?_pos=1&_psq=Marlin&_ss=e&_v=1.0

It's the only bike with a high weight rating of 136KG that I could find. It also has internal routing and a 8x2 drivetrain. 

I can't wait to start my bikepacking trips!

Champion 👍😁

[Danger Dassie]

Well done, well thought out bike that with plenty room for upgrades further on. Wheels are spot on.
Gears would probably be the first thing, Altus works well but as it wears look at Deore when replacing. Also the bottom bracket should last a lifetime being a sealed unit, just be sure that the cranks are properly and carefully tightened. They look like square taper axles, which are fine but should be checked now and then for tightness. Keep an 8mm allen key with your toolkit. 
Other than that, awesome decision and happy riding! 

[barnarp]

Hi @Onik Dovahkiin , thanks for this thread, learnt alot as I am also a complete newbie with more or less the same budget. Curious to find out how your first days with the bike was and also if you opted for the 29" XL?

[Onik Dovahkiin]

On 7/31/2023 at 9:42 AM, barnarp said:

Curious to find out how your first days with the bike was and also if you opted for the 29" XL?

Awesomeness! Glad to see that my post helped others.

I indeed acquired a 29er but in L. And L is massive! The size of this bike took me off guard as I don't remember bikes being this big. I wouldn't recommend a XL if you're not taller than 185cm.

The ride itself (Trek Marlin 5) is a breeze. Also super solid and sturdy as I'm feeling zero creeks and tension. The brakes however feels soft so I'll be taking it in to see if that's normal or needs to be tuned. 

One thing I'll recommend to get is a softer seat! You do get used to the hard seat but it's uncomfortable.

Also invest in a good kickstand, as well as front and rear lights asap.

Lemme know what ride you eventually settled with!

[thebob]

12 minutes ago, Onik Dovahkiin said:

One thing I'll recommend to get is a softer seat! You do get used to the hard seat but it's uncomfortable.

Don't do it! Rather go get your sit bones measured and buy the correct width saddle for your rear end. Going softer without getting the correct size is a recipe for disaster

[Jensie]

56 minutes ago, thebob said:

Don't do it! Rather go get your sit bones measured and buy the correct width saddle for your rear end. Going softer without getting the correct size is a recipe for disaster

This👆....i rode with a too narrow saddle for a too long time and was not nice. 145mm was the perfect width and never had issues again. Too soft after an hour will be painful.