Reasonable budget for someone re-entering the sport?

[Skubarra]

On 3/21/2024 at 6:44 AM, MORNE said:

While this obviously has some humor/sarcasm mixed into it…i like what i like, and when i decide to do something, I don't want the tools to have a part in why i might not be improving. I want to drool over my own things too, it makes me want to use them more.

So I always get the best things i can reasonably afford at the time (i don't buy on credit), because i also know myself relatively well after 40y on this planet: i’ll buy the budget friendly version and immediately start planning how i can get the better version. It’s a disease unfortunately haha.  

In that sense…’goedkoop koop is duur koop’ for me. Now im not saying I’ll pay 200k for a bicycle (yet👀)…but i won’t be wasting any money on things i feel i will 100% want to upgrade/replace within 6months either. Thats also why i dont buy complete bikes off showrooms. They are almost always a compromise somewhere. 
 
get what you want (within reason), not what you need!😅
 

I am wired a bit differently, I am quite happy to start out on entry level stuff and upgrade where needed over time. Think that gives a good appreciation of where extra money spent actually adds value and where gains are negligible. I find value in that "journey". Always feel a newbie starting out on a high-end bike cant really appreciate what they are getting (or not getting) for their money 😀

[Mtbiker404]

I agree, R250k is a reasonable budget., but don`t go for the s-werks, go for an Ibis Ripley or Exie top of the range. With mtb, cheap is expensive, and you only live once, so splurge it out.

[Mamil]

1 hour ago, Skubarra said:

I am wired a bit differently, I am quite happy to start out on entry level stuff and upgrade where needed over time. Think that gives a good appreciation of where extra money spent actually adds value and where gains are negligible. I find value in that "journey". Always feel a newbie starting out on a high-end bike cant really appreciate what they are getting (or not getting) for their money 😀

My first bike in 2015 was an entry level Momsen Hardtail - 3x drivetrain, narrow handlebars, very heavy - rode most of the local XC races on that and the Houwhoek tour a couple of times and a CTCT and then a Merida dual suss and then .... and after that .... each one has revealed a lot.

ALthough how that momsen didn't kill me while hooking me on the sport I don't know

[Steven421]

One piece of advise I got when I started cycling, first mtb'ing, and also applied the same thought process when I recently started my journey in road riding....is the following :

"If you need a R100k+ bike, you will be given one, you will not need to buy it."

Basically, upgrade as and when your abilities outperform your equipment. Extra cash becomes very useful for getting proper kit and maybe some tech.

[CaptainKipper]

That's all good and well but nowadays a sub 20k bike is considered entry level.

 

[Brawler]

On 3/20/2024 at 7:41 AM, CaptainKipper said:

Greetings hubbers.

Long time lurker, 1st time poster...

I have not been on a bike seriously since high school where cutting edge tech was a Diamondback or Giant Yukon.
I have the ability to spend a decent amount on a secondhand bike.
The question is more one of is R15k ish that much better than a R10k 2nd hand bike for a relative beginner?

Would I notice the difference?

The purpose of the bike is mostly to get my fitness up and I live near Tokai, so have lots of good options wrt places to ride.

A hard tail bike is what I'm after, but also love the nostalgia of steel frames (Surly, Mercer etc  - am I daft?)
I wouldn't discount a gravel bike either, but not being familiar with them, I'm not sure it fits the bill.

I'm also a believer in the buy nice or buy twice philosophy (I bought a real POS Mongoose dual sus bike a while ago and it was totally wrong for me and i learnt my lesson).

Any advice or recommendations would be gratefully received.
I'm 187cm and 88kg (45) if that means anything.

What type of riding do you intend on doing? The recommended bikes are decent XC options but will suck for the more exciting trails at Tokai.

I would hold out for a nice aggressive hard tail like a Merida Big Trail or Trek Roscoe 7. They can still pedal very well but you can also have fun on them. A do-it-all bike.

I'm sure you will find one for 15-20k and they are relatively well spec'd for a beginner. 

 

Here is one for R20k brand new:

https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/roscoe/roscoe-7/p/35116/

Edited March 28 by Brawler

[Jewbacca]

I was coming here to day what @Brawler did....

Trek Roscoe comes dropper ready, modern geo and won't run out of ability before you do.

Brand new.

It is a no brainer IMHO

[Mamil]

2 hours ago, Brawler said:

What type of riding do you intend on doing? The recommended bikes are decent XC options but will suck for the more exciting trails at Tokai.

I would hold out for a nice aggressive hard tail like a Merida Big Trail or Trek Roscoe 7. They can still pedal very well but you can also have fun on them. A do-it-all bike.

I'm sure you will find one for 15-20k and they are relatively well spec'd for a beginner. 

 

Here is one for R20k brand new:

https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/roscoe/roscoe-7/p/35116/

That is a proper bargain 

[nonky]

Another vote for the Roscoe - that is one helluva buy if your budget can make it (and perfect for Tokai trails).  Don't forget to budget R1k-R2k for pedals.

 

Merida 2022 in second place.

[Shebeen]

On 3/26/2024 at 8:22 AM, CaptainKipper said:

Thanks to all the advise so far.

My conundrum is that 1) I am currently in Dubai for a month, and 2) even if I was in SA, these bikes aren't in CPT.

That aside, I seem to have narrowed it down to the following 2 candidates. Both seem to tick the right boxes, but 1 is 12k while the other is 16k. Alternatively, what other suggestions might you have?

This brings me back to my original question: is it worth a beginner spending 4k more for 1 over the other? Is there that much difference between the 2 to warrant it.

Is there perhaps a reputable hubber or LBS that could inspect the bike for me (happy to pay for the privilege)

Also - courier options - who to use?

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/711185/merida-xt-edition-size-xl-2022-model

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/712196/silverback-sola1-xl-gx-12-spd

I think this post sums up where you sit in this game.

You do get what you pay for, but with second hand you are always taking a risk that the bike comes with issues. I would never buy a mtb bike 2nd hand without inspecting it first, failing that it would need to be something unique and would have some long chats with the owner.

Both of those could be great options, or be  total lemons. Or the one might fit differently for you.

If you don't have a knowledgeable buddy to do the donkey work for you, then I'd wait until you are back here. Go visit a 2nd hand shop with range so you can try a few things in the parking lot. There are some good deals with bike oversupply too so visiting a shop and going through your needs with a sales guy could also narrow it down for you.

 

 

 

 

 

[lenzman]

4 hours ago, Brawler said:

Here is one for R20k brand new:

https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/roscoe/roscoe-7/p/35116/

I have been getting back into the sport after 2 kids and bought this in December. Great advice.

Been all over Tokai and up the Mast with it... Great buy and Gear Change folks are the best!