What bike to buy (or should I even buy one)

[hansi06]

6 hours ago, ajnkzn said:

Agree 100% - I'm riding on Deore at the moment and it's flawless so SLX should be even better.

 

I'd say that (apart from weight) Deore is as just good as GX on the SRAM side...

 

 

Since I've now done a deep (and very dark😂) dive into mountain biking, I think a Shimano deore would be more than adequate and perfect for my use. I am leaning a bit to the merida big nine 500, as it is new, on the lower side of the budget, and local to me. However, it has a 2x11. Is it a deal breaker compared to a 1x12?

[ChrisF]

21 hours ago, hansi06 said:

Since I've now done a deep (and very dark😂) dive into mountain biking, I think a Shimano deore would be more than adequate and perfect for my use. I am leaning a bit to the merida big nine 500, as it is new, on the lower side of the budget, and local to me. However, it has a 2x11. Is it a deal breaker compared to a 1x12?

 

I had 1x12.

 

Now all our bikes are 1x11.

 

 

What do you loose !  The 10 tooth small gear, thus 10% top end speed.

 

What do you gain ?  A much more robust and cost effective system.

 

 

1x12 ... avoid the cheap stuff ....

 

 

Edit - 2x11 ... longer gear range, especially handy on gravel bikes.  Gives a nice granny gear for the climbing, and nice top end speed.  Less common on MTB's at the moment.

Edited November 14 by ChrisF

[Frosty]

22 hours ago, hansi06 said:

However, it has a 2x11. Is it a deal breaker compared to a 1x12?

One of the big differences is that with 2x11 you have a smaller change in cadence (at the same effort level) when shifting gears, compared to the 1x12. 

There are some overlapping gear ratios (front chain ring divided by rear cog) due to the nature of having 22 difference gear options (2x11). 

I prefer the 2x even though there are less components to manage on the 1x system.

Edited November 14 by Frosty

[Ruben101]

21 hours ago, hansi06 said:

Since I've now done a deep (and very dark😂) dive into mountain biking, I think a Shimano deore would be more than adequate and perfect for my use. I am leaning a bit to the merida big nine 500, as it is new, on the lower side of the budget, and local to me. However, it has a 2x11. Is it a deal breaker compared to a 1x12?

It is not a deal breaker at all. You can always change that setup to a 1x11 with most of the existing components.

Plus- the specs says a deore rear derailleur, but I have seen a few closer up picks from these bikes actually coming out with a Shimano Deore XT derailleur

[ChrisF]

One thing to note about Shimano.

 

 

These derailures use a clutch.  Small maintenance item.

 

Takes me about 3 or 4 minutes to service.

 

 

Still a Shimano fan boy 👍👍

[gerriemtb]

On 11/13/2024 at 10:33 PM, hansi06 said:

Since I've now done a deep (and very dark😂) dive into mountain biking, I think a Shimano deore would be more than adequate and perfect for my use. I am leaning a bit to the merida big nine 500, as it is new, on the lower side of the budget, and local to me. However, it has a 2x11. Is it a deal breaker compared to a 1x12?

2x11 is great - my 2x11 Shimano is set and forget. And because I don't ride really rough terrain I don't use the clutch on the rear derailleur

That Merida Big Nine 500 looks like a very good deal.

[Alouette3]

On 11/13/2024 at 10:31 AM, 117 said:

Tech trails and small jumps.... then this will be a better buy for you: 

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/dual-suspension-bikes/767241/pre-owned-canyon-torque-l-bm10069-2018

Im not far from them and happy to go take more photos for you 

That's a serious lot of bike for the money!

Otherwise look around for a Giant Trance second hand. Some good deals around and a great allrounder 

[ChrisF]

7 hours ago, gerriemtb said:

2x11 is great - my 2x11 Shimano is set and forget. And because I don't ride really rough terrain I don't use the clutch on the rear derailleur

That Merida Big Nine 500 looks like a very good deal.

 

Just something to think about - the clutch is ALWAYS being used.

 

On the OFF position is works less, but still works.

 

ON, it works a lot more.

 

 

But the point being that those moving surfaces are still in need of some TLC and special unobtainium grease.  On my roadie (hardtail) the clutch also remains in the open position, service intervals about twice as long as the full suspension.

 

 

very small allen key

undo three small bolts

put the clutch cover on a the working top

remove the clutch assembly and put it on the working top.

flathead screwdriver to open the tips and the clutch slips out.

clean with a paper towel

small drop of grease (dont over grease)

re-fit.

 

It really is quicker than topping up the sealant of your tubeless tyres.

 

Like any moving surfaces .... keep it lubed and it lasts.  DONT run it dry .....

[gerriemtb]

1 minute ago, ChrisF said:

 

Just something to think about - the clutch is ALWAYS being used.

 

On the OFF position is works less, but still works.

 

ON, it works a lot more.

 

 

But the point being that those moving surfaces are still in need of some TLC and special unobtainium grease.  On my roadie (hardtail) the clutch also remains in the open position, service intervals about twice as long as the full suspension.

 

 

very small allen key

undo three small bolts

put the clutch cover on a the working top

remove the clutch assembly and put it on the working top.

flathead screwdriver to open the tips and the clutch slips out.

clean with a paper towel

small drop of grease (dont over grease)

re-fit.

 

It really is quicker than topping up the sealant of your tubeless tyres.

 

Like any moving surfaces .... keep it lubed and it lasts.  DONT run it dry .....

Dankie @ChrisF daar leer ek iets!

[shamangoof]

If you going to buy "new" then you should find out a bit about the after sales service. I have a Scott Spark 960 (2022 so pretty much current) and love the bike. Developed a crack on the chainstay and fortunately still covered by warranty. But still waiting more than two months for replacement and no luck getting and information from Scott SA.