Heavy mountain bike

[Nicolene61]

I have a titan alpine mtb my first real mtb. This thing feels too sluggish and heavy so Im riding a matvel cadent. I would really like to do some events, not major as Im starting out but jo I dont want to struggle doing uphills and taking forever on that. Im doing strengthening exercises but feel like I get more speed and strength from the marvel. Thinking of trading up to an orbea or merida but scared Im wasting money as this bike has not done 1000km yet. 

[HdB]

The difference in weight is probably mostly due to the suspension fork on the Titan.

I'd say depending on the route, ride the bike you enjoy more, and use the Titan when needed.
Wait a bit to replace the bike, and use the time to research and make sure you get something that is a good upgrade.
Replacing a bike you don't enjoy isn't a waste of money, but replacing it with something that is only a modest improvement when you already have a bike you enjoy more, would be.

[JayLow]

My rule of thumb is that 1kg of bike weight is counteracted by only ~1% more power over most climbs, so spending tens of thousands of Ronds to drop a kg on the bike would be an inefficient way to get faster. If you struggle to handle the bike (loading, offloading, etc.) then by all means get something lighter, but in general, bike weight is not the primary determinant of whether you will struggle. Cardio fitness, gear ratio, and skill (handling) matter more than bike weight, especially if you're not in the 90th percentile of riders.

@HdB is right - get the bike that you will ride, and ride it. You get better at climbing by riding.

[Super Sywurm]

3 hours ago, Nicolene61 said:

I have a titan alpine mtb my first real mtb. This thing feels too sluggish and heavy so Im riding a matvel cadent. I would really like to do some events, not major as Im starting out but jo I dont want to struggle doing uphills and taking forever on that. Im doing strengthening exercises but feel like I get more speed and strength from the marvel. Thinking of trading up to an orbea or merida but scared Im wasting money as this bike has not done 1000km yet. 

Maybe, just maybe, there are some brake pads rubbing against the rotors? 

Something to get checked.🤷‍♂️

[Nicolene61]

1 hour ago, Super Sywurm said:

Maybe, just maybe, there are some brake pads rubbing against the rotors? 

Something to get checked.🤷‍♂️

I checked that out front wheel was, sorted that. Now im looking at merida big nine 500 or orbea going for 17k at cycle lab. So confused. 

[robbybzgo]

1 hour ago, Nicolene61 said:

So confused. 

Hi Nicolene, don't be confused. It takes a long time to become au fair with the complicated line up of bikes available.

And yes, heavy bikes aren't great when you're a lightweight. I've bought a number of bikes in the last few years and I far prefer my lightweight carbon bikes. It's actually amazing how much weight you can drop by just changing your seatpost and handlebars to carbon (as well as giving more comfort).

Unfortunately bikes have become so expensive in the post-covid era. So glad that I invested pre-covid where bargains were much more plentiful.

Don't rush, speak to lots of cyclists about their bikes, join a local cycling club and ask lots of questions, ask to have a spin on someone's bike to suss it out and then when you're ready you'll hopefully make the right decision.

Don't delay in selling an old bike because they don't appreciate. 

[Mamil]

6 hours ago, Nicolene61 said:

I have a titan alpine mtb my first real mtb. This thing feels too sluggish and heavy so Im riding a matvel cadent. I would really like to do some events, not major as Im starting out but jo I dont want to struggle doing uphills and taking forever on that. Im doing strengthening exercises but feel like I get more speed and strength from the marvel. Thinking of trading up to an orbea or merida but scared Im wasting money as this bike has not done 1000km yet. 

How tall are you and what size bike is it?

[Nicolene61]

1.76 and medium size

[Nicolene61]

45 minutes ago, Mamil said:

How tall are you and what size bike is it?

1.76 and m size

[Lynskey]

Bikes are like cars. The more you spend the better you get. Until you know what is what and who is who just use the bike you have. I wasted many madibas on bikes which were a sideways step. Get real info from a mate or a mates mate and then spend wisely. This sport can become a bottomless pit. Heavy toilet bikes make you ride harder. A good thing to do as a beginner. 

[Mamil]

51 minutes ago, Nicolene61 said:

1.76 and m size

The bike sounds like the right size. 

I wonder what the easiest gear is on your cadent? It might be that it is a little easier (smaller at the front and larger at the back).

The titan probably is a little heavier bit what your getting for that weight is that the bike will be stronger to handle the rougher loads of mountain biking  and a suspension fork to allow you to absorb bumps and rougher surfaces better.

It probably is also a little slacker than your other bike in its geometry (basically longer from wheel to wheel) which brings more stability bit can feel a little sluggish and slow.

Also, when I started 11 years ago uphills were a slow and horrible experience. There's a old forumite called Thor buttox who is now an expat elsewhere in the world who can tell you how he kindly rode next to me in his hardest hear while I fended of a heart attack.

Basically I think all this means you need to ride up.more hills.

 

 

[Anthem24]

The Marvel Cadent is listed as a hybrid bike, so apart from having a rigid fork, its tyres may not be as knobbly as the Titan's, and tyre rolling resistance can make a huge difference in the feel of the bike.

Coil forks are not great, but many of us started on those! If it has a lockout, try using that on the climbs to see if you're losing power by bouncing up and down. 

Did anyone set the bike up for you?

 

[Nicolene61]

7 hours ago, Anthem24 said:

The Marvel Cadent is listed as a hybrid bike, so apart from having a rigid fork, its tyres may not be as knobbly as the Titan's, and tyre rolling resistance can make a huge difference in the feel of the bike.

Coil forks are not great, but many of us started on those! If it has a lockout, try using that on the climbs to see if you're losing power by bouncing up and down. 

Did anyone set the bike up for you?

 

No so I am considering taking it to cycle lab for proper bike fit. I love the Titan as its a nice ride and strong build bike marvel dropped me next to the road 3 times now, its not a trustworthy one, Im calling it a mini

[Jensie]

If you go for a bike fit let them just roll the wheels and check if bearings/brakes all is not rough or rubbing. Bearings can also be a culprit even if the bike is new...
Good Luck and remember it does not get easier you just go faster.

[Nicolene61]

13 hours ago, Lynskey said:

Bikes are like cars. The more you spend the better you get. Until you know what is what and who is who just use the bike you have. I wasted many madibas on bikes which were a sideways step. Get real info from a mate or a mates mate and then spend wisely. This sport can become a bottomless pit. Heavy toilet bikes make you ride harder. A good thing to do as a beginner. 

Thing is I rode a silverback stride 2 weeks ago in olifantskamp kruger park. I couldnt believe how easily I did those hills, it was amazing!! Thats why I think the bike might not be right

[Ruben101]

It almost sounds like you have purma tubes on the Titan