Help with bike suggestions please

[Jo1803!]

Hi all 

Hoping for some guidance. I am new to mountain biking (avid outdoor enthusiast though) and looking at getting a decent mid-range mountain bike. Budget is around 15k - 20k and hoping black Friday will bring some specials. 

I'm looking for something that has good quality components and will last.

I've spent hours scouring the internet but there are so many options it's overwhelming. 

Any suggestions would be appreciated. 

Thanks so much.

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

Hey Jo, 

Welcome! 

Not meaning to sound like a snob but 15-20k new price will be very entry-level. 

You’d pick up a mid-range hardtail second hand for that money (closer to 20k though).

What are your goals, where are you based, and what height are you? 

PS hardtail means front suspension only. Dual sus or full sus means front and rear suspension. Most people start out on a hardtail, some stick with them, some move on to full sus. 

 

[Jo1803!]

Hi Robyn,

 

Ok let me rephrase, entry level bike for up to 20k

 

Not planning to enter races or anything of the sort, more recreational riding, but looking for something that isn't going to break at the first rough bump.

I had a cheap Duffy dual suspension bike which I did not like at all, so looking at front suspension only.

 

Based in Howick in the kzn midlands, 1.77m tall.

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

Ok cool! 

1.77 you’ll be a medium and Trek, Giant, Titan Racing, Merida, Specialized, Momsen, Silverback, Scott are some of the brands you’d be looking at. They are incomparable to Huffy. 
 

This 2022 Scott Scale 950 looks very clean, is well-specced, and would serve you well for many, many years. They are very easy bikes to ride. It will feel like a Bentley in comparison to your Huffy. 

Just check the specs with the seller as it should have: 

Fox 32 Float fork

Shimano XT groupset (1x12 speed) 

Shimano MT501 brakes 

It does look like it has those components but the photos aren’t clear enough for me to be able to identify, I don’t have the skill set. 

 

[Jo1803!]

Thank you very much Robyn

haha yes please I would much prefer a bentley to the old Huffy. 

Thanks for the link, will check it out. 

[JoeMerida]

I suggest you visit a bicycle shop. 

[Jensie]

Hi
For recreational riding these will do nice although not new.
Check out these Carbon MTB's. Ranked them from my first choice down. the cheaper ones you can do a 1x conversion, meaning you replace the gears with only a 1 chainring upfront and 11 or 12 speed at the back.
Ready to ride
https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/857693/pre-owned-bmc-team-elite-02-x1-m-bms55-2016
Can change to 1x
https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/855456/scott-scale-910-carbon
Not to bad
https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/842766/scott-scale
https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/855924/silverback-storm-1

[Jo1803!]

Thank you very much for the recommendations Jensie, will check them out. 

 

Thank you again!

[Jensie]

If you are looking at new I will look at something like the Titans
https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/hardtails/products/titan-drone-dash-2024?variant=49701413945641

 

[Jo1803!]

THANK YOU Jensie, the Titan looks amazing. 

I had also actually looked at the BMC that you linked so reassuring that it was on your list :)) 

[RobertWhitehead]

I am busy with a sweet build that I will let go for R20k even though it may be worth more. Here's the spec: 

Momsen Vipa trail - 2018

Rockshox in the front

Kashima fox in the rear

Stans MK3 wheels with basically new tan wall Brazo tires

1x12 groupset with - still need to decide if I want to go with XX1 gold or GX - have both options

XT - M8000 brakes. 

Will most likely have it done mid to end Nov - maybe sooner

[Jo1803!]

Hi Robert, 

 

Thank you very much for the offer, I think I may have found my bike though:) if it doesn't work out I'll give you a shout.

 

Thank you again.

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

Avoid SRAM SX. It’s on a lot of newer model bikes and it’s really crap as are most Tektro brakes on entry level bikes.

If you can get a bike with Shimano Deore (or better) 12 speed and Shimano brakes, for the same price or marginally more than a bike with SX and Tektro, don’t look back. 

[Jo1803!]

Thank you Robyn

I really appreciate your advice.

[ChrisF]

@Jo1803! a quick search of this forum will show the GOOD history of @RobertWhitehead

 

He has a passion for building bikes.  MANY Hubbers are riding with his bikes.  Certainly the only person I will second hand from "site unseen" ....

 

 

@SilverRider and @Scary Rider can tell you of the various bikes in their stable that comes from Robert.

 

 

NEW .... Titan Racing offers very good value for money.  (just avoid those pesky sram sx models)

 

The bike industry is still in over-supply after the 2022/23 bubble .... you will see MANY shops selling 2023 and 2024 models, still brand new, at heavily discounted prices.  If you do your homework there are some very good deals out there.

[Jo1803!]

Thank you so much for your insight and suggestions Chris 👏