MTB Newbie questions...Pretoria East

[SymbolOfLife]

Hi everyone, 

After a while of back-and-forth, myself and the missus have decided to get ourselves some mountain bikes and getting a little more active. 

We're in Pratoria East, and I have some general questions, some area specific, and some about bike choices. 

1. Bikes. Our budget isnt massive (as I may need to get my vehicle kitted as well possibly...more on that later). Currently looking at Titan Racing Rogue Alpines. I'd prefer to buy new as then at least the bikes havent been abused, but for absolute beginners, is this the way to go? Or rather secondhand? If so, secondhand brand/model recommendations? Reputable secondhand dealers?
2. Safety. I regularly read reports of people getting their bikes hijacked essentially. Is that common? I'd assume it's best to rather drive to a trail and then bike from there. But, on the occasion that we maybe want to go for an afternoon ride without venturing out, is it generally safe? I know this is a tough one to answer as I guess things can happen everywhere.  
3. Trails. In the greater area, is there a lot of choice that's failry safe? (Is there maybe an app you can recommend to have a look?)
4. Vehicle kitting. I drive a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Thinking of having it fitted with a towbar for bike transport, but, I'm also thinking that the bikes may just fit in the back with the seats down for now? (We dont have kids...just the two of us).
5. Is it generally ok to store bikes using those wall-hanger type solutions like this?
6. Any other tips/recommendations?

Thank you!

 

Edited April 19 by SymbolOfLife

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

5 hours ago, SymbolOfLife said:

Hi everyone, 

After a while of back-and-forth, myself and the missus have decided to get ourselves some mountain bikes and getting a little more active. 

We're in Pratoria East, and I have some general questions, some area specific, and some about bike choices. 

1. Bikes. Our budget isnt massive (as I may need to get my vehicle kitted as well possibly...more on that later). Currently looking at Titan Racing Rogue Alpines. I'd prefer to buy new as then at least the bikes havent been abused, but for absolute beginners, is this the way to go? Or rather secondhand? If so, secondhand brand/model recommendations? Reputable secondhand dealers?
2. Safety. I regularly read reports of people getting their bikes hijacked essentially. Is that common? I'd assume it's best to rather drive to a trail and then bike from there. But, on the occasion that we maybe want to go for an afternoon ride without venturing out, is it generally safe? I know this is a tough one to answer as I guess things can happen everywhere.  
3. Trails. In the greater area, is there a lot of choice that's failry safe? (Is there maybe an app you can recommend to have a look?)
4. Vehicle kitting. I drive a Suzuki Grand Vitara. Thinking of having it fitted with a towbar for bike transport, but, I'm also thinking that the bikes may just fit in the back with the seats down for now? (We dont have kids...just the two of us).
5. Is it generally ok to store bikes using those wall-hanger type solutions like this?
6. Any other tips/recommendations?

Thank you!

 

Howdy and welcome! 
 

1. Speak to @RobertWhitehead. He’s in Pretoria and will build you a really nice bike where you’ll get a much better spec (and reliability) than any entry-level new bike. Your bikes will also retain their resale value. 
2. Bikejackings aren’t too common. Use your normal sensibilities while out and about and you’ll be fine. Your bigger danger is vehicles. Flashing lights front and rear and always assume every single vehicle is a 2 tonne projectile being piloted by an ape looking at a cellphone. 
3. Plenty in the Pretoria area and there’s also Northern Farm, Prime View, Taroko - all accessible for you. 
4. Don’t stuff around trying to fit bikes in the back. Ball ache. Ruins the fun. Fine for one but *** for two. You’ll scratch and break things on the bikes and your car plastics and roof lining etc. Very annoying and kills the vibe. Towbar will be great. Plenty of bike racks to be had at Cash Converters for example. Stick to Thule, Buzz Rack and Holdfast as you can get replacement rubbers, straps etc and buying second hand they retain their value very well. I use a Buzz Rack platform rack for 3 bikes, my Holdfast wheelie is permanently mounted on my spare wheel for 1 bike, and 2 bikes (or the tandem) I use my Holdfast 2-bike hanging rack. All were bought 2nd hand from Cash Converters at probably 1/4 or 1/3 the price of new. 
5. Store your bike however you like. I can’t see your link but if you want to buy one thing and never have to buy another, Steadyrack is the way. A lot of hanging racks don’t have the tyre/rim width capacity of modern mountain bikes, so you may end up with something that scratches your rims etc. Steadyrack is really convenient and you’ll never have to reinvent your storage idea. 

6. Go for a 1x (one by ie single chain ring up front) drivetrain on both bikes with SRAM NX or Shimano Deore as minimum spec with a 10 (or 11) to 50 cassette and a 32t chain ring. Don’t bother with clipless pedals for now, just use decent, grippy flat pedals and when you’re ready you can go to clipless pedals and cleats. “Clipless” being a bit confusing - as it’s the system where your shoe clips onto the pedals. Good quality bib shorts (the ones with shoulder straps) are the way. Entry level Enjoy bibs aren’t bad, or lots of options on Temu. When starting out hydrate and eat little and often. Don’t wait until you’re half dead to stop and fuel yourself. Choose your bars, gels and gummies wisely as not all bowels agree with all product offerings and a bush #1 is always fine but a bush #2 is really not one for the memory bank. Good quality sunglasses and sun cream that doesn’t run into your eyes and burn your eyeballs out of your head and you’ll be away. 

[RobynE 🚵‍♀️]

⬆️ oh and on the racks. A 2 bike rack is actually a single bike rack and a 3 bike rack is a 2 bike rack. Brand new racks are more compliant to modern bike width but most racks you’ll find are designed for narrow mountain bikes and road bikes. So look for a 3 bike rack at least. 

[RobertWhitehead]

Thank you @RobynE 🚵‍♀️. 

1) That is really up to you, some folks want to buy new cause they want the assurance that if something goes wrong that they'll have someone to go back to and hold accountable. (PS: I also stand by my builds, sometimes better than a shop).

I prefer second hand as you'll be able to get a decent sedan for hatchback money

2) Yes, we here in the East have been having an issue with bike jackings over the past few months. There's a syndicate operating either on the Delmas road and or the Boschkop road. But, with that being said, cycling in between the houses and or bike parks are safe. We're spoilt for choice here: Rosemary Hill, Cowhouse, Grootfontein, TAF (not too sure if they're still open), Buffelsdrift (hey they're open again - fantastic ride), place on Dr Swanepoel drive - don't know it's name, Wolwespruit, Northern Farms. 

3) See point no. 2

4) Autobar in town is the place to go, they'll fit a towbar for a fraction of the price

5) Yes, they save some space, but storing them horizontally is also fine

6) Join the PEMBI group on vleisboek and enjoy the experience. Also note that it'll be OK for you and your wife to not always cycle together. You'll soon see what I mean by this statement. Look me up if you need any advice or a cycling buddy, I don't have a bike at this moment but will pretty soon, building a beast of a machine for this years Baviaans.