Need a new bike

[Graham Savage]

Hi all,

 

I'm looking to get back into riding after being out for almost 5 years now :-) Crazy how stuff changes and stuff stays the same!

 

Anyways so I had a look at a few bikes the other day, a Giant (Not sure which one) really nice bike, rockshocks up front with lockout, 9 speed, hydro discs, was dark grey and had that curve in the top tube before the seat - know what I'm talking about (Retailing at R6k odd)

 

And I had a look at a GT but not as much spec as the Giant for the same price...

 

So I need some suggestions, Generally the bike will be used on game farms, golf courses :-) , parks trails etc, and will obviously see a few road days but not often. I'm pretty comfy spending in the 5 - 7k bracket.

 

Help anyone? Should I be looking at used as well? Do I need full suspension? 9 speed yada yada? what should I be looking for in a new bike?

[Dr. Watt]

These points are merely an opinion:

- If you're looking at getting back into the sport remember that cycling requires more than a bike. Once you've bought your helmet, shoes, kit, etc, the price can end up to be significantly higher than you'd budgeted for.

 

- Give serious consideration to a 29er. They are fantastic and growing in popularity by the day. I ride one, and regret not having bought it sooner.

 

- Also think seriously about buying second hand. In that way the depreciation on the bike that you realise when you upgrade may be minimised.

 

- Most people would agree that dual syspension is a better option, but a decent quality dual-sus rig may be a bit out of the price range that you've specified. Hard tail would handle the terrain that you've described quite well. A 29er hardtail - by virtue of its larger wheels - lies somewhere between a 26" hardtail and a 26" dual-sus in terms of comfort.

 

Looking forward to others' comments.

[Willehond]

For that budget I would get a hardtail, not a full suspension bike, because it would be too heavy and under-specced.  Plus you don't need it for the stuff you are going to be doing.  You can pick up a decent new one for that price.  Most of the big name brands like Giant, Scott, GT and Merida are worth a look and Silverback bikes are excellent value for money and just as good (local brand!).  Look for Shimano Deore/LX components at that price (probably Deore) and ask the Hubbers for a good deal!!!  I would go new on a mtb as you don't know how much abuse it has been subjected too and bikes have been getting better and cheaper (well, not the last year!)

[Graham Savage]

Thanks doc, I do still have helmet and some kit, but you are correct I still need shoes, tool kits and bits :-) Don't stress I'm happy with 5-7k on the bike only.

You'll have to excuse my noobie ignorance, when you refer to a 29er you talking of wheel size no?

 

I've never riden (How you spell that? double d?) a full suspension bike so don't really feel the need to have it :-) hehehe I just won't try one out - that happened at mercedes benz and it's not healthy for the bank manager! hahaha

 

Brands, shops, where to go, what to do? Oh and I'm roughly 5ft11 ish, 85kg

[Dr. Watt]

Yes a 29er is an MTB with wheels of roughly 29" in diameter - larger than a conventional 26" bike. The issue of whether 29ers are better than 26ers is a contraversial one and it's also not a matter of black and white, as there are some relative advantages and disadvantages to both types.

 

Two facts can't be denied though:

 

Firstly, the percentage of MTB riders using 29ers is growing constantly (this is reflected in the rapidly expanding range of commercially available 29er products)

 

Secondly, if you dismount from a 26er and get onto a 29er you'll be amazed by how different the feel of the ride is. This is in large part due to the fact that the larger wheel rolls over obstacles more easily.

 

To me the concept of a 29er seemed such a no-brainer that I ordered mine without ever having ridden one before. In retrospect I definately made the right choice.

 

My only concern is that you may have difficulty finding a new 29er in your specified price range. The second hand market may prove more fruitful.

 

Try one and after just a few pedal strokes you'll see what I'm talking about.

[Old school]

This bike.

PM mehttp://www.rugo.cz/UserFiles/Image/Zbozi/v/3786.jpg

[masood]

Hey Graham, nice to see somebody from the VWClub here

[Graham Savage]

Thanks all,

 

Hey masood!!! Hehehehe

 

 

I think I might take that Giant, looks really good, good price at R6500... now how about a bike carier? Needs to take three bikes and still have trailer on a Merc ML