Advice on MTB

[spylikeme]

Hi

I need some opinions on the following.

 

I am a road cyclist, but due to the dangers on the road,   I need to take my training off-road.

 

Scott, Mongoose or Merida MTB?

 

Entry to mid range bike with disc brakes. Pref. 9 speed.

Will be used for training and recreation.

 

Your advice is appreciated. 

 

[WillemT]

would think scott!! Don't ride one myself but my sister and girlfriend does and it's really nice bikes. Had a really nice one stolen aswell.

Handling from my point is very good. Haven't riden on too many bikes before though. The name also just look better on a frame!! If I had to get a different bike it would be a scott.

Personaly if you got the money, get a cannondale!!! they're awesome, and light!!!

 

What I can say from hearsay. one of my family members bought a new GT zaskar, which is also a very nice bike btw, and the words of the LBS owner was that you don't get as good value for money with the merida as with GT and SCOTT. As I say it's only hearsay... 

[Nancy Drew]

Isn't this a matter of opinion really?

 

When I was looking for a mtb I was advised by numerous people that Scott make a good road bike, but I should steer of their mtbs..

 

again hearsay...

 

those that have them probably love them

[David #7]

would think scott!! Don't ride one myself but my sister and girlfriend does and it's really nice bikes. Had a really nice one stolen aswell.

 

I hope there are two ladies involved here?

Not like the couple on the Jerry Springer show who after the divorce turned to each other and he said to her " Dont worry you will always be my sister".

[Cranky]

Most hardtail frames are very similar, although Scott and Merida usually are highly rated (e.g. both on What Mountain Bikes list of top hardtails in lower price ranges). But you should be looking at overall package on components. Giant, Specialized and GT offer great bikes too. Go to Westdene Cycles first. They have the biggest range of bikes so you'll be able to compare prices and specs of several makes, and see how you feel with the geometry of each bike. Then you can shop further if you wish. Choose the bike that's most comfortable and has the best suspension fork and brakes.

[Li Mu Bai]

Try Commencal - Awesome...

next would be Merida

[niterider]

At the price range you're looking at, don't worry about brands. Get the best component package for your money - the frames are all very similar. If there's two similarly specced bikes that look like the ones, then choose the one that looks nicer or makes you feel better inside.

[Dirtbreath]

I go with with niterider. At that range the bikes are very similar. Look for small upgrades in components such as an upgraded RD or fork. Go for the one that will make you want to ride more.

[Loon]

borrow one from a mate first and go for a ride to see how MTBing feels for you.

 

You may even sell your road bike after that for a new susser... ;-)

[henry newbi]

The thing is once you went for a ride on your buddies bike you wont wanna give it bike 

[mudda]

Have you thought of TREK ?

 

 

 

[Loon]

why would he do that....

[Cranky]

 Also consider attending the MTB testing day at Northern Farm at the end of this month - Ride Before You Buy:

 

"New in South Africa! You can test the latest range of mountain bikes from Ibis, Intense, Jamis, Merida, Pivot, Raleigh, Scott. Specialized, GT, Mongoose, Schwinn and more on Bicycling?s test track."

N Farm - 29 and 30 Nov, 9am to 4pm

Cranky2008-11-06 00:21:19

[henry newbi]

Stay away from mtb its adictive

[_BBi]

Pick the blue bike (or the red one).

[carlo_sg]

I'm in exactly the same boat...

I've done pretty well in Road, but training in the traffic is just getting too dangerous - I'm picking up my new MTB this aftenoon.

I just bought a Scott Scale 35, comes with full XT, Fox Fork, Pedals and weighs a touch over 11kg.

I traded in the OEM tyres for a Tubeless conversion kit and some Maxxis Cross Mark UST tyres (at no extra cost!)