What type of mtb

[stewie911]

I'm looking to upgrade my mtb within the next year.

What kind of bike should one go for? Dual sus, carbon ht or alluminimum ht.

 

I'm not going to do any stage racing or anything in the near future.

 

Most of my rides are about 30/40km on gravel road/single track. (Places like groenkloof)

 

I currently ride a GT Avalanche 1.

[stewie911]

And when I decide on a bike, will I get a better value for money bike if I build a bike from specials found on the hub rather than buying a complete bike?

 

What do you guys think of those no-name carbon frames, cause they are really cheap?

[Daxiet]

 

On the subject of DS/HT search the T&A forum, all you need to know has been discussed on an almost weekly basis. Hopefully it won't start up again.

 

As for carbon vs. aluminium I love carbon. But this has equally been discussed. Again all these discussions are based on each persons personal preference, wallet size, race desires... You are not going to get a quick and easy answer.

 

Don't build a bike, buy it. Second hand parts off the hub will have wear on them and you will land up spending more in the long run. Buying new components works out more costly as well, maybe not if from CRC, but close call. Look for good specials on new bikes. With the 2010 ranges being released, there should be some good 2009 models at reduced pricing out there.

 

Daxiet2009-10-04 22:59:39

[Tumbleweed]

you tell us what you don't plan to do in the near future, but don't say what you do want to do. if you're planning on doing the same but increasing the distance, stick with an alu hardtail. if you're happy with the avalanche, maybe look at the zaskars. try get good deals on 08 or 09 models?

[stewie911]

Thanks. Will do the reading through previous posts.

 

Not even sure exactly what type of riding I'll be doing. Maybe for now, just increasing my performance.

[Pappa Bear]

Full Susser. You sound like a Giant Anthem X candidate, get one new....

[stewie911]

Rode one at ride before you buy and must say that they are awesome, although I rode the expensive one.

[Borriz]

Bang for buck for non stage racing and half marathon rider = HT

Marathon and stage racing = full susser

Agree with GT Zaskar. Great bike and moer of a pedigree.

Go from SLX to XT to XTR componentry to start cheap and progress up the food chain.

Once you're done with components look at nice shock as this makes big difference and then lastly lekker wheelset.

[_Daemon_]

29er Hardtail?

[Hog_]

Speak to ngala24 about a Chumba full-susser. You know you want to!

 

 

 

 

[stewie911]

I'm 1.69m and heard 29er only for taller people, although it didn't feel too bad when I rode one. Don't know if I'll take the chance though.

Borriz. Wouldn't it be better to wait a little longer and buy a bike with better components and shocks?

[Borriz]

a bike later is always great cause of new technolgies and improvements.

The things you become use it are: gearing, shock and geometry. If you leave this for long you won't realise the difference between high and low end and so don't become accustomed to the quality....and price. But its when you do get use to it that you won't settle for anything else and the your bike shop start smiling.