Gavinhu Posted December 23, 2009 Share Hi I am a novice when it comes to buying a MTB. I am training for the Comrades and I need a bike for cross training. I am interested in the Giant Roc and the Silverback Reno. The price range is between R3K - R4). I would appreciate some expert assistance with choosing my first MTB. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beebster Posted December 23, 2009 Share First you have to cycle a bit with someone else's bike, no really. If you buy the Reno, which is a very nice bike. But after spending your hard earned cash, I promise you you will want to upgrade within the first 6 months. Find out how much you like MTB riding first, and then decide what you want to buy. I know a lot of people who bought bikes, and then they upgraded the parts and the frames etc. If I go by what I know, just get something proper that you will be happy with for a long time = money well spent Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HowellingWulf Posted December 23, 2009 Share Hi Gavinhu, welcome to the Hub. I have to agree with Silverbackman. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavinhu Posted December 23, 2009 Share The Giant Rock cost a bit more than the Silverback Reno. I am definetly looking at something that will last. But how does the two bikes comape or how will you rate them out of 10? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Older Posted December 23, 2009 Share Silverback!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gavinhu Posted December 23, 2009 Share What is your reason for choosing Silverback? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beebster Posted December 23, 2009 Share GIANT SPECS: Frame:ALUXX aluminiumForks:Suntour M-2000 63mm travelRear Derailleur:Shimano EZ FireFront Derailleur:Shimano TX 31Shifters:Shimano EZ Fire 50 21 speedChainset:Suntour 28/38/48Bottom Bracket:CartridgeChain:KMC Z51Freewheel/Cass:Shimano TZ07 14-28 freewheelStem:Steel quill typeHandlebars:Steel riserFront Brake:ProMax Linear pullRear Brake:ProMax Linear pullBrake Levers:ShimanoRims:Aluminium 26"Front Hub:Joy TechRear Hub:Joy TechSpokes:SteelTyres:Kenda 26x1.95''Saddle:GIANTSeatpost:SteelPedals:Steel with resin body RENO SPECS:Specifications Frameset Sizes S, M, L, XL Frame Ovaltech Aluminium Fork Suntour XCT-V2 w/Lockout Wheels Wheels Alloy hubs, Alex Rims Tires CST 26"x1.95 Drive chain Shifters Shimano Acera 8 Speed Front Derailleur Shimano C-051 Rear Derailleur Shimano Acera Crank set Shimano M191, 28/38/48T Bottom Bracket VP Sealed Cassette Shimano 11-32T, 8 Speed Chain KMC Pedals VP - PVC w/Steel Cage Components Saddle Silverback Concepts Seat post Silverback Concepts, Alloy Handlebar Silverback Concepts, Alloy Riser Stem Silverback Concept, Alloy A-Headset Headset VP Components Brake set Tektro V-brakes Weight 14.5 kgThis is just my opinion. The silverback has better groupset (gears 24 speed vs. Giant 21 speed, etc) the fork is better on the Silverback. Seems like you set you sights on one of these two bikes already. What about the HKS Alite series, or the Wheeler bikes from Solomons, check these links: Wheeler -http://www.solomons.co.za/node/1033Bianchi - http://www.solomons.co.za/node/1028 - Very decent bike this!!!Fuji - http://www.solomons.co.za/node/939 - Also in your price range. Lets see what you decide, but all these bikes ar ein the same price range, and therefor have more or less the same speced items etc bolted on the frames, hey, then again, I might be wrong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertConvert Posted December 23, 2009 Share hi guys... to those in the know...I'm looking to buy the Silverback Alpine...I would like to do off-road, maybe even some racing later. I'm not loaded with cash, so I'm looking for the most affordable bike that can do this from the outset. Silverback list the Alpine as being more suited to gentler rides. Any advice? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jugheaddave Posted December 23, 2009 Share I would try spend a little more. I agree with silverbackman, and after a few months you will want an upgrade. try find a bike with minimum Deore components. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertConvert Posted December 23, 2009 Share So better to look at something like the Phoenix? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beebster Posted December 23, 2009 Share Yup would have to agree DesertConvert, but on the other side, if you are not going to be riding that much, the Alpine wil do just fine. It all depends on what you are going to do with the bike after the comrades. If you are planning to sell, you will only get half of what you paid... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertConvert Posted December 23, 2009 Share I'm currently riding my brother-in-laws Reno (trying to get fit for the Argus next year - I'm still wet behind the ears :-) ), but once that's done & dusted I would like to get into MTB more seriously. Both leisure riding & once the skills have improved do some races for fun. The Reno is quite alright for road...proportions are quite comfy for me, though I actually need a large bike(this is a medium). If you're just riding on the road I can recommend the Reno(but I can't say how it compares to other brands - price wise probably the best on offer) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beebster Posted December 23, 2009 Share My friend also has the Reno, and quite successfully negotiated some serious mountain biking in Groenkloof, and trust me, it works. So if you are looking for the best bang for your buck, because I know Silverback and trust it, you are pretty well off with the Reno. Just get better peddles and cleats and shoes, and you will be enjoying your ride..... Good luck with the buy.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DesertConvert Posted December 23, 2009 Share My friend also has the Reno' date=' and quite successfully negotiated some serious mountain biking in Groenkloof, and trust me, it works. So if you are looking for the best bang for your buck, because I know Silverback and trust it, you are pretty well off with the Reno. Just get better peddles and cleats and shoes, and you will be enjoying your ride..... Good luck with the buy....[/quote'] Aw man...and I've just managed to convince my wife that I need the Phoenix 'cause the others just aren't good enough for that which I propose to do. Now you say the Reno is fine. Hope she doesn't read this, 'cause the Phoenix is so much prettier than the Reno! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dollar Posted December 23, 2009 Share A road bike. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omlette Posted December 23, 2009 Share reno!!!but once the bug has bitten upgrade to SCOTT!!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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