Entry level MTB for R5000

[cyclingfan]

Ok me and my husband want to take up mountain biking.  What is the best entry level MTB recommended and where to buy.  Sportmans Warehouse have a special on a mongoose with a suntour shock and alvio gears for 4500 is this a good price.

[gremlin]

Check some bike shops first, Merida is usualy a very good bike with good groupsets. You should get something better than Mongoose for between R4000 and R5000.

[gremlin]

Merida TFS100 R4700

Silverback Saturn R4500

[gremlin]

Sent PM with some details.

[Charvel]

 

I agree with gremlin. Go to bike shops and see what they have to offer. You would sometimes be able to pick up some higher 2009 models for good prices.

 

I am a bit subjective, but Silverback is known for offering really good value for money bikes as they are a local company and you therefore don't have to pay the "premiums" on international brands.

 

But choosing a bike is a personal choice and you should choose one which you feel comfortable with.

 

My 2c worth....

 

Charvel2010-01-08 05:48:46

[coola]

mt first bike was a silverback with a great deore set up with rock shox fork and xt rear derailer. bought the bike five years ago

only thing i changed in all this time has been breaks, saddle and handlebars(for comfort)

 

NB!!!! always service your bike and keep clean after every ride. and this willdo you just fine.

 

 

a clean bike is a fast bike

[mtb_Josh]

I wouldn't buy a mongoose if I was you. Merida is a very good option, I bought a cheap Merida when I started riding and it served me well.

 

 

 

Another option is to look for a 2nd hand bike. I bought my current bike 2nd hand for R10 000 while a new bike with similar components sells for over R20k. Just be sure to take a well seasoned cyclist with to check the bike out before you buy it if you decide to go this route.

[Charvel]

 

 

mt first bike was a silverback with a great deore set up with rock shox fork and xt rear derailer. bought the bike five years ago

only thing i changed in all this time has been breaks' date=' saddle and handlebars(for comfort)

 

NB!!!! always service your bike and keep clean after every ride. and this willdo you just fine.

 

 

a clean bike is a fast bike

[/quote']

 

I agree with Coola. This is very important advice! Always keep your bike clean to ensure that it serves you well. It's best to do so directly after a ride and then at the same time to oil your chain. You can prolong the life of your chain immensely by just keeping it oiled at all times.

 

 

Charvel2010-01-08 07:05:41

[GTfan]

GT's also got some bikes going for between 4 and 5k, like the Avalanche 3.0

[paulvs]

the bike below is going for a bargain.... snap it up real quick before it is sold

 

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/forum_posts.asp?TID=72506

[Vivster]

For starters buy a SILVERBACK. Best value for money.

[Danger Dassie]

Nothing wrong with the Mongoose brand, Sportsmans can be a bit hit and miss though. Also not sure who builds their bikes up at at Sportsmans though, some do it through a bike and others use 'Fred' who also unpacks the boxes.

Mike's Bikes stocks Mongoose as well.

[Beebster]

Absolutely have to agree with Silverback, they have good bikes for reasonable prices.  If you can afford to spend a liitle more, rather go for the Phoenix, full Deore comp. and this bike will give you hours and days and years of pleasure!!!!

[coola]

dont go to the link you wasting your time ..buy a silverback and spend the rest of whats left on a good pair a bum gloves (shorts) and get into the bush and get dirty ....buy new and enjoy ! when you have got a better understanding of gears, shocks and gear selection.

but to be frank find a good bike shop that will fit you to a frame and setup .

try fourways area there is a massive store up there

[Moab]

I wouldn't buy a mongoose if I was you. .

 

I wouldnt write them off! Remember that some dude cycled round Africa on a Mongoose Tyax and his only major issues was spokes.

 

That said, look at bike shops. The Silverbacks are also great bikes. The Linden Cycles guys and the Cycelab guys were great help to me with my choice (mtb and road respectively). Welcome to the sport!

[cyclingfan]

Thanx for all the input.  Can somebody explain to me how the ranking of groupset and shocks work.  I am a roadie and do not know how mountain bike groupsets is classified.