New to the sport...how much to spend?

[JolSeeker]

Hi, a few of us are keen on getting into mountain biking and are looking for bikes. A mate just got a basic Trek 3900, is it worth spending a few grand more and getting something like a Trek 6000? Are the components, brakes etc "wannabe" decent stuff or are they genuinely worth the extra cash?

[Oiltrash]

How much are both those bikes?

[slowjoe]

Buying cheap stuff to save always more expensive. I started cycling in sept last year (road bike), also bought a good entry level bike only to buy another fairly high end bike 5 months later.

 

Check what you really like, and spend more than u can afford to get it   It will still be cheaper than buying TWICE.

 

[fandacious]

You might as well throw the wallet at it now. No matter what you buy, you're always going to be upgrading somrthing on your bike. Get used to the fact that cycling will consume your monthly budget faster than a gold digging wife

[JolSeeker]

The Trek 3900 is around R3K and the Trek 6000 around R6K...not set on Trek just what I've seen so far.

[Tumbleweed]

it's worth spending extra if you're thinking about getting into it in the long run, cos you're just gonna wear cr@p stuff out. also budget about R1000 to get the extras you need like a helmut, shorts, bottle cages, gloves, multitool, saddle bag, etc...welcome to the coolest sport on earth and the hub, where the heat is being turned up elsewhere this morn 

[slowjoe]

Also think trek is over rated and over priced, check out some prices on gtbicycles.co.za or felt.co.za , and, get out of the mud ... buy a road bike

[MichH]

A mate just got a basic Trek 3900' date=' is it worth spending a few grand more and getting something like a Trek 6000? [/quote']

 

Re-mortgage your house now and put your spare kidney on the black market immediately!

 

Just kidding. When you're just starting out, try lend a bike to see if you'll like it, then buy a bike. If you hate it, lesson learnt with no money spent. Then if you love it, try and buy the best bike you can with (slightly more than) your budget.

 

I don't know the two bikes mentioned, but if you are looking to ride offroad, I would look for a front shock that uses air pressure, not a coil (see Rockshox Judy, etc). Look for a decent component set (I would recommend Deore as a great beginner component, fair quality, fair price). I wouldn't go for cheap disc brakes, but rather a good set of V-brakes.

 

Come ask questions!!

[JolSeeker]

I get what you're saying but I still wonder if it's worth getting the best of the cheaper gear or the worst of the expensive stuff???

[JolSeeker]

Are "Juicy" disc brakes decent?

[Canaris]

Spend all your money and then some. Sell your kids into slavery and wife into prostitution.

 

 

 

You are worth it.

[Tumbleweed]

juicys are very nice.

[JolSeeker]

that's the kind of motivation I needed...logging on to eBay as we speak!!!

[JolSeeker]

The Trek 6000 that comes with Deore gears and Juicy brakes for R6K would be alright?

[Oiltrash]

I get what you're saying but I still wonder if it's worth getting the best of the cheaper gear or the worst of the expensive stuff???

 

I would rather go to the LBS and speak to them...When I started out this year, I had no clue (and still don't) about cycling, turns out the "entry level" bike they suggested and I bought from them for 6k was the best option by far. As for your question above, my bike is the lower spec in a better range......of course that is a road bike but I am sure that's the same for MTB's (correct me if I am wrong)

Oiltrash2007-07-11 04:27:35

[JolSeeker]

Thanks guys, appreciate all the swift advice! This site is pretty cool! Hopefully see you out in the bush sometime soon!