Which Bike?

[RobMobius]

Hi there, I am a brand new member so this is my first post.

 

I have very recently got into MTBing and loving it. My lady wants to join in the fun as well. We have been looking for a bike for her and have narrowed it down to 3 bikes all at a pretty similar price.

 

1. The Giant Talon

2. Scott scale 60

3. GT 1.0

 

These seem the best bang for buck. All have LX or XT components and seem pretty similar.

 

What would you recommend, or maybe there is a bike that I am not aware of that is better? She is looking at being semi serious so we need more than a pavement special.

 

Thanks

 

[HomerSimpson]

I have the Scale 70, happy with it, but then I'm just a step above a pavement special.....  How does the Scott Reflex 20 or 10 compare?  The Reflex has a slightly more relaxed geometry and handles quite well, the components are very similar to the Scale I believe.

[AndreZA]

Giant.

[Marius]

I had the GT 1.0 as my 1st Mtb, was solid but a bit heavy, needed to replace quite a few things to get ti race ready.

[Spinnekop]

Ha....ha...ha..

 

3 replies.....3 different bike opinions......

Spinnekop2007-08-07 09:26:48

[Marius]

I did take a Scott Mtb for a test drive and I felt better on it but the price tag was to much, so let her rather ride all 3 and then let her decide.

[Spinnekop]

Color....it is all going to boil down to what looks good and what not....what goes with the shoes....

 

Trust me on this one!!! 

[Marius]

I know, Lilo just bought a New Road bike cuz it has Pink in it, and matches her Helemt and shoes

[RobMobius]

haha, spinnekop you are so right, its already going that way...!

 

testing all 3 bikes is the way to go but are the bike shops happy to let you take the bike out for a ride? I haven't asked yet but none have offered.

 

Thanks for the quick responses and please keep theme coming. I know I am unlikely to find consensus but as new comer its best to ask the veterans for their opinions I find

 

Thanks

 

[Hendrik Petoors]

Look at the Raleigh range...... verrry good value for money.

 

www.raleigh.co.za

 

 

[dylankeyter]

i like the gt1.... really durable and realiable machine, and very good value.

[nellie]

I'd say Scott - one of my friends have one and he's very happy with it!!...plus it looks good!

[RobMobius]

Ok we have narrowed the field down a bit due to whats available size wise and the decision to go for disk brakes.

 

Can I get opinions on the Silverback Sierra and the GT Expert. the Sierra is R400 cheaper but has full XT and Manitou 100mm shock, juicy fives. external bearing. Very well spec'ed for R7995. Its also 11.4kg and the bike is for a lady who I think would benefit from a lighter bike both for riding but also transporting the bike etc.

 

The GT has Tora shock, Sram 9 (maybe 7?) RD, Juicy 3's, better tyres, its a few kg's heavier and more expensive. So worse spec (debatable) and heavier frame but (maybe) better frame.

 

What advise so the wise oracles out there have?

 

Thanks

 

[JLDAM]

hi Rob,

 

 

 

For a lady starting out in Mtb, I would not consider a hardtail. Go for an entry level dual suspension. It will increase her ability over technical sections, make her more confident and make the whole experience much more enjoyable.

 

 

 

cheers,

 

 

 

Jean-Luc