New MTB - PLEASE HELP

[Jigghead]

Hi,

 

I am just starting out with mountain biking and to be honest, am very confused. I went into the Cycle Lab and was quotes on an entry level Merida TFS100D (R5,000).

 

All looked good, I went in today to actually buy it and they had run out of stock. The next one up was R8,000. Alternatively, I could purchase a Trek, same spec as the TFS100D (apparently) but it costs R6,700.

 

Now I can probably push it to R7,000, but if the Trek is the same spec, why pay more? Apparently for a life time warranty on the frame! I have been told that a bike is only as good as its components and that I should be at least looking at hydraulic disk brakes. No problem there, I see the reasons here and I’m sold.

 

So, my question is this, what bike and components would constitute beast value for money in my price bracket? And where would I find such a bike?

 

Being new to the sport, I am not in a position to be sure if I’m just being ripped off or not. I live in Fourways and would like some alternative bike shops options to both Cajees (sic) and Cycle Lab.

 

Any ideas?

[MTB_Roadie]

why not go look around at other bike shops? Shop around, it would be worth it

[Jigghead]

Any idea where I can find any others? I haven't seen many around.

[rouxtjie]

Have you considered second-hand? You will defnitely get more bang for your ZAR

[Just Keep Pedaling]

I would buy the cheapest MTB you can find from a real bike shop. Cycle Lab won't rip you off but they are a premium shop who caters to top riders etc. Go look at some other shops in JHB. Take your time. These days cheap bikes are good quality - you mostly pay for weight savings as you go more expensive. Shop around and don't be afraid to let the shops know you are shopping around for prices.

[MTB_Nutter]

You can try Fritz Pienaar in Paulshof, Northcliff cycles in Cresta, or Linden Cycles in Linden. I know that Linden have the Merida TFS 100 in stock as I saw one there on Saturday. A bit further out in Dunkeld is Dunkeld Cycles who is also a Merida agent and provides great service and advice.

[Whiskers_81]

Tony Impi in Bedford centre

Solomons Cycles in Woodmead Retail park

cwc - www.cwcycles.co.za

[Cg_S]

What size?

[Just Keep Pedaling]

Hydraulic brakes are not that important in themselves (better in the wet - more progressive braking) but the manufacturers generally don't put them on cheaper spec bikes - so a bike that has them is likely a better bike.

 

Lifetime warrantee on a frame is as useful as a second as*hole on your elbow.

 

I have had bad experiences with Cajees. Other shops. Linden Cycles. Chris Willemse Cycles. Fritz Pienaar Cycles. Westrand Cycles. Online: Chainreactioncycles.com (my favorite). Buy Cycle.co.za. Many more.

 

If you want the Merida R5000k bike ask them to order it and give you an eta.

Edited December 7, 2010 by Just Keep Pedaling

[Jigghead]

Sheesh, thanks that was quick. Thanks for all the advice.

[Drenalinjunkie]

Cyclelab is way to expensive for my liking...

 

My mate also had his bike serviced recently by them... few minor parts etc came to R3500! Also they didnt even loosen his rear derialeur cable to reset it... Merely turned his barrel adjuster out all the way which left him with no ability to fine tune his gears when he had to. We had to redo everything this weekend at th24hr enduro... Only 2weeks after cyclelab had their dirty paws on it...

[Brett]

google is your friend.

 

also look at the classifieds on this site!

[chris_w_65]

Any idea where I can find any others? I haven't seen many around.

 

Phone Kevin at Cycle Fusion in Weltevreden Park 011 679 5171. Tell him Chris sent you

 

He will sell you a Silverback, very good value for money

 

I shopped around for a good used bike, there must be some out there but I didn't come right. Either they were too far away to go look at or the wrong size. Some people try sell their bikes for almost the price they paid. Some people advertise a 2006 bike as a 2008 and so on.

[slowpoke]

try: Linden, Northcliff, Dunkeld, Cycle Fusion, Westdene, Fritz Pienaar

 

in your price range you just need a good reliable entry level bike that you will replace when you're ready for something better - so don't get sold on any "upgrade" ideas - focus on value for money and durability

[BBN]

Had a friend of mine in the same situation. His really old mountain bike was stolen and wanted to buy another one. He does not ride much and was looking at spending about R5-7k...mad!!! I found him a good secondhand Merida TFS100 on the hub for R3200...much more sensible. He loves it and his wife loves me!!

 

If you are buying secondhand, make sure you have someone with you that actually knows a bit about bikes as it may look great but the groupset and condition may be rubbish!

 

 

 

IMHO.

[scotty]

Cyclelab is way to expensive for my liking...

 

My mate also had his bike serviced recently by them... few minor parts etc came to R3500! Also they didnt even loosen his rear derialeur cable to reset it... Merely turned his barrel adjuster out all the way which left him with no ability to fine tune his gears when he had to. We had to redo everything this weekend at th24hr enduro... Only 2weeks after cyclelab had their dirty paws on it...

I would believe he took this up with them, in particular Andrew Maclean as i'm sure he would have liked to know and would have done something.

 

If you have time on your hands do a price check on helmets in particular the Giro range you will be surprised to find Cyclelab is NOT the most expensive. Tubes 48mm Cajees R75, Sportsmans warehouse R42 and Cyclelab R33.00.

Edited December 7, 2010 by scotty