Advice needed from cyclists

Bump.

I never got to buy a bike due to a bunch of reasons, but have decided to do so now. Also my kids are cycling beautifully now and I need to keep up with them :)

So are there any specials on at the moment that anyone knows of for a good quality MTB.

Cheers
 
I was in the same position as you were two years ago. I had a basic hand me down 26er that I rode fun rides with, it worked good enough until I took it in for a thorough service. It was beginning to act up and I was due to take part in the Karoo2Coast 95k MTB ride. The news was not good, the bike was only worth R1k and the repairs would amount to more that.

So I spent R5000 and bought a decent recreational level 29er - it was the best R5k I spent so far on cycling. With my R5k bike I did a two K2Cs and one TransKaroo as well as numerous fun rides and many commuter miles. Most of the bike is still going although I was given a new frame after 7000km because there was a hairline crack in the seat tube. How is that for excellent product warranty?

Therefor, from personal experience, I would recommend you get one of these :http://www.bicycling.co.za/bike-buyers-guide/karakoram-4-0/ They can be had on special for less than R5k and with the 2014 models due to be unveiled in a month or so you will find 2013 models on special. They are very cheap to run and reliable too, your drivetrain will last for at least 2000km and replacing it will cost only a few hundred rand.

What you will need additionally is a Mr Price Sport Helmet (R250),cycle pants (R250) and the usual on bike kit : pump, spare tube, tyre levers, bottle cages, saddle bag and cycle computer. All of that can be had for less than a grand.
 
Yep, their helmets are also pretty good. Got a Thule branded on in a lucky draw once, turns out its the exact same as a Maxed one from Mr Price only with Thule stickers on.

This is the right time of the year to start looking for a current model bicycle seeing as the new ones are coming out soon. I think Merida already unveiled some of their 2014 models?
 
Entry level helmets are catching up and I won't justify the prices anymore of the branded ones. The only difference between a good entry level (not the white foam crap) and say a Bell, is the quality of the straps as the cheaper ones tend to fray. But for the price, who cares as its still stays on your head.
 
True, but accessories aside, anyone else that clocked up a lot of hard miles on a R5k bike?
 
Rouxenator said:
True, but accessories aside, anyone else that clocked up a lot of hard miles on a R5k bike?
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I got a second hand one (Felt) for 5k... it was a 7 bike. Its cost me a bit because there was an issue with the crank but that is possibly because of something I did to it.

I have done 2 Argus's, 2 94.7's and a few other smaller road races, still going strong and its versatile in what I can do with it. Its also taken some serious knocks and although I mostly road with it its done a lot of time on the tracks and I have really enjoyed it.


For 5k 2nd hand is a good option if you can find a bike that has low mileage or been looked after. I got my wife a new 5k Siverback and its great so can work either way.
 
cbrunsdonza said:
I've done about 6'000km on my bike and only replaced my BB and crank because if damaged the existing one during maintenance. Bike is still good.
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Commuting?

I've got similar mileage on an old rigid Giant Boulder.

School and around for 6 years, varsity and around for 4 years, Station and around while I worked in town for a year. Got maybe 4 or 5 Argus tours on it too.

I now work too far away from where I live so the old bullet is rusting away :(

Besides average servicing it didn't cost much.

Was a noble steed.
 
Wino said:
I took the advice of the salesperson, plus I dont think they had stock of the 29. He said I could use either 27.5 or 29 so it came down to when I wanted the bike.
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What does "can use" mean? 26ers are supposed to corner easier, while 29ers are supposed to climb hills easier. I've found that my cornering on my 29er is a bit wider than my friend's on a 26er, but not enough so to bother me. What I do like about the 29er is the ability to climb over larger objects than the 26er. A 27.5er sits in the middle, and what will work best for you is 100% personal preference. I doubt whether a sales person can really make a good call on what will or will not work for you.

I ride a 29er Scotty. When I bought it people were complaining that the rear shock isn't as good as can be, but I'm very light, so I decided to take the risk. I've had no problems, and I really enjoy the Scott.
 
Tacet said:
What does "can use" mean? 26ers are supposed to corner easier, while 29ers are supposed to climb hills easier. I've found that my cornering on my 29er is a bit wider than my friend's on a 26er, but not enough so to bother me. What I do like about the 29er is the ability to climb over larger objects than the 26er. A 27.5er sits in the middle, and what will work best for you is 100% personal preference. I doubt whether a sales person can really make a good call on what will or will not work for you.

I ride a 29er Scotty. When I bought it people were complaining that the rear shock isn't as good as can be, but I'm very light, so I decided to take the risk. I've had no problems, and I really enjoy the Scott.
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Look I'm a total noobie to this, so cant explain too clearly. He did say something about the 27.5 sitting nicely in the middle etc and that for my height (1.86m) it should be fine. It feels comfortable to me and I'm enjoying it.
 
Wino said:
It feels comfortable to me and I'm enjoying it.
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Which is all that matters! You get large 26ers, so your height won't be problem whatever wheelsize you choose. I don't know how 27.5er prices compares to 26ers and 29ers - when I bought my bike there weren't many 27.5ers available.
 
If you do average trails and some single track then you will be fine on either 26er or 29er. If you plan to do longer rides and endurance events I can highly recommend going for a 29er. Even entry level 29er bikes that go for R5k will work nicely.
 
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