Any mountain bikers?

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MOwrt

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Hi All.

I am new to cycling or will be once I actually get a bike. Just need some advice. Looking for an entry level MTB. So far have narrowed down to Merida Matts 100, Silverback Stride 20 and Giant revel (cant remember which one). I want to some trail rides at Tokai and maybe use the bike to commute to work at the VNA waterfront once in a while. Any pointers or advice on these bikes?

*Disclaimer: I've tried posting on the hub, but I think those guys might be a bit to Pro for me.
 
I'm in the same boat buddy. Hoping to do my first Argus with it but after that wanting to do more trail riding in Tokai aswell.
From what I've read getting an understanding of the component sets usually helps make the decision for you.
 
Breaker187 said:
I'm in the same boat buddy. Hoping to do my first Argus with it but after that wanting to do more trail riding in Tokai aswell.
From what I've read getting an understanding of the component sets usually helps make the decision for you.
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Thats what all these cyclists keep telling me. Problem is I just dont undertand the components. Are there any specific bikes you are looking at? Maybe I could check them out
 
I don't understand them either, but what I do is see what the components are called, then go that manufactures website and see how they rank up with their other components, that way I sort of have an understanding of the quality vs what you paying for.
Was looking at the Giant Revel 0 Medium 26er a while back, think it comes in at just under 5k.
 
Hi there

Been mountain biking for a few years now and the Hub (http://www.thehubsa.co.za/) is definitely the place to keep in your bookmarks. have you checked out second hand bikes on the hub - generally they have upgraded components.

For Tokai you will need:
a decent MTB with at least a front shock
Hydraulic disk brakes are not essential but the do help
a decent helmet - you can never have enough padding around your head so get the best one you can afford
cycling shorts - decent padding - your a$$ will thank you
a water bottle and a cycle multi tool and a tube - having to carry your bike down the mountain is no fun

oh yes - decent takkies to push the bike up that damn hill :)
 
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MOwrt said:
Merida Matts 100.
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I have this bike and im very happy with it, cant really offer any other advice but it has worked well on some tough terrain(not that i cycle a hectic load but yea).

I think the main things you want to look out for are disk breaks. That was basically my only concern when i got my bike.
 
Start with a basic bike and then upgrade as you break your components. Spending R5K on a crank is not going to make you better mountain goat, your going to have to first get fit and learn the basics.

I've been MTBing for over 3yrs now and my bike is still the entry level Giant I bought when I started. I've done upgrades as I've needed them.

The site http://www.thehubsa.co.za/ is also a great place to get tips, join groups and talk random crap like we do on MyBB

What is more important is your kit:
* Good pair of pants / bibs
* Helmet - its law to wear one. No need to spend a fortune but get something descent. The cheap ones from Game with the grey foam are great for budget beaters else go to a bike store.
* gloves - you will be glad you have them when you come off.
* spare tub, pump, patch 'n solution
* water bottles and cage

Optional:
* Camelbak - great for those 3-5 hour rides
* Clipless pedals and shoes - only once your brave enough to fall in front of your friends while learning to use them
* CO2 bombs
 
cbrunsdonza said:
No the Hub is not pro, its where we all started. Its been quiet the last few weeks but will be picking up again soon.
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Thanks for all the info. Do u have an opinion on the bikes I mentioned. I really like the Merida but I think its mainly due to the way it looks. The Giant and the Silverback are slightly cheaper.
 
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yea must agree with the above posters, the entry level mountain bike prefferably with semi decent front shocks would be the best way to start. no need to go too expensive when starting out. You first gotta go through the learning phase, get used to the trails, get bike fit and have your one or 2 falls and break one or 2 of the cheaper things then move onto the better bikes/equipment.

As for kit, i personally wear an MX helmet as i like my whole head being covered and it also looks better than your average cycling helmet. also the MX helmets are not that heavy if you pick the right one. Full Throttle usually has good specials and I picked up a decent airoh MX helmet on special a few months ago for R999. (note, i also ride MX bikes so using an MX helmet was just easiest for me)

The camelbacks are awesome aswell! especially like above poster said for longer rides.

Most of all get the bike and just start riding as often as you possibly can, the more seat time you get the better! and Enjoy it!
 
When I bought my bike I checked out the Shimano page on wikipedia. The groupsets are arranged in order from top of the range to bottom. That was the deciding factor for me when choosing my bike.

If you in Cape Town theres a factory shop in Woodstock that makes the cycling gear. They supply Sportsmans warehouse. They are called Howzit.
 
Leimie said:
When I bought my bike I checked out the Shimano page on wikipedia. The groupsets are arranged in order from top of the range to bottom. That was the deciding factor for me when choosing my bike.

If you in Cape Town theres a factory shop in Woodstock that makes the cycling gear. They supply Sportsmans warehouse. They are called Howzit.
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Where in woodstock are they? Tried googling but no such luck
 
m4dh4tt3r said:
i personally wear an MX helmet as i like my whole head being covered and it also looks better than your average cycling helmet. also the MX helmets are not that heavy if you pick the right one.
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:eek: Mad Hatter indeed! You'll boil your brain, even with a downhill full-face helmet. For cross-country, or almost all cycling, a standard helmet should be sufficient.

Most of all get the bike and just start riding as often as you possibly can, the more seat time you get the better! and Enjoy it!
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Time in the saddle is key. Enjoy!

PS: Tokai has a entry fee, payable at the camping area before you get to the Arboretum.
 
MOwrt said:
Thanks for all the info. Do u have an opinion on the bikes I mentioned. I really like the Merida but I think its mainly due to the way it looks. The Giant and the Silverback are slightly cheaper.
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You might have better luck linking to the bikes, they vary quite a bit by year so its hard to say without knowing the exact model.

Many years ago I bought a cheapo and then watched the chainreactioncycles.com site for specials and upgraded it every few months with xt and xtr components, a nice shock,crank, bars seat etc.

I then just bought a Giant VT frame and Mavic rims in SA and put the old one back together for friends and family to ride.

IMO for the price range your looking at go for the best frame you can get, then order parts from CRC and upgrade the components.

It all depends on how much you enjoy it though as any of those are fine for average rides but if your in it for the long term better components will much improve the experience.
 
Beachless said:
You might have better luck linking to the bikes, they vary quite a bit by year so its hard to say without knowing the exact model.

Many years ago I bought a cheapo and then watched the chainreactioncycles.com site for specials and upgraded it every few months with xt and xtr components, a nice shock,crank, bars seat etc.

I then just bought a Giant VT frame and Mavic rims in SA and put the old one back together for friends and family to ride.

IMO for the price range your looking at go for the best frame you can get, then order parts from CRC and upgrade the components.

It all depends on how much you enjoy it though as any of those are fine for average rides but if your in it for the long term better components will much improve the experience.
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The bikes im looking at

http://www.silverbacklab.com/2011_website_SILVERBACK/stride10.htm
http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-za/bikes/model/revel.1.disc.v.1/12797/59401/
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_za/bike/2012/23/MTB+Hardtail/Matts+TFS+100-D
 
MOwrt said:
*Disclaimer: I've tried posting on the hub, but I think those guys might be a bit to Pro for me.
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...and even more who just think they are pros and above answering questions of those new to the sport.

I mentioned on the other MTB advice thread that now is a great time to be looking as many shops will be clearing out their 2012 models to make way for the 2013 models so you could well pick up some bargains. Ask about these.

On the Hub they usually recommend budgeting a large amount for shoes, kit and a fancy helmet and the like too. I say screw that. Get on a bike with takkies, a t-shirt and a cheapo helmet (studies have shown that cheap is just as good at protecting you - expensive usually adds more vents and is therefore cooler) and enjoy yourself. If the bug catches and you feel the need to keep up with the Joneses then you can start spending the money. If it does not then you have not "wasted" money on all these peripherals.

I will also caution against the upgrade of components route as more often than not you will find that the sum of the parts is far greater than the price of a new higher spec bike. In all likelihood you'll see a new frame in a few years that takes your fancy anyway.
 
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