Getting into cycling / mountain biking

[Tacet]

Roscoe 7. I’m a lifetime bicycle rider but don’t think of myself as a cyclist. Have stacks of kit but I’m not clued up on the ins and outs of modern bikes. Spend most of my time on a 30ish year old Peugeot Rapport to give you an idea of how sophisticated my choices are. Got pedals, will ride. Chances are I’ll have this bike forever and won’t even remember what groupset it has.

The bicycle will remind you quick enough what groupset it has when the teeth are growing round and the chain simply slips off the whole time.*

*I had to replace my groupset a few weeks ago. Still feeling the eina!

 

[Rouxenator]

The bicycle will remind you quick enough what groupset it has when the teeth are growing round and the chain simply slips off the whole time.*

*I had to replace my groupset a few weeks ago. Still feeling the eina!

I started out with cheap Alivo/Acera/Altus level 3x7 and 3x8 stuff. Then I went Deore 3x9 and soon thereafter made it a 1x9. Never looked back.
Since I have had XT, SLX, Deore in 10, 11 and 12 speeds with a 1x crank - no issues.

Currently on a Deore M6100 1x12 and it is lasting me remarkably long with no issues.

 

[Tacet]

I started out with cheap Alivo/Acera/Altus level 3x7 and 3x8 stuff. Then I went Deore 3x9 and soon thereafter made it a 1x9. Never looked back.
Since I have had XT, SLX, Deore in 10, 11 and 12 speeds with a 1x crank - no issues.

Currently on a Deore M6100 1x12 and it is lasting me remarkably long with no issues.

My current MTB started off as a 2x11. I changed that to a 1x12 XT win an SLX cassette when the original cassette was worn through. That SLX cassette is now also gone, replaced by another one. I haven't had issues with any combination of SLX/XT that I've had on; wear and tear will eventually cause gears to slip, but that can't really be considered as issues.

Generally it seems as though I wear through a cassette in about 15 months, which I can't complain about. Still eina to replace, though.

 

[Rouxenator]

When I still cycled to work and back each day I would clock up 10,000km a year. Added to that was more frequent weekend events - all of which combined into my drivetrain being worn out on a yearly schedule.

These days I only cycle for workouts and fun, I do far less events so my yearly cycle mileage is down to 5,000km - however this Deore drivetrain is lasting a very long time now, I think well in excess of 10,000km. Could be down to better maintenance from me and better-quality parts being used less frequently.

 

[Jam Sandwich]

1x10 for me.. .I replace with whatever NW chainring is cheapest.. Usually one from Rapide.. Sunrace cassette and YBN chains..

 

[Tacet]

... Could be down to better maintenance from me and better-quality parts being used less frequently.

I suspect this. I was remiss in my maintenance of the previous drive-train. I knew the chain was a bit stretched, but didn't realize how badly. That was the main cassette killer for me. Also was caught in mud way more often than is good for the poor bike. That feeling of crunching on with a muddy drive-train, knowing that this is bad, but unable to do anything about it until you get home.

 

[Rouxenator]

1x10 for me.. .I replace with whatever NW chainring is cheapest.. Usually one from Rapide.. Sunrace cassette and YBN chains..

Same! I love how Sunrace took the lead in making some of the widest ratio cassettes available, and they were of good quality too.

I even converter my road bike, a Giant OCR3, to a 1x8 setup with a 50t NW chainring and a Sunrace 11t-34t 8sp cassette. After that I took it to a 11t-40t 9sp.
My first 1x9 on MTB was with a Kitted 32t NW and a Deore 12t-36t cassette but soon I upgraded to Sunrace on that as well.

Half my bike is pretty much Rapide part.

 

[Jam Sandwich]

Same! I love how Sunrace took the lead in making some of the widest ratio cassettes available, and they were of good quality too.

I even converter my road bike, a Giant OCR3, to a 1x8 setup with a 50t NW chainring and a Sunrace 11t-34t 8sp cassette. After that I took it to a 11t-40t 9sp.
My first 1x9 on MTB was with a Kitted 32t NW and a Deore 12t-36t cassette but soon I upgraded to Sunrace on that as well.

Half my bike is pretty much Rapide part.

I think Rapide are good value for money and give good service.. Also got a stem and bars from them. And a crank....

 

[Hemps]

I'm handing down my Silverback 29er to my eldest son, plan on getting new bike for myself.
I dont ride on the roads, mainly dirt and the beach so not looking at something very expensive.

how is this brand?
Biko 29er

29" Biko Mountain Bike 21 Speed | Solomons Cycles Store

Explore the great outdoors with the 29" Biko Mountain Bike 21 speed, disc brakes, and a sturdy alloy frame. Conquer any terrain with confidence.

solomonscycles.co.za

 

[gotaway]

I'm handing down my Silverback 29er to my eldest son, plan on getting new bike for myself.
I dont ride on the roads, mainly dirt and the beach so not looking at something very expensive.

how is this brand?
Biko 29er

29" Biko Mountain Bike 21 Speed | Solomons Cycles Store

Explore the great outdoors with the 29" Biko Mountain Bike 21 speed, disc brakes, and a sturdy alloy frame. Conquer any terrain with confidence.

solomonscycles.co.za

Never heard of them. Most likely a generic frame?
Their website redirects to CycTec (They are legit, having Ritchey, Lizard Skin and Cube on their list)
The https://cyctecdistribution.com/biko-bikes/ page for the Biko Bikes seem to refer more to kid sizes.

No specs on components anywhere, so personally I'd thread lightly as it could be a Game stores quality bike thingie. Doubt It'll be up to the Silverback level (irrespective of spec level on said Silverback)

 

[WAslayer]

I'm handing down my Silverback 29er to my eldest son, plan on getting new bike for myself.
I dont ride on the roads, mainly dirt and the beach so not looking at something very expensive.

how is this brand?
Biko 29er

29" Biko Mountain Bike 21 Speed | Solomons Cycles Store

Explore the great outdoors with the 29" Biko Mountain Bike 21 speed, disc brakes, and a sturdy alloy frame. Conquer any terrain with confidence.

solomonscycles.co.za

MASSIVE step down from your silverback, this is pretty much the type of thing you can pick up from Makro/Game..

Check bikehub classifieds for a hardtail up to 5k and you would get something significantly better and longer lasting without a doubt..

 

[Hemps]

True maybe stay away from Game bikes, likely heavier as well.

2023 Silverback Stride Sport Aluminium Hardtail Mountain Bike Price & Deals - Cycle Lab

Get the Hottest Deals on 2023 Silverback Stride Sport Aluminium Hardtail Mountain Bike - Shop Online Now! Buy 2023 Silverback Stride Sport Aluminium Hardtail Mountain Bike from Cycle Lab and Elevate Your Shopping Experience.

www.cyclelab.com

Like this one

or

Avalanche Reflex 1 Aluminium Hardtail Mountain Bike | Cyclelab

www.cyclelab.com

or

APEX A900 - 29" ALLOY MTB

Frame: Lightweight alloy frame with internal cable routing for improved shifting Brakes: Disc: mechanical w/dual piston 160 rotator Rear Derailleur: LTWOO - A3 - RD - V4008 - 8SPD Rim: Alloy double wall, 29" - 32 hole - AV Cassette: 13-3T - 8SP Shifters: LTWOO - A3 - V4008 - 8SP Fork: Apex...

bicyclegarage.co.za

 

[gotaway]

If you want to stay away from the classifieds on bikehub, have a look at http://www.bike-addict.co.za (they also advertise on bike hub)

 

[Hemps]

If you want to stay away from the classifieds on bikehub, have a look at http://www.bike-addict.co.za (they also advertise on bike hub)

Shot.

This looks good, have had Axis before and it was awesome bike, my youngest now rides it.

AXIS A80 29er (2022)

FRAME: Alloy 6061FORK: Zoom 29"Forgo ML/O 100mm Travel Q/RWHEEL SIZE: 29erBRAKES: Tectro Mechanical Brakes, Rotors 160mm F & RCHAINWHEEL: Prowheel 42/32/22T AlloyFRONT DERAILLEUR: L-Twoo R (FD-V5008)REAR DERAILLEUR: L-Twoo A3 (SL-V4008-W8-2) 8 SpdSHIFTERS: L-Twoo A3 (SL-V4008-W3) L & R 3 x 8...

bike-addict.co.za

 

[Paul Kemp]

Shot.

This looks good, have had Axis before and it was awesome bike, my youngest now rides it.

AXIS A80 29er (2022)

FRAME: Alloy 6061FORK: Zoom 29"Forgo ML/O 100mm Travel Q/RWHEEL SIZE: 29erBRAKES: Tectro Mechanical Brakes, Rotors 160mm F & RCHAINWHEEL: Prowheel 42/32/22T AlloyFRONT DERAILLEUR: L-Twoo R (FD-V5008)REAR DERAILLEUR: L-Twoo A3 (SL-V4008-W8-2) 8 SpdSHIFTERS: L-Twoo A3 (SL-V4008-W3) L & R 3 x 8...

bike-addict.co.za

That seems like too much for a bike with mechanical disc brakes.

 

[WAslayer]

Shot.

This looks good, have had Axis before and it was awesome bike, my youngest now rides it.

AXIS A80 29er (2022)

FRAME: Alloy 6061FORK: Zoom 29"Forgo ML/O 100mm Travel Q/RWHEEL SIZE: 29erBRAKES: Tectro Mechanical Brakes, Rotors 160mm F & RCHAINWHEEL: Prowheel 42/32/22T AlloyFRONT DERAILLEUR: L-Twoo R (FD-V5008)REAR DERAILLEUR: L-Twoo A3 (SL-V4008-W8-2) 8 SpdSHIFTERS: L-Twoo A3 (SL-V4008-W3) L & R 3 x 8...

bike-addict.co.za

Nope.. too much money, too little bike.. zoom fork and mechanical disk brakes..

You need to pass on this..

 

[gotaway]

Shot.

This looks good, have had Axis before and it was awesome bike, my youngest now rides it.

AXIS A80 29er (2022)

FRAME: Alloy 6061FORK: Zoom 29"Forgo ML/O 100mm Travel Q/RWHEEL SIZE: 29erBRAKES: Tectro Mechanical Brakes, Rotors 160mm F & RCHAINWHEEL: Prowheel 42/32/22T AlloyFRONT DERAILLEUR: L-Twoo R (FD-V5008)REAR DERAILLEUR: L-Twoo A3 (SL-V4008-W8-2) 8 SpdSHIFTERS: L-Twoo A3 (SL-V4008-W3) L & R 3 x 8...

bike-addict.co.za

For the same(ish) price you can get a Giant. Nothing spectacular though, also 8 speeed, at least hydraulic brakes. Components seem to be more "brand" (Shimano & Suntour vs L-Twoo & Zoom)
ALUXX grade aluminium
SR SUNTOUR XCE 28 Coil, Preload
SHIMANO EF41 8sp Shifters
SHIMANO Tourney FD
SHIMANO Altus RD
TEKTRO Hydaulic Disc brakes

Not saying the above bike, just have a look around!

 

[gotaway]

Have a look at hard tails: sorted by price (From R8000)

Hardtails

If you love mountain biking as much as we do at Bike Addict, you’ll undoubtedly have heard of hardtail bikes. But what is a hardtail, how does it work, and what makes it different? We’re here to provide you all the answers you need so that you can make well-informed decisions when browsing our...

bike-addict.co.za

 

[purple face]

Never heard of them. Most likely a generic frame?
Their website redirects to CycTec (They are legit, having Ritchey, Lizard Skin and Cube on their list)
The https://cyctecdistribution.com/biko-bikes/ page for the Biko Bikes seem to refer more to kid sizes.

No specs on components anywhere, so personally I'd thread lightly as it could be a Game stores quality bike thingie. Doubt It'll be up to the Silverback level (irrespective of spec level on said Silverback)

Why are you quoting posts from other threads and pasting them in here? That has nothing to do with cycling?

 

[gotaway]

Why are you quoting posts from other threads and pasting them in here? That has nothing to do with cycling?

Apologies for the hair spray, now begone or contribute towards the question