Mountain bike purchase help needed!

[AceSwiftShooter]

Why are you going for a softtail? You should also consider Merida, IMHO they are very good bang for the buck.

I'm going to look at Merida today or tomorrow. My friend has one and yes they're good bikes!

 

[Rouxenator]

The maintenance on a soft-tail is pretty rough, especially if you do plenty of riding in the winter when it is muddy. Hardtails are not that uncomfortable, I have spent 12+ hours on mine and I was still fine afterwards.

If you really want a dually then by all means get one, but if you want to get back into mountain biking and progress to a level where you do longer rides in adverse weather I would get the the best hardtail your budget can afford.

 

[Tacet]

I love my dual-sus Scott (Spark 950, 2012 model). Dual-sus isn't necessary, but it does make the ride more comfortable.

+1 to going to thehub, though. Friendly and knowledgeable people over there.

 

[web]

The maintenance on a soft-tail is pretty rough, especially if you do plenty of riding in the winter when it is muddy. Hardtails are not that uncomfortable, I have spent 12+ hours on mine and I was still fine afterwards.

.

What maintenance ? My soft tail is 4 years old and i haven't had to do any maintenance on my bike that has anything to do with my rear suspension or the pivots ?

 

[Rouxenator]

I guess it depends on how much do you ride in muddy conditions or do river crossing.

 

[Quantum Theory]

This one is pricey, would it not be better to spend 19k on a new bike?
http://www.thehubsa.co.za/forum/classifieds/ad/97978-tentative-sale-anthem-x1/

That looks like a good deal, if still available... Suspension is new Fox CTD and pivot bearings were replaced. Mostly XT components, with Avid breaks. Frame looks good.

 

[web]

I guess it depends on how much do you ride in muddy conditions or do river crossing.

lots of mud in KZN in summer, chains and brake pads don't last but everything else is fine.

 

[AceSwiftShooter]

Checked some bikes out this afternoon, and also from the advise of you guys and the guys at the bike shop, I should rather get a better specced hardtail.

I have 2 in mind, a bit cheaper as well.

http://2014.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/hardtails/29-xc-race-marathon/2014/big-nine-500-188.html

http://www.scott-sports.com/us/en/products/234246008/SCOTT-Scale-960-Bike/
There is only a large left, and according to the Scott sizing chart, I am roughly 1.5cm too tall for a large. I believe Scott bikes have a longer reach. Is that good or bad? Will I be stupid to get the large if the chart says no?

 

[Rouxenator]

Merida is just too common and the Scott crowd... go check out the XTC. You won't regret it.

About the size, I ride large although technically I should have a XL.

 

[undesign]

Bought a Camber Carbon 2 month ago, awesome bike. Nice compromise between racy Epic and very plush geometry of the Stumpjumper. Good prices atm as dealers await 2015 stock. Very fealxed all rounder for trailing.

I previously had a Scott Scale 910. Awesome bike, but dual sus vs hardtail, there is no comparison...dually all the way.

My riding buddy recently bought a Giant. Generally known for good value for money. Looks good, nic specs, nice price.

 

[undesign]

There is only a large left, and according to the Scott sizing chart, I am roughly 1.5cm too tall for a large. I believe Scott bikes have a longer reach. Is that good or bad? Will I be stupid to get the large if the chart says no?

Get the right size. Scotts known for having slightly smaller sizing than average IIRC.

 

[AceSwiftShooter]

I will be going to look a Giant today. The XTC might be out my price range though. Is Chris Willemse a stockist of Giant? They only have 2-3 models on their webiste...