web
Executive Member
and exactly what does that lend to the argument between a 29er and a 26er ?
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and exactly what does that lend to the argument between a 29er and a 26er ?
It is a new bike, Roux! If I purchase any new bike after using another one for months, or years, it is very likely it will have component upgrades and as a result of being new, will feel like a vast improvement.
Your posting of the link does exactly what you are trying to claim not do be doing... loud mouthing and showing off. Burry Stander has far more experience than you but his advice would not necessarily be better for a chap asking questions about a starter mountain bike. On the flip side someone who rides a lot recreationally can provide far more valid advice.
And please, don't think you are the only person on MyBB who rides a bike...
That's not bad but as mentioned earlier a mate picked up a new Silverback Vida 5 29er for R5,500. A few things that stand out in favour of the Silverback (and the resident experts are free to correct any errors):
XCR fork on the Silverback is better than the XCM fork on the GT.
Deore rear derailleur on the Silverback is better than the Alivio on the GT.
The GT has cable/mechanical discs versus the hydraulic discs on the Silverback.
Both have 8 speed casettes (24 total), 27 is the norm on "better" spec bikes. But then the latest fad (again) is to ride single speed anyway
The problem is that he bought the Silverback from a shop in Durban. They do have stock but not sure how it will help you unless you ship, or live here.
Your posting of the link does exactly what you are trying to claim not do be doing... loud mouthing and showing off. Burry Stander has far more experience than you but his advice would not necessarily be better for a chap asking questions about a starter mountain bike. On the flip side someone who rides a lot recreationally can provide far more valid advice.
And please, don't think you are the only person on MyBB who rides a bike...
That's not bad but as mentioned earlier a mate picked up a new Silverback Vida 5 29er for R5,500. A few things that stand out in favour of the Silverback (and the resident experts are free to correct any errors):
XCR fork on the Silverback is better than the XCM fork on the GT.
Deore rear derailleur on the Silverback is better than the Alivio on the GT.
The GT has cable/mechanical discs versus the hydraulic discs on the Silverback.
Both have 8 speed casettes (24 total), 27 is the norm on "better" spec bikes. But then the latest fad (again) is to ride single speed anyway
The problem is that he bought the Silverback from a shop in Durban. They do have stock but not sure how it will help you unless you ship, or live here.
Quantum Theory
Executive Member
I recently went through the whole 29er vs 26er thing, when I bought my first bike. In the end with some advice from various bike shops and some internet research, i decided the following. Smaller wheels + better components + air fork > Bigger wheels + entry componentents + coil fork. I went with the Alpine 1.
I don't have any race experience. I'm in awe of your experience Roux
I don't have any race experience. I'm in awe of your experience Roux
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
There you go again, implying that the rest of us know nothing and you know it all.
Let's take this a step back, Roux, and get you to put your cards on the table. Are you saying that anyone looking for a bike is better off with a lower spec 29" than a far better spec 26" for the same price?
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
The downside of better components is they cost more. I ride Alivio/Acera level components and can replace my crank, chain and cassette for less than R1k and it will last me at least 2000km.
If I had Deore or higher spec components it would cost much more and I am sure it won't last longer by the same magnitude that is costs more.
So that is another thing to keep in mind.
If I had Deore or higher spec components it would cost much more and I am sure it won't last longer by the same magnitude that is costs more.
So that is another thing to keep in mind.
Just took a peek at Alivio vs Deore rear derailleurs online. I used Chain Reaction Cycles as they have a wider range of products so I knew my hit chances were better.
Alivio 9 speed rear R321.89
Deore 9 speed rear R419.83
So my Deore has to only last me 2600km to be on par with your Alivio. Deore is just above Alivio in the hierarchy but again you seem to be missing the point. If he can get better components for almost the same price then why not!
No one here has recommended XTR or XX components but likewise I am not going to recommend Tourney either.
Alivio 9 speed rear R321.89
Deore 9 speed rear R419.83
So my Deore has to only last me 2600km to be on par with your Alivio. Deore is just above Alivio in the hierarchy but again you seem to be missing the point. If he can get better components for almost the same price then why not!
No one here has recommended XTR or XX components but likewise I am not going to recommend Tourney either.
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Tourney, reminds me of how stupid I can be at times. I had a Tourney front derailleur at one stage, got it cause it was the cheapest... taught me a valuable lesson a few kilos later.Just to add, in my opinion, the entry level components are made for purely recreational riders and not those looking to do some mileage. Then you get the top end where the chaps are looking to save every single ounce in weight and are willing to pay for this. Then you are left with the middle where, again in my opinion, you get the best trade off between performance, cost, durability and weight.
We could argue all day about where we feel each component fits into this hierarchy of course. I would not call Alivio entry level but I know that Deore is a step above it.
We could argue all day about where we feel each component fits into this hierarchy of course. I would not call Alivio entry level but I know that Deore is a step above it.
We agree on something! ha ha
If those looking for a bike want to know what components to avoid then visit Game or Makro and see what their bikes use!
web
Executive Member
Brilliant I have been racing Mountain Bikes socially since the early 90's in South Africa and I still contend that the difference between a 29er and a 26er is a personal choice. I have both but I prefer my 26er. As said by others it comes down to choice and what you can afford. My take is see what you can afford and get the best possible bike for that price. I know 2 owners of 2 of the biggest cycling shops in KZN and have known them both for years and they say the same thing. A 29er is not for everyone.
We all bow down to your first hand Roux as all your arguments in all threads on this forum you are always correct and everyone else is wrong,, because you say so...
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
We agree on something! ha ha
If those looking for a bike want to know what components to avoid then visit Game or Makro and see what their bikes use!
true! I sometimes look at those bikes in Game and Makro and wonder about who ends up riding them. It would be good if they could lend me one to test drive, I wonder how much of the bike would be left after the test drive, and I guess equally important how much of me will be left...
It's ok buddy, there are a lot of riders that are far better than me, and we all still love you even if you are not one of them
I sometimes look at those bikes in Game and Makro and wonder about who ends up riding them. It would be good if they could lend me one to test drive, I wonder how much of the bike would be left after the test drive, and I guess equally important how much of me will be left...
The problem is that I remember back to the days where I knew no better too. You look at them and they have disc brakes, a front shock and 24 gears so you used to assume they are what they look like. Little did I know back then that not all shocks, brakes and derailleurs are the same
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Quite true, look in all fairness that is where your advise to take a 26er over a 29er makes the most sense - you do get better quality components. I just wonder what quality those super market bikes are and how they will look after a quick ride off road.The problem is that I remember back to the days where I knew no better too. You look at them and they have disc brakes, a front shock and 24 gears so you used to assume they are what they look like. Little did I know back then that not all shocks, brakes and derailleurs are the same
Seeing as this seems to be the best place to ask. We went today to makro doing some shopping and my SO decided that we need to get bikes so we can start riding. We have been discussing this for ages but I guess its time to actually start taking it more seriously.
Now reading all the dissing that normal retail chain stores have received I assume it's best to look elsewhere.
Now I know a lot of you are clearly willing and able to drop quite a few k on a bike but as beginners we need to start a bit lower. What would be a "decent" bike to look for the around R4k? Is second hand a good idea..? I would greatly appreciate any input
Now reading all the dissing that normal retail chain stores have received I assume it's best to look elsewhere.
Now I know a lot of you are clearly willing and able to drop quite a few k on a bike but as beginners we need to start a bit lower. What would be a "decent" bike to look for the around R4k? Is second hand a good idea..? I would greatly appreciate any input
Rouxenator
Dank meme lord
Secondhand is not bad. I got my wife a nice Silverback Oakland for about R1.3k. It was a rare find since its an extra small frame which works perfect for my wife.
There is a couple of reputable secondhand dealers and for R4k you should be able to get both of you some good bikes. Just be sure you get some sort of warranty and then drive the crap out of them while under warranty.
There is a couple of reputable secondhand dealers and for R4k you should be able to get both of you some good bikes. Just be sure you get some sort of warranty and then drive the crap out of them while under warranty.
Seeing as this seems to be the best place to ask. We went today to makro doing some shopping and my SO decided that we need to get bikes so we can start riding. We have been discussing this for ages but I guess its time to actually start taking it more seriously.
Now reading all the dissing that normal retail chain stores have received I assume it's best to look elsewhere.
Now I know a lot of you are clearly willing and able to drop quite a few k on a bike but as beginners we need to start a bit lower. What would be a "decent" bike to look for the around R4k? Is second hand a good idea..? I would greatly appreciate any input
Unfortunately the bikes at Game and Makro are usually very basic and would take strain on anything but the simplest beachfront type ride. If you really get into it you may find yourself needing to upgrade in a few months.
If you see something you like free to share the details and we can crit it for you. You can definitely get something very decent for R4K. My bike "only" cost me R4.5k and it's served me very well. Most of those with R30k bikes lack the skill to justify that expenditure anyway.
As mentioned earlier in this thread, be on the lookout for clearance sales of 2012 models as shops make space for next year's bikes.
Sorry, only saw this now. I have a Silverback Phoenix 2011 model that I picked up for R4.5k.
Geez, that looks great! If I needed a new bike I'd grab that. Almost seems too good to be true. Wonder if they actually have any stock?
I always like to see what other places are selling it for and I see Evan's Cycles has it for R7968 : http://www.evanscycles.com/products/trek/6000-d-2012-mountain-bike-ec030270
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