What bicycle thread

[c3n0byt3]

I'd say I know close to nothing about bicycles. However I'm really interested in getting one. Mainly leisure riding/ going to the tracks with my son. Riding on 95% dirt and 5% paving.

I only have a few criteria so far.
-Must be sturdy enough for my size (2m and 99kg).
-Likely be single speed.
-Affordable enough (not spending R10k on a bike).

I'm very open to 2nd hand.
Would it be cheaper to build or buy offshelf a BMX?
Any other bikes like BMX?

 

[WAslayer]

I think you would be better off and more comfortable on something like a giant stp or a mongoose fireball (there is another model from mongoose, similar to the fireball, slips my mind now)..

These are dirt jump style bikes, which are bigger than a BMX but still have the same characteristics with the added benefit of a short travel fork to dampen your ride.. definitely would be a lot easier pedal on paved roads vs a BMX.. you should be able to pick these up second hand from around 4k upward, depending on the model year and condition..

 

[c3n0byt3]

Great thanks. Had no idea something like that existed. Was struggling to find bmx style that are large enough. Not intending on competing or anything

 

[Meister-Man]

I'm no bicycle expert, however I don't think bmxs are generally made for big lads.

 

[Brawler]

What type of tracks? Short BMX tracks and rides along the promenade?
A BMX or dirt jump mtb will be great for that but will SUCK on longer rides, like even 5KM.

I'm ever so slightly shorter and lighter than you and I have a dirt jump mtb. It's built like a BMX so can take a beating (besides the really cheap stuff) and really capable. Backflips and stuff. You should be able to pick something up 2nd hand for under 10k but might be a little beat up. Welcome to bicycle price madness. My bike is around 8 years old and paid around R30k at the time. The fork alone was 12k. Building it today would probably be R50k. They look something like this:

I used to ride a BMX as a teen and I don't know how I did it. Now I feel like a circus animal on a BMX. A lot of tall professionals do ride BMX but I think most of them have switched to dirt jump mtbs (more money in them).
2nd hand example:

GT La Bomba Team Edition | Bike Hub

bikehub.co.za

If you are not planning on trying to jump or anything, look at getting a trail bike like a Giant Trance. It's a proper MTB with full suspension and its the happy middle. You can peddle it up hills for KM and it will also cope with mild abuse at BMX tracks. You will need to double your budget though, even for 2nd hand.



2nd hand example:

Giant Trance 2 | Bike Hub

bikehub.co.za

 

[c3n0byt3]

Thanks for the info. No long rides. I really need to scour the webs for 2nd hand. Also I guess like a car i need to check them out in person.

 

[Yoztruly]

I'd say I know close to nothing about bicycles. However I'm really interested in getting one. Mainly leisure riding/ going to the tracks with my son. Riding on 95% dirt and 5% paving.

I only have a few criteria so far.
-Must be sturdy enough for my size (2m and 99kg).
-Likely be single speed.
-Affordable enough (not spending R10k on a bike).

I'm very open to 2nd hand.
Would it be cheaper to build or buy offshelf a BMX?
Any other bikes like BMX?

I would advise you to join bike hub, it’s a dedicated forum for all things bikes. Introduce yourself nicely and ask your question there. www.bikehub.co.za

 

[twaatie]

You are going to most likely going to have to upgrade the rims because of your weight .

Check out manufacturers rim website for weight recommendations on rider weight , otherwise you going to spend lots on truing wheels

 

[c3n0byt3]

Seems like a 29inch is the only option for me. Sitting on a 26inch and the handle bars can catch on my knees.

 

[ArmatageShanks]

I'm no bicycle expert, however I don't think bmxs are generally made for big lads.

Reminds me of Big Smoke

 

[WAslayer]

Seems like a 29inch is the only option for me. Sitting on a 26inch and the handle bars can catch on my knees.

That sounds more like you are looking at the wrong frame size.. for your length, you are likely pushing to the XL frame size, maybe L at a push, depending on the bike.. you will need to check the manufacturer website for the models you are interested in, and check the size guide to see what size frame you need..

26 vs 29 is purely the size of the wheels, so that is not likely to change the height of the crank arms (technically the bottom bracket) relative to the handle bars..

 

[c3n0byt3]

Ok i see also top tube plays a role. Personally a 26 wheel feels good. Think I need to visit a proper.cycle shop. Will give the folks at bikehub a look as well.

 

[c3n0byt3]

So, some weeks down the line.
Done a bit of research and some searching.

Any thoughts on this?

Specialized Rockhopper medium SS - Price drop | Bike Hub

bikehub.co.za

1) Not sure why it's been on for so long. Is there something that jumps out at you?
2) He says "Get double the workout is the same ride". I know SS isn't popular because of the "workout", but is this SS any worse than others in some visible way?
3) No pedals. Seen this on other ads as well. Is it a simple buy and fit? Or do some crankarms have proprietary bolts etc?
4) Looks like a well used bike. The small scratches and scrapes shouldn't affect structure and function right?

Would still need to check it out. Frame is medium so that's that.

 

[acidrain]

So, some weeks down the line.
Done a bit of research and some searching.

Any thoughts on this?

Specialized Rockhopper medium SS - Price drop | Bike Hub

bikehub.co.za

1) Not sure why it's been on for so long. Is there something that jumps out at you?
2) He says "Get double the workout is the same ride". I know SS isn't popular because of the "workout", but is this SS any worse than others in some visible way?
3) No pedals. Seen this on other ads as well. Is it a simple buy and fit? Or do some crankarms have proprietary bolts etc?
4) Looks like a well used bike. The small scratches and scrapes shouldn't affect structure and function right?

Would still need to check it out. Frame is medium so that's that.

Frame is too small for you.. That's a medium frame. Made for people 170cm to about 178cm.

At 2m tall you looking at X-Large frame.

1) Not sure why it's been on for so long. Is there something that jumps out at you?
It's not a mainstream bike. It's really road, gravel or mountain bikes that people are looking for. Gravel bikes less so than the other 2.

2) He says "Get double the workout is the same ride". I know SS isn't popular because of the "workout", but is this SS any worse than others in some visible way?
Define worst... tougher to pedal than other? Possibly but you would need to know the amount of teeth on each ring to get your ratio. I'm not too clued up on SS so wouldn't know if different ring sizes are even a thing.

3) No pedals. Seen this on other ads as well. Is it a simple buy and fit? Or do some crankarms have proprietary bolts etc?
Just get the right thread size but yes just need pedals.

4) Looks like a well used bike. The small scratches and scrapes shouldn't affect structure and function right?
No it wont.