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Need advice on dual suspension purchase


ChristoKruger

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I'm looking at purchasing a dual suspension 29er. I'm 42 and coming off a Scott Aspect 620 26" hardtail. I currently do 30km of gravel roads every second day and I would like to graduallly incease that to 60km.

 

My limited understanding is that the general rule is that an XC bike has 100m or less suspension travel and a trail bike has 120mm or more? I'm looking at a comfortable bike to do the kms, thus I'm not sure how much suspension travel I would need, I'm 177cm and 82kg.

 

I mostly ride on flat gravel with minor corrugations but I would also like to compete in MTB events for fun. My budget for a secondhand bike is R20k. Would love some advice on what to buy.

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Welcome to the Hub Christo. I would be looking at a 100mm front and rear suspension Alu framed bike. Giant AnthemX29 is great for gravel grinding and are regularly available 2nd hand for R20k and under. Scott Spark , Trek Superfly and Silverback Sido are a few other brands and models which would suit your requirements. I would say go for a large frame at 1.77m. 

 

Remember to post a pic of your bike on the couch.

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IMO a second hand Giant Anthem X would be great. I had one and am sorry to have sold it.

A solid performer that is really FUN to ride.

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Welcome to the Hub Christo. I would be looking at a 100mm front and rear suspension Alu framed bike. Giant AnthemX29 is great for gravel grinding and are regularly available 2nd hand for R20k and under. Scott Spark , Trek Superfly and Silverback Sido are a few other brands and models which would suit your requirements. I would say go for a large frame at 1.77m. 

 

Remember to post a pic of your bike on the couch.

Snap!

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I would look for something in the 100-130mm of travel. otherwise the above is all good.

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3rd to that, you won't go wrong with an AnthemX. I recently made this upgrade and I'm super happy with the bike. Size wise you're slap bang between a M and a L bike. I'm 1.75m and a M fits me perfectly.

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I have a second hand spark 940 I picked up for about 20k from the classifieds, couldn't be happier.

 

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

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Welcome to the forum.

 

Christo it is the nature of the HUB that you will get feedback punting every brand - by its happy owners ....

 

You have already heard of two brands.

 

So now it is my turn to share with you my joy - https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/fuel-ex/fuel-ex-5-29/p/2132600-2017/?colorCode=black

 

LOVE this bike !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and currently at a VERY good price !

 

 

Contact Danie at Cycle4Life.  SURE he will help you

 

 

Canondale and Merida also has nice offerings at the lower end of the price scale.  But RIDING it, the TREK does it for me.

Edited by ChrisF
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I realize that the nearest store is a long drive away from where you are situated but Cycle Lab has the 2017 Merida 96 600 on special for R19 999.00 so you can have a new bike for your budget :D

 

It is pretty well spec'd for what it is and while it only has 100mm travel and not as relaxed as a new scott spark it should do the trick for the terrain you are riding on!

 

Best would be to try a few bikes and see where your preferences lie and then make your decision. R20K is still a hefty amount to spend these days so you want to make sure you buy right.

Edited by Mr lee
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Thanks for the welcome & great advice! I really would rather go the secondhand route as you get more bang for your buck, so is this the secondhand bikes I should look at?

 

Scott Spark
Specialized Epic
Giant Anthem
Merida 96/99
Trek Fuel
Edited by ChristoKruger
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Agree with an Epic, Anthem or Sido

I'm 1.89 and have only ever fitted well on L frames...

And yes, 100mm travel max

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Welcome. Forget the Spaz Epic. Too racy, and it's a Spaz, but that's for a Friday discussion. Friday= Fight club.

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Welcome. Forget the Spaz Epic. Too racy, and it's a Spaz, but that's for a Friday discussion. Friday= Fight club.

 

tomorrow is DONDERdag .... that is the warm-up round for Friday ......

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