Suggestion for Mountain Bike, E-Bike

NirajSS on 11/10/2023 - 08:54

Hi All,

I would like to get some suggestion on mountain bike, e bike, which can be used for road as well. I am new so I don't have much knowledge in this. maybe a budget of $800 -$1500. Which bike will you suggest that is budget friendly, value for money.

Would it be nice to buy a new one or buy second hand from Facebook Marketplace or Gumtree? Would you suggest to buy from a local shop or a bicycle shop like 99 Bikes?

Can you suggest me some good second hand bikes as well please.

I plan to use daily for travelling to station and every once in a while maybe one or two days a week go for some trails. Thank you.

Cheers

Sports & Outdoors Bicycle Electric Bicycle

Comments

  • Pelicannn on 11/10/2023 - 09:05
    +2

    What sort of mountain biking terrain are we talking?

    Any e-MTB in that price range is not something that i would take down anything more than a fire trail or perhaps a very smooth rolling single track.

    They are quite cost prohibitive and any e-MTB bike in that comes close to that budget brand new is likely to have a very low spec of components which will traditionally wear faster and be much less of a refined riding experience and possibly be unsafe in actual mountain biking conditions, depending on the trail.

    Your best bet would be to go second-hand. I’d be looking at Merida, Cube or Norco and seeing if you can pick up one for ~$1500 on Facebook marketplace or similar.

    • NirajSS on 11/10/2023 - 10:36

      Biking terrain like gravel, unpaved. And use in regular paved road. Will be using mostly in paved road and like 1-2 days a week in gravel, dirt, unpaved trails. Is mountain bike suitable for regular paved road as well or will such road need different type of bike.

      Could you please tell me the model as well if you can so it is easier for me to look it up as i have no idea on these. and Could you possibly know any other marketplace where bikes are sold other than Facebook, gum tree.

      Also could you please advise me what to look out for buying second hand brakes, tyres, chain etc. Thank you.

      Thank you for your suggestion, information.

      Cheers

      • Pelicannn on 11/10/2023 - 11:35
        +2

        Tbh you could probably just buy a hybrid and run some gravel tyres on it rather than an actual mountain bike. Will ride better for the commute.

      • Pigsy3 on 14/10/2023 - 17:35

        I got a momentum transend for $2000 (half price) i ride it 30km each way to work 2 times a week. I do a combination of dirt, paved and road on the journey. I highly recommend it, but i would never pay the rrp of $4000

  • GG57 on 11/10/2023 - 09:07

    How far is it to the station?
    What type of trails would you be riding (e.g. sealed, gravel, etc.)?

  • NirajSS on 11/10/2023 - 10:40

    Biking terrain like gravel, unpaved. And use in regular paved road. Will be using mostly in paved road and like 1-2 days a week in gravel, dirt, unpaved trails. station is like 15-20 minutes far.

    Could you suggest me brand and model please, thank you.

    Also could you please advise me what to look out for buying second hand brakes, tyres, chain etc. Thank you.

    Cheers

    • Euphemistic on 11/10/2023 - 10:43
      +1

      15-20min comm it e hardly needs an e-bike unless it’s quite hilly.

    • GG57 on 11/10/2023 - 11:02

      You post suggests that you don't have much, if any, experience with MTB. I would explore hiring a MTB to actually determine if you want to outlay money for that.
      As mentioned by @Euphemistic, the daily ride doesn't warrant an e-bike, or even a road bike, and unless you really want to ride trails I'd avoid a MTB. I'd explore a used hybrid for your daily ride.

      • NirajSS on 11/10/2023 - 11:13

        Yes i have no experience. Daily ride in a paved road with something that can do a bit of gravel, unpaved, dirt trails. was looking for electric option just for a bit of easiness, boost, but does not matter if it's not electric.

        Could you please suggest some model and brand that fits this criteria, i would probably try to get a second hand as i feel it will be alright.

        Thank you.

        Cheers

        • Euphemistic on 11/10/2023 - 12:26
          +1

          Get down to your local bike shop and see what they can help you with. They’ll be able to size you up as well as pout you toward the correct style of bike. If they don’t want to help you, find another shop.

          A hybrid bike (flat handlebars, 30-40mm tyres) will handle pavement and some gravel. Suspension isn’t essential, but most bikes will have front suspension.

          If you really want to explore mountain bike trails a basic hardtail mountain bike with 29” wheels will get you started. It doesn’t take long for upgraditis to set in, that’s why I’d recommend second hand.

          • Ghost47 on 11/10/2023 - 18:17

            @Euphemistic:

            It doesn’t take long for upgraditis to set in

            What makes people want to upgrade? To go faster? Lighter frame or something?

            • Euphemistic on 11/10/2023 - 19:45
              +1

              @Ghost47: If you are new to biking you don’t know any better. If you get into it you recognise that more gears, lighter, better suspension and brake do actually make a difference.

              This is especially apparent with mountain bikes. If you get into it you explore more difficult terrain and the limits of a cheaper bike become apparent a lot sooner than other types of riding. Riding a good dual suspension bike is a lot more forgiving on rough terrain allowing you to push harder and ride for longer without getting beaten up by the bike.

  • Euphemistic on 11/10/2023 - 10:43

    Any e-bike you get for your starting budget won’t be awesome on MTB trails. It’ll be a compromise that won’t be great for roads and definitely won’t be great on trails. It will probably be fine for gravel roads that are in good condition.

    How far is it to the station? Does the station have decent lockup facilities?

    Maybe you could pick up a basic e-bike for station duties and then get a decent second hand mountain bike (non electric) for trail riding.

    Mod Edit: Private selling in comments not allowed

    • Tee Rex Arms on 11/10/2023 - 10:59

      Marlin 8?

    • NirajSS on 11/10/2023 - 11:06

      Yes that is good as well, was wanting electric just as a little boost and easiness. I would not mind non electric. Which Marlin is it and are you in Sydney?

    • Euphemistic on 11/10/2023 - 12:48

      My bad. Trying to comment you can purchase a good quality mountain bike for under $400. Ready to ride on real MTB trails.

  • Tee Rex Arms on 11/10/2023 - 10:58

    You won’t know what you’re looking for in second hand running gear etc unless you’re bringing a chain wear indicator, and all that.

  • jv on 11/10/2023 - 12:25
    -1

    Suggestion for Mountain Bike, E-Bike

    Red ones are faster.

  • roundnumbersonly on 11/10/2023 - 21:17

    This looks like it might suit your needs? It is entry level and new so it shouldn't give you any trouble.

    https://www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/bikes/hybrid-bikes/dual-s…

    The only problem with 2nd hand is that you'll generally have to do a bit of adjusting and fixing yourself and unless you have the tools and be prepared to spend time (you can learn a bit off YouTube) then it can be a PITA. If you buy from a shop and something goes wrong then its easy to take it back and get it sorted.

  • primobh on 12/10/2023 - 10:25

    I've seen this NCM C5 City bike (https://ncmbikes.com.au/products/ncm-c5) for 999 AUD or the NCM Prague MTB (https://ncmbikes.com.au/products/ncm-prague) for 1499 AUD. The NCM Prague has a good review (https://www.productreview.com.au/listings/ncm-prague-electri…) but I could not find any review for the NCM C5 .

    • Euphemistic on 12/10/2023 - 11:59
      +1

      A rear hub motor is not great for mountain biking. It puts too much weight at the back making it harder to traverse obstacles. However, if it’s a path only bike it should be OK.

    • axcairns on 31/12/2023 - 20:35

      I picked up an NCM Prague second hand for commuting and have been happy with it. I wouldn't take it on proper MB trails but it handles the Heritage Trail through John Forrest NP in Perth (broad, flat gravel track) no problems.

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