“What bike should I buy? I have been riding an old second-hand bike for a while, but I want to buy something more modern that’s reliable and that I can enter some races on. I don’t have a big budget so I can’t afford a full-suspension bike.” We get these kinds of questions quite a lot. So, we figured it’s time to come up with some sub-R15000 bikes we recommend.
It’s not really possible to buy a new full-suspension bike for under R30 000. Okay it is, but there are a only a couple, but you have to look really hard. However, you can buy a number of good hardtails for under R15000.
Good quality hardtails, such as the Titan Rogue Sport, are very capable and durable and are a sensible buy. | Photo: Titan Racing Bikes
What makes a good South African hardtail? We reckon it needs to have the following:
- A durable, well-designed frame, ideally made from aluminium
- Hydraulic disc brakes
- A reliable, single-chainring drivetrain
- An air-suspension fork with lockout
- Decent cockpit components
- Durable wheels with tubeless-convertible rims, ideally in 29-inch size
Little did we know in early April 2020 that bicycle riding would become so popular and Covid-19-induced lockdowns resulting in temporary factory shut-downs would combine to create a significant shortage of new bicycles in 12 month’s time. But here we are, 12 months later with brands all dealing with supply issue headaches.
So, while this list of sub-R15000 bikes comes with our 100% backing as bikes we highly recommend, the stock of them in South Africa isn’t currently guaranteed. The fact that they’re being promoted currently means they’re either in-stock or waiting for a re-stock soon.
Avalanche Reflex 29er Pro | R9 699
Standout features: LTWOO 1×12 drivetrain for widest gearing range. Internal cable routing for a clean looking frame | Quick-release seat clamp to easily adjust for steep descending trails.
Silverback Stride Deluxe | R11 199
Standout features: Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain with clutch derailleur for reliable, crisp shifting | Durable Shimano TX505 hubs | Internal cable routing for a clean looking frame.
Titan Rogue Sport | R12 599
Standout features: Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic discs with 180mm rotor up front for increased braking confidence | Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain with clutch derailleur for reliable, crisp shifting | Multi-owner 5-year warranty.
Momsen AL129 | R14 250
Standout features: Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain with clutch derailleur for reliable, crisp shifting | Suntour air fork with rebound adjust | Quick-release seat clamp to easily adjust for steep descending trails | Durable Weinmann XM260 rims.
Norco Charger 2 | R14 999
Standout features: SRAM NX 1×11 drivetrain for reliable, crisp shifting and wide gearing range | Durable Truvativ Stylo Crankset | Durable WTB MX21 rims | Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic discs with 180mm rotor up front for increased braking confidence.
Merida Big 9 200 | R13 890
Standout features: Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain with clutch derailleur for reliable, crisp shifting | Durable Shimano TX505 hubs | Quick-release seat clamp to easily adjust for steep descending trails
Signal S930 |R12 295
Standout features: Durable Alex MD19 rims | Tektro HD-M275 hydraulic discs with 180mm rotor up front for increased braking confidence | LTWOO 1×11 drivetrain for wide gearing range.
Giant Talon 1 | R13 817
Standout features: SXC32-2 RL 29 air fork with rebound adjust | Shimano Deore 1×10 drivetrain with clutch derailleur for reliable, crisp shifting | Internal cable routing for a clean looking frame | Tektro TKD143 hydraulic discs with 180mm rotor up front for increased braking confidence.
GT Avalanche Elite | R14 999
Standout features: SR Suntour XCR-RL-R 120mm travel fork with rebound adjust for best control | Internal cable routing with dropper-post compatibility for a clean looking frame | MicroShift 1×11 drivetrain for wide gearing range.
