Entry level road bike - Merida?
01-23-09, 07:09 AM
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Entry level road bike - Merida?
Hey
I am looking at getting an entry level road bike. I went to my LBS today and test road this bike.
https://www2.merida-bikes.com/en_INT/Bikes.Detail.218
It felt pretty nice to ride and it is a good price but I am not to sure what to look for.
Would this bike last me say 5 years or would I outgrow it to quickly?
Thanks heaps!
I am looking at getting an entry level road bike. I went to my LBS today and test road this bike.
https://www2.merida-bikes.com/en_INT/Bikes.Detail.218
It felt pretty nice to ride and it is a good price but I am not to sure what to look for.
Would this bike last me say 5 years or would I outgrow it to quickly?
Thanks heaps!
Last edited by danerz; 01-23-09 at 07:53 AM. Reason: Wrong bike in the link. See link below
01-23-09, 07:17 AM
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Maybe it's just where i live (Australia) but the price of this bike was similar to that of a lesser quality/spec Trek or Giant.
So do you think this would last me a fair while then?
So do you think this would last me a fair while then?
01-23-09, 07:27 AM
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Ok i think I made a mistake.
The bike I was looking at today was an 08 model. The bikes on the site are an 09 and some have changed colours.
This is the new model of the bike I am thinking of getting.
https://www2.merida-bikes.com/en_INT/Bikes.Detail.218
How does that one look in terms of starting out/longevity
Thanks heaps
The bike I was looking at today was an 08 model. The bikes on the site are an 09 and some have changed colours.
This is the new model of the bike I am thinking of getting.
https://www2.merida-bikes.com/en_INT/Bikes.Detail.218
How does that one look in terms of starting out/longevity
Thanks heaps
01-23-09, 07:35 AM
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Merida are a top manufacturer from Taiwan, they make world championship winning mountain bikes, I'm sure that bike will be great!
01-23-09, 07:39 AM
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Just looked at the second link, I agree with botto, you and the frame deserve at least 105.
01-23-09, 07:40 AM
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01-23-09, 07:48 AM
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It's the lowest level 10 speed groupset (gears, brakes, cranks etc) that Shimano do, it's great.
01-23-09, 07:52 AM
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ahhh ok got you now. I'm going back tomorrow so ill see if they have the model that comes with the 105.
Is the sora groupset still decent quality though. Keep in mind i'm just starting out with serious road biking
Is the sora groupset still decent quality though. Keep in mind i'm just starting out with serious road biking
01-23-09, 07:55 AM
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Heh heh, the problem is, you get started and you'll probably soon want to upgrade as 105 has better shifting and MUCH better braking than Sora. Rather than buy a bike with Sora then spend a fortune upgrading in the future you are better off getting it with 105 in the first place.
There, I've saved you money.
Somehow.
There, I've saved you money.
Somehow.
01-23-09, 07:58 AM
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Just tried to see if there are any Merida dealers in the US... none!
Hmm....wonder how I could import....and what about pricing?
Hmm....wonder how I could import....and what about pricing?
01-23-09, 08:02 AM
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01-23-09, 08:10 AM
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01-23-09, 08:15 AM
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as far as 'it's different from the treks/c'dales/fujis... bikes don't impress me, riders do.
01-23-09, 08:54 AM
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I just like it because it's different. I work for a company that imports/exports 85% of our stuff so I could probably get it in with our freight forwarder, that's primarily why I asked, it shouldn't be alot of work on my end (just have to smooth over the boss). But I thought if I could buy through a shop in the states it would be okay.
01-23-09, 08:55 AM
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01-23-09, 09:03 AM
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continuing with the hijack:
if you want to 'be different' around the guys you ride with, get a generic frame, something like this. i get more comments about that pig of a bike, than i ever have about my good bikes.
if you want to 'be different' around the guys you ride with, get a generic frame, something like this. i get more comments about that pig of a bike, than i ever have about my good bikes.
01-23-09, 09:11 AM
#24
stole your bike
continuing with the hijack:
if you want to 'be different' around the guys you ride with, get a generic frame, something like this. i get more comments about that pig of a bike, than i ever have about my good bikes.
if you want to 'be different' around the guys you ride with, get a generic frame, something like this. i get more comments about that pig of a bike, than i ever have about my good bikes.
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01-23-09, 09:35 AM
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I looked at that too but decided against it as its a 52-39 double. I instead went for a bike with a compact double 50-34.
After riding it for 10 days I have never needed the two lower gears that I got but then I have not done long climbs yet. I will surely need them there and of course if you are a strong cyclist you wont need a compact at all.
After riding it for 10 days I have never needed the two lower gears that I got but then I have not done long climbs yet. I will surely need them there and of course if you are a strong cyclist you wont need a compact at all.