Originally Posted by
IcySmooth52
You got it right then! That Merida looks more gravel grinder style to me than cyclocross.
It was the similarity to my Merida roadbike geometry that made me lean toward the Merida cross 500.
But that doesn't mean I'm not looking for something else. Problem here is that just a handful shops do have such a bike in stock. And most of the time they are to large for me.
And then we are talking about the brands: Ridley, Cannondale, Merida, Kona.
I looked into Felt (V and F series) but can't find any store who has it in stock in a size that might fit.
Geo cross 500 size 52
Geo Lampre size 52
I know the materials are not top at all but I think they will do.
Mech disckbrakes could be upgraded to Hydraulics just fine.
Only downside would be tire clearance.
I guess it will be limited to 35C.
On the other hand, I rolled on 23C tires and changed to 28C (conti GP 4000s). What a diff in comfort and nearly no loss in speed due rolling resistance.
So I guess changing to a 35C is an even bigger change. Or am I wrong?
Building a bike from frame up would be an option but that would eat my budget.
So i prefer a mid priced bike what could be upgraded if the parts needed to and when the price is right.
@ MarkJenn:
I realize that I would have to give in a bit on offroading. MTB tracks with lots of roots (not sure it's correct written - roots of trees) or big jumps or drops and rocks in it, they will have to be skipped or I will have to pay the price.
But they were skipped already quite some time.
Nearly going to the age of 40, having a not so good lowerback and playing ice hockey as main sports, I skip the risks of getting injured by bike quite easy.