Hi everyone,
I'm trying to understand what I should choose between a Trek 8.5 ds and a merida big nine 40-d. These are my only two options, as I need to get it from a local shop here in Italy, and these are the only two which come in a large enough size (I'm about 195-200, or I think 6'4 in feet). Of course they come at different price points (about 750 for the Trek and 530 for the Merida), but the shop which sells the trek would be willing to shave off 200 if I sell them the Specialized (I think HR-XC) that I won't be using anymore. I settled on these two because 1. I don't have many options, 2. I got used to a hybrid since middle school as I live in a pretty broken gravel road and wouldn't want to worry about jumping down from footpaths, 3. I don't need to go fast or use as little energy as possible as I literally commute on a bike to stay in shape.
About my daily commute, I use it for 45 minutes in the morning to get to school and the same to get home.
Since I'm not exactly 100% on the exact trek model, I thought I'd attach a pic since I was too stupid to take a picture of the specs while in shop.(NOPE, not allowed till I have 10 posts. not sure how to fix that)
Really, I'm not looking for much except for a bigger bike, but riding makes me feel good so the longer I could use it the better!
Thank you in advance!