I bought a Trek 1.2 a few months back, my brother bought a Merida last week. Spec-wise they're supposed to be very similar, the only difference being that mine has Shimano Sora gears and his Merida has what ever the next step up from that is.

The Merida was listed around €1300 and the Trek at €920 but we each ended up spending €1000 including accesories. He got about €400 off the bike, I only got about €100 off mine. I went back today and told the man he probably wanted to give me a free Jersey to make up for it so he eventually gave in but explaind there's a lot more room to negotiate on a Merida than a Trek.

I'm not sure whether thats the case or my brother is just a lot better at bargaining than me. Anyways, my question is, am I better off with a Trek than a Merida or are they pretty much the same?

Merida is basically Specialized without the lawsuits.

Just to be clear, you want random people on the web to confirm you pwnd your brother?

Just race him.

I want random people that know what they're talking about to tell me if I was better off buying the Trek or if he got a way better deal than me and if Merida is as good as or better than a Trek?

Most people on here aren't going to have an opinion about Merida--they're not sold in the US, due to an agreement with Specialized.

I never really considered where other posters were from or what bikes would be available there. Cheers!

Merida is one of the largest manufacturers of bikes in the world and part owner of Specialized. Probably everything with a Specialized badge comes out of a Merida plant. While I can't comment on any particular model, the manufacturing and design capabilities of Merida can match anyone in the industry.

Both frames are made in Asia. If you got better components on the Merida than the Trek and if the frame materials are the same on both bikes then I would give the edge to the Merida.

FYI- Merida is the second largest producer of bicycles in the world behind Giant.

I have a 2013 1.2. I believe it was made by Giant for Trek.

you might be interested in what you learn from wikipedia "fair trade law". it may apply here. or may not. IDK.

All true. Also, Merida makes better looking bikes than Trek, so...there's that.

Who got the better fit=winner

Merida is 49% of Specialized.

I guess I'll have to race him. I'm not sure how that would go. 15 years ago I was fitter than him but he's kept fairly active while I put on 3 stone and got fond of the couch. I'm getting back into shape now, I've been running for a few months and done a few long-ish cycles.

I had had looked at a Merida myself before getting the Trek, although it was a cheaper one than his. They are a nice looking bike.

Sounds like you and your brother have a nice brotherly competition thing going on.
I had to lose the white seat and white bar tape for my own preference, but I can tell you it does move when you push it and mine fits me like a glove. If yours does the same, you should really enjoy the bike.

LOL.

And now Merida is a title sponsor for Lampre.

Hereabout Merida is often sold at half price, which makes them a reasonable deal. Their list price is not so reasonable.

Not bad rigs those Merida bikes - as good as anything else getting about.

cheers

Here is a Merida that's in the US via Germany! Alum frame, CF fork, Tiagra components. Love the bike!

depends on whether you and your brother get the same weekly allowance.