Question for the Experts: Mountain Bikes

**cojak** · 28 February 2011, 18:26

RH knows his bikes, he'll probably be along to give you some advice.

**realityhack** · 28 February 2011, 18:30

A brief glance at the Merida website seems to yield quality.

Which model were you looking at?

**rsingh** · 28 February 2011, 18:41

Get one with the extra wheels. I think they're called stabilisers.

**realityhack** · 28 February 2011, 18:42

Merida Product Reviews

Road Bikes, Bike News, Bike Reviews, Bike Gear, Cycling Routes - BikeRadar

Depends what you want to spend. Their top-end full sus or hardtail MTBs seem like good value for money - not much cop at the lower price bracket (<£400).

More requirements needed to provide a comprehensive recommendation.

**milanbenes** · 28 February 2011, 18:47

RH,

thanks,

looking at this one....

Merida 2011 Crossway-TFS-500-D The Bike Shop Scotland

it's £200 cheaper on the mainland

which is nice

but is it better value than say a GT / Giant / Mongoose etc for the same money ?

Thanks,

Milan.

**realityhack** · 28 February 2011, 19:05

Even at £650, the spec seems a little overpriced.
Don't know anything about their frames - it could be that they're of the Kona mould - who produce high quality frames and ship with cheaper components (chainset, crank, gears etc).
If you're on the mainland it's worth taking a look at Focus. For your budget you'll get some high spec componentry and the frames are more than enough to cope with non-expert use, unless you're er, very heavy.
So it looks like you're looking at a hardtail (front suspension only).
At that sort of price bracket I recommend:

Wiggle | Felt Q720 2011 Hard Tail Mountain Bikes
Wiggle | Kona Kahuna 29er 2011 Hard Tail Mountain Bikes
Updated: Carrera Fury Review - BikeRadar
Gary Fisher Hoo Koo E Koo Review - BikeRadar

I wouldn't recommend Giant, and know sweet football association about Mongoose & GT.
Caveat: I'm more of a road bike man, but know plenty of MTBers who swear by Focus, Kona and Fisher.

**milanbenes** · 28 February 2011, 19:15

thanks RH

back to the drawing board

bugger

i'm not really into spending time studying this kind of stuff - hence normally outsourcing it to the experts

Milan.

**suityou01** · 28 February 2011, 19:24

Originally posted by milanbenes View Post

Evening All,

well, now that MB04 is cycling it's time for MB and 'er-in to get bikes

mid range Merida - any good ?

Where's Shimano105 when you need him ?

Milan.

See, it's not just me

**Moscow Mule** · 28 February 2011, 19:43

If money is an issue, seriously consider ebay for a quality Specialised or similar.

I got an '06 Rockhopper Pro for £300, which cost me £100 in servicing (including about £10 for parts) as I didn't have time to do it myself.

Edit: The '09 is also a good bike. Whatever you decide, bikeradar.com is a good place to check reviews

Question for the Experts: Mountain Bikes