HI There The AM 3000 is part of the the AM (All Mountian) range of bikes which was launched by Merida for the 2007 season. The bike is aimed at exactly what your looking for - An all day riding bike with relaxed geometry, rear wheel travel of either 115mm or 130mm with a lockout option which is easily accessable so you can activate whilst riding and excellent value - a huge success, both world wide and in S.A - So much so that you will battle to find an 07 model and will have to wait for the 08 models to arrive in September, which luckly are even better! The frame of the 3000 uses Merida's top HFS tubing which is created through the forcing of hot oil at extremely high pressure into round alloy tubes which are forced against negative moulds - this allowing merida to vary the wall thickness, cross sections and the external shape of the tube but most importantly creates a frame which is both lightweight and super stiff. Then welded using Merida's world renouned and awarded robot welding system which is unique to the Merida factory. Lastly, Merida then tests the frames using the EFBe(The worlds leading bicycle independent test facilty based in Germany)machinary which we have in the factory. The design uses a 3 dimentional swinglink which is connected at 5 points - results in a frameset with exteme torsional stiffness and reduces the stress on the frame and rear shock. I hope this gives you a better understanding about our AM range and will assist you in making a more educated decision. The local company distributing Merida has been in the country for 3 years now and has a Excellent if not the best name when it comes to waranty turn around so thats a huge plus factor. There will be test bikes made available with the 08 version and they we will be at variouls races around the country for you to test the bikes i.e Crater cruise will have a 4km test route for the weekend of that event. Let me know if you are keen so I can ensure you get to test one of these awesome bikes.
