Kang

I was in the same boat as you recently with a budget of 8K. My choices were the Merida MATTS TFS 500 or 300. The 500 was selling for R7800 and the 300 was R6600. I went for the 300 so I could get extras such as fancy pedals, shoes, computer, tire liners etc and the main difference was the fork. The 500 had Rock shox and the 300 a Suntour fork but both had Deore XT rear derailleur and the rest of the groupset was Alivio. I did a lot of research and to be honest I got a Merida because of the Cape Epic. I was looking at an affordable brand that the Pro's use. LOL. Good luck and post back on your choice with Pics.

My 1st behemith, Giant Boulder, at its 1st race. Itwas bought 2nd hand and spent 2yrs in the garage before it got used, now I'm hooked. I loved that couch but damn, was it heavy. Now I have the Merida Matts TFS 300. I'm taking baby steps before I get the full suss 29er....one day.