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I'm a lady rider looking to upgrade from my 26" Raleigh Nomad to something better as I ride a lot more now. I've seen a new 2014 Merida Juliet 500W, and a second hand 2013 Merida Matts Lite XT-edition both within my budget. I'm looking to spend max R13K on a hardtail, 26er or 650B. I'm only 154cm so would like something relatively light and compact (15" frame). I do a lot of single track riding. Any advice on whether I should go new or secondhand, and if there are other models I should consider would be appreciated.

Hi Guys I am in the market for an upgrade currently on a 26er ht and am looking at the Merida Big ninety-nine cf 3000. any out there own one of these? what feedback is there. I would need to either drop some weight or change the wheels as i am on the limit for them. Feedback would be much appreciated. http://www.merida.com/en_int/bikes/2014/Big+Ninety-Nine+CF+3000-154.html COLORS silk UD Carbon, white, red FRAME SIZES 15.5" 17" 19" 21" 23" NAME Big Ninety-Nine SL R12 FORK Fox 32 Float 29 CTD Remote-Ready O/C (1.5T, 15QR) - Evo 120 SHOCK Fox Float CTD Remote BV SV - Factory DERAILLEUR FRONT Shimano Deore XT HD double DERAILLEUR REAR Shimano Deore XT Shadow+ SHIFTER FRONT Shimano Deore XT ispec SHIFTER REAR Shimano Deore XT ispec BRAKE LEVER attached BRAKE FRONT Shimano Deore XT-Fin 180 mm ice Disc BRAKE REAR Shimano Deore XT-Fin 180 mm ice Disc CHAINWHEEL Shimano Deore XT 38-24 CHAINGUARD no BBSET attached CHAIN KMC X10 10s HUB FRONT attached HUB REAR RWS 12-142 axle RIM Fulcrum Red Power 29 XL F15-R12 FREEWHEEL Shimano CS-HG81-10 11-36 TIRES Schwalbe Racing Ralph Evo 29 2.25 fold / Schwalbe Racing Ralph Evo 29 2.25 fold SPOKES attached HANDLEBAR STEM PRC Team OS -17° HANDLEBAR PRC Team Flatbar 680 HEADSET Big Conoid A-Bearing SEAT POST PRC Double Carbon SuperLite 31.6 mm SADDLE ProLogo Nago Evo X10 T2.0 PEDAL no WEIGHT 11.77 kg

This is my first post on The Hub..so hello everyone I am in the process of shopping for a new 29" hardtail in the 15-20k price range. Based on searches in the forums, web reviews and spec-by-spec comparisons I've narrowed down my options to the following: 2014 Merida Big.Nine 1500 2015 Momsen AL429 2014 Momsen AL529 The Al529 seems to no longer be an option as most retailers I've spoken to are unable to order 2014 momsens. (probably due to the 2015 range coming in next week) So it's down to the Al429 and the Big nine 1500. Either one will cost roughly R18,000. I am struggling to decide between the specs. The Merida ships with a mid to top range fox fork (Fox 32 Float 29 Evo 100) whereas the Momsen ships with an entry-level Rockshox fork (30 gold) However the momsen does have an XT rear derailleur as well as Stan's ZTR rapid rims which I have heard are quite good. I've also read many positive reviews and a generally favourable sentiment amongst Hub users for Momsen bikes. (not to mention that they are a local brand) So which one would you recommend? I am not too clued up on compontents and their various pros and cons. Basically what I am looking for is a decent, value for money hardtail that can take a beating. Alternative brand/bike suggestions are also welcome I appreciate your feedback!

I've been riding for going on 8 yrs right now. I've serviced my bike at many different shops, but most recently I've been using Linden Cycles. Their services have always been great and I can't really complain. Normally when I query things, they are happy to fix it without question and the quality of their workmanship has been fine. They are however a bit out of the way for me AND with them being SO popular, you sometimes need to book like 14 days in advance. This is a bit of a problem if you just quickly want some running repairs done. I then decided to try a shop up the road from me - CycloWorx (Petervale Shopping centre). I was pretty surprised with their approach and it goes a little something like this (sounds I need a soundtrack here): - They don't have a flat rate for a service, they simply charge you PER ITEM that they do. - They also don't carry out ANY WORK until you've given them the go ahead on each item. - They FIRST quote and await your approval. This approach is pretty cool as I have in the past been in a situation where a 500 service turns into a 2000 service, granted we do discuss it, but I don't get a line by line quote before work is completed. I get a brief phone call where I need to make a call there and then without being able to digest it. In any event, I'm picking up the bike today and doing a training ride this arvy. Will reply to this post with how the bike is going (hope it doesn't fall apart, rofl).

Hello all, I am looking at investing in a road bike with the idea to use it for the next decade, at least. I am weighing up two options, the Cannondale super six carbon (2015), 10-speed, which has american classic wheels, easton carbon handle bars and comes with a left-crank watt meter... compared to a Merida Scultura 4000 (2016), 11-speed, which has upgrades of campagnolo chorus parts. The Merida is about R3000 cheaper, when comparing both bikes as is. Any advice? I am waiting to hear whether a 52/36 crankset can fit the Merida, otherwise it will come with compact crank. Cannondale has a 52/36 already. Both bikes are second hand