MTB advice

[nookie46]

Hi guys, I need some advice on what to get between the following bikes:

 

Group A

Merida TFS 300

Giant Talon 3

 

Group B

Merida TFS 500

Giant Talon 2

 

I initially thought to get a bike from group A but can stretch my budget a bit to get a better bike from group B. I would also like to know if its worth looking at something from the Scott stable in this price range or any other bike worth looking at?Any comments will be much appreciated.

 

Cheers

[TomvdP]

As a very Giant biased person (they were by far the best deal when I was buying) I would recommend the TFS 300, any day...

The components on the TFS500 wont be noticably better.

 

The main difference is the forks, and to be honest... I waould have the Suntour over the Dart. I had one and within 2 months it was basically not functioning anymore, at all (really not exagerating here). 2 of my friends had identical experiences - another friend still has a perfectly functional, plush Suntour fork. All 4 of these bikes are now ~2 years old, I upgraded to an air Tora - great fork but I definately don't get near the advertised 100mm travel

 

edit:

Prices I found

TFS300 - R6050

TFS500 - R7400

Talon 3 - R5300

Talon 2 - R7200

I would still recommend the TFS300. Wont make the mistake of paying extra for a bottom end name brand fork again

Edited March 7, 2011 by tom893