Buyers Guide

[ddj]

I am wanting upgrade to a bike around up to R15,000. So far Merida and Giant have caught my eye within that price range. But I am not knowledgeable enough to differentiate on specs.

 

I have tried to do my homework by comparing and listed the specs below. As I am on a small frame, and considering the debate on the 26" vs 29", its seems considered that the 26" could be the better option for me. However all of Giants 2012 XTC range - (which I really like) are all 29ers.

 

Merida Matts Lite XT-D

Price R 14,999

Frame Matts Lite-D-Single

Fork Fox 32 Float RL 100 Taper

Front Derailleur Shimano Deore XT

Rear Derailleur Shimano Deore XT-10

Shifters Shimano Deore XT Rapidfire

Brake Levers attached

Brake Levers Shimano M505 180/160

Cassette

Chain KMC X10 10s

Bottom Bracket attached

Rims Merida XCD Lite

Hubs Shimano M435 Cen

Spokes Black stainless

Tires Schwalbe Rocket Ron / Racing Ralph Performance 2.1 Fold

FREEWHEEL: Shimano CS-HG62-10 11-36

Handlebar Merida Pro OS 660 R25

Stem Merida Pro OS

Seatpost Merida Pro 2 31.6

Saddle ProLogo Phorma Male

Pedals Shimano M505

HEADSET: BC Comp Neck

 

 

Giant XTC 29er 1

Price R 14,300

Frame ALUXX SL-Grade Aluminum

Fork RockShox Reba 29 RL w/15mm Thru Axle, Tapered Steerer, 100mm

Shifters SRAM X7, 3x10 Speed

Front Derailleur SRAM X7

Rear Derailleur SRAM X9

Brakes Avid Elixir 5, [F] 180mm [R] 160mm

Brake Levers Avid Elixir 5

Cassette SRAM PG-1030 11x36, 10-Speed

Chain SRAM PC-1031

Crankset SRAM S1000 22/33/44

Bottom Bracket SRAM GXP Press Fit

Rims Giant P-XC29-2

Hubs [F] Giant Tracker Sealed/CNC w/ 15mm Axle, [R] Giant Tracker Performance, 32h

Spokes DT Swiss Competition

Tires Maxxis Aspen, 120 tpi, 29x2.1 Folding

Handlebar Giant Contact, Flat 31.8

Stem Giant Connect

Seatpost Giant Connect, 30.9

Saddle Giant Performance MTB

 

I would appreciate your opinions

[leeu52]

Go ride a 26" and a 29". Then decide.

[jannosmit]

I have the 2012 Giant XTC 29er 0 and I love it!

 

Edit: I ride a L and 183cm

Edited December 6, 2011 by JanMTB

[Dubber88]

If the Merida has 2012 XT components on, I would go for that one, as I think the new XT is far superior over the Sram components.

 

As far as geometry of the frames go, you will have to ride the bike to see what feels best for you.

 

You can replace components but don't necessarily want to do that with a frame.

 

Another thing is the through axle on the Giant can be problematic, especially when you want to upgrade you wheelset.

[leeu52]

  On 12/6/2011 at 7:55 PM, JanMTB said:

I have the 2012 Giant XTC 29er 0 and I love it!

 

sssjjjjjttttt...let him discover it for himself! and now you woke up the smallville fraternity! eish

[jannosmit]

  On 12/6/2011 at 7:56 PM, Dubber88 said:

If the Merida has 2012 XT components on, I would go for that one, as I think the new XT is far superior over the Sram components.

 

As far as geometry of the frames go, you will have to ride the bike to see what feels best for you.

 

You can replace components but don't necessarily want to do that with a frame.

 

Another thing is the through axle on the Giant can be problematic, especially when you want to upgrade you wheelset.

 

Yip... Thats the thing, the XTC 0 has XT, crazeeeee stuff I love it. Tough choice...

 

Try to make a plan to get the Merida 29er within your budget if you like a 29er, also full XT

[ddj]

The Giamt XTC 0 is in a different league and costs R4,000 more. Otherwise it would b no contest.

[ddj]

  On 12/6/2011 at 7:59 PM, JanMTB said:

Yip... Thats the thing, the XTC 0 has XT, crazeeeee stuff I love it. Tough choice...

 

Try to make a plan to get the Merida 29er within your budget if you like a 29er, also full XT

 

Thanks this is really useful

 

David

[Pieterg]

29" or 26" T hat's the question.It's about the rider a 26" merida kicked a lot of 29" arses over the weekend.29" couldn,t get up the hill.

[outoftowner]

Best to see which frame suits you best. You can always upgrade parts.Look around at some 2011 cannondale's on sale, you can get a good deal,as their frame design are far superior. Tough decision,but an enjoyable one.

[ddj]

  On 12/6/2011 at 7:56 PM, Dubber88 said:

If the Merida has 2012 XT components on, I would go for that one, as I think the new XT is far superior over the Sram components.

 

As far as geometry of the frames go, you will have to ride the bike to see what feels best for you.

 

You can replace components but don't necessarily want to do that with a frame.

 

Another thing is the through axle on the Giant can be problematic, especially when you want to upgrade you wheelset.

Thanks. This is really useful.