Merida BigNine TFS 900-D 2012 vs 2013

[farrelc]

Hi,

 

I'm am in the market for a 13k 29er MTB. The one that best suits my wallet is the Merida BigNine TFS 900-D. 2012 weighs in at 12.7kg, wieghed it in the shop. I assume the 2013 range is lighter?

 

I beat all my regular ride(Giant ATX840 2002 26") times on the loan Merida and fell in love with it.Not sure if it was the big wheels up the hills or the 30speed vs the 24speedster.

 

3.5km from bottom of majic forest to top at 182m incline:

Giant ATX840 2002 = 19min25sec

Merida BigNine TFS 900-D 2012 = 16min26sec

 

The shops now have the 2012 and 2013 coming soon, does anyone have a picture of the 2013 looks like and the specs?

 

Also some feedback if this is a good choice? The Giant XTC 29er2 is in same price range, but low spec and the jump to the next level is about 5k in the giant range. Scott Scale 940 also looks promising if I had to push the money bar a bit, but sat on one and didn't feel right, the merida felt better.

 

Any advice and specs?