Help with ladies specific bike choice

[Jackes]

Lets leave price out of the equation for the start. Purely on pro's and con's (unfortunately this includes looks hey), which is the better bike / buy here.

 

Some of the differences below:

 

2013 Merida Juliet 300 / 2012 Specialized Myka

 

Frame - Juliet Comp-Single

Fork - SR XCM MLO 100 / Rockshox Tora TK SL

Derailleur Front - Shimano M390 / Alivio

Derailleur Rear - Shimano SLX-9 / Deore

Shifter - Shimano SL-M430 -3 / -9 / Deore

Brake - Tektro Draco 180/160 mm

Chainwheel - Shimano M430 octa 44-32-22 CG

Bbset - Shimano Octalink

Chain - KMC Z99 9s

Hub - Alloy Disc QR / Shimano M475 Disc

Rim - Juliet Comp D / RHD Alexrims

Freewheel - Shimano CS-HG20-9 11-34

Tire - Merida Speed 2.1 / The Captain 2Bliss Ready

Handlebar - Merida Comp OS, 620 / 25 mm Rise

Handlebar Stem - Merida Comp 2 OS, 17°

Headset - Conoid 811N Neck / FSA

Seat Post - Merida Comp SB12°, 27.2 mm

Saddle - Juliet Sport

Pedal - Lite Alloy

Edited November 8, 2012 by Jackes

[DR ◣◢]

Don't take the Spez~ Front wheel looks broken

 

Jackes. How tall are you and why the need for a ladies specific bike?

[Jackes]

Jackes. How tall are you and why the need for a ladies specific bike?

 

I am 1.89m tall. But the ladies specific bike is for the missus, who is 1.65m tall.

[DR ◣◢]

Ah ok.

 

At 1.65 the ladies bike will be good

 

What is her current fitness and skill level?

[RockCoach]

Always go for the one with the better fork 'n wheels.

[Coenie]

Always go for the one with the better fork 'n wheels.

 

In other words, the Spez...

[Jackes]

What is her current fitness and skill level?

After two pregnancies we have only recently started to ride again so unfit at this stage. She has only been on a mtb trail once before.

 

So this is the start of things to come, but this purchase will have to last a longgggg time.

[Jackes]

Always go for the one with the better fork 'n wheels.

Presumably the Specialized then ?

I take it the Rockshox are a fair bit better than the suntour ?

 

It's sorry it is'nt a airshock, but I guess you can sort that out later as well.

[DR ◣◢]

In that case go for the bike like Slick suggested with the best fork and wheels.

 

The rest can be upgraded as and when needed.

 

Maybe pop in at Hannes and have a chat with him.

[Jackes]

Ok, any idea what will be a fair price for the Spez in spotless secondhand condition ( 3 races )?

[DR ◣◢]

65% to 70% of original retail price depending on condition.

Edited November 8, 2012 by S.I.R Maxxis

[TNT1]

Ok, any idea what will be a fair price for the Spez in spotless secondhand condition ( 3 races )?

 

Ya, get a S or XS normal, as in not lady specific, bike with better kit and in better condition, for less, and spend the balance on a proper bike setup.

[Jackes]

Apparently the ladies bike is the better choice @ 1.65m? Also, I did'nt really see normal bikes with better specs for cheaper? The first Merida with rockshox is the TFS500 @ R9,000? But that is airshocks.

Edited November 9, 2012 by Jackes

[Smolly]

Amateurs! Everyone knows that it must be a red one!

[Jackes]

Amateurs! Everyone knows that it must be a red one!

I'm buying a bicycle, not a ferrari