GT vs Merida 29er

[Jean123]

Hi guys

 

I'm in the market for a 29er with decent specs, but nothing spectacular. Due the need for an XL frame, I'm unlucky in that there aren't that many floating around the classifieds section...

 

I've started looking at buying a new bike & just getting on with it. I've come across two deals that both look good, but I'd like some advice about which is the better deal.

 

I can get a GT Karakoram 2.0 (2013) for R7000

Specs as follows: http://www.gtbicycles.com/2013/bikes/mountain/trail/karakoram-2-0

 

I can also get a Merida Big 9 TFS-500 (2013) for R9700

Specs as follows: http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_za/bike/2013/52/MTB+Hardtails/Big.Nine+TFS+500

 

Your opinions on which is a better deal?

[Guest]

GT.

 

https://www.bikehub.co.za/index.php?app=hubmarket&do=view_item&item_id=43674

Edited November 15, 2012 by Karma

[Oom Kaspaas]

Shop around some more, the Merida can be had for about R9000. I bought one, very chuffed so far. It has the same wheels and many other parts as the more expensive models in the range.

[Oom Kaspaas]

Merida has better forks and drivetrain, but GT does not seem bad for the price.

[Cav']

+1 GT

 

but have a look at the Karakoram 1.0

Edited November 16, 2012 by Cav'

[Jean123]

Thanks for the feedback!

 

Must be honest, its not an easy decision. Waiting on prices for the GT Karakoram 1.0... But I don't know which will be better if they came at the same price.

 

http://www.gtbicycles.com/2013/bikes/mountain/trail/karakoram-1-0

 

Oom Kaspaas, is your Merida also the 2013? If so, where did you buy?

[Oom Kaspaas]

Yes, 2013. I bought mine from Trinity Cycles in Hartbeespoort for R9350 with entry level external bb crank fitted extra. Hotspot cycles in Pta quoted me R9k for the same bike. Dont know about shops in Cape Town, but sure you should get same prices if you shop around.