Merida vs Axis

[Jeets28]

Hi,

 

Looking to buy a new entry level bike. Two questions

 

1) What is the major differene between the Ride Lite and Race Lite series and which is recommended.

 

2) Any thoughts on the Axis AR 30 - Seems to be better spec'd than the Merida equivalent.

 

I plan to do the Argus and also use it for week end riding and a few of the 'challenges'

 

Thanks

Edited January 14, 2013 by Jeets28

[ibruegge]

Hi, bought the race lite 903 last year - love it, beautiful frame, OK tiagra. Looks fancier than it is. Ride the Axis -30 as a loan bike on the 94.7. Better 105, but heavier frame. Didn't enjoy it - would stick with 903, as I don't benefit from the difference in gears as much as I do from the difference in frame comfort.

[HairyLegs]

Looking at the Axis website, I see that they have no road bikes for 2013, only Mtbs. Looks like they have dropped road bikes altogether, so I would go with the Merida.

[Witkop]

the idea of lite scares me. Tiagra is okay, better than sora, not as good as 105. Ride is recreational and probably skimped on wheels, front derailer and brakes. Race implies better quality in those areas. I prefer to "build" my bikes from frame up, so entry level packages are dark magic to me.