Merida Big Nine TFS900 or the Specialized carve comp 29er

[DehanL]

I am a road triathlete looking to expand to some offroad races with a budget of R10 000.

I am currently deciding between a Merida Big Nine TFS900 or the specialised carve comp 29er (these are a little over 10k though).

Which do you think will be the superior bike to race on, in terms of quality, durability and just speed.

thanks for your help!

[Wimmas]

Rather save 2-3k more and get a Silverback Vida 1 R14 000 (Rock Shox Reba, Stan's no tubes ZTR crest, 11.3kg) or the Momsen AL529 R15 000 (Rock Shox SID, stan's no tubes ZTR Arch, 11.7kg)

 

The Merida is nice, I ride a Merida, but it's definately WORTH waiting until you have 2-3k more to spend as you get MUCH BETTER components and also a lighter bike (you said you want one to race, so I assume you are also considering something on the lighter side)

[Wimmas]

If you only have R10k, go for the Silverback Vida 2 or the Momsen AL329.