2014 Merida TFS 500

[BBB]

Hi guys,

 

I am interested in getting me a 2014 Merida. This model is just under 13kg’s. What I would like to know from you hubbers is that if in the future I wanna upgrade parts on this bike to make it weigh a bit less, what can I get, what do you guys recommend. Also how many grams or kilo’s can one shave off this bike.

 

Current Parts on the bike is:

 

2014 Big Nine

Models 500

Frame Big Nine TFS-D

Size 15-17-19-21-23

Fork Rock Shox XC30TK29 100

BB Set Shimano octalink

B-Lever attached

Brake-F Shimano M445 180 cen

Brake-R Shimano M445 160 cen

B-Cable attached

Chain KMC X10 10s

Chainwheel Shimano M522 octa 42-32-24

DERA-F Shimano Deore H35 triple

DERA-R Shimano XT Shadow

Freewheel Shimano CS-HG62-10 11-36

Grip MERIDA Screw on-Single

H-Bar MERIDA comp OS 680 Flat

H-B Stem Merida NC OS 7

Head Set EGG steel

Hub-F Shimano M435 cen

Hub-R Shimano M435 cen

Pedal XC Alloy

Rim Big Nine comp D

Saddle MERIDA Pro SI

Seat Clamp MERIDA pro QR

Seat Post MERIDA comp SB12 27.2

Shifter-F Shimano Deore

Shifter-R Shimano Deore

Spoke Black stainless

Inner Tube Ultralite-29

Tire-F Merida Race lite 29er 2.1 fold

Tire-R Merida Race lite 29er 2.1 fold

 

Thanks!!

Edited July 8, 2013 by BBB

[MTBc]

- That fork is 2.4kg. Get an air fork to save 1kg.

- Probably have a fair amount of weight you could shed in the wheelset + tubeless conversion.

- depending on your riding strength, 2x10 or 1 speed in front could also save a bit of weight (1x10 / 1x11 = 1 less shifter / der and lighter crank).

[Wimmas]

Is it just me or do more and more brands actually accessorise their brands with their own brands like the tyres, and so many bikes are actually downgraded in newer models. I think this reflects that economies over the globe are weakening each year, and that's why these brands need to downgrade to stay in a certain price bracket to be competitive with their rivals.

 

I mean since when do bike brands make their own tyres instead of slapping on some Kenda/Schwalbe etc? Probably a strategic move - Producing their own tyres has become cheaper than outsourcing them from other producers?

 

And I mean the 2013 Big Nine TFS 500 had a RS Recon Silver TK air on it, now one sits with a coil fork? The 2013 had Shimano M446 brakes with 180 rotors front and rear, now it's M445 180/160. The 2013 had M505 clipless pedals which you now have to pay an extra R299 for when buying the 2014 model? These are small things but add up in the end

 

The same goes for Momsen - in 2012 they brought out the AL329 with ZTR rims and a Raidon air fork for under R10k, now the standard AL329 does not have an air fork or ZTR rims, to have these you need to buy the R version which costs R2k more?

 

From what I've also seen the last year is that mountain biking has really evolved and many organisations are now getting involved with much more interest in the sport - this means that more bikes are being sold and every Tom, Dick and Harry want a bike without much knowledge on bikes, so these brands downgrade the bikes without much notice from the consumer's side due to the lack of knowledge. This eventually turns into a negative for riders with knowledge looking at value for money cause now you need to pay extra for a good quality bike as the previous models of a certain bike which was a good value for money bike has now been replaced with lower value for money model.

 

I also think that this trend gives suppliers more power which then transfers down the chain making a bike more expensive to the end consumer.

 

Sigh

Edited July 8, 2013 by Wimmas

[BBB]

I agree with Wimmas, the bikes do come out with a lower spec and they still raise the price. I would have thought that they put on the lower specs just keep price the same. The 2013 model was R10500 and the new one will be in the region of R12000.

I did speak to one of the technical guys at Merida and he assured me that the shock on this bike is a air shock with a pop-lock, although when I googled it, it was listed as a coil shock. Will have to wait and see when the new model arrives in shops this week. By the way, the SA supplier of Merida have no more 2013 TFS 500 models.

[Wimmas]

The XC30 29" weighs 2322g and is coil unless SRAM's 2014 model will be air but it's highly unlikely. The Silver TK on the 2013 model is air and weighs 2186g which isn't a huge difference but like you said BBB there will be an increase in the price of the 2014 model which isn't justified in my mind. I would've understood if the price remained unchanged but due to the exchange rate this is probably not possible.

 

The other day I saw a good value for money bike - The Axis A20 which the LBS sold @ R8800 but I guess that was just a clearance special. It had a RS Recon Gold, with SRAM X9/X7 components. A much better deal if you ask me.