New road bike final decisions.. Help

[paulmic]

Hi Hubers

 

I have been researching a new road bike for several weeks at the 18 to 20k price range. The ultimate goal is to find something that isn't going to leave me wanting and last several years. Therefore a good carbon frame with Ultegra or 105.

 

I am down to 2 bikes: 2013 Scott Foil 40 which has a very good frame (according to reviews) and full 105 @R20k or a 2013 Merida Scultura Comp 905, again from what I have read has a good frame + Ultegra. I don't really know how good the Merida brand is.

 

I'm really at a crossroads with this one.. The scott I can get from my local bike shop with a good discount (R20k is after discount) and post sale support. The Merida will come from JHB so I will need to courier it down and have a fitting at my local bike shop.

 

Any suggestions, advise etc.

 

Cheers, Paul

[Ispeed_V]

Both are good buys. At the end of day the only real difference between the 105 and Ultegra is a slight weight advantage

[madbradd]

Nothing wrong with 105.... build a relation with your lbs... you won't be sorry.

[Loose cog]

Make sure that the retailer is using the entire group set. They have a habit of cutting corners by only using part of the group set by using cheaper parts for the balance. It is common to use lesser quality hubs on the wheels and sometimes the headset, brakes/levers.

 

Compare the wheels (rims) and handlebar & stems.

 

Groupsets can last years if well maintained. Keep the chain drive clean and fix any squeaks. Doing this regularly will ensure you notice something going wrong at an early stage.

 

Getting the Scott locally would also be an advantage, ask what an upgrade to Ultegra would cost as it is expensive to do it later.

 

Good luck!

[Thomo]

Both are good options but I suspect that the Scott frame will have "better street cred".

While the difference between 105 and Ultegra may be marginal, there is still a difference.

Enough to sway me toward the Merida.? Not so sure ...

Shop around as many stores are likely to be running specialis on 2013 bikes.

I would highly recommend getting a quote from Crown Cycles (if you haven't already).

[paulmic]

Thanks all, good advise! Not too fussed with street cred I am pushing my riding harder these days and want something that will keep up. Currently have an Axis AR20C frame with Easton EA50SL's so will keep my wheels. Groupset is 105 5500, very old and giving me issues.

 

Will phone around some more

[paulmic]

Both are good options but I suspect that the Scott frame will have "better street cred".

While the difference between 105 and Ultegra may be marginal, there is still a difference.

Enough to sway me toward the Merida.? Not so sure ...

Shop around as many stores are likely to be running specialis on 2013 bikes.

I would highly recommend getting a quote from Crown Cycles (if you haven't already).

 

Good job, down to R19k on the Scott

[Madlight]

I would phone the guys at Revolution Cycles. They have a nice Felt and a Spez in your price bracket... Otherwise I'd go for the Scott.

[shaun85]

From owning a Merida Scultura I have to vote the Merida. Damn such awesome bikes. Highly underrated. Wanna look cool- go Scott, wanna drop other guys on an unassuming bike- go Merida.

[dee_biker]

With the small difference in the 105 and Ultegra, and both producing good carbon, I would look at the wheels.

 

Is the Merida's wheels not better?

[rock]

if you're looking at the foil, I would suggest going the CR1 route and either saving some money or getting one with an Ultegra groupset.....

 

check out cyclefactory.co.za they will sort you out (and stock merida if that's what you're after)

[Eugene]

Merida..........much better spec for your money. It's the same frame that Garmin Sharp rode on the pro tour this year.

[CASSIE1975]

Sent you a mail...Merida ALL the way...Ultegra over 105 any day...and for a similar price...Merida / Ultegra combination is worth it!!!

 

I agree...phone Jacques or Chris @ Cycle Factory...they are in the Cape and just depends on the size you want...they might have stock of the 905 (the Price according to their website is R 18,470 each).

 

Enjoy...keep well.

Edited November 12, 2013 by CASSIE1975

[paulmic]

With the small difference in the 105 and Ultegra, and both producing good carbon, I would look at the wheels.

 

Is the Merida's wheels not better?

 

Hi Dee, I have Easton EA50SL's in good condition so I will put these on whichever bike I end up buying.

[Christie]

Money spent on frame and gruppo does not buy a lot of speed. The Foil is more aero, so between those 2, the Foil should give you a bit extra. There will be no speed difference between 105 and Ultegra. Wheels make a bigger difference than gruppo, perhaps look / plan for some racing wheels?

 

How about spending money on a coach and then a power meter first, if going faster is your goal.

[EZRider]

Merida..........much better spec for your money. It's the same frame that Garmin Sharp rode on the pro tour this year.

 

Lampre maybe?