CASSIE1975 Posted November 12, 2013 Share Cassie, are you saying you wouldn't think twice about getting the Merida? Are sorry...yes that is my verdict (previous post edited) I am a bit one sided on this because me and the missus have only owned Merida bikes and very happy..."value for money" they are hard to beat...but that's only my opinion and like I said, I have never ridden a Scott Foil, so there will be others that disagree with me...my current bike is a Scultura 905 (2013) and it feels better up the hills than my previous bike... more responsive and standing out of the saddle is a pleasure... ...on the flats she keeps up with the rest (until my legs give in...he he he) I really enjoy this Scultura...and can't wait for the 2014 bikes to go on sale next year to make way for the 2015 stock...ha ha ha... If you can...give them both a ride...YOU will have to be the proud owner WITH the Flex-Stay design on the Scultura, it does have a nice ride and not that harsh on the body... paulmic 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmic Posted November 12, 2013 Share I need to throw a spanner in the works, I have been offered a 2013 Felt F5 for R19k... Too many options at this price range aaarg! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eddy Posted November 12, 2013 Share Too many options at this price range aaarg! OK, what does a CAAD 10 now cost? When I looked last year at about this price point for my boet, the Cannondale came out tops..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TK-Sp3cialiSt Posted November 12, 2013 Share Maybe consider a Scott Cr1 with ultegra... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
'Dale Posted November 12, 2013 Share About Scott vs Merida: Look at what happened to Lampre 's performance when they started riding Merida.First Saffa to wear yellow in the TDF rode a Scott....;-) Heehee Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Johny Bravo Posted November 12, 2013 Share I wont comment on the above mentioned bikes. But if you search a bit harder you will find many more options at that price range. 2013 models going at incredible prices. Giant, Specialized, Cannondale and Trek etc. Me personally would rather have one of the big brands. Scott South Africa I have heard some bad things about, Merida seems very good in terms of backup. Tough choice. Ultimately your choice. Edited November 12, 2013 by schalk1982 paulmic 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EZRider Posted November 12, 2013 Share OK, what does a CAAD 10 now cost? When I looked last year at about this price point for my boet, the Cannondale came out tops..... Just bought one for my wife, 2014 105 model comes in at 21 k.Problem is most won't get their head around that money for an Alu bike even if the frame is lighter and stiffer.Upgrade the wheels and you have a great race bike. quintonb and eddy 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bob Posted November 12, 2013 Share I'd always say get the best frame you can. Yes there are a lot of parts of a bike but the frame is the heart of and it's probably not going to be the thing you upgrade in the next 3 - 5 years. 105 & Ultegra as both great sets, I've had both (and DA and Campy) and liked different parts of both (mainly the feel and fit of the hoods on 105 for me when riding, climbing and sprinting works). I think the jump from 105 to Ultegra is a lot more than Ultegra to Dura Ace. That Ultegra crank is insanely good and the standout. Super stiff and only a shade or two off DA. I've never had an issue with 105, don't adjust, doesn't give me any issues and I don't worry between services. On my current ride I've got a Giant TCR Advanced with 105. I've upgraded the Wheels to AM Aero 420s (like the lively and fast feel but will also be getting stiffer options), the bars and stem to carbon and saddle. Biggest things I changed as soon as I could (apart from wheels) and biggest improvements were: FSA Carbon cranks and chainrings (transfers so much more power than the 105, not even same league. fast seamless shifting, never dropped a chain), carbon pedals matched with carbon shoes (No flex and again all power transferred directly to the cranks to the BB). Weight is a thing and my bike weighs 7.4kgs now. Strap two water bottles in for a race, bombs, tubes, bag and the 8kgs I could really do with dropping this season and the odd gram here / there looks a bit pointless. For me it's about knowing that as much of the power I'm putting down is being used and transferred the best and that's not getting wasted. Dropping kegs is cheaper and better than buying kit. Second hand is alway an option, a mate got a R23K bike the week after the Argus for R14. Used for that Argus only by finance guy bored with golf. Spent the rest on killer race hoops, new shoes / pedals. Guess it all comes down to the right bike for you. The CAAD is good advice, it's an epic bike, Alu is not to be over looked and could be perfect for you as could a super stiff carbon one. paulmic and TopFuel 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmic Posted November 12, 2013 Share Thanks all for the advise! It really is a tough battle choosing the right bike. Even after reading all the feedback I cant decide on the Scott Foil 40, Merida Scultura 905 comp, F5 Felt and even looking at the Silverback Space 1 (full Ultegra). If only one could keep the bike for a 1 to 2 hour ride to get the feel for the bike - lol, no chances Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CASSIE1975 Posted November 13, 2013 Share Thanks all for the advise! It really is a tough battle choosing the right bike. Even after reading all the feedback I cant decide on the Scott Foil 40, Merida Scultura 905 comp, F5 Felt and even looking at the Silverback Space 1 (full Ultegra). If only one could keep the bike for a 1 to 2 hour ride to get the feel for the bike - lol, no chances LOL tough choices Paul Not sure if you mentioned it before...what bike and spec do you currently have?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmic Posted November 13, 2013 Share LOL tough choices Paul Not sure if you mentioned it before...what bike and spec do you currently have?? I have a 2012 Axis AR20C carbon frame, Shimano 105 5500 (old) and Easton EA50SL's CASSIE1975 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
T-Bob Posted November 13, 2013 Share The Giant Deft Advanced 2 won Bike Radar / CyclingPlus bike of the year 2013. Others in the test were: Outer Chosen Fnl.jpCannondale Synapse Carbon 5 105BMC Roadracer SL01Olympia Ego RSSensa Giulia SupremoBoardman Elite Air 9.0Forme Axe Edge ProCanyon Ultimate CF 9.0 ESTrek Madone 4.5Specialized Tarmac SportKuota Kharma EvoEddy Merckx EMX-1 PelotonRidley Fenix 1307ABianchi Sempre Pro Veloce De Rosa R848Wilier Triestina Izoard XP UltegraNorco Tactic 3Avanti Quantum 2.0Cinelli SaettaDedacciai Nerissimo VeloceCannondale SuperSix 5 105Verenti Insight UltegraGiant TCR Advanced 2Scott CR1 Team CarbonVitus VitesseModa MoltoScapin EYSMerida Ride Carbon 95Felt F5Ribble R872 Di2Felt Z5Ghost Race Lector 7000Lapierre Sensium 300 CPPinarello FP Uno Carbon VeloceSpecialized Roubaix Sport CompactCube Agree GTC SL That should make it easier for you... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Super Sywurm Posted November 13, 2013 Share 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 I have a Merida mtb, love it!!! You can't go wrong with a Merida. CASSIE1975 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MuddyMike Posted November 13, 2013 Share Dont get hung up about the groupset. Your performance is effected way more when it comes to frameset and wheels (rims and tyres to be exact due to rotational forces). 105 works just as well as ultegra with a tiny weight penalty. Groupset should be further down your list of priorities. Edited November 13, 2013 by MuddyMike paulmic 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paulmic Posted November 13, 2013 Share I saw this list as well, very interesting - Thanks Hellocolour Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LOUDMAC Posted November 13, 2013 Share 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. FYI, Felt has no representation left in SA, so after sale service would be limited to Stelling and son from Revolution cycles. They are great but would be limited with any warrenty. Spez alway......! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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