CraigCCW Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 Hello All, I am in need of some advice regarding a new 29'er I am thinking of buying: Bike 1, is the Silverback, which is really well equipped for the price. 2014 Silverback Sola 1 at R15 999 Product DescriptionFrame29” XC Geometry, Superlight, Butted 6061 Aluminium, Smoothweld, Tapered 1-1/8” – 1.5” headtube, 135mm QR dropoutsForkRock Shox Reba, 100mm Travel, Tapered Alloy Steerer, Remote PushLoc, QR15 DropoutHeadsetFSA, Orbit, internal Alloy Cups, 1-1/8”-1.5”RimsStans’s Crest, Alloy 29” , 32H, Stan’s Yelow Rimtape and Valves, White, Custom DecalsHub RearShimano SLX, Centre Lock Disc Mount, Adjustable cup and cone angular contact bearingsHub FrontShimano SLX, Centre Lock Disc Mount, Adjustable cup and cone angular contact bearings, 15mm axleSpokesStainless Steel, Double Butted, Black w/2x White spokes at valve, Red Alloy NipplesTiresSchwalbe Racing Ralph EVO, TL-Ready, Folding, 29”x2.1 LightweightStemSBC-SL (Superlight) XC-Forged Alloy, 6 ̊ x ø31.8mmHandelbarSBC XC lightweight Alloy, W: 700mm; Back Sweep: 12 ̊ x ø31.8mm; 6061 Butted OversizedSeatpostSBC Forged Light Alloy, ø31.6mm x 400mm; Black, Black boltsSeatpost ClampSBC, Alloy, 34.9mm Bolt on, BlackSaddleSBC Performance Series, Cr-Mo Rails, Superlight foam paddingBrakesShimano Deore BR-M615, Open Hydraulic System, Metal Pads – M06, Rotors Front:180mm; Rear: Shimano M615 160mm, Centre LockShiftersShimano SLX SL-M670, 3x10 Trigger, SLX GreyFront derailleurShimano SLX FD-M675-B, Double, Clamp-on 34.9mm, BlackRear derailleurShimano XT Shadow Plus RD-M786-SGS, Long Cage, 10-Speed, SilverChainShimano, CN-hg75, 10 SpeedCassetteShimano CS-HG81-10, 10-Speed, 11-36T, SilverCranksetShimano SLX FC-M675-10, 38/26T, L: 175mm, SLX GreyBottom bracketShimano External Hollowtech IIPedalsVP, with Alloy Cage, 9/16” Bike 2 is the Merida, which a bit more expensive, but it is a Merida, and some of the equipment is better. 2014 Merida Big.Nine 1500 at R 18 999 FRAME NAME Big.Nine Lite BC-D-Single R12FORK Fox 32 Float 29 CTD Remote ready O/C (1.5T) - Evo 100DERAILLEUR REAR Shimano SLX Shadow+SHIFTER FRONT Shimano SLX ispecBRAKE LEVER attachedBRAKE FRONT Shimano SLX 180 mm ice CenCHAINWHEEL Shimano SLX 38-24BBSET attachedCHAIN KMC X10 10sHUB FRONT Shimano SLX CenRIM Mavic EN321-29FREEWHEEL Shimano CS-HG-10 11-36TIRES Continental X-King 2.2 fold / Continental X-King 2.2 foldHANDLEBAR STEM Merida Pro K OS -16°ADHEADSET Big Conoid A-BearingSEAT POST Merida Pro H SB0 27.2 mmSADDLE ProLogo Kappa EvoPEDAL Shimano M520WEIGHT 12.4 My dilemma is that the Merida is better equipped, but is it worth the extra R3000? The frame of the Merida is really nice, and looks like a carbon frame, and I do like the Fox shock.The Silverback is very well equipped for the price, and the shock has a 15mm thru axle. Any advice on which one I should look at getting?
BrandonF_ Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 (edited) Tit for tat here, Merida does have a slight better appeal, but ito spec I'd go Silverback. My reason, the wheels, probably the most influencial componant on the bike, it can make it feel dead and heavy, or alive and nippy, in this case the latter would be the ZTR on the Silverback. Deore brakes are fine. Edited December 9, 2013 by BrandonF MrFine 1
scotty Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 Silverback have very good backup, the Crest wheels could be an issue if you are heavy although some hubbers have previously stated they have had no problems.
BrandonF_ Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 Silverback have very good backup, the Crest wheels could be an issue if you are heavy although some hubbers have previously stated they have had no problems. True. I say this all the time, aftersales service should almost be the first box to tick and Silverback is right up there with the best in the business ito quick turn around time on warranty claims scotty 1
Tankman Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 True. I say this all the time, aftersales service should almost be the first box to tick and Silverback is right up there with the best in the business ito quick turn around time on warranty claims Merida beats Silverback hands down, much much much bigger company and their service levels far exceeds that of Silverback. Merida is ridden by World Champs and feedback from active pro riders keeps advancing the brand, bikes, technology etc. etc. Also, a second hand Merida holds its value better than a Silverback. awesme 1
Tankman Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 OP why are you not comparing the Silverback to the Merida Big Nine XT at the same price of R15 999? christiaan650b 1
CraigCCW Posted December 9, 2013 Author Posted December 9, 2013 I did look at the Merida Big Nine XT, but I feel that the Silverback is better equipped. When comparing the components only, the Silverback is on par with The Merida Big Nine 1500, but it seems to me that I would be paying an extra R3000 for the Merida name and possibly the Fox shock. Still, I really do like the frame on the Merida it is really a good looking frame.
akneethling Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 Merida....... you don't hear much of those frames breaking. ...... just an observation. Soufflé 1
Mopkop Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 @CraigCCW My money is on the Silverback. I've got a Vida1 and I must say its a problem free, get on and ride kind of bike. The Rockshox Reba is butter smooth and it doesn't have too much to fiddle with. The Deore brakes are Idiotproof and they just work, I did however fit resin pads to increase the stopping power a bit. The Silverback is not of the lightest frames, I ride a large, Continental protection tyres with enough stans, Ergon GP3 grips, 2 bottle cages with pedals and she weighs about 12.9kgs. One thing I'd like to upgrade is the hubs but just because I think I'll go faster when my brain thinks I'm being chased by a swarm of bees(HOPE hubs ) I don't think you're gong to get better bang for buck.. Good luck with the search CraigCCW 1
Breezer Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 Ride both and decide on the feel of the bike. I had to choose between a 2013 silverback Vida 1 and a merida big nine xt. The silverback felt much more alive than the merida even though the merida had better spec. The new merida have a new frame so it might feel better.
scotty Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 Merida....... you don't hear much of those frames breaking. ...... just an observation.Huh
akneethling Posted December 9, 2013 Posted December 9, 2013 Huh You always hear about silverback frame warranty claims after the frame breaks. I haven't heard of those Big9 frames breaking. ...... like I said. It's an observation.
ilubinsky Posted December 10, 2013 Posted December 10, 2013 Hello All, I am in need of some advice regarding a new 29'er I am thinking of buying: Bike 1, is the Silverback, which is really well equipped for the price. 2014 Silverback Sola 1 at R15 999 Product DescriptionFrame29” XC Geometry, Superlight, Butted 6061 Aluminium, Smoothweld, Tapered 1-1/8” – 1.5” headtube, 135mm QR dropoutsForkRock Shox Reba, 100mm Travel, Tapered Alloy Steerer, Remote PushLoc, QR15 DropoutHeadsetFSA, Orbit, internal Alloy Cups, 1-1/8”-1.5”RimsStans’s Crest, Alloy 29” , 32H, Stan’s Yelow Rimtape and Valves, White, Custom DecalsHub RearShimano SLX, Centre Lock Disc Mount, Adjustable cup and cone angular contact bearingsHub FrontShimano SLX, Centre Lock Disc Mount, Adjustable cup and cone angular contact bearings, 15mm axleSpokesStainless Steel, Double Butted, Black w/2x White spokes at valve, Red Alloy NipplesTiresSchwalbe Racing Ralph EVO, TL-Ready, Folding, 29”x2.1 LightweightStemSBC-SL (Superlight) XC-Forged Alloy, 6 ̊ x ø31.8mmHandelbarSBC XC lightweight Alloy, W: 700mm; Back Sweep: 12 ̊ x ø31.8mm; 6061 Butted OversizedSeatpostSBC Forged Light Alloy, ø31.6mm x 400mm; Black, Black boltsSeatpost ClampSBC, Alloy, 34.9mm Bolt on, BlackSaddleSBC Performance Series, Cr-Mo Rails, Superlight foam paddingBrakesShimano Deore BR-M615, Open Hydraulic System, Metal Pads – M06, Rotors Front:180mm; Rear: Shimano M615 160mm, Centre LockShiftersShimano SLX SL-M670, 3x10 Trigger, SLX GreyFront derailleurShimano SLX FD-M675-B, Double, Clamp-on 34.9mm, BlackRear derailleurShimano XT Shadow Plus RD-M786-SGS, Long Cage, 10-Speed, SilverChainShimano, CN-hg75, 10 SpeedCassetteShimano CS-HG81-10, 10-Speed, 11-36T, SilverCranksetShimano SLX FC-M675-10, 38/26T, L: 175mm, SLX GreyBottom bracketShimano External Hollowtech IIPedalsVP, with Alloy Cage, 9/16” Bike 2 is the Merida, which a bit more expensive, but it is a Merida, and some of the equipment is better. 2014 Merida Big.Nine 1500 at R 18 999 FRAME NAME Big.Nine Lite BC-D-Single R12FORK Fox 32 Float 29 CTD Remote ready O/C (1.5T) - Evo 100DERAILLEUR REAR Shimano SLX Shadow+SHIFTER FRONT Shimano SLX ispecBRAKE LEVER attachedBRAKE FRONT Shimano SLX 180 mm ice CenCHAINWHEEL Shimano SLX 38-24BBSET attachedCHAIN KMC X10 10sHUB FRONT Shimano SLX CenRIM Mavic EN321-29FREEWHEEL Shimano CS-HG-10 11-36TIRES Continental X-King 2.2 fold / Continental X-King 2.2 foldHANDLEBAR STEM Merida Pro K OS -16°ADHEADSET Big Conoid A-BearingSEAT POST Merida Pro H SB0 27.2 mmSADDLE ProLogo Kappa EvoPEDAL Shimano M520WEIGHT 12.4 My dilemma is that the Merida is better equipped, but is it worth the extra R3000? The frame of the Merida is really nice, and looks like a carbon frame, and I do like the Fox shock.The Silverback is very well equipped for the price, and the shock has a 15mm thru axle. Any advice on which one I should look at getting? I have not seen the Silverback so cannot comment. I saw the Merida in the window in cycle science broadacres. Great frame looked like carbon to me awesome looking bike. Ride both and then make your choice.
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