Merida buying advise needed

[scuba86]

Buying a merida bike

[Eugene]

Please elaborate

[Raab]

Buying a merida bike

 

No

[scuba86]

Hello all, so I found a bike I would like to buy, it's a merida 96 carbon, the bike is in excellent condition and wanted to ask a few questions:

 

1: what should I lok out for when buying a used bike

2: what would be a fair price for this particular bike

 

I will post a pic shortly, not sure how to do it on my phone, description as follows :

 

Bike in immaculate condition

XT componentry

Fox front shocks

Schwalbe tubeless ( conversion ) tyres as new

DT Swiss frames

Dual Suspension with disc brakes back and front

 

Any advise or input would be appreciated, thanks.

[Butterbean]

Simple. Go to a shop that has one, then say, "I want that merida, please".

 

Then, swipe either credit or debit card, or even hand over cash.

 

Done. Your merida is bought.

[scuba86]

Pic of bike attached:

[Raab]

Hello all, so I found a bike I would like to buy, it's a merida 96 carbon, the bike is in excellent condition and wanted to ask a few questions:

 

1: what should I lok out for when buying a used bike

2: what would be a fair price for this particular bike

 

I will post a pic shortly, not sure how to do it on my phone, description as follows :

 

Bike in immaculate condition

XT componentry

Fox front shocks

Schwalbe tubeless ( conversion ) tyres as new

DT Swiss frames

Dual Suspension with disc brakes back and front

 

Any advise or input would be appreciated, thanks.

 

Ahhhh, some more details.

 

I am not too familiar with the particular model although they were very popular a few years back. I would have a very close look at the frame for any cracks and imperfections and signs of repair, (google the frame name and check if there were any weak points that were known to cause warranty replacements), ask when they fork and shock were last serviced.

 

With regards to pricing, that might be tricky as the seller would obviously try to recoup as much of his initial cost as possible in a market that doesn't seem to value 26er's highly anymore. I personally would prob offer around 10-12k max for the bike.

 

Also does the bike fit you?

[flyluis]

This bike was the shizzle a couple years ago!! Buy it!!!

[Andymann]

We raced Merida 96'ers for 2 seasons and they really are great bikes. The only areas we found to be a problem were the lower swingarms which had a reputation for cracking, but from what I understood, were related to not regularly servicing the rear suspension links (the other area which needed regular attention - the bushes seemed to wear pretty quickly on ours). If you do buy it, take it to your LBS and have the bushes serviced, just to be on the safe side. We also found that the sag on the rear shock needed to be set up correctly - they have a tendency to push in the corners if the sag is a bit too much. But that's also rider specific, so you might not have this problem at all. Great bike otherwise!

[arendoog]

All depends what you gonna pay for it .40k =NO 30k=no20k=no 10k maybe depends on condition .This is a 26"

[Andymann]

Sadly, this was a R30K+ bike in it's heyday, but shouldn't cost you more now than about 10K. I wouldn't pay more than 12K at the most, and even then that's pushing it.

[camelman]

Had the same one and I personally never quite gelled with it. I am 1.9m tall and rode the XL. Had to put on a long stem and it always felt like there was too much weight on the front wheel. So make sure the frame fits you. Don't extend that cockpit out too far(I rode a 120-130mm stem)

 

Otherwise, like was said here before. Get those bushes and bearings serviced on the rear triangle. It made a huge difference on mine, and you can do it yourself too, if you are so mechanically inclined.

 

And just remember, although its a dual suspension bike, its not a bike made for comfort, but for racing. Climbs like few others, but a bit twitchy on the descent.

 

Sold mine for around 20k last year. Was heartbreaking, because I loved the look of it, but seldom rode it.

[scuba86]

Thanks to those who have replied, very informative indeed, the bike is in excellent condition and will keep a lookout for above mentioned known issues.. now to get away with a cheeky price...

[rouxtjie]

Thanks to those who have replied, very informative indeed, the bike is in excellent condition and will keep a lookout for above mentioned known issues.. now to get away with a cheeky price...

you are in the pound seat remember....you have the cash. The bike is oldish, it is carbon and it has small wheels...

 

go and get it.