Newbie needs advice

[CrimsonWolf]

Hi Everyone. I am new to the forum and planning on taking up Mountain Biking. I am stuck between two bikes I am thinking of buying. Im planning on doing some trails but not hardcore stuff. The two bikes Merida 7 TFS 300 or the Silverback Sola 3? Any one with suggestions of what to buy out of the two? Al advice will be welcome.

[Tankman]

Merida

 

Although you are comparing a 27.5 against a 29er.

The Merida Big 7 range is their 650b's.

 

I would rather look at the Big 9 TFS 300.

Same spec, same price butt ... bigger and faster!

[CrimsonWolf]

Thanks Tank Man. The derailers and shifters ect also better on Merida than Silverback? The Merida is on special for R7500 and Silverback R8000

Edited January 4, 2014 by CrimsonWolf

[canadonis]

Hi

 

My advice buy the best bike you can afford, if you can afford 12k don't buy the 7k bike for whatever reason; the reality is is mtbing is as popular fr a reason it is fun, addictive, satisfying and more importantly contribute to a healthy lifestyle. So if you start mtbing you are bound to get hooked and with that comes the need to improve equipment. So the 12k bike will cost you 15k as you won't get more than 4 fr 2nd hand 7k bike after a year,

 

Buy the bike you will love to look at and ride

[CrimsonWolf]

Hi

 

My advice buy the best bike you can afford, if you can afford 12k don't buy the 7k bike for whatever reason; the reality is is mtbing is as popular fr a reason it is fun, addictive, satisfying and more importantly contribute to a healthy lifestyle. So if you start mtbing you are bound to get hooked and with that comes the need to improve equipment. So the 12k bike will cost you 15k as you won't get more than 4 fr 2nd hand 7k bike after a year,

 

Buy the bike you will love to look at and ride

 

Thanks Canadonis

[CrimsonWolf]

What really would like to know wich one has the best components on? I know the Silverback is about a 1Kg lighter and is the same frame as the R13000 model. But brakes, derailers and that stuff is still greek to me to know what is better.

[Lamber]

component wise the silverback is slightly better specced than the merida.

[CrimsonWolf]

component wise the silverback is slightly better specced than the merida.

 

Thanks Lamber

[johanpre44]

I started mountain biking about 1.5 years ago, bought a 2012 Silverback Stride 10 (very much the same spec as the Sola 4 but with 26 inch wheels and a much cheaper frame). The bike have been going well (more than 3000km done, lots of off-road and mountains) and I'm still riding it. I'm now looking for something better (specifically at the Sola 1).

 

Couple of suggestions:

1. Buy the best you can afford (maybe push the limit a bit), and remember all the extras will need to be part of the budget (Helmet, Cycling clothes, pump, multitool, maybe a computer etc.)

2. Learn how to maintain the bike properly, lack of maintenance can cost dearly in the long run (I lost a rear wheel because of neglecting some play on the bearings). Taking the bike to the LBS regularly can also become very costly, so learning the easy maintenance stuff can save you a lot of money.

 

I don't think you will go wrong buying the Sola 3, very good value for money that few other brands come close to. The components on the bike are good and will probably last a long time (I have been surprised how well my bike have lasted so far).

[paulmcm]

I bought the sola 3. Very happy with it. The sales guy at my lbs basically told me to buy the cheaper sola 3 compared to a merida R10k bike as the specs were the same or slightly better overall. Otherwise take a few weeks and see what comes up in the classifieds

[Cat2forLife]

I can't believe I'm saying this, but get the Merida. Simply because of the wheel size. I've heard numerous accounts of people buying entry level 29ers and the bikes are heavy and turn out to be so sluggish and hard to get up to speed with shocking cornering. I personally don't really like Merida, but that's just my personal bias. If you can get a similarly specced Silverback with 27.5 wheels, I'd get that if I were you.

 

Flam suit on

[CrimsonWolf]

Thank you all. I bought the Sola 3 yesterday and went for my first ride today. Some offroad ad some road riding. Really happy with it and really looking forward to many trails and adventure with it.

[The_Real_Jacko]

I bought the sola 3. Very happy with it. The sales guy at my lbs basically told me to buy the cheaper sola 3 compared to a merida R10k bike as the specs were the same or slightly better overall. Otherwise take a few weeks and see what comes up in the classifieds

 

This is exactly what I was told and what I did. I'm really happy with my Sola 3. No, it's no Cannondale Scalpel, but it does offer a great frame and good components at a very competitive price.

 

I have other expensive hobbies, so I can live with the fact that I do not own a R70 000 MTB.

[Super Sywurm]

Merida