Merida Big9 TFS 1000

[macjohnw]

Hubsters,

 

This is my first post for my first bike in a looooooooong time, like in years. Your input (for and against) is welcome.

 

I am looking at the Merida Big 9 TFS 1000. Why Merida? Well, because I like it, simple as that. Reading through all the posts it seems like a never ending maze of opinions etc.

 

Now, I am not completely dof, so would like to compare to other makes in the similar class. The bike is on sale at Chris Willemse for R14,999-00.

 

So, will you buy it or go for soemthing else that has more bang for buck, keeping resale value in mind. The GT Zaskar also caught my eye.

 

Thanks

[macjohnw]

PS: The Merida 9 TFS 500 sells for R12,999-00. Is the extra R2000 wort it for the TFS 1000?

[BSG]

Mac, I'm no serious mtbiker and I have the 500. I'm very happy with it, I've seen 2 who did the Atta and they came out at the end in one piece. But then again, it is all personal choice and I bought mine 2 years ago and at that time it was very good bang for your buck. One have to look at frames, forks, wheels and components and compare them and then decide.

[macjohnw]

Thanks Bennie, I paid my deposit for the TFS 1000 this morning, will collect it next week. I looked at a lot of other bikes and makes and this seems to offer me the best according to my budget. O, and it simply looks sweet to my eye.

[BSG]

Mac, I hope you enjoy your bike, many happy miles and smiles.

[johanpre44]

I think this Merida is a good choice, The 2k difference probably makes up for the nice wheelset (think the Mavic Crossride wheelsets are around 3k).

[BSG]

Mac I had a quick comparison between my 500 and your 1000. On weight you are almost 1kg lighter, better tyres the Maxxis (I paid R499 each to change my tyres without Stans and rimtape and frustration to get job done) and then of course you have the better rims as well. So all in all I would say that I personally think that it is worth paying R2k more.

Edited February 2, 2014 by BennieGerber

[Matts 300]

Hi a bit of a high jack, but a question in the same line. Would this bike be the best for 15000? If I'm correct the merida would be lighter than say the sola 1 from silverback? So then a better buy?

[johanpre44]

Hi a bit of a high jack, but a question in the same line. Would this bike be the best for 15000? If I'm correct the merida would be lighter than say the sola 1 from silverback? So then a better buy?

 

There are some differences, think the components on the Sola 1 may be slightly better with Reba and 15mm axle at the front, but I do like the Big Nine 1000 frame a lot (142x12 axle at the rear and a direct mount front derailer) and the Ispec shifters. If the Big Nine 1000 had the same fork as the Sola 1, I will not think twice. As they are now its still a hard choice.

[Matts 300]

Jip you say it right. In this bracket there aren't big differences between the different bikes. But jip I love that frame on the 1000! Now I just have to save the money or get a lone :-)