MTB bike specifications vs Actual Bike

[Bloukrans]

So I decided to buy my first mountain bike - a brand new Merida Big Nine TFS 500. the sales guy sent me a sheet with the bike specification and a photo of the new baby as well as a link to the Merida website. I made the EFT the Monday morning and advised them that I will collect the bike on Saturday morning. Took a picture of the bike (op die couch, nogal!) and noted that the tyres (Merida Race Lite) on the bike are not the same as listed on the spec (Maxxis Crossmark 29er 2.1 fold). Phoned the bike shop Monday morning and after they spoke to agent, agreed to replace the tyres as per the specifications, which were listed. I pause to point out that I was highly impressed with the manner in which the bike shop handled the manner and their professional approach to it. They replaced the tyres and off I went. On looking at the picture of the bike (again) on the website and popped into another bike shop to compare the wheelset, I noted that my bike has Jalco on whereas the photo indicated Alexrims on. The agent assured me that the Jalco rims are fitted on the newer/ later models.

 

It begs the questions: What is the purpose of the specifications on the sheet / website if those are different to the bike, is there a duty on the sales person to point the differences out and explain such differences. Maybe I'm missing something.

[BSG]

I've got exactly the same bike, although mine is a 2012 model, very nice and I enjoy mine very much.

[PoiZoNouZ]

You will notice the fine print that says specs are subject to change without notice.

 

It happens, manufacturers change specs as they get deals from suppliers.