Need advice on first bike

[Fredser]

Hi

Im getting into mountain biking and have been reading up and looking at a few bikes now for the last week.

Going to be doing trails (not racing for now).

Was a little taken back at what these bikes cost. Looked at the entry level Titan Trail 29er cause of the lower price and the air fork. But now Im thinking of going a step up and getting either the Titan Comp 29er or the Merida big Nine 500 29er. Specs are similar except for the merida that uses a RockShox.

 

Any opinions about these two bikes? Not crazy about the black matt finish of the Merida, but was told by my lbs that this is probably a better buy.

[Brickleberry]

Both are good brands , I'm personally a fan of merida. But my advise is to buy the best bike you possibly can. Because you will love this sport and you will spend every possible cent over the next few years trying to upraised parts. It's like a disease, trust me. Get the best bike you possibly can and then all I can say is , enjoy the ride. Yes bikes are crazy expensive, but it will be the best money you have ever spent. Welcome, ride hard, enjoy it.