Merida Ninety-Six 600 (2018) vs. Silverback Sido 2 (2018)

[HannesR]

Hello All,

I am in need of some advice regarding a new full suspesion MTB I'm thinking of buying:

Bike 1, is the Silverback Sido 2 (2018): Link: https://bike-addict.co.za/products/silverback-sido-2-2018 

 

FRAME SB Lightweight 6061 Alloy 29” Suspension, Tapered 1-1/8”-1.5” headtube, Pressfit BB Shell, Alloy Triangle with Dual linkages using 142 x 12mm Through Axle Integrated Dropouts, Replaceable Alloy hanger, XGuide Cable management System
HUBS Rear: 142 x 12mm, Cassette, Black Front: Front: 15x110mm OLD Boost Hub Spacing, Sealed Bearing, Disc Mount, Black
SEATPOST Sector Level 6061 Alloy, 30.9mm, L:350 for S Size
REAR SHOCK Fox Performance Elite Float, 2 Position Remote Locout, Custom tuned, 90mm travel
STEM Sector, 3D Forged, S/M: 80mm; L: 90mm; XL: 100mm, 7° x Dia 31.8mm, Black
TYRES Crossmark II 29x2.1". 53-622, Dual Compound, 60 Tpi, TR
SADDLE Prologo Kapa RS, STN Rail
CASSETTE Shimano SLX CS-M7000, 11 Speed, 11-42T
RIMS SUNringlé Helix TR 29", 32 hole drilling , Disc Only, Black Anodized, Tubeless Compliant
HANDLEBAR Sector Level, W: 700mm; Back Sweep: 9° x Dia 31.8mm, Black
SHIFTERS Shimano SLX SL-M7000, 2x11 Trigger, Black
CRANKSET RaceFace Aeffect, 36/26T, L: 175mm All Sizes, Black
BRAKE SET Shimano Deore BL/BR-M425, Open Hydraulic System, Rotors Front: 180mm; Rear: 160mm, Black
FORK RockShox Judy Gold RL, 100mm Travel, Solo Air, Tapered Alloy Steerer, Remote Lockout 15x110mm OLD Boost Hub Spacing, Diffusion Black
FRONT DER Shimano SLX FD-M7025-11-D, Direct Mount, 2 x 11Sp
REAR DER Shimano XT Shadow Tech Plus RD-M8000, Long Cage, 11 Speed, Black

 

Bike 2, is the Merida Ninety-Six 600 (2018);  Link:  https://bike-addict.co.za/products/merida-ninety-six-600-2018

 

COLOR green (lite green)
FRAME SIZES S(27.5)M(27.5)M(29)L(29)XL(29)
FRAME NINETY-SIX LITE
FORK Manitou Machete Comp 100mm travel air fork with tapered steerer, 15mm bolt through axle
SHOCK Fox Performance Float
DERAILLEUR REAR Shimano SLX Shadow
SHIFTERS Shimano SLX 11 speed rapid fire with I-Spec II adapter
BRAKE LEVER Shimano M500
BRAKES Shimano M500 hydraulic disc, 180mm / 160mm rotors
CHAINWHEEL Shimano SLX 30 teeth
CHAIN KMC X11-1
HUBS Boost standard, Sealed bearing 15mm front and Shimano Deore 12mm rear bolt through axles, centerlock
RIM MERIDA BIG.SEVEN/BIG.NINE Comp CC
FREEWHEEL Sunrace CSMX80, 11 speed, 11-50 teeth
TIRES Maxxis Ikon 2.2" folding
SPOKES Double Butted Black stainless
HANDLEBAR STEM MERIDA Expert 3d forged 6061 aluminium, Oversize clamp 6(27.5“) / -6 (29“) degree
HANDLEBAR MERIDA Expert CC 720mm wide flat
HEADSET FSA NO.55E
SEAT POST MERIDA Comp in line 30.9mm
SADDLE MERIDA Sport

 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Dieter ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)]

I would personally like to come home to the Silverback 

[Me rida my bicycle]

Spec on both bikes are decent 1x vs 2x but both bikes cranks allows for 1x or 2x so no real difference there. It all comes down to which 1 do you like more I like green but that merida is even to green for me so would probably go for the silverback.

[HannesR]

Spec on both bikes are decent 1x vs 2x but both bikes cranks allows for 1x or 2x so no real difference there. It all comes down to which 1 do you like more I like green but that merida is even to green for me so would probably go for the silverback.

Thank you for the feedback... it is much appreciated and will make my decision much easier. 

[Rust Never Sleeps]

so which did you buy? Friend of mine in a similar situation-which of these 2 bikes?

[HannesR]

so which did you buy? Friend of mine in a similar situation-which of these 2 bikes?

Haven't bought yet... There is a 3rd bike in the mix now...  The Merida Ninety Six 800 - Have a look at Cycle Factory's Website; they have awesome deals on these bikes at the moment; see links below:

 

http://cyclefactory.co.za/shop/bicycles/merida-ninety-six-600-full-sus-mtb-copy/ 

 

http://cyclefactory.co.za/shop/bicycles/merida-ninty-six-800-full-sus-mtb/

 

 

[NelAndre]

I like both brands and I have had a Merida for years. Today I would go for the Silverback though. Love the look of their bikes and I believe it is great value for your buck.