Merida 96 XT 2018 VS Scott Spark 950 2018

[Dylan137]

Hi 

 

First time on the Hub and about to purchase my first MTB! 

 

Im looking at the Merida 96 XT 2018 or the Scott Spark 950 2018. I was settled on the Merida until someone told me it wont be very fun going downhill?? No idea why? 

 

Any advise would be great.

 

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/merida-29er-dual-suspension/products/merida-ninety-six-xt-2018

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/products/scott-spark-950-2018?utm_source=Click&utm_medium=Channel&utm_campaign=Google_ZA&ref=SFDR_168158955&variant=45879639689&cmp_id=1369609401&adg_id=54108107225&kwd=&gclid=CjwKCAjwlejcBRAdEiwAAbj6KeJ_JSvR0mypSSF0DtXtoB6qJ4epEBABdA6OWZGi4G3h5YH4UwKh2BoC0LAQAvD_BwE

[thebob]

What sort of trails are you going to be riding and what level are you riding at? The Merida is a full on XC race machine with 100mm of travel front and rear, so it is pretty stuff and unforgiving with twitchier handling. The Spark is more biased to trail riding with more suspension travel (120mm front and rear) with slacker angles for more stability and comfort. The Scott will this be a better descender (dropper post as well), but also climb pretty well vs the Merida which will be more biased towards ultimate efficiency.

 

For the price, the Scott 940 is a better bike than the 950 and Bike Addict will look after you (Wayne is an yster)

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/scott-29er-dual-suspension/products/scott-spark-940-2018

[greg_sa]

Hi 

 

First time on the Hub and about to purchase my first MTB! 

 

Im looking at the Merida 96 XT 2018 or the Scott Spark 950 2018. I was settled on the Merida until someone told me it wont be very fun going downhill?? No idea why? 

 

Any advise would be great.

 

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/merida-29er-dual-suspension/products/merida-ninety-six-xt-2018

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/products/scott-spark-950-2018?utm_source=Click&utm_medium=Channel&utm_campaign=Google_ZA&ref=SFDR_168158955&variant=45879639689&cmp_id=1369609401&adg_id=54108107225&kwd=&gclid=CjwKCAjwlejcBRAdEiwAAbj6KeJ_JSvR0mypSSF0DtXtoB6qJ4epEBABdA6OWZGi4G3h5YH4UwKh2BoC0LAQAvD_BwE

 

Where will you be riding? And what do your friends ride?

 

It looks like the Merida is more cross-country (XC) biased... shorter travel (100mm), lighter... Might climb faster.

 

The Scott Spark is more of an all-rounder, light trail bike (120mm travel, but heavier). If you go for a Scott, check out the 940 - it is higher spec and about the same price...

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/winter-sale/products/scott-spark-940-2018?variant=12579673636948

 

So it depends if you are more keen on racing (and staying closer to the ground) or more jumps, drop-offs, more forgiving on downhills, etc.

[greg_sa]

What sort of trails are you going to be riding and what level are you riding at? The Merida is a full on XC race machine with 100mm of travel front and rear, so it is pretty stuff and unforgiving with twitchier handling. The Spark is more biased to trail riding with more suspension travel (120mm front and rear) with slacker angles for more stability and comfort. The Scott will this be a better descender (dropper post as well), but also climb pretty well vs the Merida which will be more biased towards ultimate efficiency.

 

For the price, the Scott 940 is a better bike than the 950 and Bike Addict will look after you (Wayne is an yster)

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/scott-29er-dual-suspension/products/scott-spark-940-2018

 

  Beat me to it... almost identical posts

 

Not sure what size is needed, but they only have Small & Medium Spark 940

[Dylan137]

What sort of trails are you going to be riding and what level are you riding at? The Merida is a full on XC race machine with 100mm of travel front and rear, so it is pretty stuff and unforgiving with twitchier handling. The Spark is more biased to trail riding with more suspension travel (120mm front and rear) with slacker angles for more stability and comfort. The Scott will this be a better descender (dropper post as well), but also climb pretty well vs the Merida which will be more biased towards ultimate efficiency.

 

For the price, the Scott 940 is a better bike than the 950 and Bike Addict will look after you (Wayne is an yster)

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/scott-29er-dual-suspension/products/scott-spark-940-2018

Im still a beginner. iv ridden a bit on road bikes and on friends MTB's. 

 

Im planning on riding most often in the cradle and spruit area around JHB, along with Sani2C type racers. 

 

Will the carbon frame and XT components in the Merida make a massive difference? 

[thebob]

GX Eagle on the 940 is better than anything I've ever ridden. Don't think those components will make a big difference, but the different geometry of the two bikes will be noticeable. Best would be to try and get a ride on both and see which you feel more comfortable on

[Dylan137]

Where will you be riding? And what do your friends ride?

 

It looks like the Merida is more cross-country (XC) biased... shorter travel (100mm), lighter... Might climb faster.

 

The Scott Spark is more of an all-rounder, light trail bike (120mm travel, but heavier). If you go for a Scott, check out the 940 - it is higher spec and about the same price...

 

https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/winter-sale/products/scott-spark-940-2018?variant=12579673636948

 

So it depends if you are more keen on racing (and staying closer to the ground) or more jumps, drop-offs, more forgiving on downhills, etc.

Im planning on riding most often in the cradle and spruit area around JHB, along with Sani2C type racers. 

 

​id like a bike that's fast but my concern is that im a bit of an adrenaline junkie and i know its going to get to the point where i want to jump and throw the bike around. 

 

Do you think the Merida could handle moderate downhill and trail use? 

thanks for the help.

[ABrooks]

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/178022-difference-between-the-rear-shocks-buying-a-new-bike-help-plz/page-1

 

There you go, have a read through there.

I personally would also take the scott 940 got the same quote as the bike-addict one from my LBS yesterday. It is still an xc bike, but will be much more forgiving when riding trails.