Momsen Vipa Alloy vs. Silverback Stratos vs. Merida 96...

[sendit]

 

Hello fellow two wheel lovers, 

 

Im looking at upgrading from my hardtail (SLX with 100mm Rock Shox coil fork) to a full sus bike and want to try out my options for an entry level bike.. I usually do an XC or a trail ride around once a week (at an easy non competitive pace). 

 

I've identified the following and would appreciate any advice from the more seasoned hubbers who may have had experiences with one or more of these. They all seem to have similar shocks and travel.

 

Momsen Vipa Trail One (Alloy) - Link

It has an NX Groupset and seems nice but cant find any reviews of this model online. 

 

Silverback Stratos AL3 - Link

SX Groupset. I wasnt a big fan of the frame / shape but apparently it rides well and even has a dropper post  

 

Merida Ninety Six 400 - Link

SX Groupset and seems lighter than the other two. 

 

My LBS has the merida and the momsen in store so I can test them out but the silverback would need to be ordered. 

Im currently leaning towards the momsen... based on specs, price and looks but am open to suggestions. Any feedback would be appreciated. 

 

Thanks!

[bullet77]

I have not ridden either of the 3 bikes. The Momsen and the Silverback have 120mm travel and trail geo whereas the Merida is an XC race bike 100mm travel and XC geo. I would go for either of the other 2 over the Merida.  

[T_Boss]

The statos is a seriosuly ugly bike (in my opinion), but it rides like its on rails. It would be my pic out of those three

[DR ◣◢]

Support local. The Vipa is a solid machine.

[Trevz]

All the bikes you mention are good, the Merida is just a bit more of a xc racer and to enjoy it i guess you need to ride it like a racer would. It doesn't sound like it suits your riding style.

 

I also lean towards the Momsen...seems more versatile for your xc/marathon riding to more rough trail riding. A more "fun" bike overall.

[Chadvdw67]

Maybe have a look at the Merida 120 400 as well, and the Norco Fluid

[Super Sywurm]

I would say the Stratos. I drove one, excellent bike. I like the Merida brand, cannot comment on that bike, but I have Merida hardtail that I enjoy.

[sendit]

Thanks guys. It seems that it's between the momsen vipa and the silverback. Thanks for your valuable feedback Mr Dampf, Trevz and Chad! ????

 

Tboss1988, I also think the silverback looks seriously fugly, but willing to give it a test drive.. If I can find a store that has one nearby.

 

Super Sywurm, I read some of your reviews regarding the stratos but I'm curious... why did you go back to the hardtail?

[Kameel]

I was looking at the Merida 96 400 myself, but decided to opt for a more trail orientated 'fun' bike instead which can still handle climbs well too. Ended up with a Stratos and extremely happy with it.

 

Another small thing to point out is the Stratos can take two bottle cages in the frame which I found really helpful.

 

But I don't think you'll go wrong with either of these two (Stratos & Vipa). I've only heard good things about the Momsen and it seems to be a solid bike. Beats the Stratos on its drivetrain. In your situation, I think I'd test ride the Momsen - if it feels good, go for it. Dropper post can always come later.

[sendit]

Yeah the momsen has the better drivetrain for sure. Thanks Kameel! Which AL version did you go for? I understand that the frame is the same for all models in the series.

[Kameel]

Yeah the momsen has the better drivetrain for sure. Thanks Kameel! Which AL version did you go for? I understand that the frame is the same for all models in the series.

Yes the frame is exactly the same across the AL series. I was lucky to get an AL1 for a great price, but they're all great value for money in my opinion.

[Super Sywurm]

Thanks guys. It seems that it's between the momsen vipa and the silverback. Thanks for your valuable feedback Mr Dampf, Trevz and Chad! ????

 

Tboss1988, I also think the silverback looks seriously fugly, but willing to give it a test drive.. If I can find a store that has one nearby.

 

Super Sywurm, I read some of your reviews regarding the stratos but I'm curious... why did you go back to the hardtail?

Here in Kimberley we don't need dual susp bikes, only my personal opinion. This is my second dual susp bike I sold and again I went back to a hardtail. For me, it's more fun to ride a hardtail.

[T_Boss]

If you want a really good trail bike, that can do duty as a relaxed marathon bike, dont underestimate the stumpjumper ST (Short Travel). I recently got one as my primary all rounded bike, and its awesome. 

 

Stock is a problem at them moment though

[sendit]

Thanks for the excellent feedback guys. I really appreciate it. I'm still trying to find a dealer with stock of the silverback series to see it in person or go for a test ride (had a busy weekend and didnt get an opportunity).

 

Super Sywurm, I fear I may also go back to a hard tail if I dont end up liking the soft tail 
All this time I have had really enjoyed my hard tail so if for some reason the full sus does not meet up to expectations then that will just burst the hype bubble. Lets see... 

 

Tboss - thanks for the heads up on the stumpjumper ST. I had not considered that and will look into it! Ive noticed that the stock problem is an issue with most bike shops at the moment...    

[Super Sywurm]

Thanks for the excellent feedback guys. I really appreciate it. I'm still trying to find a dealer with stock of the silverback series to see it in person or go for a test ride (had a busy weekend and didnt get an opportunity).

 

Super Sywurm, I fear I may also go back to a hard tail if I dont end up liking the soft tail 

All this time I have had really enjoyed my hard tail so if for some reason the full sus does not meet up to expectations then that will just burst the hype bubble. Lets see... 

 

Tboss - thanks for the heads up on the stumpjumper ST. I had not considered that and will look into it! Ive noticed that the stock problem is an issue with most bike shops at the moment...    

It's really nice riding a dual susp bike.  I would love to have one, but I HAVE to have a hardtail as well.  And at this stage in my life, one bike is enough (because my wife says so).  Like I said, I enjoy the hardtail more.

[Spafsack]

Horn, i bought my wide the stratos al5. I think it is a dam looking 'different' bike. She loves it. Her times around our normal 20km forest, trail run is way faster than what it was on her older, lighter giant h/tail.

The stratos is a tad slacker, head angle, but very comfy. But if you are a person who likes to push on straights, like max output, where you want something lighter on the uphills, then perhaps a trail focused bike is not your answer. Not sure what kind of riding you going to do. 

 

I think woman chose, and need different types of bikes, set ups, compared to men. I personally have the silverback superspeed 2 carbon with allot of upgrades and i flippen dig this bike as i like to do short bursts at full intensity. For me weight is everything. Yes, it has a steep angle, you in race mode almost all the time, but i prefer this, especially on the uphills.