Advice needed: Merida Big Trail 400 vs?

[Brawler]

Howzit guys. 

Long time.

Has anyone got one of these (or other derivatives to the 400?) and what is the sentiment?

https://www.merida-bikes.com/en/bike/3049/bigtrail-400

Ideally, I'd like the 500 or 600 but no one has stock. This 400 variant goes for around R20k.

Even more ideal would be a Commencal Meta HT but they are more than double the price and are probably worse spec'd (coil fork, no dropper). The frame can't be worth an extra 20k and the Merida frame actually looks really good technically.

My main concern is the fork (Suntour XCR 34) blowing up on me. Serviceability, etc. I'm quite happy with the Deore drivetrain. 

Context: I have a bling 160mm 650b Enduro bike but I am looking for something for longer rides, more general rides with the family, and have always wanted to try an aggressive HT. I will die of boredom on a XC bike as I like to jump/hop/manual whatever I can.

Edited December 10, 2022 by Brawler

[Chadvdw67]

https://mellowvelo.co.za/products/merida-big-trail-500-2022

[Ruben101]

10 hours ago, Brawler said:

Howzit guys. 

Long time.

Has anyone got one of these (or other derivatives to the 400?) and what is the sentiment?

https://www.merida-bikes.com/en/bike/3049/bigtrail-400

Ideally, I'd like the 500 or 600 but no one has stock. This 400 variant goes for around R20k.

Even more ideal would be a Commencal Meta HT but they are more than double the price and are probably worse spec'd (coil fork, no dropper). The frame can't be worth an extra 20k and the Merida frame actually looks really good technically.

My main concern is the fork (Suntour XCR 34) blowing up on me. Serviceability, etc. I'm quite happy with the Deore drivetrain. 

Context: I have a bling 160mm 650b Enduro bike but I am looking for something for longer rides, more general rides with the family, and have always wanted to try an aggressive HT. I will die of boredom on a XC bike as I like to jump/hop/manual whatever I can.

I've got a 2021 big trail 600 up for sale

[Brawler]

4 hours ago, Chadvdw67 said:

https://mellowvelo.co.za/products/merida-big-trail-500-2022

They don't have stock even though their website says they do.

[Brawler]

2 hours ago, Ruben Hechter said:

I've got a 2021 big trail 600 up for sale

I saw it. I'd take it but I require an XL.

[Brawler]

Does anyone know when 2023 Merida's arrive?

The conundrum is this:

• Can't find a nice secondhand HT
• There aren't a huge amount of options and stock is still an issue. The Commencals are nice but overpriced (complete bikes) IMO.
• The big trail 400 is available but requires some immediate upgrades and more long term
• The big trail 600 is nice out of the box I wish I could just get an ETA

Unless I can get an ETA on something better it seems like the best option is to go for the 400 and immediately upgrade the fork to a RS Revelation and brakes to Shimano Deore 4 piston. The total price is about 27k. I'll have to upgrade wheels and drivetrain over time.

Knowing my luck, the very next day something sweet will become available lol.

Edited October 17, 2022 by Brawler

[Jono]

@Brawlerdm'd you contact deets of someone that should be able to answer your question on stock

[Brawler]

Chaps... looking for advice as I still haven't purchased a hardtail. I'm going away in about 2 weeks so want to have the new bike before holiday. I've been looking for new and used for over 2 months and there is sweet fookal so looks like I need to buy new and customize. Budget ideally 30k.

Option 1.

https://www.merida-bikes.com/en/bike/archive/2013/bigtrail-400

Merida Big Trail 400 but upgraded from day one with a RS Revelation / Marz Z2 and Deore 4 pot brakes, tubeless tyres. Should be doable for under R30k. Base price R18.5k.

Pro's: Nice frame. Much better brakes and fork after upgrade

Con's: Older 1x10 drivetrain. Wheels look good on paper but I think the other option is better.

 

Option 2.

https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/trail-mountain-bikes/roscoe/roscoe-7/p/35116/

Fresh of the ship Trek Roscoe 7. No upgrades. R30k

Pro's: Ridable out the box without upgrade. New Deore 1x12 drivetrain. Trek probably more sought after and better for a long term bike?

Con's: Stock fork is ok but 32mm stanchions at 140mm is a bit noodley (RS Recon). Brakes are known to be poor.

 

Overall my feeling is the Merida will be better component wise for the same money but the Trek will probably hold it's value better (Upgrades to bikes don't really hold their value and Trek is more sought after?)

[Corp]

What route did you end up going? I am in the same pickle after deciding to get back into cycling this year. 

 

Being as overpriced as the market has become since I last road 6 years ago, I feel the Roscoe is starting to become expensive once upgrades are added too.   Then I might as well start looking at an FullSus like a Specialised Stumpjumper Alloy. 

If prices were not so crazy, and if I wasn't waiting on the birth of our second kid, I would be looking at financing a Fuel EX 7 fory all round MTB. 

But reality has me looking at my wallet and I am back to the Merida Trail 500 (400 only seems in stock so needs same upgrades you stated) or Trek Roscoe 7 (marginal upgrades). 

Another option which I am pondering about, to import a Nukeproof Scout from CRC in the UK.  Supposedly no import duties apart from VAT according to SARS list. With exchange rate, shipping and VAT, sets me back just over R32k.  

[ajnkzn]

Be patient and look for a Silverback Slade - the upper spec one is one of the best bikes I’ve had. 

[AkwA]

If you are looking for a slade, I’ve got a pretty well specced one I was planning on putting up for sale soon if anyone is keen

[Corp]

I don't know the Slade but will take a look as well. 

 

[Brawler]

On 2/13/2023 at 2:57 PM, Corp said:

What route did you end up going? I am in the same pickle after deciding to get back into cycling this year. 

 

Being as overpriced as the market has become since I last road 6 years ago, I feel the Roscoe is starting to become expensive once upgrades are added too.   Then I might as well start looking at an FullSus like a Specialised Stumpjumper Alloy. 

If prices were not so crazy, and if I wasn't waiting on the birth of our second kid, I would be looking at financing a Fuel EX 7 fory all round MTB. 

But reality has me looking at my wallet and I am back to the Merida Trail 500 (400 only seems in stock so needs same upgrades you stated) or Trek Roscoe 7 (marginal upgrades). 

Another option which I am pondering about, to import a Nukeproof Scout from CRC in the UK.  Supposedly no import duties apart from VAT according to SARS list. With exchange rate, shipping and VAT, sets me back just over R32k.  

Hey.

Man after looking locally for the best part of 6 months I went to CRC.

Basically both the Roscoe and Merida turn into 40k bikes once the upgrades go on and still there will be a few things "not up to scratch" for me anyway. 

Why oh why don't the local distributers bring in higher end models? Like the Big Trail 600 or Roscoe 8? I know they will cost more but they will still be cheaper than upgrading the lower end ones. Honestly I think HT's are going to become popular as even the well off are thinking twice about spending R60k on a mid range Giant Trance.

The second hand market is dismal as well. Okes are picking up on the lack of stock in the shops so are trying to sell at high prices.

In the end I went for a Ragley Big Al 1.0 for 999GBP (clearance special usually 1600). For those that don't know Ragley is a UK brand that specializes in hardcore hard tails and have been around for quite some time with a big following. 

It worked out to 31k all inclusive. For this you get a great frame, Z2 fork, 170 dropper, Nukeproof Neutron hubs on WTB 30 rims, Sram 4 pot brakes, Deore drivetrain and top spec Maxxis Tyres.

Hardtail party reckons the frame is one of the best

 

I also looked at the Nukeproof Scout Comp but the 130mm fork put me off and it was more expensive. Its a really solid bike though I have ridden it (and the Meta AM).

By the way there is 15% import duties on new bikes so you will be paying about R36k for the Scout. 

If you are in CT you are welcome to take a look. I regularly ride with guys on a 2023 Scout and a 2022 Commencal Meta HT and I'm sure they wouldn't mind either.

Edited February 18, 2023 by Brawler

[BicycleMech24]

I bought a Big Trail 400 as a bike to get into the game again after taking a break for a while. Coming off of Specialized Epic’s and Merida Big Nine hardtails, this bike feels way more relaxed and suited to my less racy riding I’m going to do now. I also looked at purchasing a trail hardtail through CRC, wasn’t sure of the import duties, and in the end I liked the Merida. Upgraded the fork straight from the showroom floor, will do brakes and discs next and then a 11 speed conversion when the 10 speed 11-46 cassette wears out. Just scary to see what you get for your money now against 4 years ago. Unfortunately a dual sus bike is starting to become unaffordable.

[Brawler]

8 hours ago, BicycleMech24 said:

I bought a Big Trail 400 as a bike to get into the game again after taking a break for a while. Coming off of Specialized Epic’s and Merida Big Nine hardtails, this bike feels way more relaxed and suited to my less racy riding I’m going to do now. I also looked at purchasing a trail hardtail through CRC, wasn’t sure of the import duties, and in the end I liked the Merida. Upgraded the fork straight from the showroom floor, will do brakes and discs next and then a 11 speed conversion when the 10 speed 11-46 cassette wears out. Just scary to see what you get for your money now against 4 years ago. Unfortunately a dual sus bike is starting to become unaffordable.

Lovely colour! I really had a soft spot for this bike. If the 600 was available locally I would have pulled the trigger for sure.

 

Agree regarding dual suspensions. Luckily my Reign's geo is still modern so it should be good for a few more years but I couldn't afford to spend R60-70k now for some mid range bicycle. I can really see aggressive HT's taking off locally. 

[BicycleMech24]

42 minutes ago, Brawler said:

Lovely colour! I really had a soft spot for this bike. If the 600 was available locally I would have pulled the trigger for sure.

 

Agree regarding dual suspensions. Luckily my Reign's geo is still modern so it should be good for a few more years but I couldn't afford to spend R60-70k now for some mid range bicycle. I can really see aggressive HT's taking off locally. 

Colour pops nicely after a wash and some Muc-Off Bike Protect! I also think the trail hardtails will be the next big thing. Trek Roscoe 7 was an option too but no stock. It’s rather depressing seeing a 70k dual sus bike with a Rockshox Judy on the front, so for now I’m sticking to hardtails with bigger tyres and forks!