Bike for longer rides

[Steady Spin]

22 hours ago, Tandemuis said:

Had one and sold it about 3 months ago. It is a very capable and good bike. Very close to the Trek SuperCaliber. Hard and fast! Aggressive ride. However, it rides a bit harder. Not suited for Downhill or Technical trails. 

 

Can't say I agree here. The OIZ is more than capable on technical trails. Unless you're hitting DH lines and enduro trails. 

[Op1]

Hi guys,

 

 So I found a trek top fuel 9.7 carbon....2020model. going to have a look at it today. 

 

Anything I need to look out for on these bikes?

Owner says it has about 1700km on it already.

[Tandemuis]

37 minutes ago, Op1 said:

Hi guys,

 

 So I found a trek top fuel 9.7 carbon....2020model. going to have a look at it today. 

 

Anything I need to look out for on these bikes?

Owner says it has about 1700km on it already.

Apart from normal checks on drive train, frame, suspension and wheels, i suggest the following:

Carbon frame, do the coin test.

Check service history. Check bearings for play. 

[Steady Spin]

18 minutes ago, Tandemuis said:

Apart from normal checks on drive train, frame, suspension and wheels, i suggest the following:

Carbon frame, do the coin test.

Check service history. Check bearings for play. 

What is the coin test? 

[Tandemuis]

3 minutes ago, Steady Spin said:

What is the coin test? 

 

[Op1]

Thanks all, you are all amazing

 

Last question,. I was told that the Merida only has 100mm travel and won't be sufficient for technical trails etc. For example I'm planning on riding the sani2c and wondering if the 100mm will be a limitation...bear in mind I wiegh 94kg

Else I got a great deal on a trek full carbon 9.7 top fuel. At 68k...so now I feel like I'm back to square one on decisions.

[thebob]

2 hours ago, Op1 said:

Hi guys,

 

 So I found a trek top fuel 9.7 carbon....2020model. going to have a look at it today. 

 

Anything I need to look out for on these bikes?

Owner says it has about 1700km on it already.

I've found the Trek bearings (headset and suspension pivots) are not the best, ask if they have ever been replaced or serviced. If not they might be ok, but if they are running rough, budget around R2000 for a full set with labour. Check that the suspension lockout works nice and smoothly and that when it is in the lockout setting that the suspension does indeed lockout. Linked to this is when last was the suspension serviced. If the answer is never, then you might be in for a nasty surprise. Also make sure the dropper is running nice and smooth. Again, if it has never been serviced, you might be in for a shock. All this is worst case scenario, but rather be prepared! Otherwise they are very good marathon bikes.

[thebob]

1 minute ago, Op1 said:

Thanks all, you are all amazing

 

Last question,. I was told that the Merida only has 100mm travel and won't be sufficient for technical trails etc. For example I'm planning on riding the sani2c and wondering if the 100mm will be a limitation...bear in mind I wiegh 94kg

Else I got a great deal on a trek full carbon 9.7 top fuel. At 68k...so now I feel like I'm back to square one on decisions.

The Merida (assuming it is a 96) is also a great bike. If it is not the latest model, then the only drawback is the dated frame geometry, which is more important than the frame geometry. Any bike can be setup to ride well, regardless of the rider weight if the correct pressures and damping settings are used. Just cause you are "heavy" doesn't mean you need to ride around on a downhill bike with 200mm of suspension travel

[Op1]

10 minutes ago, thebob said:

The Merida (assuming it is a 96) is also a great bike. If it is not the latest model, then the only drawback is the dated frame geometry, which is more important than the frame geometry. Any bike can be setup to ride well, regardless of the rider weight if the correct pressures and damping settings are used. Just cause you are "heavy" doesn't mean you need to ride around on a downhill bike with 200mm of suspension travel

In not sure what model it is..cyclab refers to it as a 2022 model but a friend of mine has the exact same one and he brought in 2020 or 2021

[thebob]

9 minutes ago, Op1 said:

In not sure what model it is..cyclab refers to it as a 2022 model but a friend of mine has the exact same one and he brought in 2020 or 2021

Share a link, let us see the model

 

[Op1]

Option 1 - https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1017166-bike-mtb-ds-carb-merida-ninety-six-rc-xt-my22

Option 2 https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/top-fuel/top-fuel-9-7/p/35178/?colorCode=black

 

[Jono]

7 minutes ago, Op1 said:

Option 1 - https://www.cyclelab.com/product/1017166-bike-mtb-ds-carb-merida-ninety-six-rc-xt-my22

Option 2 https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/top-fuel/top-fuel-9-7/p/35178/?colorCode=black

 

If you want to race at the sharp end, the merida

If you want to have a bit more fun on the bike and have a bike that rips on the trails, trek

I have the top fuel, such a capable bike. But wouldn't be my first choice for trying to podium

[thebob]

Ok, if the Trek is a 2020 model, it will be this one

Spec for spec, there is no comparison. The Merida has better components. The only issue I see is that the Merida is an XC race bike. That means you are in quite a racy position, this might not be the best for longer rides IMO. The Trek wins in terms of being a more marathon focused bike. Out of interest, how much is the trek being advertised for?

I'd suggest going and trying them both out and seeing which one feels better for you. Sizing is also very important. Don't let anyone try and talk you into something that feels too big or too small or school fees will be payable.

[Op1]

2 minutes ago, thebob said:

Ok, if the Trek is a 2020 model, it will be this one

Spec for spec, there is no comparison. The Merida has better components. The only issue I see is that the Merida is an XC race bike. That means you are in quite a racy position, this might not be the best for longer rides IMO. The Trek wins in terms of being a more marathon focused bike. Out of interest, how much is the trek being advertised for?

I'd suggest going and trying them both out and seeing which one feels better for you. Sizing is also very important. Don't let anyone try and talk you into something that feels too big or too small or school fees will be payable.

Trek9.7is going on a special at the moment for 70K for the 2023 model ( brand new ) https://www.trekbikes.com/za/en_ZA/bikes/mountain-bikes/cross-country-mountain-bikes/top-fuel/top-fuel-9-7/p/35178/?colorCode=black

I also am viewing a 2nd hand one tomorrow - 2020 model -44k

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/478889994330870/?hoisted=false&ref=browse_tab&referral_code=marketplace_top_picks&referral_story_type=top_picks

 

 

[thebob]

If it was me, I'd go for the new 9.7 and be done with it. I have the 9.8 and can confirm it is an absolutely awesome bike for everything from a chilled cruise on easy trails to getting the heart rate pounding and smashing a few climbs

[Op1]

29 minutes ago, thebob said:

If it was me, I'd go for the new 9.7 and be done with it. I have the 9.8 and can confirm it is an absolutely awesome bike for everything from a chilled cruise on easy trails to getting the heart rate pounding and smashing a few climbs

Thanks for all the advice - Will update you guys on what happens this week - going to ride both of them .

Edited December 19, 2022 by Op1