What can I offer for this bike? Merida Matts TSF 100 XL frame

[hendrik@bikehub]

Hi all

So many moons ago I was looking for a mountain bike for my son. I still have my Giant Rincon that I will use to ride with them now that my daughter is 12 and can get onto a 26er. My son had my wife's Giant boulder SE which he rode but sold due to riding everywhere and getting brake fade from the V brake setup when muddy and wet.

I can get a Merida Matts TSF 100 (XL frame) that does not have allot of KM on it but don't know what to offer. Gears are not shifting properly (adjustment needed) and tubes probably have punchers. here is a link of one that sold but I have no idea how long ago this price was allocated.

https://bikehub.co.za/classifieds/item/hardtail-mountain-bikes/89784/merida-matts-tfs-100

 

I am thinking of offering R2000 as I will probably have to get it serviced and tubes replaced as it was standing for a couple of years.

Edited October 23 by hendrik@bikehub
spelling

[Eugene]

R2000 sounds about right, assuming the shifting issues are only due to it standing and not more sinister. If tubes are needing to be replaced, factor in some tyres too as they could also be perished. 

You don't mention the age or height of your son, but an XL is a big bike. Are you sure that it is going to be the right size for him? 

[hendrik@bikehub]

We will test fit. My son is 180cm with current age of 16. I remember at 16 it is the last stretching height wise so I predict he will stretch a few cm next year when he turns 17. Can't remember with myself.

The person who's bike it is grew until 19 and eventually stopped at 193cm thus the reason for selling. Bike feels too small for him. It is friends of ours who's son wants to sell bicycle.

My son showed me a 29er AXIS but I told him it will be too big for him and the price is going to kill his pocket money. With the Merida he will have money to do some mods if needed.

Edited October 24 by hendrik@bikehub
spelling

[Eugene]

Just looking at the Axis sizing chart, it seems as if your son would need a large frame. Not sure what the size of the Axis he has shown you. 

Personally, as a 16 year old, I would also prefer the more modern 29 inch as well. 

[love2fly]

Is the bike a 29er? If so XL for 1.8m is too big. I'm about 1.8 - 1.82 and ride a large and could ride an M.... 

 

[hendrik@bikehub]

Axis was advertised as a L. Let me give more detail.

He wants to get out and ride for fun and exercise. The Axis is advertised for R5500. I told him he must look at the Merida because we know the history. Practically still brand new. And he will have money to maintain the Merida. If he buys the Axis he will use all his savings with the extra I will help him with to buy. Then lastly, his butt is itching for a motorcycle. So I predict he will ride this bike till 18 then want to sell it to buy something else. Merida he can still get his R2000 back in 2 years. The Axis I doubt if he will get R5500 again for it.