New MTB - Advice please

[Tubeless]

(my other post seems messed up)

 

Please help if you can. Yes I know I should be able to decide for myself.

 

I am newish to MTB and like single track and the normal off road riding to keep/get fit.

 

After a looong seach and study I have a short list as follows.

 

2009 Anthem X2 - R17500

Merida 120 * 800 - R17000

2010 Anthem X2 - R23000

 

The Merida is better spec'ed than the 09 Anthem. But the Merida is very RED and I am also new to the brand.

 

The 2010 X2 is nice, but at a price.

 

The only place that I see the 2010 X2 being better then the Merida is:

Shock: Fox vs Manitou Minute 120

Brakes: XT vs Elixir 5

 

How important is the above?

How important is 120 travel suspension?

Any other advice?

 

Thanks a lot to those that will offer advice.

 

[Regard]

Firstly, Merida is a decent brand and comes out of the same factory as Spez.

 

I am not fammiliear with the Manitou but if you can adjust the travel(compression) it shouldn't be a prob.

 

I can also get you a contact to get a 2010 Merida 96 3000d? I think for R20 000( that is about R6000) cheaper than in most stores.

 

Xt and Elixir 5 is on par if I am not mistaken.

 

Just take the better specced bike.

[splat]

2010 Anthem X2 looks like pretty good value for money.

[Tubeless]

Very red as I said........... 

 

But I am getting more used to it.

 

http://www2.merida-bikes.com/en_ZA/public/tmp/c35c19b15cacd2251b755b01ac389073.jpg

 

[parabola]

The merida gets my vote, such a good looking bike!

How much more is the 1000? Comes with fox shocks back and front as well as full XT drivetrain. The wheels are also better.

I saw one at the shop the other day and it looked fantastic, the proportions are spot on.

 

[Tubeless]

What shop, I am struggling to get hold of a 1000.