Advice - which MTB to get

[Scooterza]

This is a double post but my other posting just isn't coming up under active topics for some reason!

 

Hey all, I am buying a bike for my wife and have 3 options which I am

trying to choose between - 1 new and two 2nd hand.  I haven't seen the

2nd hand bikes but ASSUMING that they are in decent nick, can anyone

suggest which of the following is best value for money?

1. BRAND NEW bike from Linden Cycles: 2010 Silverback Saturn for R4400

   Suntour XCM HLO forks, Shimano Alivio rear derailleur, shimano M486 hydraulic disc brakes. Full specs HERE

2. 2nd

   hand: Merida Matt TFS 700. 2007 model, Dart 3 Front Suspension Deore

   shifters, intergrated XT rear derailer,LX Cranks for R5000

3. 2nd hand: Raleigh RM9.0 2005 with Shimano XTR (2006 groupset) and Rock Shok Duke front shock. R5000.  Looks like this one has done a bit of work though.

I

think she will be happy on any of these but obviously want to get

something that will last and perhaps keep its value to some extent. Any

comments appreciated!

 

[El Nino]

Does the Merida have disc brakes? If not, then the new Silverback with Linden's unquestionable backup is the way to go.

[Scooterza]

Merida has disc brakes, Raleigh has v-brakes. 

[El Nino]

Tough one. Try get a better price for the Merida. I think it's a bit difficult to justify spending more on a 2nd hand bike than a new one.

[Scooterza]

Yes it is a tough one.  I am leaning towards the Merida - much nicer specs.  But it is now 3 years old so hmmmm

[El Nino]

and then there's the feeling of riding a brand new bike. Nothing like it.

[gremlin]

Go for the Silverback, The Merida is a bit old already. The Silverback can take a good pounding, had one before I got a dual sus.