Scott Spark 40 vs Merida 96 3000D alu

[SpoonZA]

Hi guys, I need some help to choose between the mentioned bikes. The Merida is about R1500 more expensive. Any comments will be appreciated.

 

http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_za/bike/2011/21/MTB+Full+Suspension/NINETY-SIX+3000-D

http://www.scott-sports.com/us_en/product/10023/55381/217930

 

Scott = 11.5kg

Merida = 12.7kg

Edited November 15, 2010 by SpoonZA

[covie]

Giant Anthem

[splat]

personal choice?

The Scott just because its got a bit more travel.

120 is the the 100mm

[Heinie]

Hi there,

 

I've order a Ninety Six 3000D alum. for myself. It's an excellent bike and handles well. I've compared it to the Scott and the Giant Anthem X2. I've also taken all of them for a ride to feel the difference. My last choice was between the Giant and the Merida.

 

The 2011 is not available yet and the specs vs the Merida is lower. Just look at the quality of the specs, shocks, rims, carbon sections on the Merida etc. Another thing to keep in mind is that the Giant has a float shock and Merida is remote lock out on the front and rear shocks. So it's either a hard tail or a dual susp.

 

Merida all the way. Great value for money and it's a 2011 model.

[Sharkie 2]

I will go for the Spark, have a buddy that had a 96 but he bought himself a new Spark 20 and he says its better than his 96 carbon he had. I have owned both Merida and Scott bicycles and the Scott's always performed better for me. They are pretty similar Scott has 110mm of travel compared to 96mm on the Merida. Take the one where the dealer gives you the best deal

[Heinie]

Sharkie,

 

I need to correct you on this one. The Merida has a 100mm travel and not 96mm compared to the Scott that has 110mm. As you also mentioned, both are very similar. Go for the best deal.

[covie]

Dont want to stirr and I havent checked this for myself, but i've heard some merida owners complain about the weight of the 3000D apparently heavier than both the scott and the anthem, And most people think the Anthem is a nicer ride. But its probably all down to personal prefrence i guess.

Edited November 15, 2010 by covie

[Heinie]

Now that you mentioned it. I haven't checked for myself. I see that Merida doesn't show the weight on their site.

 

At the end of the day it all comes down to personal preference.

[BlinkFan]

I've heard this from a few people now -> https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/89242-merida-96-3000d/

Edited November 15, 2010 by BlinkFan

[Sharkie 2]

I have seen a couple of 96's that have cracked on the rear stays where the pivot sits behind the BB, Scott has the twin lock option which is very nice. The fork on the Scott is Rock Shox and on the Merida its Magura, you will not struggle to get parts for the Rock Shox. Last I heard we did not have a confirmed local stocker of Magura parts so the fork and brakes may be a problem on the Merida when parts are needed

Edited November 15, 2010 by Sharkie 2

[29thumbs]

i have both bikes. the 96 gives a much harder ride than the scott

both handles briliantly but the 96 is very very much like a hardtail.

and the ones a Kilo lighter than the other.

Oh and Hennie. the 96 is called a 96 because of it Max rear travel, but im sure you knew that,

 

Still both are very good, but if the wife were to tell me 1 has to go, with out much thought, ill put the 96 out.

Theres something about a Spark others try to imitate, but just dont get it right.

[SpoonZA]

i have both bikes. the 96 gives a much harder ride than the scott

both handles briliantly but the 96 is very very much like a hardtail.

and the ones a Kilo lighter than the other.

Oh and Hennie. the 96 is called a 96 because of it Max rear travel, but im sure you knew that,

 

Still both are very good, but if the wife were to tell me 1 has to go, with out much thought, ill put the 96 out.

Theres something about a Spark others try to imitate, but just dont get it right.

 

Hi MyTcr1, is there anything else you can tell me to help me make my decision. My brother has the 96 3000D carbon and his wife has the 2010 96 3000D alu. Great bikes. But there isnt that many people with the spark 40 and thus I cant get much info about them.

[Skaap]

i have a spark 60 with 40 components and it is really gr8 bike, never ridden a 96 so i am biased to say.... GO FOR THE SCOTT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Edited November 16, 2010 by Skaap

[Skott5]

I'll stick my hand up for the Scott. Climbs well, and is precise when you hammering it downhill through single track.

[katz201]

Go SCOTT!!

[wapad]

Hi MyTcr1, is there anything else you can tell me to help me make my decision. My brother has the 96 3000D carbon and his wife has the 2010 96 3000D alu. Great bikes. But there isnt that many people with the spark 40 and thus I cant get much info about them.

 

 

Spoonza I have been going through this exercise, I have a giant anthem 2007/08 which is great but time to move on, wrt the Merida that weight seems excessive my Giant is a shade under 12 KG( LARGE) and I felt that the 2011 96 was lighter than my bike, as for the ride you really need to get the 96 setup perfectly as the ride is very much hardtail, if If I'm not mistaken the sales man spoke about the 1:1 ratio so 1kg/psi ( DT swiss remote lockout)but the components are great spec

 

I was a bit disappointed with the ride I felt that for a 100kg the geometry was very racy and hard, but the saddle was not suitable for me so that was a put off.( I use Fizik Alliante technogel) I tried an s-works epic without much setup fiddle and it was a dream straight off.

 

But if the 96 is what you want its well priced and a great spec but test ride it. For myself I'm thinking Ghost RT Lector 9000, Specialised Epic

 

I may even look at the Scott 35 carbon frame so many choices ...

Edited November 16, 2010 by wapad