2008 Orange G3 or Merlin Malt 4?
icarus
Posts: 89
I'm not heavily into MTB's, current bike is a Diamond Back Topanga that I put Rock Shox on and just did trail rides in the lakes or gravel lanes/canal toepath rides.
Occasionally some rough stuff but nothing too gnarly.
I'm in the market for a new bike and have done some research before asking this question.
Based on what I use it for I thought about a hardtail, looking to spend <800 quid.
I've looked at all makes and models, Trek, Giant etc and the two that stand out that I really like the look of are the Orange G3 with fork upgrade to RS recon race or the Merlin Malt-4, both can be got for 750 quid for the 2008 model.
I'm only a novice really, very little knowledge of componentry or what is best, I just look at the price then compare.
One question I'm not sure of is does the Merlin come as a complete package because brakes aren't listed in the spec. I tried to ring them but I'm currently working in the Caribbean and not due back to the UK until Weds next week.
How do the Orange and Merlin compare? Is it personal choice or are there real differences?
Thanks in advance.
Occasionally some rough stuff but nothing too gnarly.
I'm in the market for a new bike and have done some research before asking this question.
Based on what I use it for I thought about a hardtail, looking to spend <800 quid.
I've looked at all makes and models, Trek, Giant etc and the two that stand out that I really like the look of are the Orange G3 with fork upgrade to RS recon race or the Merlin Malt-4, both can be got for 750 quid for the 2008 model.
I'm only a novice really, very little knowledge of componentry or what is best, I just look at the price then compare.
One question I'm not sure of is does the Merlin come as a complete package because brakes aren't listed in the spec. I tried to ring them but I'm currently working in the Caribbean and not due back to the UK until Weds next week.
How do the Orange and Merlin compare? Is it personal choice or are there real differences?
Thanks in advance.
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Comments
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Best to test if you can. Which exact Malt 4 build are you looking at, there is more than one.0
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Well it has to be said, the Merlin is specced better in just about every department!0
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Brakes are included - a groupset is complete drivetrain and brakes."Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling." ~James E. Starrs0
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The G3 with the fork upgrade is one on my short-list. I hear good things about Orange customer service if you have any issues later, although if the bike is good, you should never need it !
Interesting to see peoples comments on this thread before I spend my money .....0 -
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You've got to take notice when people are saying things like that, IMO.
But then I'd have said go for the Merlin anyway - never seen an unhappy owner.0 -
jamieayres wrote:
Well only from other forum posts - no experience myself, but I have not (yet) bought an Orange....0 -
Have you looked at the Saracen Zen 2 ... ?0
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again as always I would say the Merlin is head and shoulders above all else for the money, and their customer service is spot on. had a load of them and now on a Rock Lobster, highly recommended.0
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I currently ride a Malt 4 and it is a fantastic bike..!
I had Reba's fitted from new and very good they are too..!
Moving onto a FS now so it's up for sale and in very good condition.
Marco0
