Which is the better bargin?

phatlimey
phatlimey Posts: 4
edited April 2008 in MTB buying advice
Hi, Guys,
I’ve got a question to ask you all. Currently I have a 2007 Specialized FSR XC Pro which I really like, and as I’m a novice to mountain biking it’s been a great first bike! Problem is, my brother who's got me into mountain biking has been taking me out to places like Dalbeattie, Mabie, Coed y Brenin, etc which has been great but while I’m padded up to the max, my poor specialized has been taking a beating! So as we are planning to go up to Glentress soon, I though I might have to take the plunge and get another bike! Not rolling in cash (unfortunately) But looking around the web and reading up I’ve come to the conclusion that two bikes fit my needs and cash budget!

I’m looking at a Marin Rock Springs @ £1549- or a custom build
Commencal Meta 5 for a similar price, both specs below. What do you guys think? I'm going to take a test ride, but Id like to here from anyone who has either bike.
Thanks

Marin Rock Springs
Frame
6061 Aluminum, QUAD-Link XC 2.0 Mainframe with 135mm Maxle Dropouts

Shock
RockShox Pike 409 U-Turn Coil

Shifters
SRAM X-5, 9 Speed Trigger

Front Derailleur
Shimano Deore

Rear Derailleur
SRAM X-7

Crankset
TruVativ Blaze

Brakes
Avid Juicy 3 Hydraulic Disc

Commencal Meta 5 custom build

Frame 2008 Meta 5.5 frame

2008 Rockshox Revelation 426 dual air with poploc

Full 2008 XT disc brake groupset

XT 765 disc hubs handbuilt with Mavic XM719 disc rims in black and black stainless steel double butted spokes

Race Face Deus bars, stem and seatpost

SDG BelAir saddle

Cane creek S2 headset

Panaracer Fire XC tyres

Comments

  • BlackSpur
    BlackSpur Posts: 4,228
    Testing will be the only way really - both are good bikes. There are a lot of Commencal fans on these forums. Orange 5 would be another ides, you would have to look for last year's model if your limit is around £1500.
    "Melancholy is incompatible with bicycling." ~James E. Starrs
  • Father Faff
    Father Faff Posts: 1,176
    I've got the Meta 5 which has been excellent, particularly when the trails get gnarly. Unfortunately it got beaten up at Dalbeattie due to operator error last weekend and I well bent the front wheel - a quick £100!
    Commencal Meta 5.5.1
    Scott CR1
  • Steve_b77
    Steve_b77 Posts: 1,680
    I rode a new '08 Meta 5.5 XT @ a demo day and just didn't get on with it, best bet is to try them both if you can
  • Thanks for the advice guys... I will defo get a meta out for a spin!
  • the meta from Merlin you are looking at is a bargain in my eyes, spec is a peach too.