Raleigh or Merida?

Peter Main
Peter Main Posts: 60
edited July 2008 in Workshop
I am about to get myself a new 'mid-range' road bike and the choice (for reasons complex) is between Raleigh or Merida. are there any reviews anywhere (Google doesn't show any) or does anyone have an own opinion. :cool: 8)
pete-the-bike

the idea is to die young as late as possible

Comments

  • System_1
    System_1 Posts: 513
    Depends. What models do you have in mind? If we had a spec to go on we could give you some advice.

    As far as I'm aware Raleigh are no longer the company they used to be and almost certainly don't build their own frames any more. Merida on the otherhand are one of the bicycle industries biggest frame manufacturers and make frames for many of the big names. I wouldn't be at all surprised if they make some of Raleigh's.
  • Peter Main
    Peter Main Posts: 60
    Thanks for the reply, I am thinking of the Raleigh Airlight U6PRO or the Merida 905.20. Bike to be used for sportive events and rides up to 120miles. How much difference would the carbon stays make on the Raleigh over these distances? The specs are more or less the same. I have test ridden both bikes and find it hard to tell the difference on a 20min test ride.

    Cheers. 8)
    pete-the-bike

    the idea is to die young as late as possible
  • bendertherobot
    bendertherobot Posts: 11,684
    There's a whole lot out there at the £1k mark.

    Any reason why it has to be those two?
    My blog: http://www.roubaixcycling.cc (kit reviews and other musings)
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  • meagain
    meagain Posts: 2,331
    I've had two Meridas (albeit when they were making for top end of Carrera-badged), one race-type and one full-bouncer. Both were excellent bikes.

    For no doubt unscientific reasons I'd always prefer one-material frame: the thought of glued in rear stays just doesn't appeal (and yes I know that LOTS of bikes go that route!). So, altho' I like the latest (and some of the oldest!) Raleighs, my vote is Merida. They are probaly the modern equivalent of "old" Raleigh in terms of a mass volume manufacturer.
    d.j.
    "Cancel my subscription to the resurrection."
  • synchronicity
    synchronicity Posts: 1,415
    I'd go with the merida! :wink:
    vertebr.ae | precision braking & shifting
  • System_1
    System_1 Posts: 513
    I'd go with the Merida as well. Apart from the fact it's much nicer looking, the Ultegra groupset on it is better than the Raleigh's 105 and it's got better wheels too. Carbon stays won't make a huge difference and the welds on that Raleigh look absolutely shocking. In fact at £1000 that Raleigh looks pretty crap value.

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