Merlin Malt 4

TimboXC90
TimboXC90 Posts: 6
edited October 2008 in MTB buying advice
Hi
I am concidering buying the merlin malt 4 but have been told that there is no real diffrence between this and the malt 2. I am very awear that i may have been misinformed and just wondered what anyone else thought

Any other advice on this bike would be great if anyone has any.

Cheers

Comments

  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    frames are totally different.

    Malt 4 is a much better frame, whoever told you they're the same is talking out of their rear end.
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    The four is somewhat lighter than the two, and is made from Kinesium - this is a stronger aluminium alloy.

    I know the choice you are facing - better frame, or better spec? I'd go for the former if plan to keep the bike, and gradually upgrade (say when parts wear), or the latter if you want the best allround package from the off.
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  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    # Merlin Malt 2 Frame
    # Built from 7005 heat treated double butted aluminium tubing
    # Suspension correct geometry for 100mm forks
    # Disc brake compatable only (NO v-brake bosses)
    # Weight from 3.5lb

    # Merlin Malt 4 Kinesium frame
    # Built from Kinesis Kinesium Superlite tubing
    # Hydroforce shaped tubing for an unbelievably light and stiff frame
    # Disc only
    # Suspenion correct geometry
    # Replaceable gear hanger
    # Weight from 3lb
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Andy_B wrote:
    whoever told you they're the same is talking out of their rear end.

    Made me chuckle, love the way you get to the point!
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    VOODOO CANZO

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  • Andy B
    Andy B Posts: 8,115
    I speaketh the truth, no point in beating about the bush ;)
    2385861000_d125abe796_m.jpg
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,666
    look like the same old 9 pipes to me
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Whatever happened to the MALT 3? There used to be one a few years ago.
    GT ZASKAR CARBON TEAM

    VOODOO CANZO

    Come and see me at https://www.facebook.com/biketyke/
  • TimboXC90
    TimboXC90 Posts: 6
    cheers guys

    think i will be goin for the malt 4

    any other bikes you could reckoment for the £600 - £750 range???
  • supersonic
    supersonic Posts: 82,708
    Value wise, at the minute, not much comes close. Boardman bikes are good value, and the Spesh Rockhopper a firm favourite.
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  • dunker
    dunker Posts: 1,456
    the cubes over at chainreaction are looking pretty good value too.
    Merlin Malt4,
    http://www.flickr.com/photos/7405500@N0 ... 025278584/
  • paul_GY
    paul_GY Posts: 50
    I recently rode them both at the Merlin shop, The malt 4 frame looks superb and has some fantastic detailing, its very hard to see in pics on the net. The malt 2 still feels very nice, but looks dated next to the 4. The malt 4 was a bit out of my price range, so I went for the 2 with the full 2009 SLX group set, and it was still £120 cheaper than the 4.
  • Yorkshirepadd
    Yorkshirepadd Posts: 21
    I got a Malt 4 with SLX kit and Reba Team Shocks and have had it just over a month.
    I took one look at Dunkers Pics on his sig and was sold, other pic's on the net look pants.

    Its a very direct and stiff bike and you feel every bump, this does make it very fast too though. I used to ride a Cannondale F700 and this flexed a lot more than the Malt 4 and was slightly softer ride but not much in it really.

    I was in the same boat but went for the 4 as i really like the colour of it, as you don't really see many white bikes. It really does look a lot better in the flesh than a Malt 2,

    For the price you get an awsome spec really, as if you add all the components up individually you'd be paying at least £1400.

    Also no badge snobbery with this and hopefully less nickable !

    Only thing i've changed on mine is the tires, I commute to work about 7.5 miles each way and went for a pair of Panaracer Mach SS, Semi sicks they're are very fast on the road and cycle paths and are pretty grippy untill you hit loads of sticky mud.

    Top bike really, :D
    AM Bike: 2012 Titus EL Guapo XC Bike: Merlin Malt 4 2009
  • TimboXC90
    TimboXC90 Posts: 6
    Cheers that ace

    the Mlt 4 looks much better than the 2 cause of the colour and the spec is higher

    cheers for all ya help

    timbo
  • eh_gringo
    eh_gringo Posts: 2
    Just to add another option. How about a Rock Lobster 853. I got mine with Reba SL's and LX groupset for £745. Well chuffed with it (paint chips quite easily though)

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