Pinnacle Evolution 1.0 vs Merlin Malt 4 08

sidh

I'm quite new to the mountain biking scene and want to buy a fairly decent bike. After a lot of research, I must say I'm quite confused.

As of now, I've settled on either one of these...

Pinnacle Evolution 1.0: I owned this bike until last week when it got stolen. I quite like it, but now since I'm getting a new one, I might as well consider my options.

Merlin Malt 4 08: Has got better reviews compared to the Pinnacle Evolution 1.0 and is much cheaper as well

Which one do you think is better. Would you recommend any other bikes. My budget is around £700, but if there is an amazing bike for £750 I won't mind stretching my budget.

Thanks,

- Sid

supersonic

Thye Merlin MALT 4 blows it away on spec. However they can be a little short in the top tube.

Yorkshirepadd

Get a Malt 2 with upgraded XT 2009 groupset and Reba SL fork for 749 at the checkout,

Total bargin !

or play around with the spec and see what you can get for under £750.
i'd go SLX group and Reba Team fork for £764.

sidh wrote:

I'm quite new to the mountain biking scene and want to buy a fairly decent bike. After a lot of research, I must say I'm quite confused.

As of now, I've settled on either one of these...

Pinnacle Evolution 1.0: I owned this bike until last week when it got stolen. I quite like it, but now since I'm getting a new one, I might as well consider my options.

Merlin Malt 4 08: Has got better reviews compared to the Pinnacle Evolution 1.0 and is much cheaper as well

Which one do you think is better. Would you recommend any other bikes. My budget is around £700, but if there is an amazing bike for £750 I won't mind stretching my budget.

Thanks,

- Sid

jayson

If it was my money i would buy the one with the best frame and upgrade the rest of the bits as and when, its far more important to get the heart right in this case the Malt 4.

Components are an easy fix but if u buy the wrong frame then theres really very little u can do to make it better.

sidh

Thanks for your replies. Much appreciated. I kind of agree that the frame is the core part of the bike. I'll give them both a try and see which one feels better.

Yorkshirepadd

Yeah I'd quite agree that the Frame is very important, but the Malt 2 is still a very very good frame that will serve anyone well.

Its a lot less stiff than the Malt 4 and is slightly more forgiving and that is crucial for anyone just starting out.

The Malt 4 is lighter and more modern looking and a lot stiffer and you won't get it for less than £750 which is what you said was your max.

If you can get to the shop and ride them both then make up your mind, Either way both bikes with an LX group or better will not need upgrading for a long time assuming you break anything.

If you can stretch to the price of the Malt 4 you might also want to check out the Commencal Supernormal at a similar price but a few pounds lighter.

sidh wrote:

Thanks for your replies. Much appreciated. I kind of agree that the frame is the core part of the bike. I'll give them both a try and see which one feels better.