Lobster or Malt?

Quickmarch

This is my first post and my apologies if this is something already discussed elsewhere. I am currently riding a medium Cannondale f5 disc, however my girlfriend has shown an interest in mountain biking, and has her eye on the f5. This seems like a good excuse for a new bike and a bit of an upgrade in the process.

I have been looking at either the Merlin Malt 4, the Rock Lobster Tig Team sl, or the Rock Lobster Tig Team 853, all with XT groupset upgrades. A guy I ride with has a Tig Team sl in my size so testing that hasn't been a problem, I have been very impressed with the ride, excellent frame and components for the price. The problem I have is that I cannot test the Malt 4 or the Tig Team 853, as the Merlin shop is hundreds of miles away.

I am looking for advice as to which of the 3 to go for, what pros and cons are there to choosing the steel frame over the aluminium? Or a Rock Lobster over the Malt 4? Also, would I be better off sticking with the Reba sl fork that come as standard on the 3 bikes or upgrading to the Reba Race or Team forks? I have around £1000 to spend so afew upgrades are plausible.

Any words of wisdom on the subject would be greatly appreciated as I am pretty stuck, thankyou in advance.

hitchen92

In my eyes, the merlin malt 4 is an excellent looking bike. If you want to spend £1000, go with the SLX groupset on this bike and upgrade the forks to the teams. I think the final price is about £1050, something like that.

Basically with frame materials, steel "flexies" a little and obviously because of this the ride is a lot smoother, and opposite for the aluminium. But the steel has the thinner tubing, 853 reynolds I think it is and to be honest, looks like an older bike. Disadvantages with the steel frame is that usually they dont have a replaceable gear hanger, so if you do snap off your rear mech there is a posibility that your frame will bend at the back. Even though this can be straightend it can weaken the it, and on the other hand the aluminium frames, 9/10 have replaceable gear hangers which usually are about a tenner.

Hope that answers you question(s).

jayson

I haven't ridden a malt 4 but i did have a Tig Team SL and really it never put a foot wrong, it was a fantastic bike.

I got the alloy frame version simply because i like and prefer the look of fat oversize alluminum tubes rather the skinny annorexic looking steel frame. It was superbly stiff and very direct with regards to the steering and handling wherever i wanted it to go it went without ever complaining or acting skittish. The only complaint (and it is a small one) would be that it didnt have the biggest mud clearance at the chainstays for a bike designed for the UK but im told this has been fixed for the newer models so its not really a big deal and the standard panaracer fire xc tires did fit ok in the frame but i wouldnt have recommended fitting anything to much bigger.

For the price the spec was fantastic, full XT with hope mono mini brakes and Easton everything else with merlins fantastic handbuilt wheels with mavic 717 rims it was a bike to behold atleast according to anyone that saw it.

Its just a pity the theiving chavs around my way thought the same and decided they wanted one without the hassle of actually paying and relieved me of it :evil:

I would highly recommend one though, the frame and spec is more than u will get from any of the other big manufacturers and the guys at merlin will be more than happy to change any part of the bike to fit ur needs and/or budget no problems, they're a great bunch to do business with.

BorisSpencer

I have the Lobster 853 and love it. Part of the appeal is the slightly retro/understated look, especially leaving the wheels with silver rims and spokes.

dunker

malt4 here and i love it, can't really say what one you should go for as i've not ridden the other. as far as upgrades go get full XT and maybe xm719 rims if you want the wheel a little bit stronger, though the xc717 rims are still very good. reba teams are a smidge lighter than the race but there's not alot in it but if you can afford it, you decide oh try to get the new pushloc over a poplock as it's shiney hehe

reckon if you phone or email merlin they'll tell you the frame sizing differences between the two bikes, they look pretty similar to me but i doubt they're exactly the same.

malt4
upgrades,
reba team
2009 xt
black rims and spokes
£1040 (after adding to cart, 10% discount)

supersonic

For a medium frame...

MALT4 is just over 3lbs
TIG SL just under 3.5lbs
TIG 853 is 4.3lbs

For the money all are fantastic value, I cannot telll you what is best. Spec wise however the Reba Race is just as good as the Team, and SLX/XT cannot be beaten for value.

pdid

Your problem is a difficult one because all of the bikes you mention perform well and are excellent value for money. On top of this most people commenting will have owned only one of the bikes and will therefore recommend it, and, whilst Merlin have no problem with you taking their bikes around the carpark/ local area, you could hardly class it as putting the bikes through there paces.

I personally own a Team Tig Sl and would recommend it highly, its fast, a good climber and inspires confidence. It also has XT as standard and comes in easily under your £1000 budget.

All are excellent bikes and i`m sure you`ll be pleased whichever you choose.

Quickmarch

Thanks to all of you for the quick replies, the Malt 4 is looking the most appealing in terms of weight. As pdid mentioned the Rock Lobsters come with XT as standard, so they do work out a little more economical, leaving money to upgrade the fork to a Reba Race or Team. They are all pretty nice looking machines aswell, this is proving to be a tricky decision, maybe I should sell a kidney and get one of each...

Comparing the 3 bikes to many others in the price range they always seem to come out on top in terms of component mix and value for money. I'm surprised I haven't seen more of them on the trails, or maybe i'm just riding in the wrong places.

I'll give Merlin a ring in the morning and discuss differences in frame sizing and geometry. Also, the Tig Team sl are out of stock at the moment, which may help me to make up my mind. I am loath to buy any of the bikes without test riding all 3, looks like a road trip to Merlin might be on the cards after all.

Thanks again for the advice and information, its much appreciated. Sorry to hear about the theft of your Rock Lobster jayson, hope you catch up with whoever took it.

supersonic

Compare also to the Boardman range of bikes - even lighter and better specced!

artillerydave

both Merlin and Rocklobster frames are fab, which ever you decide on you will not be disappointed.

ride_whenever

853, steel frames tend to feel much kinder than alloy frames, and skinny tubes look far cooler than fat oversized ones.

Reba SL, xt, monominis and proII hubs, £1012!