merlin's commencal xt build

lock1981
lock1981 Posts: 546
edited January 2009 in MTB buying advice
any one know the weight and what the bike performs like?

wondering about what its like uphill!

just trying to compare it againt the ex8

thanks

Lock

Comments

  • robertpb
    robertpb Posts: 1,866
    Merlin's build with pedals is around 30lbs.

    The price thy are charging at the moment is probably the best value for money quality bike there is.

    I have a 5.5.2 and it goes up hills better than any bike I've ridden.
    Now where's that "Get Out of Crash Free Card"
  • toasty
    toasty Posts: 2,598
    I have a 5.5.2 and it goes up hills better than any bike I've ridden.

    Yeah, definitely anything technical. You get tons more traction than a hardtail which easily offsets the weight. They hold their speed very well through the rough on the way down again as well. Fantastic design.
    Stumpy FSR 29er
  • Stoo61
    Stoo61 Posts: 1,394
    They're braw n' all! 8)
    THE Boardman
    Pink Orange 224
    Humble but Defiant Roadie
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    One of the lbs was amazed when I showed them what Merlin were doing with the 5.5. They said there was no way they could match that (they had a 5.5.1 and 2 in stock) and their only comment was that Merlin could be using the VIP frame but otherwise it was a steal.

    I nearly bought one but Merlin were a bit vague with some of the details and couldn't send me a pic of their build.
  • pdid
    pdid Posts: 1,065
    It is the VIP frame.

    I've ordered one, should be picking it up in the next few days. Will post pics and spec, have upgraded slightly.
    Commie Meta 5
    Rock Lobster
  • WhyteWhite
    WhyteWhite Posts: 4
    I had exactly the same puzzling nightmare recently....in the end I couldnt bring myself to part with my hard earned as Merlin were more then a little bit vague on the exact parts and spec of their custom build. I'm sure it's great though as I've heard of other people on the forum who have bought and loved the custom spec.

    For what it's worth I ended up shopping around and buying a 2009 5.5 UK Ltd edition for £1800 from http://www.moosecycles.com/. I know that these guys: http://www.lexs.co.uk/ are doing them for even less at £1730'ish. They also quoted me £1260 for the 5.5.3 and £1500 for the 5.5.2 :shock: :shock: which is by far the cheapest prices I've seen anywhere.

    Hope this helps.

    Steve :D
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    pdid wrote:
    Will post pics and spec, have upgraded slightly.
    Yes please 8)
    WhyteWhite wrote:
    I had exactly the same puzzling nightmare recently....in the end I couldnt bring myself to part with my hard earned as Merlin were more then a little bit vague on the exact parts and spec of their custom build.
    +1

    Shame really as I was all fired up to buy one but the fella I spoke to wasn't very helpful.
  • lock1981
    lock1981 Posts: 546
    cheers lads im undesided between the commencal and the trek fuel ex 8. anyone know why the meta doesnt come with pro pedal?
  • fanatic278
    fanatic278 Posts: 95
    The Meta (5.5.3 at least) does come with pro-pedal, it's just preset to medium and not adjustable. The reason it isn't adjustable, I don't know. I assume it's cheaper without pro-pedal, but on the plus side it is lighter.

    I've never tried adjustable pro-pedal, but my friend who does have it never bothers adjusting it anyway. A bit like the lockout function on my forks - never touch it.
  • lock1981
    lock1981 Posts: 546
    ah right i never understood that :?
  • toasty
    toasty Posts: 2,598
    The reason why it's not adjustable is because the shock is a Fox Float R which only contains 1 valve. I personally wish they'd stuck a non-Pro Pedal valve in there, the bike is lovely without.
    Stumpy FSR 29er
  • pdid
    pdid Posts: 1,065
    The Merlin builld comes with an RP23 anyway, so you get a fully adjustable pro pedal.
    Commie Meta 5
    Rock Lobster
  • lock1981
    lock1981 Posts: 546
    yeah i phoned them on friday seemed alright answered my questions anyway.

    sorry but whats the vip frame i didnt realise there was any diference in frame apart from colour
  • pdid
    pdid Posts: 1,065
    lock1981 wrote:
    sorry but whats the vip frame i didnt realise there was any diference in frame apart from colour

    It is just the colour.
    Commie Meta 5
    Rock Lobster
  • lock1981
    lock1981 Posts: 546
    One of the lbs was amazed when I showed them what Merlin were doing with the 5.5. They said there was no way they could match that (they had a 5.5.1 and 2 in stock) and their only comment was that Merlin could be using the VIP frame but otherwise it was a steal

    whats the problem with the vip frame then am i missing something if the only thing different is the colour are they cheaper too?

    i know its the 2009 frame and it is green.

    chees

    Lock
  • pdid
    pdid Posts: 1,065
    :?: Dunno

    It`s the same
    Commie Meta 5
    Rock Lobster
  • lock1981
    lock1981 Posts: 546
    i know yeah, i dont wanna be missing something cos soon as my bike to sceme work is sorted out im ordering one
  • lock1981
    lock1981 Posts: 546
    i know yeah, i dont wanna be missing something cos soon as my bike to sceme work is sorted out im ordering one
  • .blitz
    .blitz Posts: 6,197
    lock1981 wrote:
    whats the problem with the vip frame then am i missing something if the only thing different is the colour are they cheaper too?
    Don't think there's a problem with it, it's just that Commencal altered the geometry very slightly in 08 and the lbs intimated that Merlin's build could be based on a VIP frame with the 'earlier' geometry. Who cares :lol:
  • lock1981
    lock1981 Posts: 546
    not me! :D

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