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1st Road Bike - Allez Sport or Merlin?

snipsnapsnipsnap Posts: 259
edited August 2012 in Road buying advice
Hi all,

recently got into MTB riding and want to also get into riding on the road on something a bit more suitable than my Spesh Hardrock Sport Disc.

I had made my mind up and was going for the 2013 Allez Sport when it arrived into my LBS.

However, after a trip up to Merlin @ wknd, I've also been looking at their road bikes? The Malt - R Seems an excellent spec at a relatively low price but I've not found any reviews about for this. Tiagra set on it too.
http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/road-bikes/merlin-road-bikes/merlin-malt-r-road-bike.html

so would I be paying for the Spesh name and paint job with the Allez sport? It does look great i admit that.

Anyone any opinions on the Merlin road bikes?

Thanks.

Posts

  • snipsnapsnipsnap Posts: 259
    sorry all, I didnt add in to this what I want the bike to do or budget.

    I was willing to go up to the £725 for the Allez, as I love my Spesh MTB and was going to take advantage of LBS 0% finance.

    I wont be using the bike for racing, just rides out with friends (of varying levels of skill & experience)and to keep the training/fitness levels up.
  • Team515Team515 Posts: 141
    Ive had my eye on the merlin bike, looks like a good deal
  • snipsnapsnipsnap Posts: 259
    it does, but I can't find any info out about it. some reviews would be useful.

    you can tell I'm new to this cant you?!

    Although i can see theres decent compontents on it, i was looking at an Allez sport which has quite a different looking frame. I understand Merlin are new to producing road bikes, so would the frame be of a good standard, and comparable to the Allez?

    and I'm aware that with my level of experience, which is zero on road bikes, that this is probably irrelevant. i just want to ensure i buy right!
  • juankerrjuankerr Posts: 1,099
    Unknown frame + decent kit / wheels
    against
    Good frame + mediocre kit/ wheels.

    Tough init, but I reckon £720 is a bit much for a bike with Sora.
  • wongataawongataa Posts: 1,001
    I bought a Merlin Malt-R a couple of weeks ago. It is my first road bike and I am liking it a lot so far. It is light and has a good spec for the price.
  • snipsnapsnipsnap Posts: 259
    Good to hear you're enjoying your bike. I'm gonna call in and try one out at weekend.

    Did you try out the malt-rs too?
  • wongataawongataa Posts: 1,001
    I didn't try the RS. There wasn't one available to try when I was there.
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