Any good bike up to 500?

lux666
lux666 Posts: 18
edited January 2014 in Road buying advice
Hi would anyone tell me if there is any good bike up to 500 atm? im looking at Merlin MALT-R Road Bike 2013http://www.merlincycles.com/bike-shop/bikes/road-bikes/merlin-road-bikes/merlin-malt-r-road-bike-2013.html?source=aw&awc=3361_1387098107_c10d096959752ffc44b87a37e21439a1 any suggestions? what do u think abou it? thx

Comments

  • elderone
    elderone Posts: 1,410
    looks a bargain really. Carbon fork and full tiagra for £500 can,t be bad.
    Dulce et decorum est Pro patria mori
  • londoncommuter
    londoncommuter Posts: 1,550
    Similar spec here for £50 less:

    http://www.rutlandcycling.com/101193/pr ... -bike.aspx

    Not sure how they'd compare but I've just snapped up one of the Modas for commuting (haven't been able to pick up yet though so can't comment on it).
  • bails1310
    bails1310 Posts: 361
    Did you get your Intro ?

    I'm after a new winter commuter and very interested for the money -v- spec, wanted to see if you were happy with..............happy to PM if you'd prefer.

    Tks,
    Neil.
    Kuota Kharma Race [Dry/Sunny]
    Raleigh Airlite 100 [Wet/Horrible]
  • kingofthetailwind
    kingofthetailwind Posts: 575
    I just bought a Felt Z95 from Wiggle - £450. The F95 is cheaper at £400. Sora, carbon fork.

    Moda looks great value. But does it really come in just two sizes?
  • bails1310
    bails1310 Posts: 361
    Just spoken to Rutland and yes it is just 2 sizes - may nee to be creative on the stem perhaps! I cant find anything on geometry charts but will have a proper look later.

    Is there much difference between Sora & Tiagra from a shifting point of view? Can you change up in the drops with Sora, I've got 2300's on my winter bike at the moment and you cant with them.
    Kuota Kharma Race [Dry/Sunny]
    Raleigh Airlite 100 [Wet/Horrible]
  • kingofthetailwind
    kingofthetailwind Posts: 575
    2013 Sora is basically 2012 Tiagra. Shifts the same - ie no thumb button.
  • bails1310
    bails1310 Posts: 361
    Does your felt have Sora with or without the thumb button?

    Gets some good reviews, are you liking it?
    Kuota Kharma Race [Dry/Sunny]
    Raleigh Airlite 100 [Wet/Horrible]
  • daniel_b
    daniel_b Posts: 11,980
    http://www.decathlon.co.uk/triban-5-a-id_8239801.html#avantages
    zoom_400PX_mediacom_546014131.jpg

    £430, carbon fork and Sora bits on there.

    I have ridden a Triban 3 Red, and it's a lovely bike.

    Having said that, if it were my money, I would go for either of the Felts - I have an F70 and love it.
    Felt F70 05 (Turbo)
    Marin Palisades Trail 91 and 06
    Scott CR1 SL 12
    Cannondale Synapse Adventure 15 & 16 Di2
    Scott Foil 18
  • ajlowin1983
    ajlowin1983 Posts: 99
    I wouldn't get the Merlin if it's your first road bike. It's too aggressive and not very comfy. 2013 sora looks better than tiagra and shifts just as good, my Mrs has the above Btwin and I wish I'd got that to start. I'd try a few out at lbs then get a second hand bike. Can get a decent 2nd hand for £500
  • kingofthetailwind
    kingofthetailwind Posts: 575
    bails1310 wrote:
    Does your felt have Sora with or without the thumb button?

    Gets some good reviews, are you liking it?

    Without the thumb button.

    Hasn't arrived yet - was meant to today. Thanks Wiggle! (Or the weather more likely!)
  • bails1310
    bails1310 Posts: 361
    I had an online chat with Wiggle today and they said the only bike they had with Sora that didn't have thumb buttons was this:

    http://www.wiggle.co.uk/verenti-insight-04-sora-2014/

    Not sure they were 100% correct as it took them an age to reply 'live'

    Can you send me the link to yours?
    Kuota Kharma Race [Dry/Sunny]
    Raleigh Airlite 100 [Wet/Horrible]

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