29"Hardtail

nathan2o14

Hi, just looking some advice as getting a new bike. I am quite tall 6 ft 3 and need a bike for commuting that I can also perhaps have the option to take off road and to dirt tracks. Currently I am looking at Merida bikes.

Merida Big Nine 40 hardtail
http://2014.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bik ... 0-200.html

Ive seen mixed reviews on this bike but wondered if someone could interpret the specs for this bike and tell me if it is worth its £500 price tag?

Also the only size frame they had was 21" seemed fine when I took them for a test ride but I have had it suggested to me that a 23" would be better. The bike calculated recommended 23" for road bike but 21" for mountain bike. Any thoughts or opinions would be appreciated?

Thanks

stubs

Its a lot easier to make a slightly small frame feel bigger with layback posts, longer stems and wider bars. It isnt so easy to shrink an overlarge frame plus MTBs usually come up about 2 to 3 inches smaller than road bikes.

Spec is about what you would expect its all a bit porky but doubt you would notice the difference with higher price kit when your on the road. Tyres will probably drag like you are towing a boat anchor but some 1.75 commuter tyres will have you flying along. Theres a lot of choiuce out there so look for other bikes at your price point but avoid the big names smaller less known brands have generally better quality or lower price. Have a look at Halfords brands Voodoo, Carrera and Boardman if you can stretch to it.

Summary = Decent frame that will take some knocks plus solid if plain components.

rockmonkeysc

It's not great for the price. Take a look at the Voodoo 29er hardtail (I forget the model name) in Halfords. Much better value for money.

nathan2o14

stubs wrote:

Its a lot easier to make a slightly small frame feel bigger with layback posts, longer stems and wider bars. It isnt so easy to shrink an overlarge frame plus MTBs usually come up about 2 to 3 inches smaller than road bikes.

Spec is about what you would expect its all a bit porky but doubt you would notice the difference with higher price kit when your on the road. Tyres will probably drag like you are towing a boat anchor but some 1.75 commuter tyres will have you flying along. Theres a lot of choiuce out there so look for other bikes at your price point but avoid the big names smaller less known brands have generally better quality or lower price. Have a look at Halfords brands Voodoo, Carrera and Boardman if you can stretch to it.

Summary = Decent frame that will take some knocks plus solid if plain components.

Yes good point, I was considering getting some spare road tyres to swap out for commuting

I am getting the bike on the cycle to work scheme. It is offered by Halfords but I have opted to go with an independent retailer that take their vouchers. I had been put off Halfords by reviews I had read about their bikes not being put together terribly well. I thought Merida were a less known brand? I was interested in Merida as I have read they supply specialized with their frames.

Thanks

rockmonkeysc

Nothing wrong with the Merida frame but the components on it arent as good as on the Voodoo.
Merida also build frames for Voodoo. Halfords can be a bit hit and miss for service but there are plenty of bad independent shops (like my local).
Halfords and Decathlon are unbeatable for value within your budget.

nathan2o14

RockmonkeySC wrote:

It's not great for the price. Take a look at the Voodoo 29er hardtail (I forget the model name) in Halfords. Much better value for money.

Is this the bike you are referring to below? Is a smaller frame better for a hardtail mountain bike?

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stor ... &langId=-1

punkatron1

Brother in law got a Bizango for a ridiculously cheap price using the following link:

http://m.hotukdeals.com/deals/22-off-an ... e#comments

Its good value for money at £600 anyway.