Opinions wanted on a legal case in NZ

nihs1b28

I'm a cyclist in New Zealand and had one of my imported bicycles stolen.
I found it being sold at a the largest pawn shop chain in NZ and they illegally sold it before the police could get there.
After calling snd visiting them a few times they finally offered to replace my 2015 Bianchi Camaleonte 3 with a new equivalent, so I agreed as long as I could make sure that it was an equivalent. They didn't know the brand Bianchi and sold it for 145NZD (90USD), while selling Giant Escapes for 300, so it was clear to anyone that they didn't have the knowledge to chose a bike.
Anyways, they ignored my request and bought a Merida Speeder Limited (https://www.papanuicycles.co.nz/products/merida-speeder-limited-2020-model) and claim that it's even better because "it has a carbon fork and the 1×11 gearing system is better than my 3×9".
They claim that this has been confirmed by a bicycle expert and I'm starting to worry if it's that either I'm wrong, or that cyclists in NZ just don't share the same knowledge.
When I lived in Japan, it was quite understood that most value of Bianchi bikes were in the frame and it's design, but even if I accept how ugly the Merida is (since design preference is subjective), I feel like the bike isn't even close in terms of spec (typical cheap mixed up groupset).

I'm genuinely questioning my self if I'm the one wrong and would love to hear some other opinions (also if you work at a bike store etc. it would be great if you could help me out)


Thanks for reading.

fenix

It's probably not a million miles out
That Merida is £925 in the UK.
The Bianchi is an old model and was around that price when it was sold.

Did you use the Triple to it's full extent ? If so you might need that back, but if not - I like the Merida - it's a good looking bike.

Bianchi don't make that bike any more so they can't magic one up.

arlowood

Seems like the current incarnation of your bike is now called the Bianchi C-Sport 3. Currently on sale here in UK at £549 (=NZdollar 1030)

https://www.rutlandcycling.com/bikes/hybrid-bikes/bianchi-c-sport-3-alivio-disc-2019-hybrid-bike-black_465922?currency=GBP&chosenAttribute=YOB55J43KW&gclid=CjwKCAiAqqTuBRBAEiwA7B66hUdHJ-FOKHO4vDlr2-9kSzi_jhGCqluLDuANb3BHy4lKvurBloniiRoCWFcQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

The Merida looks to be at least equivalent if not a marginally better option if you're happy with the 1 x gear system. If not then Merida do offer a cheaper version of that model which has the triple chainset and 8-speed rear cassette (the Merida Speeder 100). They also have intermediate models with compact (50/34) chainsets.

https://www.tredz.co.uk/.Merida-Speeder-100-2020-Hybrid-Sports-Bike_219202.htm?sku=700580&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=google_shopping&gclid=CjwKCAiAqqTuBRBAEiwA7B66hd93UMXx5fdlxap3lccl1D475LGr6nixkblHjhhTCPyyN_sGXi4zQBoCMakQAvD_BwE#

I don't think they are trying to shaft you with the Merida - it looks an OK equivalent to me. If you are adamant that you want the Bianchi then maybe you're actually insisting on something of lesser value. It's your choice at the end of the day.

bendertherobot

1X can be subjective. It's very very good for a commuter IMO. Personally, you're getting a new bike, a good bike, and, I have to say, while looks are subjective, it's a damn good looking hybrid.

On that frame issue. Yeah, I get that it's a Bianchi but, I have to say, it was a Bianchi commuter. Good but not likely to be any better frame wise than any other good commuter. Bear in mind that it's likely that frame was made in Taiwan though probably not by Merida in this case.