Cycling in Sydney Australia
Help - Choice between Merida and a Trek
Hi All,
I'm about to purchase my first bike and i'm not sure which to choose. I have previously cycled my friends road for over a year and think its time to get my own. I'm looking between 2x models:
1) Merida Road Juliet 901-COM Road Bike
2) Trek 1.2 Womens or Trek Lexa S (which is a 2011 model and more expensive than a Trek 1.2 Womens)
I'm honestly not sure which one is best. I definitely like the Juliet's colours as its really a girls bike :) I believe the spec a very similar so now i'm stuck with what to choose. I plan on training up for the Gong ride in November and would like to participate in more of such rides. Not too sure yet about commuting to work but it's definitely on the table to consideration.
If anyone could provide with any tips, suggestions or feedback it would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks :)
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Serene on -
just wanted to add i was also considering a: Malvern Star - Modena or a EMC Etape R-2.8 Fem (2011) (Womens)
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Permalink Reply by Steven Lamb on
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FWIW I have a Merida 905-COM Road bike, and have done 12000kms on it and its been bullet proof, nice ride and good components, I assume you have ridden both of them and they both fit you well?
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Permalink Reply by Susan on -
With bikes it's all about fit, if you've been measured up and they fit you then choose the one that fits best and if they are both equal the one that you like best. As long as fit and components are both the same it's totally ok to buy the bike you think is the better colour!
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Permalink Reply by Serene on
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Thanks all! They both fit and feel really great....now just have to get the price right! :) and of course the nicer coloured one :) hehe
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Permalink Reply by PeterT on -
Web links would have been good !
What is your criteria ? Cosmetics? - that's pretty personal I would think. Brand attraction? Resale value?
1) Merida Road Juliet 901-COM Road Bike
Assuming you mean : http://www.merida.com.au/en_int/bikes/detail?id=143
The purple lines makes Juliet prettier :)
You will need pedals, which is a good thing since you can get a proper clipless set
2) Trek Lexa S
Assuming : http://www.trekbikes.com/au/en/bikes/road/lexa/lexas/
The Trek Lexa S with minty fresh handle bar wraps are nice, but the earl greys isn't my cup of tea
(speaking of which, Trek website should fix that spelling of 'gray' for the AU website )
The Black / True Blue colour scheme seems bolder, if not too feminine.
This model comes with the Shimano Tiagra rear cassette and you can ride it immediately as it has pedals/cage (before your clipless arrive?)
3) Malvern Star - Modena : http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bikes/show/100074565-malvern-star-mo...
The colour scheme leaves a lot to be desired. Pass...
4) EMC Etape R-2.8 Fem (2011) (Womens)
Can't find 2011 range on the emc site so I'm assuming you mean
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/bikes/show/100165001-emc2-emc-etape-...
I like this, assuming the specs are on par, it looks the most interesting of the lot and has my vote.
If my cycling /training plans go well, I too will be in that ride to Gong.
Can I assume I'll look out for a purple streak going past me ? :)
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Permalink Reply by Serene on
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Thanks Peter! Yes I will take a look at the EMC over the weekend as I have yet to try it out.
So now my choices are narrowed down to either the EMC or the Juliet :) Yes, you may see a purple streak but I think you may be passing me rather than me passing you :) Thanks again for the tips!
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Permalink Reply by Andrew on -
The EMC2 doesn't have a particularly good groupset, nor does the Malvern Star. Very much bottom of the line, so I think the Trek and Merida seem like better options (but I'm not really a fan of either brands bikes).
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Permalink Reply by PeterT on
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Agreed. If the specs are similar to the 2010 model , and they arent putting at least Soras , I would pass as well.
http://www.emc2bikes.com/index.php/ps_pagename/bikedetail/bikemodel/66
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Permalink Reply by Serene on
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Thanks guys! So what brand do you like? Any recommendations? My budget is between $900 to $1000 I don't mind taking a 2010 model to keep within my budget. As it will be my first bike I own, I didn't want to go all out till I get more experience. As I progress I hope I will know more like what gear sets to look out for and more info about the technical stuff.
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Permalink Reply by MadameBike on -
Hi Serene,
Since you asked, this is the bike I would buy for that money.
However, that is a Melbourne special and there are are only two available. However, a Scott dealer in Sydney may well match that price. I have a bias towards Scotts as we have 3 in our family and, while there are undoubtedly better bikes out there, I think they represent fantastic value and quality for money.
There is also this mountain bike if you prefer that sort of bike.
Good luck, buying a new bike is tons of fun...........if you could possibly extend your budget up to closer to $1500, that would be good, but have you thought about buying a second hand bike that isn't too old...?
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Permalink Reply by Martin Geliot on -
Don't forget to look at warranty, backup and service for both bikes.
Worth asking the vendors about some 'what if' scenarios, their service prices and what they do for your money.
Ask if they have had any returns, and if they did what the outcomes were.
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Permalink Reply by Tim Sheaves on -
I have a 904 com scultura and love it. Merida is one of the big manufactures. However, it is best to have a ride of a few different bikes before you make a decision. If you can afford a little more, I would suggest going with a Shim 105 groupo.
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