Submitted by
Steve Conkie
a Cross Country Rider
from Glasgow
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2004
Strengths: Hi there, First of all, this is not a racing bike, or a MTB, it's a road-based hybrid. This is Alu 7005 and it weight 36lbs, so it's strong. Also, this model's handlebars are the old-fshioned type, which does nothing for your street cred, but is very comfortable and gives you good visibility. This comes full kitted out with lights, guards and a back shelf, which once again, takes away from the looks in favour of practicality. If you take all the gubbins of it has an over-sized boxy frame and 70cm wheels, not too thin. It looks pretty good and has a stable, smooth ride and kind of imperial cornering. The brakes are great. Acera everything else.
Weaknesses: The only thing wrong with this is it's really in no way exciting in it's present form. Take off all the accessories, change the bars to stnd mountain bike and it'd feel very different and probably take a bit of punsihment. Not too much clearance on the rims for proper off-road tyres, but I think you could jazz it up for the weekend in no time
Bottom Line:
If you're getting fed up coming home with your neck stiff from trying to actually see things above streetlevel on your mountain bike and want to take things a bit easier, this is good. You can still obviously go fast, but that doesn't seem to be the point. I think this would be good as a commuter bike or an alternative for those hungover Sundays. You could ride in this all day with the right saddle.
Similar Products Used: This is my first non mtb since I was a kid and it's exactly what I wanted.
Bike Setup: ?
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Adam Gray
a Weekend Warrior
from Adelaide South Australia
Date Reviewed: September 15, 2000
Strengths: very strong construction, great geometry and overall riding comfort, excellent bike for downhiller who has to ride x-country to get to tracks. ESP 9.0 shifter & derailleur are excellent !!
Weaknesses: front forks (re-badged RST Hi5's) lack adjustability, but can be configured with springs same as Hi 5's to get much better performance
Bottom Line:
This bike cost $2200 Australian Dollars (you work it out to $US !!!!) which in anybodies language is an excellent steal considering it comes with the very reliable Magura Louise Disc brakes front and rear. The bearings are all industrial (ie. only cost $5 to replace) and the suspension is good with plenty of room for after market changes. I have not heard any other reviews on this bike and would like to hear what others think This bike is designed for the rider who loves to hit gnarly downhills but does not want to be riding a slug when it comes to a little x-country work with your hard tail mates This bike is a simple design built to last and take a good hammering, it comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame as well
Similar Products Used: Shogun duallie, Kona sex-one duallie & hard tailshogun with manitou forks
Bike Setup: 18.5 inch standard Dominator Pro (see merida web site for exact detup Nokion tyres very similar to Panaracer Magic are V good in all conditions
Strengths: tough, good pedaller, classy looks, smooth active travel, awesome brakes and forks
Weaknesses: limited travel, limited tyre clearance, shortish wheel base, bad bar and tyres
Bottom Line:
with more travel would be a great bike, needs more tyre clearance, great free ride, or tame downhill course, overall, a good spec, and a well built, great working (within it's limits) bike
