Bike comparisons

[Andronicus]

Firstly, sorry if this belongs in the new bikes/shop thread.

Mods feel free to move it.

The only reason i am creating a new thread is that i am needing to make a decision by the morning.

I am tossing up between 2 merida options, and xds and a tcr.

The merida i am most leaning towards is a reacto 904. Full carbon and running 105. The merida scultura and the xds are running ultegra, but seem to be on an inferior bike. Have ridden all 3 and seem to think the reacto feels the best. Someone of my level is probably just imagining the difference i feel between 105 and ultegra.

The XDS when i rode it felt fine, but the merida seem like better options. All are around the same price.

Does anybody have an opinion on any of the bikes mentioned that may sway me either way?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Wallaby]

My thoughts? Get the bike/frame that feels best to ride - not change gear.
Ultegra does not get you up the hills any faster. Ultegra does not make your back feel more comfortable after 50 Ks. If you learn how to maintain and adjust your own gears and brakes (and it's really dead easy, with lots of YouTube tutorials), 105 will be as reliable and last as long as Ultegra.

Sure Ultegra might feel a teensy bit smoother (it does), look schmick-er and have a better re-sale value. You pay for that. As for weight, if you want to save 100 grams or so, don't have that 2nd bit of cheesecake the night before.

But if you can feel a difference in the frame, ride and comfort - go for that. Spend money in the following order - frame, wheels, groupset.

 

[lemon chicken]

Would be hesitant in getting an Integrated Seat Post which I'm pretty sure the Reacto's all are for somebody with not much experience on a bike.

 

[Andronicus]

Why do you say that? I'm not really sure what the difference in seats is, but happy to hear from those in the know.

I've added in a Felt F5 to the considerations too. Having ridden them on different days it is hard to make a great comparison, but it did feel really comfortable.

Hard to split based on that, but although it may be a stupid reason, was leaning towards the reacto simply because it seems to have a higher pre sale value.

Really appreciate the replies though. Thanks a heap.

 

[lemon chicken]

Means the seat post is part of the frame so it can't be height adjusted. They cut it to suit the rider but everybody has different preferences for bike fit so if it is cut too short you're stuck with it. You may find after a while riding your strength and flexibility increases and need to change things a bit. Best to ask them if it is ISP, I'm not 100% sure but it looks like it is.

Agree with Wallaby though you should get the frame that feels best over the group set.

 

[Wallaby]

So - which way did you jump?

 

[Andronicus]

Ah ok. Seat is actually adjustable on the reacto if that's what you meant.

Ended up they didn't have my size then and there anyway, so decision wasn't as cut throat as they made it seem. Likely sales talk, but the sales guys have been brilliant.

Narrowed down to the felt F5 and the reacto. Waiting to hear in availability in my size though as the one I rode was a demo but they wouldnt sell it as new unless they had to.

Still finding it very hard to decide, but I'd be happy with both.

 

[Wallaby]

Ah yes, usual pressure sales stuff. Are they 2012 or 2011 bikes? It's always worth checking out last year's bikes because they are often on sale - just because they are last year's (Cyclists are ultimate fashion victims). And usually the only difference is a paint job, stickers, or sometimes an extra curve somewhere on the frame. You could probably jump on a 1970's bike and it would feel a bit different - but, as a rec rider, not THAT much.

Look, there's not really a lot of difference between bikes at that price point. There's not much difference in bikes on any price point. Unless you are Tour De France-ing or going across Australia, you wont notice much. It's what suits you. I've had Giants, Ciocc, Bianchi bikes - some with Campag, some with Shimano. Once you've been on the bike for five minutes they all feel much the same. The major differences happen when either A)descending at your max speed (some bikes make you braver) or b) when you get off after a 6-hour ride. Very hard to get any exact reviews/comparisons because all the Bike Review magazines and websites are basically just adverts - they know where their money comes from.

But always remember - it's how you look cruising to the Beach Rd Cafe that's important.

 

[Andronicus]

Haha I think I'll struggle to look the part at the cafe for a while yet. I still wear shirts over my Lycra. Just doesn't feel right after bagging the Lycra brigade for so long.

I think they are both 2012 bikes that ate discounted a bit for the upcoming 2013 arrivals. I don't think I can make a bad choice out of the 2. I also don't know enough about the scene to know if felt or Merida are looked down upon more than the other.

At the moment I am going for both morning and afternoon rides on my flat bar, hoping the enthusiasm stays, but really can't wait for a carbon frame. Next thing is some pedals and shoes that I may get tomorrow.