Discussion
Following on from my last thread, where a lot of you helpful suggested I look at a small framed gent's bike I have come across a Merlin Malt 4.
Can people tell me what they think.
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&prod...
It is either that or this:
http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/2008bikes/g3.php
Can people tell me what they think.
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&prod...
It is either that or this:
http://www.orangebikes.co.uk/2008bikes/g3.php
Edited by Catherine197 on Saturday 23 February 14:20
Merlin bikes have an excellent reputation, not had one personally but generally only read good things and the Malt 4 comes with an excellent specification, the Orange is a great bike too but being a little cheaper has a less good spec.
I don't think you could go wrong with either, i'd probably go Merlin just as it's got better kit on it.
I don't think you could go wrong with either, i'd probably go Merlin just as it's got better kit on it.
I'd be tempted with the Merlin too although a bit of additional hunting on the Merlin site you find a Rock Lobster Team on special offer with a mix of 08 and 07 componentry and a great set of tyres for £750. Available in a 15 too.
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&prod...
This frame has won many awards from the magazines and is always highly rated.
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=product&prod...
This frame has won many awards from the magazines and is always highly rated.
Edited by mk1fan on Saturday 23 February 14:55
Reba's are going to be lighter than the Tora's the Rebas are higher up the range, Tora's are one up from entry level and Reba Range is one down from SID which is the top both are an XC fork.
Would you be buying the Orange from a local bike shop?
Do you think you will need the bike shops help with any issue's that may crop up are you happy to get stuck in fixing stuff that's not right>?
Would you be buying the Orange from a local bike shop?
Do you think you will need the bike shops help with any issue's that may crop up are you happy to get stuck in fixing stuff that's not right>?
atom111 said:
Reba's are going to be lighter than the Tora's the Rebas are higher up the range, Tora's are one up from entry level and Reba Range is one down from SID which is the top both are an XC fork.
Would you be buying the Orange from a local bike shop?
Do you think you will need the bike shops help with any issue's that may crop up are you happy to get stuck in fixing stuff that's not right>?
No I would have bought the Orange online. The nearest dealer is 35 miles away.Would you be buying the Orange from a local bike shop?
Do you think you will need the bike shops help with any issue's that may crop up are you happy to get stuck in fixing stuff that's not right>?
Edited to say I believe their is a bike shop closer selling Orange but I can't see them on there dealer list.
Edited by Catherine197 on Saturday 23 February 16:19
It's very hard to get a deal on an Orange, there are not that many deals, only around Sep - Dec when they are selling any current year models and the next year models are coming out.
I think Orange also manage supply and demand pretty tightly so there isn't a glut of bikes in the shops, you may find some ex-demos for less than RRP. If you went to a shop they'd probably do a deal on accessories 10 - 15% off helmet, tools, backpack that sort of stuff.
I think Orange also manage supply and demand pretty tightly so there isn't a glut of bikes in the shops, you may find some ex-demos for less than RRP. If you went to a shop they'd probably do a deal on accessories 10 - 15% off helmet, tools, backpack that sort of stuff.
atom111 said:
Merlin bikes have an excellent reputation, not had one personally but generally only read good things and the Malt 4 comes with an excellent specification, the Orange is a great bike too but being a little cheaper has a less good spec.
I don't think you could go wrong with either, i'd probably go Merlin just as it's got better kit on it.
I used to have A Merlin racing cycle, complete with milremo, campag etc when I was a kid in the mid sixties, completely hand built they used to be made in Leeds, along with Bob Jackson IIRC....I don't think you could go wrong with either, i'd probably go Merlin just as it's got better kit on it.
I wonder if they are any connection???
I doubt you'll have any problems with any of the bikes. It's always good to get to know your LBS as they are happy work on any bike you buy (at least they should be from a business and professional point of view).
As foe dealers giving discounts well they have their overheads to include in any price too. You've missed the time of year when the discounts (and choice)are plentiful.
Personally, I'd go for the Rock Lobster as it's the best bike by a long stretch and it's on at a good discount now. Your LBS, fror a small fee say an hours labour, will happily check the bike over for you after it's delivered.
Or you could post up for a kindly forum member to help you.
As foe dealers giving discounts well they have their overheads to include in any price too. You've missed the time of year when the discounts (and choice)are plentiful.
Personally, I'd go for the Rock Lobster as it's the best bike by a long stretch and it's on at a good discount now. Your LBS, fror a small fee say an hours labour, will happily check the bike over for you after it's delivered.
Or you could post up for a kindly forum member to help you.
Wacky Racer said:
I used to have A Merlin racing cycle, complete with milremo, campag etc when I was a kid in the mid sixties, completely hand built they used to be made in Leeds, along with Bob Jackson IIRC....
I wonder if they are any connection???
There are a lot of Merlin's in the cycle industry at the moment. I don't think that this shop is any connection to the frame builder you remember but I don't know for sure.I wonder if they are any connection???
How do you think this Pro Disc stacks up in comparison?
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=0...
http://www.specialized.com/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?sid=0...
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