O/T- Merida Road Bikes

   Hi folks,
For my sins I appear to have been entered into a team triathlon next year to do the cycling bit (and possibly the swimming too).  There's no way I'm going to take an MTB with mud tyres along, so looking for cheapish road bike to a) train on and b) ride in the event.

I honestly don't want to spend much- £500 would have been my max, but it appears from the LBS that's a £100 shy of their entry level 'Merida' bike.  Never heard of them, any good?  Or shall I stick with Trek/Spec and find a nearly new on ebay for similar dosh?

cheers

Jimbo

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pondmonkey Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 12 Aug 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2202	Post Options Post Reply Quote pondmonkey Report Post Quote Reply Topic: O/T- Merida Road Bikes Posted: 21 Sep 12 at 11:44pm
	Hi folks, For my sins I appear to have been entered into a team triathlon next year to do the cycling bit (and possibly the swimming too). There's no way I'm going to take an MTB with mud tyres along, so looking for cheapish road bike to a) train on and b) ride in the event. I honestly don't want to spend much- £500 would have been my max, but it appears from the LBS that's a £100 shy of their entry level 'Merida' bike. Never heard of them, any good? Or shall I stick with Trek/Spec and find a nearly new on ebay for similar dosh? cheers Jimbo

ex laser Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 25 Mar 09 Online Status: Offline Posts: 725	Post Options Post Reply Quote ex laser Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Sep 12 at 1:53am
	hi james. they are a big taiwanise company, think they also make bikes for other better known brands. their own brand bikes are fine and good value. if you only want to spend £500, i would try and find something second hand as you would get more bike for your money. but you do risk buying a dog( and there are a lot of scams in on line bike buying) its up to you if want to take the risk. good luck with it all. regards duncan ps if you want more advice, try posting on bikeradar. Edited by ex laser - 22 Sep 12 at 2:01am

Wee Man Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Far too distracted from work Joined: 24 Aug 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 214	Post Options Post Reply Quote Wee Man Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Sep 12 at 8:04am
	I'm doing my first Triathlon tomorrow, with a borrowed road bike. Ask around some mates, you'd be surprised what is lurking around peoples sheds. I'm using a Giant (Ali frame, carbon forks) but was offered a £2.5k carbon bike (turned that one down as I believe I'd look a pillock coming in 2nd to last on a stunning bike).
	Nacra Infusion F18

JohnW Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 17 Jul 07 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 552	Post Options Post Reply Quote JohnW Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Sep 12 at 9:26am
	If you look around, this is a good time to get a discount on Last year's model now that the 2013 models are out. Entry level Trek at £475 http://www.southdownsbikes.com/m1b0s6p9809/TREK-1-1-C-H2-2012

Neptune Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 08 Jun 09 Location: Berkshire United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1314	Post Options Post Reply Quote Neptune Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Sep 12 at 9:34am
	Pauls cycles if your on a budget James. Lots of previous years models at great prices.
	Musto Skiff and Solo sailor

pondmonkey Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 12 Aug 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2202	Post Options Post Reply Quote pondmonkey Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Sep 12 at 10:41am
	Cheers Guys, thanks for the advice. I don't want to waste money on something really turd, but similarly don't want to look like a fool with a tooled up bike either... Basically what I need is the road bike equivalent of the dinghy you'd have actually recommended to Graeme a few years ago...

Lukepiewalker Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 24 May 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1341	Post Options Post Reply Quote Lukepiewalker Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Sep 12 at 3:46pm
	How are you for shoes and pedals?
	Ex-Finn GBR533 "Pie Hard" Ex-National 12 3253 "Seawitch" Ex-National 12 2961 "Curved Air" Ex-Mirror 59096 "Voodoo Chile"

Lukepiewalker Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 24 May 06 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 1341	Post Options Post Reply Quote Lukepiewalker Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Sep 12 at 3:47pm
	And don't worry, looking like a fool with a tooled up bike has never stopped any triantelopes so far...
	Ex-Finn GBR533 "Pie Hard" Ex-National 12 3253 "Seawitch" Ex-National 12 2961 "Curved Air" Ex-Mirror 59096 "Voodoo Chile"

G.R.F. Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Visit Member's Homepage Really should get out more Joined: 10 Aug 08 Location: United Kingdom Online Status: Offline Posts: 4028	Post Options Post Reply Quote G.R.F. Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Sep 12 at 6:31pm
	There are copious opportunities for the would be road bender on ebay right now, it doesn't matter what you get, the moment you pour that great bulk into lycra and attach spd's to your plates then ride it down to the sailing club and slither into that Solo, all hope is lost.
	https://www.ease-distribution.com/

pondmonkey Send Private Message Find Member's Posts Really should get out more Joined: 12 Aug 11 Online Status: Offline Posts: 2202	Post Options Post Reply Quote pondmonkey Report Post Quote Reply Posted: 22 Sep 12 at 6:38pm
	I shall shave my legs for you GRF especially...