I am currently on a Merida Trail bike one five zero 800. It's an entry level trail bike which is evident, first up due to the lack of lockout. May be my lack of knowledge of trail riding bicycles, but I would expect there to be some lockout on these bikes as we need to climb the mountain first to get back down.
Having said that you can basically ride over anything on this beast, even with the ali frame. It has 6+ inches of fork travel and just as much on the shock. I have been test riding for the last two weeks at our back yard playground...Giba and this is the most fun I have had on a bike since my Mongoose BMX 20 odd years ago.
Tested on both wet and dry conditions, I was confident enough to ride the trail with having fun in mind and got the result too. Not once have the tyres slipped out or the bike bottomed out on me....perhaps i am not riding hard enough??
XC, Marathon & Hill climbing does not get a rating on this bike, but that's not what we are here for. Jumping, skill honing, rock hopping, TRAIL RIDING, FREE RIDING is where this FULL SUSSER takes the lead. This is true mountain bike riding in the sense of experienceing that rush that so many of us miss out on.
Skill honing you ask? On the Merida one five zero 800 the confidence that you build up due to it's forgivingness, will carry you through to bigger better trail riding as you get used to the bike and put your full faith and trust into it.
Below I have put in what I think the susser needs to change without trying to put the price range out.
What I would add?
Better braking power;
Auto release saddle to raise or lower the saddle at the touch of a button;
Fork Lockout;
Riser bars
What I would take off?
Cheap brakes
Comfortable saddle
Big Ring
What I didn't like
I am very much used to a XC style bike, so getting used to a trail bike does take "Some getting used to." This Merida sits extremely upright and going down vertical dropoffs you almost feeling like you are going diving, which is probably why they have spec'd a BIG travel fork. A bit on cofidence needs to be built up with the lack of stopping power due to entry level spec'd brakes. With big rotors as standard spec (180 front & 200 back) I would expect the manufacturers to carry on with the detail and put mid - upper range brakes.
I am going to mention the lack of climbing ability just because I want to. This bike is not a climber, but that's why we have 11 teeth in the front!!!
What I did like
As mentioed already, the confidence in trail riding and skill level is certainly brought out. Just that on it's own justifies buying this bike.
The FAT dh tyres - sticks like glue
Suspension travel - maybe not as plush as it could be, but now we start getting expensive.
Full bike specs to follow.....
With the amount of travel and the glue like Minion dh tyres this bike is certainly a great buy for anyone wanting to take up Mtb on an adrenalin rush basis with out the back flips and supermans that normal jump riders take on.
For a demo ride contact me on 083 679 9900 or
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