Calling Tech/Spec Geeks! Advice

[Bushranger]

I currently own this bike
http://www.merida.com.au/2012-bikes/mtb-hardtail-29/big-nine-lite/big-nine-lite-3000-d.htm
and want to buy this bike
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/detail?id=31

With the intent on turning the full suspension into my XC racing bike (I'm not fast, just fun and like the longer races) and having the HT as my commuter. So want the best parts on the FS. Am thinking of swapping some parts of the HT to the FS. Can you techsperts let me know which ones are worth swapping and are compatible. I think the brakes definately.
Mentioned in order HT V's FS


FORK FOX F32Fit 29er RLC 100 taper 15 V's 32 Float 29 CTD O/C- Evolution 100 Taper
BRAKES Shimano XT-Fin 180, 160 V's Shimano M596 180/180 mm
DERA-F Shimano XT V's Shimano SLX high direct
DERA-R Shimano XT-10 V's Shimano Deore XT
H/BAR FSA Afterburner flat 670 V's Merida Pro OS Flat, 680 mm
STEM FSA SLK -6 V's Merida Pro K OS, -16°'
H/SET BC Comp Neck V's FSA No.55E
HUB-F Shimano XT-15 cen V's Shimano SLX cen / -12 cen
HUB-R Shimano XT-12 cen V's Shimano SLX cen / -12 cen
RIM XCD lite Big29 D V's Big Nine Pro D
SHIFTERS Shimano SL-M780 3 V's Shimano SLX -3 / -10

What I am thinking is this if the components will fit
Swap Forks and Wheels as I think the HT has 15mm QR so wheel will need to go with fork.
Swap shifters, deraileurs, brakes (may need to look at rear brake rotor as the HT has 160mm but FS 180mm. I should be able to just use the XT finned brakes on the FS and either buy a 180mm rotor for them or use the 180mm rotor if it's compatible...

Would it be easier/easy just to move all parts from the HT to the FS?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Handekk]

I would put all the HT parts across to the FS ( you don't need to swap forks if you couln't be bothered as they are both 15mm through axles, but the Ht's fork is a much better fork). for what its worth, I think the HT is the better bike, but its your money.
hope that helps a little. H.

I currently own this bike
http://www.merida.com.au/2012-bikes/mtb-hardtail-29/big-nine-lite/big-nine-lite-3000-d.htm
and want to buy this bike
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/detail?id=31

With the intent on turning the full suspension into my XC racing bike (I'm not fast, just fun and like the longer races) and having the HT as my commuter. So want the best parts on the FS. Am thinking of swapping some parts of the HT to the FS. Can you techsperts let me know which ones are worth swapping and are compatible. I think the brakes definately.
Mentioned in order HT V's FS


FORK FOX F32Fit 29er RLC 100 taper 15 V's 32 Float 29 CTD O/C- Evolution 100 Taper
BRAKES Shimano XT-Fin 180, 160 V's Shimano M596 180/180 mm
DERA-F Shimano XT V's Shimano SLX high direct
DERA-R Shimano XT-10 V's Shimano Deore XT
H/BAR FSA Afterburner flat 670 V's Merida Pro OS Flat, 680 mm
STEM FSA SLK -6 V's Merida Pro K OS, -16°'
H/SET BC Comp Neck V's FSA No.55E
HUB-F Shimano XT-15 cen V's Shimano SLX cen / -12 cen
HUB-R Shimano XT-12 cen V's Shimano SLX cen / -12 cen
RIM XCD lite Big29 D V's Big Nine Pro D
SHIFTERS Shimano SL-M780 3 V's Shimano SLX -3 / -10

What I am thinking is this if the components will fit
Swap Forks and Wheels as I think the HT has 15mm QR so wheel will need to go with fork.
Swap shifters, deraileurs, brakes (may need to look at rear brake rotor as the HT has 160mm but FS 180mm. I should be able to just use the XT finned brakes on the FS and either buy a 180mm rotor for them or use the 180mm rotor if it's compatible...

Would it be easier/easy just to move all parts from the HT to the FS?

Thanks in advance.

 

[delbified]

compatibility issues can be with:
- headstems, e.g. integrated vs. conventional press fit cups (you may not be able to swap them - shouldn't be a problem for you)
- front derailleur - potentially different seat tube diameters for band type shifters (some come with rubber spacers, but probably not as OEM) and pull direction (top or bottom - as determined by cable routing lugs on frame, but some derailleurs will do both)

other than those potential issues, i can't immediately spot anything else that would prevent you from swapping parts.

 

[Bushranger]

mmmmm, thanks guys,

Yeah my preferred option is this bike
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike/2013/27/Full+Suspension/Big+Ninety-Nine+Pro+3000

But it is a 20k commute each way on bitumen bike path (and a couple of km of road at the end).

I'd seriously not have a problem owning the one bike (above) and using that except I'm worried I'll just chew out MTB tyres too frequently and as I ride both frequently each week I don't want to be changing tyres every second day just to go for a ride either commute or off road....

I can afford either the Big Ninety Nine Pro 3000 above, or the two others.... I'd rather just the one, (especially because the path goes right past a crash hot MTB area so on way home I could duck in for some hot laps!!!!!)

 

[delbified]

i mix up commutes with MTBing too and ride on Crossmarks, which roll well on bitumen and don't have knobbies which will wear off in 100km. they still wear faster than road tyres so they are a compromise but will allow you to go off road.

i also own a duallie Anthem which i don't commute on. a mate of mine has a carbon giant with RS Rebas which he commutes on - funny thing is he doesn't go mountain biking - and the air forks eventually blew. my HT commuter has cheaper RS Toras which i lock out on the bitumen.

the downside of that is the Anthem doesn't get ridden enough.

 

[Bushranger]

I guess that is an option.

How do the Crossmarks go offroad?

I could always use them 95% of the time, and then for races swap to a more suitable tyre???

Wish I had all the money to just buy each bike for specific purpose.

I don't like the idea though of having an expensive bike sitting on a rack not being used each day. I don't MTB if its wet (to keep trails in good cond) so some weeks it won't even be ridden.

it's a bugger decision all this isn't it.

 

[delbified]

How do the Crossmarks go offroad?

the crossmarks are fine. probably not designed for deep mud but they are good otherwise.

I could always use them 95% of the time, and then for races swap to a more suitable tyre???

that would be ok i reckon. i bought a spare set of wheels but i could never be bothered swapping them over. if you only need to do that 5% of the time, it's more manageable.

 

[Bushranger]

now looking at getting this:
http://www.merida.com.au/2013-bikes...ety-nine-carbon/big-ninety-nine-pro-3000.html

or maybe this
http://www.merida.com.au/2013-bikes...ne-carbon/big-ninety-nine-pro-xt-edition.html

between those two there is over $1000 difference though, so not sure if the 3000 is "that" much better......

Not sure about the fork though on the 3000 anyway, it appears to not be as good as last years fork on the HT.

What would you goes choose out of these two

32 Float 29 CTD remote-ready O/C-Evolution 100 15mm taper
is on the dual suspension

FOX F32Fit 29er RLC 100 taper 15
is on the HT

Gee they don't make it easy to tell differences, not much online info on the fox site.

Dilema dilema..... I'm hopeless at making decisions.

 

[frensham]

Here's a tip.

Sell the HT. You will then be able to afford the DS bike you want. Then buy a cheap (say $300) commuter with slicks - there are plenty of these on eBay. You don't need an expensive HT with high end components for a commuter...

 

[Bushranger]

Here's a tip.

Sell the HT. You will then be able to afford the DS bike you want. Then buy a cheap (say $300) commuter with slicks - there are plenty of these on eBay. You don't need an expensive HT with high end components for a commuter...

Yeah the HT is getting sold, but I can negotiate with the buyer (who I already have lined up) to keep some of the parts if they are better than what is on the new bike.

 

[silentbutdeadly]

There's nothing on either of those bikes that are lower spec than your hardtail. Except the brakes and (perhaps) cassette on the cheaper one.

The extra grand or so on the '3000' buys more/different carbon parts in the cockpit, properly matched shifters, lighter rear cassette and higher specification brakes (same as your HT). There's not a grands worth of difference...

 

[Bushranger]

something isn't right about this bike on their website
http://www.merida.com.au/2013-bikes...ne-carbon/big-ninety-nine-pro-xt-edition.html

Says it's the Pro XT model, has XT d's but SRAM XO shifters - I didn't think there were compatible?

Also says it has a fox shock but the picture clearly shows a DT swiss shock.

Says it has Fulcrum Red Metal wheels, but again the picture doesn't show that.

SO now wondering if they've accidently put some specs in off the higher end model and that perhaps the extra 1k might be worth it.

I found this on Merida international site of the same bike but different spec list, I think this might be the accurate spec list
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike/2013/29/Full+Suspension/Big+Ninety-Nine+Pro+XT-Edition

 

[silentbutdeadly]

something isn't right about this bike on their website
http://www.merida.com.au/2013-bikes...ne-carbon/big-ninety-nine-pro-xt-edition.html

Says it's the Pro XT model, has XT d's but SRAM XO shifters - I didn't think there were compatible?

Also says it has a fox shock but the picture clearly shows a DT swiss shock.

Says it has Fulcrum Red Metal wheels, but again the picture doesn't show that.

SO now wondering if they've accidently put some specs in off the higher end model and that perhaps the extra 1k might be worth it.

I found this on Merida international site of the same bike but different spec list, I think this might be the accurate spec list
http://www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bike/2013/29/Full+Suspension/Big+Ninety-Nine+Pro+XT-Edition

The international site makes more sense given the price difference...but my previous comment still applies. Save your money, buy the Pro XT version and put some folding aside for a 2nd wheelset and lighter cassette down the track...ride it in the meantime.

 

[Bushranger]

The international site makes more sense given the price difference...but my previous comment still applies. Save your money, buy the Pro XT version and put some folding aside for a 2nd wheelset and lighter cassette down the track...ride it in the meantime.

Thanks SBD,
sounds like a good plan, especially considering the price difference, that's a whole new surfboard + westuit right there!

 

[Bushranger]

There's nothing on either of those bikes that are lower spec than your hardtail. Except the brakes and (perhaps) cassette on the cheaper one.

The extra grand or so on the '3000' buys more/different carbon parts in the cockpit, properly matched shifters, lighter rear cassette and higher specification brakes (same as your HT). There's not a grands worth of difference...

sent you a pm SBD.

 

[The Duckmeister]

now looking at getting this:
http://www.merida.com.au/2013-bikes...ety-nine-carbon/big-ninety-nine-pro-3000.html

or maybe this
http://www.merida.com.au/2013-bikes...ne-carbon/big-ninety-nine-pro-xt-edition.html

between those two there is over $1000 difference though, so not sure if the 3000 is "that" much better......

Not sure about the fork though on the 3000 anyway, it appears to not be as good as last years fork on the HT.

What would you goes choose out of these two

32 Float 29 CTD remote-ready O/C-Evolution 100 15mm taper
is on the dual suspension

FOX F32Fit 29er RLC 100 taper 15
is on the HT

Gee they don't make it easy to tell differences, not much online info on the fox site.

Dilema dilema..... I'm hopeless at making decisions.

The only real difference between the two forks is the compression damper switching. The RLC has a simple on or off lockout, whether it's remote or not. The CTD (short for Climb-Trail-Descend) is a three position setting, with the "Trail" setting in the middle as a stiffer tune. The "Climb" and "Descend" settings are the same as the previous locked & open settings respectively.

I'm struggling to see how they justify such a big price increase... The only other real upgrade is the XT brakes, and they're not that much more expensive (but a lot better) than the M596 Deore brakes.

 

[Bushranger]

The only real difference between the two forks is the compression damper switching. The RLC has a simple on or off lockout, whether it's remote or not. The CTD (short for Climb-Trail-Descend) is a three position setting, with the "Trail" setting in the middle as a stiffer tune. The "Climb" and "Descend" settings are the same as the previous locked & open settings respectively.

I'm struggling to see how they justify such a big price increase... The only other real upgrade is the XT brakes, and they're not that much more expensive (but a lot better) than the M596 Deore brakes.

Yeah thanks Ducky,

I'm even considering the model below - the alloy Merida 1000 FS.
http://www.merida.com.au/2013-bikes...g-ninety-nine-alloy/big-ninety-nine-1000.html

It's all alloy frame, and lower spec'd but exactly the same shock, including remote. Has exactly the same fork listed BUT I'm not convinced it's a 15mm front axel.

But I've got the pair of XT Fin brakes I can swap on to it, and my current wheels from the alloy HT 3000 I can use, I could even swap the entire front end over (forks and front wheel) if the full suspension front end isn't 15mm but 9mm QR.

the bike is only half a kilo heavier than the over $1000 more expensive option. I'll carry 500ml less water.

decisions decisions...