I'm looking at getting a flatbar bike to help with cross training and do a bit of commuting to and from work.
Last weekend I took a Giant CRX2, Avanti Blade Sport and Merida Speeder T2 for a test ride. All the bikes felt great compared to my old Repco bike I used for paper deliveries years ago.
I really enjoyed the ride of the Merida, it just felt right. Only problem was the shop only had the Speeder T2 in stock. I wouldn't mind giving the T3 and T5 with Tiagra and Ultegra a look in.
Do Merida make decent bikes? I have searched Internet and Bike Forums and can't seem to find any reviews or whether i'd have trouble down the track with replacing parts.
From a parts position, Shimano supplies the majority of the mechanical components, the importers being responsible for frames and forks and other proprietry items. In my experience, Giant has the best track record here.
If you need a link to any local importer, just ask.
Ive had my Merida road bike for about 2 months, it is only an entry level bike but not a problem at all. My brother in law also has a merida (crossway 8800) has had it a lot longer and he loves it.
This is reviving an old thread but I recently bought a speeder T5 for getting around town and it is a complete pleasure to ride with no problems at all so far.
I bought a T5 and not a T3 because of the lighter frame and the higher spec all around. It was worth the extra cost without doubt. Before buying I tried out a variety of other similar bikes and this merida T5 seemed the best.
I have had the T3 for about 6m and it is pretty dam good. Almost competes with a full road bike on flat surfaces, I get many surprised looks from roadies when they notice that I am right with them on it. It's basically the closest thing to a roadie without being one. As for off road sealed cycling tracks, it simply blows all competition away for speed and handling. Get one.
Hi, Perhaps a little late reply, but still: -merida make excellent bikes (i am from europe, maybe they are more established here) -the speeders are really good in this segment, and quick. -i have the t2, and it is a good and quick ride, great value -i wouldnt mind the t3, but i only use it now and then (i have four bikes, two racers and one shopping bike) and thus opted for the cheaper version - i wouldnt go for the t5, but that is me preferring a racer in that price range and with that equipment. The t5 is quite an extreme bike if you ask me, for people that absolutely requires flat bar for some reason However, for this kind of bike, the field is even, giant, felt, scott, etc, etc also have good bikes-it is really hard to be disappointed! Tobias
