Entry Level XC Alloy Hardtails. Rose Count Solo vs Merida Big Nine Lite. Ultimate Test!
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- Опубліковано 15 вер 2024
- Friends, let me know, if you want me to continue riding more entry level bikes in the 2019 season.
These two bikes have been tortured on hundreds of kilometers of trainings and many races.
Here are the two:
www.rosebikes....
www.rowerymeri...
International version of Merida Big Nine:
www.merida-bik...
Friends, let me know, if you want me to continue riding more entry level bikes in the 2019 season.
These two bikes have been tortured on hundreds of kilometers of trainings and many races.
Here are the two:
www.rosebikes.pl/rose-count-solo-2-bike-now-2660368
www.rowerymerida.pl/produkt1429/big-nine-500-lite-rower-merida.html
International version of Merida Big Nine:
www.merida-bikes.com/en_int/bikes/hardtails/cross-country-marathon/2018/big-nine-limited-9125.html
I think Merida bike is better since in long term you can upgrade the parts little by little and upgrading a frame isn't as fun and it's more expensive
Hi Danny, please do more of entry / mid level hardtail tests and reviews. You are keeping it real and relevant for us. Thanks!
Hi Danny ,what do you think about this bike :Cube Acid Eagle 2019 (www.cube.eu/en/2019/bikes/mountainbike/hardtail/acid/cube-acid-eagle-blacknflashgreen-2019/)
In my country is 900£ pounds
Yes thank you
I would love it if you use medium to high end components aluminum bikes, merida big nine 700 or 800 for example. I think a lot of people on local amateur races use this kind of setup like me.
It's a joy watching your videos. Since returning to mountain biking after a 20 year absence, it's been nearly a turn off to find that few care to review bikes affordable for the rest of the world. The industry seems to be forcing us down 5K+ bikes for every category of MTB. All of the riders I've met own bikes worth the price of a vehicle, simply heart-breaking. Then, you came around with honest commentary and giving fellas like me a breadth of fresh air. Keep up the great work.
The Merida frame is beautiful, much more than the other.
I just wanted to thank you!. I just watched a racing video of yours where you are sitting on the count solo. You totally smashed it. That was so crazy for me, a stupid alloy bike. I almost bought a Lux Trail for 3300€ without any experience in mountainbiking after like 10 weeks of intense research. But I came , thank you very much, on the rose homepage and bought the count solo 2 right now for 900 to learn racing and experiencing the trails. Wow, peace of mind is here again.
Rose is the winner for me. Real MTB component, real BB, upgradeable, dropper post compatible (I think that is my next investment). Replace SLX cassette for XT.
I don't think that Merida has a much better frame. Visible welding is not issuing for me. I have bike like that. I call is the race bike. It is 15 years old bike with Tiagra 4400 and Tektro brakes (Tektro is lighter then modern 105). In that time my carbon bike with 105 and disc brakes stay at home.
I really love to see some superbikes but real life bikes are also interesting to race testing.
Most people here on UA-cam will not be expert or amateur competitive riders. Many are here looking for insight and guidance. Insight into entry and upgrade from entry level bikes would be (and is) super well received. Thanks for all that you do!
Thanks, I enjoy your videos and the focus on XC. As a beginner CAT 3 racer, I find your videos insightful and helpful. I also like your emphasis that you don't have to spend thousands of dollars to enjoy and compete in the sport.
Merida has generally high quality bikes for affordable price. One of my favorite brands.
I got the merida its really good
Nice! Real world view for the majority of riders.
Nice to see good , reviews of affordable bikes that your average Joe can afford cheers Shane uk 🇬🇧
In my opinion Rose is the winner. Better brakes, drive train, fork. As a user of Altus brakes on my Cube SL Road Race I can confirm, these brakes are a bit weaker than Doere on my Scott Scale 40 from year 2007. I preffer to get better components than sophisticated frame for the same money.
For me Rose look better because it's easy to upgrade. You can go for 1x system without spending money for new shifter, you can easily put dropper there. And rock shox is better than manitou. As for brakes i think any hydraulic disc brakes do job well if we talking about beginners bikes and beginners races.
yes please do.
I would choose the Merida. Yamaha green, great looks, nice frame!
One thing you did not mention is how do the wheels and tires compare. On budget bikes the choices made here can make all the difference in the way the bikes handle and ride. No word on saddles, steerers etc come to think of it. Any thoughts?
Johan Stam I had exactly the same question. Merida site says just shimano qr hubs and merida comp CC rims that basically says nothing. Rose seems to come with Mavic.... on any bike wheels can make all the difference.
Ikons and Racing Ralphs are well known and liked by many riders. I prefer Racing Ralph by far, but it is my opinion. The saddles are even more personal for different riders. I liked the one on Merida more, but would change it with some other models anyway (prefer cut outs). Steerers, well - no comment on that. Just OK.
Big nine 500 is the one to go
i personally own one and i can tell u that it is awesome
Have you dropped on it? Do you recommend it?
@@andrepb19 I difenetly reccomend it to Any one just starting xc or beginner level enduro races it difenetly has the capability to keep up with the high end hard tail bikes and like the dude in the video said I really like the frame on the bike only problem I ever had was with the derailleur had it changed twice but other wise very good bike
@@andrepb19 I still have the bike and have done xc races and got top 10 it held up really good with all the other $3000+ hard tail bikes only upgrades I gave it were the drivetrain I changed it to 1 by 12 and a new derailleur. I do difenetly recommend it to beginner level enduro and XC.
Most bikes under £500 don’t come with hydraulic brakes but merida does I have bought a big nine for £490 for its specs it’s not too bad for what you get for the money and decent looking hard tail for commuting around on
Can you tell me if the geometry of the merida is more relaxed oder relative sportive
What you think about the Orbea Alma H50? Would that be one to compete with these bikes?
Merida, all day. I love using my aluminum hardtail for training. It is always surprising how much faster I am on my carbon frame after I get off of the aluminum frame.
I love the fact that ur pushing budget stuff
I'm currently deciding between those two front suspensions for upgrading my bike, most people say the RockShox recon it's better, but one factor that no one pointed its that the manitou markhor its 1.8kg, while the RockShox recon silver its 2.1kg, doesn't that make the markhor better for xc?
The Markhor does a good job on the trails and even XC tracks. I didn't really know, there was 300 grams difference.
Hello, friend keep ride low budget in 2019, please tell more about manitou fork, i'm really interested, about wheight, stiffness etc...
Out there have no info 🤔
Beforehand thanks
Great video, keep up the affordable bike reviews.
I'm a beginner and want veeeery bad to get into XC. So i'm very glad you made this video, I think I fell in love with the Rose Count Solo. Since i'm a beginner, my point of view idn't very interesting, but I think I prefer having a frame a bit worse but having a more easily upgradable bike.
But for now I just have a Trek Marlin 6 and i'm afraid it's not solid enough to do some XC races :/
Great video !
Your Trek is OK, but if you can afford to spend 1000€, then go for it. These bike are race ready in my opinion (proved on my races).
I might try it on easy trails to get a feel of how it performs then. But yeah, as soon as I can afford it i'll buy one of those 1000€ bikes.
Thanks for the reply !
Thanks for the the comparison. But the problem is that your Merida Big Nine 500 Lite is not available on the international side (also not on the german). Therefore to compare the Merida Big nine Limited which has this frame we have to see that it costs 1199€. The same price as the Rose Count Solo 3 (1199€).
However the Merida Big Nine 500 lite (1076.99€), you are comparing to the Rose Count Solo 2(999€), has except the frame comparable components to the Rose Count Solo 1 (799€).
Which means with the Rose Count Solo 1 you save 277€ for the trade of not having the Merida Big Nine Lite frame.
I would choose the Rose. 100 %
Has threaded BB, 11 speed drivetrain, a proven Rekon fork, and better brakes. Yes the Meridia frame is sweet, but that press fit is a deal breaker
Token Ninja resolves all problems with pressfit bb. I've changed from sram pressfit into Ninja and all problems are gone
Maciej Poprawa maybe so, but I have never had an issue with a threaded and I do not see any reason to switch
From this video, I get that the Rose Count is a good bike, but did you ride more on it than you showed on the video? How did the bike hold up?
I enjoy entry/mid-level bikes upgraded with used parts or older parts. I was able to build up a full XX everything with high end carbon rims for less than some cheaper bikes. 2015 or 2016 ultra high-end components cost really cheap and are still really fast.
Will you try and race on a trail bike next year? Just a trail hardtail! A lot of those weigh simular to these two anyway
the merida looks so sick !!! but the rose definitely has better components .... I d do like you danny I'll take both :)
but I think I'd go for the rose, the ergonomie and better components is more important than good look " even if it count'!!!
I would go for the Rose, if I'm on a budget, and wanna one bike for all, and just have some fun with it.
On the other hand, if planning uprading components in the future, and ride more and so on. merida would be the way, just because the frame is build better, and a better base to change components ...
I have my big nine 20-D on order at a shop they will build it and set it up all for £490 and free lights because ile need it from coming home from work anyway but most Peaple I see have ugly looking bikes that look used while mine will be smooth out of the shop I need to get a U lock for it but for the price I wanted something cheaper but hey buy cheap get cheap but something in the mid range will last you for years buy something really expense and you might aswel buy a car lol
A superb video. It gave me a clear idea about these two
Yes continue reviews of more budget bikes....unfortunately no Merida in usa
What do you mean making threaded bottom brackets need less precision to make compared to press fit? Isn't it the other way around?! Threading the bottom bracket needs precision tools to make sure they are faced correctly. Otherwise, the crank axle won't slide in easily. Though I'd prefer a threaded BB, I'd still go with the Merida if I were to choose.
Specialized Epic use threaded bb in 2018. It's one of the top bikes in xc world. So i can't tell that threaded bb is disadvantage of Rose. Also many mechanics hate press fit
Yes, replacing the Press Fit BB requires precision and clean environment.
I have Merida bike for four years,very good frame bike that i ever have...👍
I would like to buy the Merida
@SickBiker Can you made a viedeo about the Cube Aim Pro a entry lvl MTB for 469€ because i have one and i will it upgrading but i´m not sure ob it is a good idee?
Thank buddy! I have the merida also and I have the same issue with the brake. Good video.
Hey @sickbiker , i got the 2018 Merida Big Seven 20D, what can i use it for ? 😕
sick biker is one guy in a hell of a sick shape !!!
Great racing footage and info as usual.
In which way frame with pressfit bb and wider support tube is lighter than frame with threaded bb? And one more question. How making frame with pressfit standard is more expensive and recquires more time in producing process? This is just a simple tube.
It takes more time because you need a tool to press it and time is money. Having threads means extra material is needed for the same strength
In all frames, my friend. That is why some brands have problems with creaking BB, when they don't have great quality in factory.
I went for count solo 3. Top fork (reba) but mostly similar for the rest. The brakes are awesome indeed. The bike is extremely fast on xc trails. Agree that finish of frame is not the best.
U rock dude
Rose looks better, I would choose that bike. For Merida brakes, try to put shifters before brake levers, that way you can move brake levers further for one finger braking, and keep shiters levers close for shifting
Thank you mate because what you said is exactly what I try to explain to my bike mates who spend thousands of euros for bikes maybe better but not functionally better tha my poor 26" radon upgraded during the time. Thanks a lot. What I suggest in your next videos is to try full ammo entry level bikes since today a well mounted full mtb costs around 3k euros...too much for a bicicle!
Is geometry really important for it? I can a Cannondale trail 1 2018 (very different to the 2017)and I wanted to change the wheelset for some races. But maybe a more xc geometry would be better. It has 67.5 degrees head angle for example
If you say "would be", then don't even bother with more aggressive geo.
Trail 1 2017 checking in. Got a deal like the rose here. Mediocre frame and nicer components. Still having fun riding on trails with the old school xc geo
Hi! What do you think about Kross level 4.0 for the beginner? Seems like a good price for budget bike (470 eur. in Estonia)
Love my Merida. But after 3 years the whole breaking system became dust. Not just the rubber-parts but all oif the plastic. It was the only no-name-part on ths bike (one of the very fist). So 300 euros and 10 years later - I now have abroken 'Freilauf'... pretty solid bike if you ask me ;-)
I run a big 7 400 that actually comes with the remote lockout and it's a 10×1
What's the tire clearance on the merida? I mean, what max tire width would it take?
If you're an upgrader, go with the Merida. If you're an out of the box rider, go with the Rose. No question.
@
SickBiker Please help me. I would like to know how much the FRAME on Green Froggie weighs? I have a Merda BigNine XT2 and while it is a very nice bike with very good components it comes with the TFS frame not the LITE frame. And this frame would be good but it has 135x9 rear dropouts which is not good. So I want to get a new frame. I am looking at light aluminium frames like Specialized Chisel or Giant XTC SLR but I would also like to know how much the frame on Big Nine LITE weighs as well as I love merida bikes and want to include it as an option.
hello can i have your opinion about my bike? it's a KTM ultra ltd 1964 2014 i boudht it half year ago brand new for 650euros, was it a good deal?
For me the rose is better because you can just upgrade the frame and the bb than upgrading the groupset and fork and also the rose have mavic wheels and mavic is one of the best wheels manufacturer
I'm from the UK. I am thinking of getting a £600 trail hardtail . It had Slx 2× drivetrain and six shifter. Rock shox xc 30 120mm. Also, it is a calibre line 20, Go out doers bike. Would I be able to use this bike for Xc.btw it is 13.5 my. Thanks sickbikw
In 2019 which would be best between these two and the entry level Gran Canyon AL SL? I think there all around the same price. A review of the new Gran Canyon SL would be much appreciated!
Thanks fella!
i have the merida big seven 40 . What s your oppinion on it
This is really great video! I'm actually looking into buying a similar bike (a bit more expensive though ~1000eur). Please keep on testing bikes in this price range!
In the video you mentioned that Merida makes "one of the best aluminum frames". Could you mention the others that make them as good :)? I'm looking into a Canyon hardtail, how do you like their frames?
I think, the Grand Canoyn is OK. Just note, that there are even three different frames:
1. no tapared head tube + quick releases + external cables up to model 6.0,
2. tapered head tube + quick releases on 7.0,
3. tapered head tube + through axles from 8.0
@@cannondany Thank you for a prompt answer! I noticed the differences and actually am thinking about the current AL SL 7.0 since it comes with a Reba RL (I saw your video on the stiffness of it!). Is there anything else to consider? Maybe a Merida XT Edition?
Good morning, you can do a maintenance of the Shox vivid Air R2C 2012, because mine is defective, and I can not fix it. Would you also like to know if I can replace nitrogen with normal Air Pump? Thank you. it would also have to show this maintenance in the IFP. Or I could do the maintenance of some Shox that had these two compartments, the Air is the oil, so I can build up the courage and be able to do maintenance on mine, because in my city it does not do maintenance and I would have to send the Shox to a city that is more than 1000 kilometers from mine. Thanks. I'm form Brasil. realizei minha incrição no canal hoje
Merida wins but now unsure if i should get this bike or a gravel bike (which are ridiculously expensive)
Normadic N if you want to also ride on the road and you are comfortable with spending more I think you can look at gravel bikes, otherwise just get something like the Merida, it can do a lot of things
If you're thinking to ride often in the woods with bad roads get MTB. I have a cyclocross from Merida.
I’d like to see you try full suspension cross country bikes at the same spec level as these or maybe one step up.
Anyone bought Merida big nine 400 in 2021? I am interested in buying one but with my 105kg I am afraid that components cannot handle my weight?
Hi Dan, really love your channel. Great work! I would like to ask you, if you would consider also Cannondale Trail 29 2 (2018) as a good newbie bike? Thanks for your opinion.
Yes Karel, it is definitely one of the bikes I would consider.
If the merida have rose components it would be perfect 😂, really hard choice....
All the bikes are the same price wise and depending on what you want I got the Merida for £490 but require a 21 size frame so have to wait to pick it nice bike gona be a beater bike for work and normal riding around the country side or something
how do they com[are to trek xcalibre 9?
I use road casseet on my XC racer. Sram PG1070. Matches up perfectly with a KMC Ti gold 10 speed chain... the trick is the righ chain to match.
That's, what I was planning to replace on Merida.
I look at mostly European vids., so I'm glad if you can stick with component and frame features. I think if bike stores sold frames, I could pick my components like ROSE. I have my own tire choice. The internal cabling doesn't do much for me. The hardest knocks on external housings/pipes at the parking post haven't done anything.
Planning to buy merida
Just bought the Big Nine XT 2020 , love it !
Can you make a compare video between ROCKSHOCK REBA VS MANITOU MARKHOR please???
The Reba is better but the Markhour is better bang per buck
Rose obviusly
Merida big.nine 500 has the TFS frame.
Am I the only one who doesn't like XC bikes being more and more similar to trail bikes? My main problem are too long handlebars and missing horns. Of course you can buy end horns anytime, but why people are not using them anymore? I actually like having more hand positions on longer trips or while climbing hills.
1973honza because it’s not the nineties anymore. Even frames 5 years ago are way too compact to really attack corners. I like long and slack.
Who dont u just use the component on the rose solo on merida frame!?!?!??????
I love this youtuber❤️
I really liked Merida for that price, except for gear ratios- too low for me (like really, what is gear ratio lower that like 0.9 good for? even to the steepest hill you have to paddle like maniac with lowest gear of this bike) but pressfit is the real dealbraker for me :( Even the old classic BB can be pain in the ass, having problem with pressfit you can just throw the bike in the trash.
You haven't said anything about their geometry.
True. Merida's stack and reach - 628/439. ROSE's stack and reach - 635/447. As we see, the ROSE is longer, yet higher. I prefer the shorter geo of Merida, but my friend, who's 2 cm taller, than me, says just the opposite.
@@cannondany a stack of 628 gives a reach of only 398 for Merida. A stack of 642 still gives a short reach of just 414.
Brilliant, thanx.
Are you in the uk 🇬🇧 ?
Poland.
I'm Polish.
Hi ricer... I think good idea to carry on. I love it.
The main criteria I employ is weight followed by geometry..
These are not budget. I get that they are budget for racing but for a lot of people, these would be considered mid range. SLX is is quite good for most people.
Continue writing entry level bikes!
£490 for a decent xc bike is not bad and I can mess with it anyway just need something to travel to work and back lol and maybe find a light trail to play on lol nothing crazy no crazy trail maybe go through a wooded area but yea it’s really just a better road bike with front suspension which is better than spending thus sands for comfort
I’d take a better frame bc you can upgrade the components but it’s harder to upgrade the frame, I started with a mid budget xc/trail hardtail and now I’ve upgraded it so much it’s 3 times the original price😂 but I love it
100% frame over components it's very rare any bike is going to have the components you want straight out the factory anyway
Wow i like merirda..
Try with the specialized chisel expert
I have this bike. chisel expert x1
Merida Big Nine.
I think the Merida is better
Plz do a video that you mix the the the bikes when you put the Merida frame on the rose and make the perfect entrylevel xc bike
Need to send those back...
just cut the brake levers if you want them shorter. You could just sand them down
What? No! Just move them closer to the centre of the bars a little bit. Cutting them makes them extremely brittle and they get uncomfortable
I don't know why but the rotors on the green bike are so ugly I can''t look at it sitting still.
Yeah, Altus...
Specialized Rockhopper comp 2019!!
I think thats a Manitou Machete. the Markhor has a straight tube instead of a tapered head tube
tidd.ly/330a2165
ah ok. Thanks for clearing that up. However i do have the same bike that you put in your description, and on that it was called "Limited" instead of "Lite" & came with a Machete instead.
Watchin one Video, thinkin.... Oh Boy thats a Sick boy yeah
Hi m8
is the most for because thats what you are using.. silly..
I would choose merida any time,dont like german frames,they feel lifeless and dont like geometry....