Which Brand of Bike to Choose?

Question

Im not to sure about bikes. Im choosing between a TREK 4300, HARO V2, MERIDA 100D. Im not sure which to choose. All of them come with disc brakes.
Which is more likely to be the better bike. I Have between A$400-A$700 to spend

Answer 1

the Trek is good, stay away from the Haro
don't know much about the Merida
also check out Giant, Specialized, and KHS

Answer 2

I would choose the one that your dealer is more comfortable fixing and warrentee-ing. I'm not sure why the other guys are so down on Haro, they've been making great BMX bike for 20 years. Unless they have some abysmal reputation for customer service, or the bikes are super-cheap walmart types with the Haro name on them, who knows. Merida is big in asia, and they sponsor many teams and events over there. We don't see them on the east coast USA though.

Again, talk to your shop, get the one they find easier to deal with.

Answer 3

Two things come to mind here: fit and compentry. If a bike is a bad fit for your body, it doesn't matter how good it is. Test ride each brand and see what feels better for your geometry. For example, Treks tend to be to short in the top tube for me whereas Gary Fishers are too long.

Next, make sure that the bikes you a re comparing from brand to brand are the same component level. Do they have similar rear derailleurs, cranks, brakes, etc? You might find that one is a better value than the other.

That being said, in terms of brands, of the three that you mention, Trek has the best reputation for customer service and overall quality. Other companies with similar stature include Specialized and Giant.

Answer 4

I agree with Unclean. Trek 4300 is a good machine. They are a bit sit up and beg, but generally good quality components.

Haro - don't touch.

Merida are quite well known for organizing events in the UK. They have just started bringing their machines in the UK. Initial reports are not brilliant from MBR 7/10. However, they have good frames and they are not bad, reasonably priced machines.

However, Trek 4300s are good machines and I would look to this one until Merida iron out some of their problems.

Luck

Answer 5

Merida makes very good bikes, and some of the world best xc racers are on it's team riding their bikes. Guhn Rita Dahle and Ernesto Hermida race on their team.

A friend has a Merida and really likes it, I think it's a very good option.

Trek is a very standard choice. It's sort of a safe bet, and I think that their hardtails are pretty good.

I don't know about Haro, but I don't think they're something to keep away from.

One of the most important aspects to look for in a bike is fit. Ask them to let you test ride them and see how you feel on them. They will likely feel different on trails, but at least you'll get a feel on size.

Answer 6

i dont know why these guys are so down on Haro and they dont give reasons why. I dont know anything about Merida but i know that Trek dominates the market and everyone and their grandmother owns one. Ive owned Haro and GT and both have been fine with me.

Answer 7

I see a lot of Krons and Sedonas in the bike parking lot at my work - but you should check out Rocky Mountain - they're a Canadian brand, but I've heard nothing but good things about them.