29er Full Suspension choise: Merida vs Giant

[zarkolazarov]

Hi everyone,

I'm in a crossroad while choosing my next bike.
Currently I drive a Merida Hardtrail bike and decided it's time to upgrade to a 29" wheel full suspension bike.
I have narrowed my search to these two bikes:

1. Merida Big Ninety Nine 1000 1.500 EUR
2. Giant Anthem X 29er 1 1.870 EUR

I was leaning towards the Giant as a more experienced brand for full suspension bikes, I think this is Merida's first try with a 29er Full Suspension Bike.
The problem is the Giant biggest frame is a 22"(with a top tube of 635 mm) while Merida offers a 23"(with a top tube of 645 mm). I am a tall guy, 196 cm and I have a lot of back pain while driving my current Merida (22" with a top tube of 614 mm), always feeling the need to stretch a bit more, feeling that a couple of extra cm of top tube would make a big difference.
I tried everything on my current bike, putting the seat back at the farthest position, rotating the stem to the negative angle, but, still is not enough.
I know that by all sizing guides, a 22" bike should fit a 196 cm cyclist, but I simply feel more comfortable if I have a bigger frame with a longer top tube.

Because of this I think I will go for the Merida as it offers a bigger frame, and the lower price is just a bonus
As a brand, I like Merida, I have a Road Bike Merida, and a HardTrail Merida, I've had no problems so far, and I'm very satisfied from the build and driving capabilities. I'm just not convinced of Merida's Full Suspension capabilities, and not having a test bike or even a show bike in the shop, I will have to order it blindly without giving it a test drive. (same goes for the Giant)

If anyone has a Merida Full Suspension bike, or a Full Suspension bike in general, I would appreciate any input.

Hope to hear from you guys,
Regards,

 

[SteCenturion]

27.5 ??
It's the future (or so we are told).
Seriously though - it seems the major manufacturer's are gearing up towards this being the new 'standard' for MTB.
A sort of best of both worlds solution.
Personally - I find 29ers a bit awkward looking - although my last MTB was from the 26' standard era.
I don't ride MTB anymore due to time/family commitments so can't give you the best advice.
Try this post in the MTB section also to get best advice.
Good luck.

 

[SteCenturion]

Just a thought.
Have you tried a longer stem up front (MTB stems usually around 80-90mm on modern bikes), swap it out for a longer road length stem 100-110mm.
Also have you tried a laid back seat post ?
A combination of both might give the best position but on your standard frame size & keep your saddle position more neutral.

 

[Steve H]

I'm 6'5 and have the Giant Trance X 29er. Very similar to the Anthem, but slightly different frame shape and a bit more travel. This bike is plenty big enough for me.

29ers are a bit longer than regular MTBs, and therefore I think fit bigger blokes much better.

There is of course only one way to properly find out which will suit you most - that is it trial them both. Giant certainly have a decent number of demo bikes and dealers can call up various sizes for customers to try, so if you find a semi decent lbs they will do this for you. I'm sure you could do similar with the Merida.

 

[SteCenturion]

Didn't realise the whole frame of 29ers were larger - so better stick with that set up then Zarko.
Still a good Lbs should help you get the correct fit & maybe will swap out the stem for you to a longer unit.
The seat post will be another matter & cost you a bit.
Always worth asking though.

 

[zarkolazarov]

Hi guys, thank you for your replies.

SteCenturion I tried the longest stem that I could find, actually my merida comes with a 120 mm stem, as well as the new one that I'm planing to order. I've heard that there are even longer ones like 130 mm, 140 mm or even 150 mm, but I fear those would impact steering capabilities and feel awkward. Anyway, after I purchase if I feel the need I will definitely opt out for a longer stem.
I havent heard about a laid back seat post, but seems like something worth looking for if I start feeling the same back pain after the purchase.

Steve H I am the exact same height as you so I'm glad you feel comfortable on the 29er. I was actually considering the Giant Trance as they are very similar and evenly priced with the Anthem in the shop, but my biggest worry was the top tube distance. There is no shop in my country that has a demo bike or even a full suspension bike on stock so that I can see and measure. It can only be ordered and come here in couple of months unfortunately.

If Giant offered a 23" frame, I would go for Giant even though is more expensive than the Merida offer. But in this situation, I think I will go for the Merida as it is the biggest frame offered.

 

[SteCenturion]

Zarko - just google seat post laid back or lay back.
Most manufacturers do them inc Thompson who's products are very well regarded.
Basically it puts you behind the centre line of your frames seat tube & then adjust your saddle position until you hit perfect for you.
Stems - I agree - if you go beyond 120mm they might start to get a bit too flexi - for me I wouldn't go beyond 110mm on my road bike or 100mm on a Mtb.
Hope you find the perfect fit for you in the end.

 

[zarkolazarov]

UPDATE:
Hi guys, just to let you know, I decided to go for the 2014 Giant Anthem X 29er 1.
Was doing a lot of research, and everywhere I went, they were praising the Anthem as one of the best bikes in this category, and best bang for buck.
On many reviews for bikes in this price range, it was coming on top, so I finally made a decision and ordered this one.
Downside is, I'll have to wait 23 weeks, beginning in June to arrive. I will have to drive on my Hardtrie