Merida A880

[007fair]

Hi all After looking for ages I never did purchase a new bike.. now summer is coming and the desire is returning !
LSB stock merida and bianchi .. Latter looked really neat but 600 for the basic one was too steep

The Merida A880 was 499 and got a very good review from a cycle mag
http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/bikes/road/product/880-24-31955
But the review states the bike was retailing at 400 GBP. Is 500 too much now for this? (assume change is due to the ex rate EURO to GBP)
Any advice on this bike.. Frame seems to be top notch but components not so much
I was comparing this to a halfords Carrera Vanquick with Tiagra and carbon fork etc at about 370 Looked much better value but what do I know !?

Would i be better getting a 2nd hand road bike for about 250?
If so anyone selling ..!?

 

[Sittingduck]

For 500 quid I would probably want better than Shimano 2200 shifters... Then again I am a noob when it comes to road bikes!

 

[RedBike]

It sounds like all the money has gone on the frame and Merida have had to really cut corners on the other bits and bobs to get it in at the £400 mark.