Merida Big Nine 40D- Entry Level MTB

[Niraj Sharma]

Hi Guys,

I am planning to start cycling and want to cycle for commuting.

I am planning to buy Merida Big Nine 40D 2018. 

But when I checked out the differences between 2017 and 2018 Merida Big Nine 40D 2018,

there are  quite a lot of differences in the parts used. Could anyone suggest on which one variant to pick up ?

And also please suggest any other bike(Better ) in the same price range.

Please find below the details of each cycle below,

Merida Big Nine 40-D 2018,

FRAME	BIG.NINE SPEED
FORK	Suntour XCM 100mm travel with lockout
DERAILLEUR FRONT	Shimano M2000
DERAILLEUR REAR	Shimano Altus
SHIFTERS	Shimano EF505 27 speed EZ-fire shifters
BRAKE LEVER	Shimano EF505
BRAKES	Shimano EF505 hydraulic disc brakes with 160mm centerlock rotors
CHAINWHEEL	Shimano MT100 40-30-22 with chainguard
CHAIN	KMC M99
HUBS	Shimano TX505 32 hole quick release with centerlock
RIM	MERIDA aluminium, 32 hole for disc brakes
FREEWHEEL	Shimano CS-HG200, 9 speed, 11-32 teeth
TIRES	MERIDA K1080 29 * 2.2", wire bead, 30tpi
SPOKES	Black steel
HANDLEBAR STEM	MERIDA Speed Oversize clamp 7 degree
HANDLEBAR	MERIDA Speed Oversize clamp 690mm wide 15mm rise
HEADSET	MERIDA 2211
SEAT POST	MERIDA Speed 27.2mm
SADDLE	MERIDA Sport comfort
PEDAL	VP VPE-891
WEIGHT	15.20 kg

 

Merida Big Nine 40-D 2017

FRAME	BIG.NINE SPEED
FORK	SR 29 XCM HLO 100
DERAILLEUR FRONT	Shimano M370
DERAILLEUR REAR	Shimano Altus 9
SHIFTERS	Shimano Altus rapidfire
BRAKE LEVER	Tektro M285
BRAKES	Tektro MA hydraulic 160
CHAINWHEEL	SR XCM 44-32-22 CG
CHAINGUARD	attached
CHAIN	Chain 9S
HUBS	Alloy Disc / Alloy Disc cassette
RIM	MERIDA BIG.NINE D
FREEWHEEL	Sunrace CS-9S 11-32
TIRES	MERIDA 29 2.2
SPOKES	stainless silver
HANDLEBAR STEM	MERIDA Comp OS 6
HANDLEBAR	MERIDA comp OS 690 R15
HEADSET	EGG steel-B
SEAT POST	MERIDA speed 27.2
SADDLE	MERIDA Sport
PEDAL	XC Alloy
BELL	YWS-Alloy
WEIGHT	15.60 kg

[Sudhir Pai]

2017 model has Chainwheel SR XCM 44-32-22 CG
2018 model has Chainwheel Shimano MT100 40-30-22

So 2017 will be marginally faster and 2018 will be bit easier on legs (whichever way you want to take it) compared to the other model.

[Niraj Sharma]

Thank you Sudhir for your feedback. And the rest of the things are fine in 2018 variant ?

[Sudhir Pai]

Niraj, I don't see a major deference between the two.
I don't own a Merida bike but understand they are a good brand. I have a MTB with similar specs and enjoy riding it.
So if the budget is OK with you, just select the correct sized one and enjoy your ride.

[Niraj Sharma]

Thanks Sudhir :) I think I will pick up Merida 2018 variant then :)

[Sudhir Pai]

I don't know how you are planning to purchase. I would certainly not recommend buying a cycle online if it is your first one.

Visit a nearby bike shop, try couple of variants and buy from local shops.
Don't hesitate to pay little extra (compared to online price).

[Niraj Sharma]

Hi Sudhir,

Thanks for your concern, that means a lot. I am picking up the bike from a store and not buying it online :)

[Sudhir Pai]

Happy to know you are buying what you liked; pls post pics of your ride!