Advice on new bike - Merida Juliet Road 91

redz11

I'm looking for a road bike, basically for going for long-ish spins at the weekend. I haven't cycled at all in years, so don't know too much about the different brands/makes. I'm getting it through the bike to work scheme at the higher tax rate, so should save a good bit that way.

Anyways I've been looking around all the local shops, and today I tried the Merida Juliet Road 91. It's the only one that's stood out for me so far! I brought it for a spin and absolutely loved it. Link with all the specs.

It's €939, which is a bit more than I'd been expecting to pay - I'd been planning on spending close to the full €1,000 under the scheme anyways, but had planned on getting the bike for €700-€800 and then various accessories. But I guess it's better to spend a lot on the bike and get a really good one, and then I can pick up any accessories I need as I go along?

Would really appreciate any advice!

velo.2010

Looking at the bike you mentioned, the spec is a little less than you expect for that price. For e999 at Halfords they offer a Boardman Womens Road Comp with 10 speed, mostly SRAM Apex plus decent wheels and kit. Sorry I don't have more knowledge of womens specific bikes but the one you're looking at seems overpriced with what its specced with!

kincsem

Rush out to Lidl and buy a track pump for €7.99 (?). They were in Lidl this week and are a bargain.

You say you are using the bike for weekend spins. The bike looks like it does not have attachment points for a rack (back carrier) or mudguards, but if it is not for commuting then that is not a problem.

It doesn't come with pedals so you will need those, and cycling shoes. You might want to get the bike shop to advise and supply.

redz11

kincsem wrote: »

Rush out to Lidl and buy a track pump for €7.99 (?). They were in Lidl this week and are a bargain.

You say you are using the bike for weekend spins. The bike looks like it does not have attachment points for a rack (back carrier) or mudguards, but if it is not for commuting then that is not a problem.

It doesn't come with pedals so you will need those, and cycling shoes. You might want to get the bike shop to advise and supply.

Yeah I definitely won't use it for commuting so not worried about the rack or mudguards.

I asked in the shop and it comes with pedals ... I wasn't going to bother with proper cycling shoes for a while yet, until I get used to the bike!

kincsem

I don't cycle much but have bought most of my clothes here.
http://www.prendas.co.uk/

You probably need bib tights, short sleeve jersey, cycling socks. Bib shorts (or bib tights) are preferable imo to shorts. As far as I can see they don't have any ladies bib tights at the moment. Often they sell out of the medium sizes so you need to check. I like the Santini brand.

If you search the cycling forum you can get many recommendations.

redz11

What I'm kind of concerned about is that no one I've been talking to has heard of Merida? Is it a decent make?

kincsem

Most bikes are an assembly of parts bought from specialist manufacturers. The Merida brand or any other brand name means little (good or bad.) What counts is the quality of the parts that make up the bike.

Almost all frames are made in China / Taiwan to the specification of the bicycle company/brand (e.g. Merida). Frames can be steel, aluminium, titanium, or carbon. Prices vary hugely.
There are a multitude of wheel manufacturers. A pair of wheels could cost from €100 to €2,000+.
Gears are mostly either Shimano (Japanese) or Campagnolo (Italian). For example, Shimano do about six different gears ranges, some costing more than your bike for gears only. And Shimano also make ranges of gears for mountain bikes, touring bikes, commuter bikes.

Why not bring an experienced road cyclist with you to the bike shop to have a look at it? They will have a good idea about the quality of the bike for the money.

Another thing you might find is that the gears do not seem to work as well shortly after you get your new bike. The cables stretch with use and need a little adjustment to get the gears changing smoothly again.

redz11

kincsem wrote: »

Why not bring an experienced road cyclist with you to the bike shop to have a look at it? They will have a good idea about the quality of the bike for the money.

See there's the problem. I don't know any experienced cyclists I could bring along.

And I know so little about bikes, but it's really hard to pick up stuff online, when I haven't been cycling in so long. When I'm looking at bikes, I honestly just don't know what to look for!

But at the same time, I don't want to pick up a cheap "learner" bike if I'm just going to end up having to buy another bike a few months from now! If I'm buying a bike at all, I really want to get something decent.

nuclearned

I had a Merida a few years with similar components,merida are a big bike manufacturer and make very good bikes,the frame is excellent,wheelset a bit on the heavey side,anyhow I found it comfortable, reliable and great fun ,I would say at 899 it is overpriced for what your getting,try haggling it down if your really interested.

redz11

Well, I've decided to go for the Merida.

Apart from the helmet, what are the other essential accessories I'll need to get started?

Also, what do I need as regards clothing? And where to get it? ... I'll probably buy it online if it's cheaper, as I have to wait a couple of weeks for the bike scheme application to process anyways before I can get the bike.

funkyjebus

Merida are a fine brand, but that bike is way over priced. It has entry level components but entry level price is normally around 700. 600 if you get a good shop. I would expect a level up (Tiagra Groupset) on a bike of that price.

Save yourself 200 euro and shop around. You'll save circa 20-30% buying online and the comes assembled.

kincsem

redz11 wrote: »

Well, I've decided to go for the Merida.

Apart from the helmet, what are the other essential accessories I'll need to get started?

Also, what do I need as regards clothing? And where to get it? ... I'll probably buy it online if it's cheaper, as I have to wait a couple of weeks for the bike scheme application to process anyways before I can get the bike.

Congratulations on buying the bike. :cool:

Clothes

Helmet - if you buy one measure your head first and then get the right size.

Short sleeve cycling jersey - these are made from synthetic material that absorbs the sweat and then it evaporates leaving the jersey dry. Long sleeve cycling jerseys are a heavier, warmer material and are for winter or cool spring/autumn.
Read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_jersey

Bib Shorts
bib tights go down to your feet (straps over your shoulders and under the jersey so not seen)
bib shorts - straps over the sho
ulders and material ends just above the knees
shorts - from waist to just above the knees (no over the shoulder straps).
Read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_shorts#Bib_shorts

Cycling gloves - the finger tips are not covered. The palms have gel padding, and the back has cloth you can use to wipe sweat off your face. They can be €20+ but are a once-off buy and are worth it.
Read this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_glove

Socks - very short just above the ankle so you don't have sagging socks. Again these are synthetic material.

Shoes - use trainers until you feel the need to get cycling shoes and pedals.

Wet lube for the chain. Use sparingly, spin the chain a bit, then wipe off the excess lube so that the chain does not attract dirt.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=1041

Seat bag
A little bag that goes behind/under the saddle to hold keys, spare tubes, tyre levers, money, food.
I suggest a medium size, this make, with velcro straps as shown here.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7361

Tyre levers
You must be able to replace a punctured tube with a new tube.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=7205

Tube(s)
Usually when they puncture cyclists take out the punctured tube and put in a new tube. Bring home the punctured tube and repair it if you can.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=20484
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=37905

Mini Pump
Carry this with you on every cycle. The one below is good. I fit mine below my seat bag (the seat bag has a strap for it.)
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2904

Bottle
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=2878


I wash my cycling gear in a sink at low temperatures immediately after the cycle. I never use the washing machine.

Biggest online sellers
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/

Spend plenty of time looking at the products before you decide.

redz11

Thanks for that - loads of useful info

kincsem

You might want to get a Multi Tool later. Every cyclist carries one in their saddle bag. No rush to buy.
Example http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=25844

Bick

Hey,I bought a 91 a couple of months ago,my first road bike! And I have to say I'm really enjoying it,lovely bike! I got it in Newbridge. I think the shop is called Mcloughlins. Quiet negotiable on the price.. They also do a deal with alot of accessories for 1099 i think,you should try them!!