New bike quandry Merida Ride 5000 v Lapierre Sensium 200

[silentC]

I have been given a stack of gift vouchers for the LBS and have narrowed the purchase down to one of these two bikes.

The Merida has some Ultegra components, the Sensium is full 105. I can get the Merida for about $400 off the RRP but the Sensium is not moving on price. Both are 2015.

I can't decide whether to wait for the Sensium to come down in price, whether I should just buy it now, or buy the Merida. I'm a bit more attracted to the Lapierre despite the 105 components. I think it is a nicer bike all round. $2.5k is about my limit.

I don't suppose anyone knows when the Lapierre 2016 range is coming out?

[Usernoname]

99 bikes have the Sensium for $2,365.00. i picked up a merida ride 5000 for $2100 from a Bicycle Centre store. Happy with it (like a blue bike and the price). The drive train is basic, but has ultegra shifters and derailleur. I think the full 105 is a better deal. Don't know enough about wheels to compare. Good luck with the purchase, can you try both?

[silentC]

Unfortunately not, he's only a small shop and can't stock much. I think I will go for the Lapierre. I like the frame and I can upgrade the groupset one day if I want.

[TMjpn]

I probably doesn't help but the Sensium is more apples vs apples geometry wise with the Merida Scultura rather than the ride models.

I like the idea of the sensium better too. Not a bad looking ride.

[macca33]

Those LaPierres are nice rigs. I've put a few friends onto Merida Sculturas through my friendly LBS, but secretly, I've been wanting one of them to buy a LaPierre!

Both represent good buying.

cheers

[silentC]

A bit dejected because he just told me there's no stock in my size. Trying to find out when the 2016 model comes out and how much it will be...

There's also the Ride 7000 which is down quite a bit in price at the moment, but a little bit out of my price range...

Hadn't really looked at the Scultura. Being a 50-something now (just) I think I need an endurance frame. I thought the Sensium was but I'll have to have a closer look.

[biker jk]

You can buy a Merida Ride Disc 7000 for $2499. That's if you want disc brakes. I have one and I'm very happy with the ride comfort and handling. You're more upright since the head tube is taller but the head tube and seat tube angles are 73 deg, so I wouldn't call that relaxed geometry.

[silentC]

Yeah he offered me one of those. It looks nice. I baulked at the disk brakes though. I suppose I should consider it because it's a damn good price.

[MichaelB]

Yeah he offered me one of those. It looks nice. I baulked at the disk brakes though. I suppose I should consider it because it's a damn good price.

Why baulk at discs ?

They work better in the dry (marginal, but still better), and in the wet, they just work, simple.

Been riding road disc for 5 years now and have NEVER looked back.

[silentC]

Only because I've never ridden a bike with discs and I know nothing about them. I'm almost swayed. Just waiting for the LBS to ring back and give me his best price. I really wanted that Lapierre but he said that the prices will be at least +10% on the 2015 model. Damn, I really like that bike. But that Ride 7000 Disc is also a nice looking bike. Not that looks matter. But yeah they do

[silentC]

Done. Ordered, no turning back now...

[rodneycc]

Which one?

[silentC]

The Merida 7000 Disc. I was trying to find out why they were so much reduced. I reckon they overestimated the demand.

[rodneycc]

Nice one. Great spec. Love the black and red if thats the one you have gone. V.nice. Cheers

[silentC]

Yep that's the one. Should arrive Tuesday, then I will be haunting the lbs until it's ready to ride. If he thought I was a pest before I bought it, he's seen nothing yet!

[biker jk]

I'm out on a ride with mine right now. Make sure the lbs does a proper fit. Take your pedals and shoes. The brakes needed to be bedded in so ask about the method. Enjoy your new bike. I had a few asking questions at the coffee stop. Had to keep their hands off the brake rotors to stop contamination. He. He.