Yea I think I like the look of this one. 

https://www.merida-bikes.com/en-nz/bike/1996/bignine-limited

zadermac:

 

Went into my local bike shop today and saw these 2 I really like. Not a lot of options but it's local and the guy is really helpful. The whole buying bikes online thing turns me off a bit. 

 

https://www.merida-bikes.com/en-nz/bike/1996/bignine-limited

 

https://www.merida-bikes.com/en-nz/bike/1972/one-forty-700

 

this one is nearly as good

https://www.99bikes.co.nz/collections/mtb-hardtail-bikes/products/merida-2021-big-nine-200-matt-blue-white

if you have to dump 4k on a bike there are better ways to do that - get a full suspension bike - it's like rolls royce on 2 wheels (my wife has the one at the bottom - super fun and no butt pain)

https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/APM1AN1CIAA/title/2021-anthem-29-2---black

https://www.99bikes.co.nz/collections/mtb-dual-suspension-bikes/products/2021-merida-one-twenty-400-matt-grey-black

jonathan18: Why not start with something decent but relatively affordable? That way you'll have proof of concept before plonking down what is a serious amount of cash without the assurance you'll make the most of that big investment.

Yes, many bikes languish after purchase when the owner discovers riding is harder work than they thought or they don't have as much time/opportunity to ride as they hoped.

FWIW, my theory was, start with an Ok but used bike and then if I really get into it, a fancier one can be justified. Otherwise I'll have an expensive purchase that doesn't get used.

Picked up a nice carbon-framed hard tail for $0.5k and I'm having great fun with it.

If you're away from the bigger centres, your choice will be limited, new and used.

Your lbs should be able to assess your size/shape and get the right size of any model you want for you, assuming stock is available in these covid limited times.

I was looking at new bikes late last year and hard tails of various brands with hydraulic brakes start at about $0.8k in Wellington, if that helps you assess the value of your lbs' offering.

Remember your lbs needs to make a profit so they're there to fix those little problems that crop up in later years.

elpenguino:

 

jonathan18: Why not start with something decent but relatively affordable? That way you'll have proof of concept before plonking down what is a serious amount of cash without the assurance you'll make the most of that big investment.

 

Yes, many bikes languish after purchase when the owner discovers riding is harder work than they thought or they don't have as much time/opportunity to ride as they hoped.

 

FWIW, my theory was, start with an Ok but used bike and then if I really get into it, a fancier one can be justified. Otherwise I'll have an expensive purchase that doesn't get used.

 

Picked up a nice carbon-framed hard tail for $0.5k and I'm having great fun with it.

 

 

 

If you're away from the bigger centres, your choice will be limited, new and used.

 

Your lbs should be able to assess your size/shape and get the right size of any model you want for you, assuming stock is available in these covid limited times.

 

I was looking at new bikes late last year and hard tails of various brands with hydraulic brakes start at about $0.8k in Wellington, if that helps you assess the value of your lbs' offering.

 

Remember your lbs needs to make a profit so they're there to fix those little problems that crop up in later years.

 

 

 

exactly. that's where i come in and buy them for cheap, though with covid i have not had much luck in this department. people are asking RRP for used bikes.

Make sure you ride it and some others FIRST.   Different frame shapes and dimensions make a huge difference to how it feels and whether it suits you.

I bought a bike online and my partner bought one in the flesh from Avanti.  Mine just doesn't feel comfortable for me but my partners feels perfect.  Wish I had done some in the flesh testing first.

I bought a Merida Big seven 500 about 4 years ago for just under $1k (Supposedly down from $1,700 as I purchased back in the days when the Bike Barn used to deliberately over-state the price of their bikes before the Commerce Commission finally caught up with them).

For the money I paid, I have been very happy with it. It’s been very reliable and is fun to ride.

ps. I nearly fell off my chair when I saw your photos and asking $1k price. That bike would struggle to sell for $50 at a local recycling shop, great you thought to check it out first.

Is the price of mountain bikes coming down  with the popularity of e-bikes? It seems people are now want mountain bike with motors and batteries, which appear to be really pricey in NZ. I often seen men riding them around, with their children on push bikes.

mattwnz:

 

Is the price of mountain bikes coming down  with the popularity of e-bikes? It seems people are now want mountain bike with motors and batteries, which appear to be really pricey in NZ. I often seen men riding them around, with their children on push bikes.

 

price of MTB and ebikes have gone up since covid due to lack of supply. i buy these things annually but not in the last year

Its a mistake buying a mountain bike for fitness (for cardio) .

You buy a mtn bike for fun . Then you buy a spin bike / exercycle as you need to be bike fit to ride it (offroad)
Riding your mtn bike once a week (or once a month) isnt going to do much for cardio , fitness etc.

And, if NOT riding it off road , get a road bike. And ride it several times a week
Do you have local tracks to ride a mtn bike offroad ?

Batman: Not a mistake deepening on what you're trying to do. If you want to ride 50km + get a road bike.

If not, then a mountain bike is cheaper and has more resistance so you get a good workout at lower speeds.

If you only consider endurance training exercise then you wouldn't be asking about a mountain bike. You'd probably already bought a 14k tri bike.

+1

I had a carbon frame road bike until it was stolen, replaced with a hard tail mountain bike.

If you are not planning extensive road training, agree 50km+, then a mountain bike is more versatile and fun.