Merida Scultura Comp 904 or 905?
I have pretty much decided that I will be buying a new 2013 Merida Scultura Comp 904 as my first road bike. This comes with 105, Mavic Aksium wheelset and full carbon frame, and through a personal deal I can get this bike 25% off for about $1,680.
However, I am beginning to think I should be paying the extra $300 or so and get the 905 version, which comes with Ultegra and Fulcrum Racing wheels instead, and I think some things like the handlebars are upgraded as well.
I need to do some convincing as my parents are funding this bike but they aren't sure about going up to the 905. For those of you who know a bit about these bikes, is it worth going up to the 905? What do I get in the 905 that is better than the 904?
Thanks
904:
http://99bikes.com.au/bike/merida-scultura-comp-904-whiteblack/19/6766
905:
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Patrick O'Kane on -
I'd go the 905 if you can convince your parents. Ultegra is much nicer than 105 (although nothing wrong with 105) and the better wheels will make riding so much more enjoyable. You'll want to upgrade eventually so why not do it now. Parents are suckers for their kids, wash the dishes, mow the lawn, clean your room and the 905 is as good as yours
-
Permalink Reply by Clive Palfrey on -
If you can get it Ultegra is the way to go
-
Permalink Reply by Gus K on -
Yep, small price to pay for better drive-chain and wheels. Aren't they Fulcrum Racing 3?
Snappy Don just took delivery of his for this year (he won a Merida a year for three years) and he's happy with it (Di2 Ultegra though).
-
Permalink Reply by snappy_don on -
It's a nice frame so they'll both ride well. I picked a Merida 904 for my first road bike with no regrets. Even now that I'm on a Scultura Pro 907 with nice components I think the good frame is the single biggest difference to ride quality.
On the other hand Ultegra should last longer and stay in tune better if you're doing lots of KM's. And make sure you like the feel of the cheaper bar on the 904.
-
Permalink Reply by Dahondude on -
Stick with the 105 equipped bike and put the $300 towards decent helmet ($100-$300), shoes ($100-$400), pedals ($50-$200), pump, front and rear lights, knix ($50-$200) and jersey. You'd be surprised how much this stuff costs. Ive got 105 10 spd and race B grade and I cant fault it. For a first road bike you really wont notice the diff between 105 and ultegra and mavic vs fulcrum wheels. But you will notice the difference between a good quality/decent fitting set of shoes and knix, especially on long rides.
-
Permalink Reply by A.V.O. on
-
yep, you should accessorise and then spend a little bit extra on an epilator...... the masseur will love you! :-)
-
Permalink Reply by Simon Lownsborough on -
+1. Later on you can upgrade to Ultegra. 105 is pretty good, and let's your budget go further.
-
Permalink Reply by Terry C on
-
Out of the box, not a lot of difference, but twelve months later the quality of Ultegra and DA shows.
-
Permalink Reply by Chris Sewell on -
Web, its quote a variety of opinions. I think most will agree that Ultegra would be great but its quite right that you still need to get all the accessories. If you don't have the shoes, knicks etc now then I'd also say to save the money on the bike for now and stick with the 904. If on the other hand you have a separate plan for the clothes, pedals and shoes, it would be cost effective to get the 905. You will probably want to upgrade your wheels and drivetrain later anyway and ,that would probably cost you the amount of the bike anyway.
-
Permalink Reply by Adam Williss on -
For what it is worth, a 2012 Scultura 904 is my ride. It has taken me over the 3 Peaks Challenge in Vic, piles of local kilometers (including the Adelaide Dirty Dozen), is comfortable enough to have done many >200km single day rides, including one over 300km, and I just got back from a week in Bright where I again did Hotham, Falls Creek & Buffalo. All on the 105.
Sure the Ultegra will be nicer, but the 105 still does the job.
© 2013 Created by Gus K.
