Novice (perhaps very silly) question on mtb frames

[Backtobasics]

Just looking at getting back into riding, I've looked at a fair few bikes today at various shops (JE James, Decathlon, Edinburgh etc). I'm not spending a lot to get started, so may go for a rockrider 8.1 (seems a good starter choice), however I don't like the frame.

So I have seen a Merida carbon mtb frame and was wondering if I can change out the frame on the 8.1 for that? Not sure on the size of Seatposts, front derailleur, bottom brackets and headset and if they will fit, so thought I would ask.

Any ideas on where to find the relevant info, or does anyone know on here?

Thanks and sorry if its a daft question.

[TAZ 215]

Can you tell me which Merida carbon frame it is?

I will be able to give you the dimensions you need.

Thanks

[Backtobasics]

Merida 22 inch carbon FLX team mountain bike frame (26 wheel)

thanks

[Backtobasics]

Fair comment, I said it may be a silly question. I would probably be able to get the carbon frame for 20-30% of its retail value, this gives me a lighter, faster and more agile bike as I understand it. Plus something a little different.

I understand that removing components from a bike and sticking them on a new frame is probably a 2 hour max job. Don't think I could get the interior out of a focus in that time.

Swapping frames seems to be a common practice.

Like I said in another thread it been over a decade since I was involved in bikes.

[BadgerBenji]

Backtobasics said:

Merida 22 inch carbon FLX team mountain bike frame (26 wheel)

thanks

That's massive in mountain bike terms, you would want to be well over 6' to consider that size.

[TAZ 215]

The frame will need a 31.6mm seat post, and has a conventional 73mm BB shell.

The headtube will fit a conventional 1 1/8th steerer fork - the geometry was optimised for 80mm but you could run a 100mm fork.

Just to answer the what would make it special, that same frame won Silver at the Athens Olympics and several world cups and world champs.

[GaryGlitter]

TAZ 215 said:

Just to answer the what would make it special, that same frame won Silver at the Athens Olympics and several world cups and world champs.

Which means jack-schit. The frame didn't win anything - the person riding it won, they just happended to be riding a Merida at the time.

[Celtic Dragon]

BadgerBenji said:

Backtobasics said:

Merida 22 inch carbon FLX team mountain bike frame (26 wheel)

thanks

That's massive in mountain bike terms, you would want to be well over 6' to consider that size.

To give you some idea of that size, I'm 6 foot with a 32 inch inside leg, and ride a 17 - 18 inch framed MTB

[ewenm]

Celtic Dragon said:

BadgerBenji said:

Backtobasics said:

Merida 22 inch carbon FLX team mountain bike frame (26 wheel)

thanks

That's massive in mountain bike terms, you would want to be well over 6' to consider that size.

To give you some idea of that size, I'm 6 foot with a 32 inch inside leg, and ride a 17 - 18 inch framed MTB

Me too. A 22" frame is huge for MTBs (assuming it's measured roughly the same as it used to be).

[rhinochopig]

Celtic Dragon said:

BadgerBenji said:

Backtobasics said:

Merida 22 inch carbon FLX team mountain bike frame (26 wheel)

thanks

That's massive in mountain bike terms, you would want to be well over 6' to consider that size.

To give you some idea of that size, I'm 6 foot with a 32 inch inside leg, and ride a 17 - 18 inch framed MTB

r

A 22" frame is about right for 6'5"+ My HT is a 21" frame and I'm 6'5" and it's just big enough for xc - all day ride stuff. A 22" would be roomy for someone of my height.

[anonymous-user]

The Athens Olympics was a long time ago so if that frame is indeed the same frame, its something like 12 years old and you will miss out on over a decade of development and technology.

20-30% off a 13 year old frame doesnt sound like a great deal to me when there are good deals on things like OnOne 456s around. I'd go so far as to say that in the last decade, carbon manufacturing has improved so much that the Deng Fu et al carbon frames on ebay are probably comparable to a decade old Merida...

Also, if you are starting out, albeit after a while off the bikes, do you really want a carbon frame? I dont fall over that often but when I do I am grateful I have a frame made of Reynolds finest and not carbon...

Honestly, I'd not bother with the Decathalon and the Merida, the faff of swapping bits over and the costs involved, just go to Canyon and get something straight out of the box which is just as good, albeit not carbon... but remember a bike is only as good as the guy sat on it.

[Backtobasics]

:-) lots of interesting points for me to consider, so thanks. I'm 6" 4", and 35 inside leg so need a fair size frame. I have had 21 inch frames in the past and been comfortable on those. I will take a look at the other make mentioned as well. Sounds like a frame swap is a step too far.

[dave_s13]

Backtobasics said:

:-) lots of interesting points for me to consider, so thanks. I'm 6" 4", and 35 inside leg so need a fair size frame. I have had 21 inch frames in the past and been comfortable on those. I will take a look at the other make mentioned as well. Sounds like a frame swap is a step too far.

What's your budget?

Everyone seems to rave about canyon bikes at the moment and if you've been out of it for a bit there's a trend toward big wheeled bikes ie 29" and more recently 27.5".

I recently bought a Scott Scale 29 Elite 2012 - XL frame and I'm 6'4" - fits me just right although I also rode a pals Scott Scale Pro Large frame carbon job, same frame geo as mine but a large size and also sexy carbon....I wasn't really any faster on it to be honest but that fitted OK too....ideal if you can sit on one.

My alu frame bike is less than a kilo heavier than my mates carbon version (which is a smaller frame too), it's all about the person pedalling it, I wouldn't get hung up on needing a carbon frame.

[Backtobasics]

Budget is probably £550 to £850. Not too bothered if its carbon or not to be honest. Just thought the combo of that frame at that value with those parts may be a good idea.

Edited by Backtobasics on Wednesday 29th May 14:00