I know everyone will be sick of this question but....

Neil_uk

I don't have the knowledge to decide between -

1. Rockhopper 2004 disc: Manitou Axle Plus, 100mm rebound, hydraulic disc, Deore and LX mechs.

2. Merlin Malt 2 2005: 2005 Magura Vidar forks 100mm, hydraulic disc, deore and deore mechs.

3. Giant XTC3 2005: SR Suntour XCP75 80mm travel, w/lockout, hydraulic disc, Deore and sram x9 mechs.

All three bikes cost around £599 and weight 28-30lbs.

I want it for medium distance trail riding, I don't expect to be doing no more that 1-2 foot drops.

For me - £599 is a lot of cash, and I don't want to waste it, any opinions would be appreciate.

Cheers guys.

stevemtbsteve

this is solely my opinion, £599 is a lot of dosh, but it will secure you a cracking bike 1st I wouldn't go with the giant, the fork is not as good as the others, plus most bike companies now are going for the 100mm travel and this is reflected in frame geometry, so up grading this later could be an issue (the 2003 rockhopper had the 80mm axel, but moved it up for the 04) granted the diff between 80-100mm is not the end of the world, but travels gettin longer.2nd the choice between the merlin and the rockhopper is v. tricky, some people don't like the manitou axels, my friends have them and we've ridden coed-y-brenin, the peaks, the lakes and they manage fine, and are very low maintanance. The vidar forks have thicker stantions, so will be more sturdy, and it's low maintance (i had a quake fork, which is basically the same design, it was top and no fuss). Both frames are light and have good geometry for trail riding, ride them! find out if which fits you best, check the wheel package out see if ones better, and you might get a slightly more attractive finishing kit on the merlin. They are both sound bikes that you can't go wrong with hope this helps, but is just my opinion!

Andy Rush

Hi Neil, I don't know anything about the other bikes but, picking up on Steve's point, check out the spec of the wheels before you buy. I've a Rockhopper 04 Comp disc and it's a great bike to ride however I've just had to fork out for a new rear wheel after only 7 months.

Born2bahick

The fork on the giant isn't the best granted but I like everything else about it! Hydros, Sram, Those are words I like to here! You didn't tell us wich one feels the best to you!

Johnny Boy

[QUOTE=Neil_uk]I don't have the knowledge to decide between -

Personally, I would go for the Merlin. Deore hubs on 717 rims handbuilt. Nice. Also good finishing kit and service from Merlin is excellent. Hope this helps. You'll be getting a proper bike for £600 instead of a big company frame with some mediocre bits bolted on.

jaz

Agreed Merlin are a very good company, I bought my wheels & disk brakes (Hope xc's/Hope Mini Monos/X717) from them in a package deal & apart from them doing me a very good price handbuilt wheels are well worth geting, allthough if your a hard rider I would get a different rim for the back as the 717s are real skinny & dont feel that tuff.