Really enjoy the reviews and when you compare other brands. It gives you a better understanding of the bikes and brands. Thanks Cam. Look forward to the next VLog
All Taiwan episode. Awesome! Thanks Cap'n 'stache! I live in Taiwan, and while I do like Giant bikes, their PR and customer service is something to be desired. Well, hit or miss in their chain stores. They manufacture for market. I am 187 with 86 inseam and have tried for a decade to get a bike from Giant to fit. The closest was a TCR that just barely fits. You know like a pair of shoes that "fit" but feel really snug? Like that. I contacted Giant about buying a large bike frame in Taiwan and was flat out told that it is not possible, and was wished (seriously) good luck in my bike purchase. I was told by a chain manager that it was possible, but would take six months. And Giant has no incentive or want to change that despite Taiwanese getting taller. Merida has been more accommodating. The Scultura is available for sale for tall riders in Taiwan, no wait. Well, maybe a day or so to track one down in the country and ship it to you. So, I guess that my work is done.
I agree on your point on customer service in giant. Even those retailers in my country have pretty bad service. It’s a pity one can only buy giant bikes at their retailers.
these head to head review gifes a sense of where the bike fairs against others, absolutely helpful! plus i love your honest and clear style of review, thumbs up buddy!!
Your videos are always educational and informative on road biking! Honest, Humble, and Professional Person and Cyclist! Thanks for your Great Blogs, I enjoy watching and learning from your exceptional Videos!
Really good to know. I just had a choice between an advanced pro 2, Merida scultura 7000e and a Scott addict (something). Went with the Merida. Very happy with it thus far. Really good to know it’s got the legs against the giant!
I save money to buy my first road bike. I am riding a trekking one now. The Merida Scultura raised a heartbeat when i saw it. I will go for a Claris or Sora groupset and later upgrade to 105. Amazing channel btw. Sad that i didn't find it earlier.
I'm 46 years old and started bike ride 2 years ago with Scultura 400 and completed B2GC and Ipswich classic. Someday I'll go for Scultura 4000 and above :)
I have just upgraded from a Merida 7000e disc to a 2019 Defy Advanced Pro 0. After doing 3 peaks, Fitzs and Alpine 320 on the Merida I found I needed something with a bit more compliance for long days in the saddle. So far I have found the Defy comfortable but time will tell when longer riding days start. As for the Merida, it makes a commuter.
I ride a Scultura 7000e disc, and frequently ride it on rough bitumen chip road and gravel with no difficulty - riding in the Hawkesbury area, it's hard to avoid this if you like to mix and match your routes. I have 28c Contis fitted with no difficulty, and it's much more comfortable than with the 25c stock tyres. Looking at the clearances, could almost certainly go to 32mm.
Some time has passed since you released this video and i was just wondering, if it was between the merida or any other road bike in that sort of price range on the market, what would you recommend for somebody with the intention of using it as an indoor trainer for zwift races? Good to see another Aussie on RUclips killing it. Good stuff
great content--what is it about the Scultura frame that makes it feel like titanium you think? please review the 2021 Scultura Endurance when you get a chance...
Can this is Andre again I thank you for your videos and for breaking in down because I'm a new guy in this sport in this type of sport and I bought for myself giant TCR aluminum frame road bike 2003 or 2004 model and I really like this Sport and they're like your content and videos so I learned a lot off of it thank you again and God bless you
Over here in Ireland - Giant, Trek, Merida and Cube are considered in the same bracket. I looked at a Sculptura as well but went with the Defy primarily due to my preference for Disk brakes over rim to suit typically wet Irish conditions.
Great review mate. I swapped over to a 4000 frame after having two frames from a major brand crack. Absolutely love it. I’ve run 30mm tyres on my Vision Metrons since I swapped over with rim brakes without frame rub or any other issues 👍🏼
hey cam, merida just launched the merida scultura endurance which is said to have more tyre clearance, might be worth looking into as a follow up review?
After taking a look at the new 2021 Scultura Endurance specs and waching Cam's simple, clear and inspiring analisys on the Scultura, i totally agree with Hung Ton, the new Endurance might be the best of both worlds ;) At least for me, it looks quite promissing.... Quite anxious for a "moustache" follow up on the new Merida Cam ;)
My main road bike for the last few years has been a 2014 Merida Scultura CF904, which was equivalent spec to the 4000. They improved the shape the following year, making it a bit more aero, but the geometry is pretty much the same. I've changed the wheels and saddle but otherwise it's still got stock components. It's been brilliant
My least favourite part of the Defy is that brake setup on the handlebars. When everyone else is going for integration, giant has that monstrosity on the front of it.
thanks cam..great review fingers crossed I"ll be riding that Merida in the new year when I win the raffle.. actually surprisingly affordable..both bikes..and those models at the beginning of the vid really know how to sell a bike..LOL
Hi Cam, I recently had to take a break from cycling for about 2 weeks due to the situation in Hong Kong before. Now that everything is fine, i’ve started riding again and I don’t know why but I just feel weak. I’m no longer able to crush the hills that I used to before. What should I do to build my fitness again?
Sorry to hear, but two weeks is a long time. If you want to start rebuilding fitness I would be doing some longer zone two rides, then slowly build in the high intensity. Watch my latest video, it will help explain. Cheers, Cam
Cam Nicholls Thanks for the reply, i’ve started to do some longer rides and now i feel like my fitness is coming back slowly. Luckily i can train here in the winter cause the winter here is only like 12-14C min
Thanks for the review mate. Was torn between the Defy advance pro and Merida Scultura, both with SRAM Force. Having ridden a Defy for the past few years, and giant for the best part of a decade, decided on the Scultura. Hoping for something a bit more refined in the Merida. Also, the other thing these days is the lack of standard components from the likes of Trek, Giant et al. They're doing cool things at the expense of me being bale to buy new carbon bars... I want to be able to customise my bike to me, not to the manufacturer. Cheers, H
@@CamNicholls Hi Cam, just came across this video and it has helped me with more information on the Scultura, so thanks. I wondered if you (or any of your subscribers) have any further advice that would help me with choosing between a Scultura or Reacto. I currently have a Scultura 4000 (2018) and like the relaxed geometry but want to upgrade to a bike with electronic groupset, disc brakes, and possibly carbon wheels so I don't have to upgrade the wheels later. I have a 2021 Scultura Force-Edition Black/Bronze on hold at a local bike shop but am having second thoughts if I should go for a Reacto instead. My local rides are not all flat there are plenty of climbs (short and long), I am a lightweight rider 66kg, and my rides average 25-30km/h. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks
@@martindawkins9732 The Reacto is a great all round Aero bike but it's not a good climber. But if you're not racing climbs, I would go the Reacto because the aero gains will make it more fun.
Late to this party, but I bought a 2021 Scultura 4k disc November last year. I ride most days either on the trainer or outdoors. The only upgrades I've done is a Pro Stealth saddle and some ZIPP 303s's. It's been an awesome bike, even on 4+ hour rides. I'd be interested to know how the new Scultura Merida have just released stacks up to this weapon!
Interesting analogy between the Belgie and the Scultura, Cam .... I wasn't overly impressed with the Ti when I rode it - to me it felt like the bike wasn't really putting me in touch with the road - maybe that's something that I needed to get my head around, but I found it most disconcerting ... How do you feel that the Scultura would match up against the Trek Domane or a Focus Paralane? I'm currently on a very old (2003) Giant TCR2, which is pretty similar in geometry to the Scultura based on what I can find for the Giant, and to be honest, most days I get off it wishing I'd never got on it (post back surgery), which is why I'm on the hunt for a new bike with more relaxed geometry (and a bike fit from Jae) ...
Interesting to hear your experiences on Ti Andrew! I can't say unfortunately, Trek repeatedly ignore my emails so not sure I'll ever get on one. Focus could be done. But nothing planned at this stage. Let me know what you decide on. Cam
@@plantfuelled8912 their frames are designed in house, and welded in China at an undisclosed factory. If you look hard enough, there is a Ti company who will sell you a range of Ti frames with the same geo and specs as all of the Curve frames....
@@CamNicholls If I were lucky enough to win the Scultura, it might turn into a part payment on a Paralane 9.9. I'm not convinced that the Merida Silex is a comparable bike for comfort, when compared with the Focus
I'm currently riding a 2018 Scultura 5000 disc, after adding carbon wheels I love the all round riding capabilities of the bike. A better bike than the Defy in my opinion, which I found just a touch too soft
You can, of course. But it's not ideal. Standover height, stack, head tube length is all very significant and not ideal for racing. Good for off-road though! Cam
Nice review Cam 👍 Good lord the cockpit cables on the Giant look like ASS. Sorry Giant, but I gotta call it like it is. That one feature alone looks so bad, it'd be a dealbreaker for me.
My 14 year old son would love this Merida. he's currently racing a 30 year old Giant Cadex and placed 4th overall in the super series here in Adelaide. The kids a machine
I much prefer the Giant overall, but the seat stays of the Merida. The combination of each bike's best design elements (i.e., the front end of the Giant and the seat stays of the Merida) would make for a very handsome bike. That said, I believe the Norco Search XR Carbon and the Salsa WarBird 2019 (both gravel bikes) are more beautiful.
@@CamNicholls You're welcome, Cam. Thank you for your courtesy. I wish, the low seat stay fad was gone for good: it ruins the look of som many otherwise pretty bikes.
I'm a Defy owner - really impressed with the average speed I can maintain on it over distance. Would really be interested to see how much difference an aero bike would make. N+1... 🤔
I almost take 3 years to wait my fathers promise that gave me a road bike. But now i don't have any road bike since im grade 9. Now im grade 11 and still waiting for my bike. First i told my father that buy me for my birthday is a steel road bike. I dont know what I've choose but i know now that i almost learned at the past year watching on tips or how to choose best entry level road bike i realize that steel is not a best choice and there is a cheap branded and trusted road bike and that is. Merida scultura 100 or 200, trek emonda alr 2 and specialized allez e5 .and. I choose merida scultura 100 because it is lighter and internal cabling but my father broke the promise to me and im still waiting for my father surprise and if its not happen?. Its okay for me and still hoping that i have bike.
The Merida Sculptura is exactly what I'm looking for (form/price). Unfortunately, I live in Canada. So no Sculptura available. Any other suggestions ? Personally, I would prefer rim brakes because I'm mainly riding on dry, flat roads. Being a 5'4" light rider, any added weight on a bike is a much more higher pourcentage for me than for the average rider in terms of total weight (rider + bike).
Good one Cam. 👍👍 I actually started off riding on a 56cm Merida Scultura and found it too hard on my neck, shoulders and hands which continually ached. I eventually sold it and bought a 54cm Giant Defy advanced pro 1 which I still have. Much better ride and even better since I converted it to a 1x. Not sure if it was the change from 56cm to 54cm and lighter frame but my vote would go with the Giant. Cheers Peter
Thanks for sharing mate. Position and the right size would definitely make a difference, but that's not to say the Merida would have worked better for you full stop. Your experiences are very relevant to this post so thanks for your insights. Cam
@@CamNicholls Agreed. I also never got a proper bike fit with the merida and not knowing much back then I probably could have made it work a lot better for me. ps. I see you're doing a few rides down the coast. We'll have to catch up again, that is if you don't mind slowing down a bit! 😆😆 Cheers
Not that I have witnessed. Their product, design, and engineering teams are completely different, so they frame design, geo and construction will be a lot different. It would be interesting to do a head to head though between a top-end Scultura and a Tarmac. I will definitely keep this in mind. Cheers, Cam
Picked up the 2021 4000 rim brake version last week, great bike and an awesome upgrade from my Avanti Giro, albeit I had to change those conti sport tyres to a set of gp5000s.
The Giant doesn't have 105 crankset, but RS-500 or RS-510 (because of the logo "Shimano" on the crankset, instead of "105"), these cranksets are very heavy, over 908g (for a 50-34) compared to the 105 which is just shy of 714g for the same 50-34. I would recommend having the bike shop changing the crankset for 105 when buying the Giant. This is a sneaky one by Giant (and Shimano), and I hate it !
Wow! What a big giveaway, congratulations mate for being successful in your youtube channel. By the way i am from Phillippines(BIG FAN) I am a proud cyclist and want to improve or promote the cycling society because people doest care about cycling. I joined competitions but struggled to win it because other competitors has a good quality bike and I only have a local road bike wich costs $70. I am a student (16years old)and I am still youngand really want to peruse my cycling journey and to show the world that cycling isnt just a sport,its a passion. Hoping to win the first price(cash) to buy a quality and better road bike and also i can buy trainer or rollers. Thank you and bless your career Cam Nicholls.
Love your videos, but this is not a valid comparison. AFAIK, the Merida Scultura 4000 has a very similar geometry to the TCR and an apples-to-apples comparison would be to the TCR Advanced or the TCR Advanced Pro.
Did you watch the video? I say the exact same thing comparing it to the TCR, but the lower end Scultura range has a different geometry to the upper end, making it more like the Defy and endurance road bikes.
Huh, well now that I know I cant get a Merida I want one. lol. Maybe I'll win. Better odds than the lotto. Would be cool since I don't have a proper road bike. I have found out tho that if you flog the snot out of an old steel gravel bike you can keep up with the 10K road bikes and usually much to the dismay of said roadies.
This bike was really easy to assemble ruclips.net/user/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.
If I was in the market for a new bike I’d be getting a Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8.0. Similar money to the Defy and only 7kg out of the box, full Ultegra groupset, DT Swiss wheelset and comes stock with GP 5000 tyres. Yes it’s time brake, but still a superior package for the money.
Merida and Specialized made in Taiwan? Are you sure? I have good evidence that is not the case. The bikes are almost certainy made in China. Possibly some assembly and/or paint done in Taiwan so they can be labelled Made in Taiwan. Simply think about the cost of Taiwan vs China.
@@CamNicholls According to my sources Specialized carbon fiber layup is done by Xinkai, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. That doesn't mean I can guarantee every model of Merida and Specialized is made there. Things change quaickly and it's an industry shrouded in secrecy and half truths. If you look at a map you can see that it's perfectly likely the frames and forks are laid-up in Fujian and then shipped across to Taiwan for paint and assembly. At which point it's perfectly legal to label the bikes 'Made in Taiwan'.
Ozzies are great craic. They love pies, beer and women. Just like us irish. Great video and a beautiful country with the funniest most decent "cunts" ever.
Ugh!!! Im not the 1st comment😢. Im sorry🤦. Something problem with my connection 😭. Hi its me again cam. The one who always 1st comment😅. I like the giant decals but i want the Merida😍.
Giant need to start taking cable routing and handle bar integration seriously, a 2020 bike with that nest of cables is a disappointment. They need to sort it out Pronto, I want a new TCR Advanced SL Disc but it's got to have hidden cables.
I wish you will gave me the bike cuz i have a problem😢....ive been robbed😭seriously ive been robbed my bike is gone😭pllsss camm What am i goona do ,there's no cctv here in my area😣😣my race is coming in january And that bike is my transportation to my home to my school hope you give your bike to me😭😭😭
Please note that the rim brake Merida 4000 has max tyre width of 25mm but the disc 4000 is 28mm. Cam
These days this would be the biggest argument to go disc
Alright
Does the 4000 come with hydraulic 105 disc brakes?
came for the knowledge, stayed for the moustache
hahaha! I may have to keep it. Cam
Really enjoy the reviews and when you compare other brands. It gives you a better understanding of the bikes and brands. Thanks Cam. Look forward to the next VLog
Cheers Steve, appreciate that. It takes twice as long to script the thing but it helps me make sense of it too! Cam
Exactly the review I was looking for! Thanks Cam, keep up the great work👍🏻
No worries, glad it could be of help. Cam
All Taiwan episode. Awesome! Thanks Cap'n 'stache!
I live in Taiwan, and while I do like Giant bikes, their PR and customer service is something to be desired. Well, hit or miss in their chain stores. They manufacture for market. I am 187 with 86 inseam and have tried for a decade to get a bike from Giant to fit. The closest was a TCR that just barely fits. You know like a pair of shoes that "fit" but feel really snug? Like that. I contacted Giant about buying a large bike frame in Taiwan and was flat out told that it is not possible, and was wished (seriously) good luck in my bike purchase. I was told by a chain manager that it was possible, but would take six months. And Giant has no incentive or want to change that despite Taiwanese getting taller.
Merida has been more accommodating. The Scultura is available for sale for tall riders in Taiwan, no wait. Well, maybe a day or so to track one down in the country and ship it to you. So, I guess that my work is done.
you buy L size normally? XL still big for you i guess
I agree on your point on customer service in giant. Even those retailers in my country have pretty bad service. It’s a pity one can only buy giant bikes at their retailers.
these head to head review gifes a sense of where the bike fairs against others, absolutely helpful! plus i love your honest and clear style of review, thumbs up buddy!!
Your videos are always educational and informative on road biking! Honest, Humble, and Professional Person and Cyclist! Thanks for your Great Blogs, I enjoy watching and learning from your exceptional Videos!
Thank you Simon, I really appreciate the kind words. Cam
Really good to know. I just had a choice between an advanced pro 2, Merida scultura 7000e and a Scott addict (something). Went with the Merida. Very happy with it thus far. Really good to know it’s got the legs against the giant!
I save money to buy my first road bike. I am riding a trekking one now. The Merida Scultura raised a heartbeat when i saw it. I will go for a Claris or Sora groupset and later upgrade to 105.
Amazing channel btw. Sad that i didn't find it earlier.
I'm 46 years old and started bike ride 2 years ago with Scultura 400 and completed B2GC and Ipswich classic. Someday I'll go for Scultura 4000 and above :)
I have just upgraded from a Merida 7000e disc to a 2019 Defy Advanced Pro 0. After doing 3 peaks, Fitzs and Alpine 320 on the Merida I found I needed something with a bit more compliance for long days in the saddle. So far I have found the Defy comfortable but time will tell when longer riding days start. As for the Merida, it makes a commuter.
Awesome stuff, thanks for sharing Damien, very relevant to this post. Keep me posted on the Defy experience. Cam
thorough, honest, and unbiased review--well done
Cheers Dan
Very nice review Cam! Kudos😊😊😊
I ride a Scultura 7000e disc, and frequently ride it on rough bitumen chip road and gravel with no difficulty - riding in the Hawkesbury area, it's hard to avoid this if you like to mix and match your routes. I have 28c Contis fitted with no difficulty, and it's much more comfortable than with the 25c stock tyres. Looking at the clearances, could almost certainly go to 32mm.
Thanks for sharing Andy. Good to hear your experiences on this thread. Cam
Some time has passed since you released this video and i was just wondering, if it was between the merida or any other road bike in that sort of price range on the market, what would you recommend for somebody with the intention of using it as an indoor trainer for zwift races?
Good to see another Aussie on RUclips killing it. Good stuff
The scultura is a fantastic bike.
Nice video, appreciate the info. BTW, great looking 'stache!
Cheers Mario, appreciate that. On both counts! Cam
great content--what is it about the Scultura frame that makes it feel like titanium you think? please review the 2021 Scultura Endurance when you get a chance...
Thanks for the very informative video. Can't wait to see the results of the Merida giveaway.
Can this is Andre again I thank you for your videos and for breaking in down because I'm a new guy in this sport in this type of sport and I bought for myself giant TCR aluminum frame road bike 2003 or 2004 model and I really like this Sport and they're like your content and videos so I learned a lot off of it thank you again and God bless you
Thanks for sharing Andre. Very excited for you also, being new to the sport. There is so much fun ahead of you! Cheers, Cam
Over here in Ireland - Giant, Trek, Merida and Cube are considered in the same bracket. I looked at a Sculptura as well but went with the Defy primarily due to my preference for Disk brakes over rim to suit typically wet Irish conditions.
Thanks for sharing that Aditya. Interesting to hear. Cam
Great review mate.
I swapped over to a 4000 frame after having two frames from a major brand crack. Absolutely love it. I’ve run 30mm tyres on my Vision Metrons since I swapped over with rim brakes without frame rub or any other issues 👍🏼
Nice one mate, thanks for sharing. Cam
hey cam, merida just launched the merida scultura endurance which is said to have more tyre clearance, might be worth looking into as a follow up review?
After taking a look at the new 2021 Scultura Endurance specs and waching Cam's simple, clear and inspiring analisys on the Scultura, i totally agree with Hung Ton, the new Endurance might be the best of both worlds ;) At least for me, it looks quite promissing.... Quite anxious for a "moustache" follow up on the new Merida Cam ;)
My main road bike for the last few years has been a 2014 Merida Scultura CF904, which was equivalent spec to the 4000. They improved the shape the following year, making it a bit more aero, but the geometry is pretty much the same. I've changed the wheels and saddle but otherwise it's still got stock components. It's been brilliant
Hey Steve, thanks for sharing on this thread. Appreciate it. Cam
Interesting comparison considering the closeness in their geometry
Cheers mate. Cam
Nice work Cam👏
Cheers Bondy. Cam
My least favourite part of the Defy is that brake setup on the handlebars. When everyone else is going for integration, giant has that monstrosity on the front of it.
Yes agree, it's not a good looking feature. It appears they've gotten rid of it in 2020 though.
I am currently replacing that unit, it sucks. I bought the advanced 2 used not fond of the Wheelset.
thanks cam..great review
fingers crossed I"ll be riding that Merida in the new year
when I win the raffle..
actually surprisingly affordable..both bikes..and those models at the beginning of the vid
really know how to sell a bike..LOL
haha, cheers Wayne.
Stupod question.
Can you use the Giant Defy Advance 2 for gravel riding?
Glad I've bought the Scultura! But I've chosen the rim brakes. I don't know but I feel like having disc on a road bike is too much of braking power.
great content as always cam greetings from liverpool
Cheers Paul, greatly appreciated. Cam
Lies lies and more lies.
Hi Cam, I recently had to take a break from cycling for about 2 weeks due to the situation in Hong Kong before. Now that everything is fine, i’ve started riding again and I don’t know why but I just feel weak. I’m no longer able to crush the hills that I used to before. What should I do to build my fitness again?
Sorry to hear, but two weeks is a long time. If you want to start rebuilding fitness I would be doing some longer zone two rides, then slowly build in the high intensity. Watch my latest video, it will help explain. Cheers, Cam
Cam Nicholls Thanks for the reply, i’ve started to do some longer rides and now i feel like my fitness is coming back slowly. Luckily i can train here in the winter cause the winter here is only like 12-14C min
Thanks for the comparison!
Thanks for the review mate. Was torn between the Defy advance pro and Merida Scultura, both with SRAM Force. Having ridden a Defy for the past few years, and giant for the best part of a decade, decided on the Scultura. Hoping for something a bit more refined in the Merida. Also, the other thing these days is the lack of standard components from the likes of Trek, Giant et al. They're doing cool things at the expense of me being bale to buy new carbon bars... I want to be able to customise my bike to me, not to the manufacturer. Cheers, H
Nice one mate, you'll love it. Thanks for sharing. Cam
@@CamNicholls Hi Cam, just came across this video and it has helped me with more information on the Scultura, so thanks. I wondered if you (or any of your subscribers) have any further advice that would help me with choosing between a Scultura or Reacto. I currently have a Scultura 4000 (2018) and like the relaxed geometry but want to upgrade to a bike with electronic groupset, disc brakes, and possibly carbon wheels so I don't have to upgrade the wheels later. I have a 2021 Scultura Force-Edition Black/Bronze on hold at a local bike shop but am having second thoughts if I should go for a Reacto instead. My local rides are not all flat there are plenty of climbs (short and long), I am a lightweight rider 66kg, and my rides average 25-30km/h. Any advice will be appreciated. Thanks
Hi Hamish, which Scultura did you end up getting?
@@martindawkins9732 The Reacto is a great all round Aero bike but it's not a good climber. But if you're not racing climbs, I would go the Reacto because the aero gains will make it more fun.
@@CamNicholls Thanks Cam. 👍
A bit late with this one Cam but just purchased the 4000 'endurance'. How did the expert sl wheelset feel?
Nice one mate, I can't really recall. But clearly wasn't a highlight or lowlight.
Late to this party, but I bought a 2021 Scultura 4k disc November last year. I ride most days either on the trainer or outdoors. The only upgrades I've done is a Pro Stealth saddle and some ZIPP 303s's. It's been an awesome bike, even on 4+ hour rides. I'd be interested to know how the new Scultura Merida have just released stacks up to this weapon!
Interesting analogy between the Belgie and the Scultura, Cam .... I wasn't overly impressed with the Ti when I rode it - to me it felt like the bike wasn't really putting me in touch with the road - maybe that's something that I needed to get my head around, but I found it most disconcerting ...
How do you feel that the Scultura would match up against the Trek Domane or a Focus Paralane? I'm currently on a very old (2003) Giant TCR2, which is pretty similar in geometry to the Scultura based on what I can find for the Giant, and to be honest, most days I get off it wishing I'd never got on it (post back surgery), which is why I'm on the hunt for a new bike with more relaxed geometry (and a bike fit from Jae) ...
Interesting to hear your experiences on Ti Andrew! I can't say unfortunately, Trek repeatedly ignore my emails so not sure I'll ever get on one. Focus could be done. But nothing planned at this stage. Let me know what you decide on. Cam
I thought Curve were generic catalog bikes.
@@plantfuelled8912 their frames are designed in house, and welded in China at an undisclosed factory. If you look hard enough, there is a Ti company who will sell you a range of Ti frames with the same geo and specs as all of the Curve frames....
@@CamNicholls If I were lucky enough to win the Scultura, it might turn into a part payment on a Paralane 9.9. I'm not convinced that the Merida Silex is a comparable bike for comfort, when compared with the Focus
I'm currently riding a 2018 Scultura 5000 disc, after adding carbon wheels I love the all round riding capabilities of the bike. A better bike than the Defy in my opinion, which I found just a touch too soft
Great to hear your experiences on the thread Jay. Much appreciated. Cam
just bought a Merida 4000...subscribed!
Nice one! Great bike
How’s the bike going, Michael? I’m looking at one to replace my 2011 Defy.
Daniel .S hehe to be honest this Merida is my first decent bike... so it is so light and so fast and I love it!
surely you can race on your defy? what do you think cam?
You can, of course. But it's not ideal. Standover height, stack, head tube length is all very significant and not ideal for racing. Good for off-road though! Cam
Nice review Cam 👍 Good lord the cockpit cables on the Giant look like ASS. Sorry Giant, but I gotta call it like it is. That one feature alone looks so bad, it'd be a dealbreaker for me.
Yes, you are correct Brian. At least with the 2020 model that front ASS is gone! Cam
My 14 year old son would love this Merida. he's currently racing a 30 year old Giant Cadex and placed 4th overall in the super series here in Adelaide. The kids a machine
Wow, he's doing some excellent resistance training on that. Well played to him and good luck in the draw. Cam
Would you think the same ride quality of Merida scultura to apply to their lower end models as well? Say Scultura 300 - 500 range?
Hard to say as I haven’t ridden
I will choose Giant
I much prefer the Giant overall, but the seat stays of the Merida. The combination of each bike's best design elements (i.e., the front end of the Giant and the seat stays of the Merida) would make for a very handsome bike.
That said, I believe the Norco Search XR Carbon and the Salsa WarBird 2019 (both gravel bikes) are more beautiful.
Thanks for sharing Leo. Interesting to hear your thoughts here. Cam
@@CamNicholls You're welcome, Cam. Thank you for your courtesy.
I wish, the low seat stay fad was gone for good: it ruins the look of som many otherwise pretty bikes.
I'm a Defy owner - really impressed with the average speed I can maintain on it over distance. Would really be interested to see how much difference an aero bike would make. N+1... 🤔
Thanks for sharing mate
Any reviews on the Merida Scultura 400 disc 2021 brother?
Not at this stage, sorry mate
I almost take 3 years to wait my fathers promise that gave me a road bike. But now i don't have any road bike since im grade 9. Now im grade 11 and still waiting for my bike. First i told my father that buy me for my birthday is a steel road bike. I dont know what I've choose but i know now that i almost learned at the past year watching on tips or how to choose best entry level road bike i realize that steel is not a best choice and there is a cheap branded and trusted road bike and that is. Merida scultura 100 or 200, trek emonda alr 2 and specialized allez e5 .and. I choose merida scultura 100 because it is lighter and internal cabling but my father broke the promise to me and im still waiting for my father surprise and if its not happen?. Its okay for me and still hoping that i have bike.
The Merida Sculptura is exactly what I'm looking for (form/price).
Unfortunately, I live in Canada.
So no Sculptura available.
Any other suggestions ?
Personally, I would prefer rim brakes because I'm mainly riding on dry, flat roads. Being a 5'4" light rider, any added weight on a bike is a much more higher pourcentage for me than for the average rider in terms of total weight (rider + bike).
Tarmac Sport is another good option. Rim brakes is becoming harder to find though unfortunately. Cam
@@CamNicholls
Yeah ! Unfortunately for some of us.
Thanks for your suggestion.
I appreciate you took the time to reply. 👍
Sunny Coaster here yeeeew
Good one Cam. 👍👍 I actually started off riding on a 56cm Merida Scultura and found it too hard on my neck, shoulders and hands which continually ached. I eventually sold it and bought a 54cm Giant Defy advanced pro 1 which I still have. Much better ride and even better since I converted it to a 1x. Not sure if it was the change from 56cm to 54cm and lighter frame but my vote would go with the Giant. Cheers Peter
Thanks for sharing mate. Position and the right size would definitely make a difference, but that's not to say the Merida would have worked better for you full stop. Your experiences are very relevant to this post so thanks for your insights. Cam
@@CamNicholls Agreed. I also never got a proper bike fit with the merida and not knowing much back then I probably could have made it work a lot better for me. ps. I see you're doing a few rides down the coast. We'll have to catch up again, that is if you don't mind slowing down a bit! 😆😆 Cheers
In your bike video, what are the overlays?
GARMIN VIRB
Cam Nicholls thank you!
So your was happy with the 105 group set?
Yep, 105 is great.
thanks, cam.great
Cheers Rawsan. Cam
In your opinion, is there an equivalent specialized to the Merida?
The Scultura CF4 is the competitor to the Tarmac. Scultura CF2 (more relaxed geometry) is sort of in between Tarmac and Roubaix.
Not that I have witnessed. Their product, design, and engineering teams are completely different, so they frame design, geo and construction will be a lot different. It would be interesting to do a head to head though between a top-end Scultura and a Tarmac. I will definitely keep this in mind. Cheers, Cam
My height is 179..what is the best ideal size for merrida scultura 4000?
There are many factors but being 180cm, I ride on M/L (54) and it's absolutely perfect!
Picked up the 2021 4000 rim brake version last week, great bike and an awesome upgrade from my Avanti Giro, albeit I had to change those conti sport tyres to a set of gp5000s.
I did the same, those gp5000 bring the bike to a new lvl
Just a newbie question
How does the tyre upgrade help ?
Better cornering ? Easier to roll ? Faster?
@@jamespham888 better roll résistance + more grip. Also a bit lighter but thats marginal
i would like you to put the merida scultura vs the bmc teammachine SLR02 Four would like your thoughts on it mate
Thanks for the suggestion mate but I don’t have access to that Teammachine.
The Giant doesn't have 105 crankset, but RS-500 or RS-510 (because of the logo "Shimano" on the crankset, instead of "105"), these cranksets are very heavy, over 908g (for a 50-34) compared to the 105 which is just shy of 714g for the same 50-34.
I would recommend having the bike shop changing the crankset for 105 when buying the Giant.
This is a sneaky one by Giant (and Shimano), and I hate it !
Wow! What a big giveaway, congratulations mate for being successful in your youtube channel. By the way i am from Phillippines(BIG FAN) I am a proud cyclist and want to improve or promote the cycling society because people doest care about cycling. I joined competitions but struggled to win it because other competitors has a good quality bike and I only have a local road bike wich costs $70. I am a student (16years old)and I am still youngand really want to peruse my cycling journey and to show the world that cycling isnt just a sport,its a passion. Hoping to win the first price(cash) to buy a quality and better road bike and also i can buy trainer or rollers. Thank you and bless your career Cam Nicholls.
Big different in Price and weight.....like the Merida
what about the merida mission road? it's their endurance road bike
Not available in this region. But I have since seen this is an option in some regions. Thanks for sharing
You can put a 32 mm tyre on MERIDA Scultura , plenty of space . Thats what I have .
Hopefully I could win.
Love your videos, but this is not a valid comparison. AFAIK, the Merida Scultura 4000 has a very similar geometry to the TCR and an apples-to-apples comparison would be to the TCR Advanced or the TCR Advanced Pro.
Did you watch the video? I say the exact same thing comparing it to the TCR, but the lower end Scultura range has a different geometry to the upper end, making it more like the Defy and endurance road bikes.
Both bikes are beast tho Haha here in ph I think it can cost my parents a lot of money buying that merida 4000 🤔😂
i bought this bike becasue fo this video lol. i've put on nearly 8000km on it now
as a weekend rider，I vote defy
Cheers for the vote, I can understand that!
I think it is morr comfortable with endurance bike cam!
Agreed Tan, but I would debate that in this instance. Cam
Huh, well now that I know I cant get a Merida I want one. lol. Maybe I'll win. Better odds than the lotto. Would be cool since I don't have a proper road bike. I have found out tho that if you flog the snot out of an old steel gravel bike you can keep up with the 10K road bikes and usually much to the dismay of said roadies.
haha! Nice one. And excellent training for those legs! Cam
People gonna hate on the Giant.
I haven't seen so Richard. More love than anything
This bike was really easy to assemble ruclips.net/user/postUgkxMesz3KOGEmwmvyKQfLfrRSUXLFzfVHZA and required very few adjustments out of the box. The wheels did not require any truing/adjustments. The frame had some small scratches, but nothing major.I did replace the seat though - the seat it came with was very uncomfortable. The tires need to be re-inflated every 4-5 days, but this appears to be quite common for the narrow 700x25 tires.Overall, in my opinion, this bike looks and rides like a much more expensive bike.
If I was in the market for a new bike I’d be getting a Canyon Ultimate CF SL 8.0. Similar money to the Defy and only 7kg out of the box, full Ultegra groupset, DT Swiss wheelset and comes stock with GP 5000 tyres. Yes it’s time brake, but still a superior package for the money.
Thanks for sharing Michael.
White black and blue does not do it :( the grays and blacks are sweet :)
Can Merida be fitted with mudguard/fenders?
Couldn’t see why not
Merida and Specialized made in Taiwan? Are you sure? I have good evidence that is not the case.
The bikes are almost certainy made in China. Possibly some assembly and/or paint done in Taiwan so they can be labelled Made in Taiwan. Simply think about the cost of Taiwan vs China.
I have spoken in detail with the Aussie distributor so I am confident it's Taiwan. But I haven't seen it first hand!
@@CamNicholls According to my sources Specialized carbon fiber layup is done by Xinkai, Xiamen, Fujian Province, China.
That doesn't mean I can guarantee every model of Merida and Specialized is made there. Things change quaickly and it's an industry shrouded in secrecy and half truths. If you look at a map you can see that it's perfectly likely the frames and forks are laid-up in Fujian and then shipped across to Taiwan for paint and assembly. At which point it's perfectly legal to label the bikes 'Made in Taiwan'.
i want to climb but i don't have any bike
Ozzies are great craic.
They love pies, beer and women. Just like us irish.
Great video and a beautiful country with the funniest most decent "cunts" ever.
Caiiiter...! Cater.
I hope i win❤️
Merida has endurance range now www.merida-bikes.com/en/bikefinder/tag/road-endurance-202/root/road-race
Good to know
Jhon defy 😆
Ugh!!! Im not the 1st comment😢. Im sorry🤦. Something problem with my connection 😭. Hi its me again cam. The one who always 1st comment😅. I like the giant decals but i want the Merida😍.
I want to win that. I badly want that merida😭 pleaseeeee
My profile is already public since you post your giveaway post😁
Disc brakes spoilt the look of the bicycles.
Ah Cam...true to our Aussie way, no political correctness needed!
A Moustache; the ultimate contraception tool
hahaha! That's why I'm getting the cold shoulder. Cam
Giant need to start taking cable routing and handle bar integration seriously, a 2020 bike with that nest of cables is a disappointment. They need to sort it out Pronto, I want a new TCR Advanced SL Disc but it's got to have hidden cables.
Good points, thanks for raising on this thread. Cam
Both made in Taiwan.XD
b_b_
I wish you will gave me the bike cuz i have a problem😢....ive been robbed😭seriously ive been robbed my bike is gone😭pllsss camm
What am i goona do ,there's no cctv here in my area😣😣my race is coming in january
And that bike is my transportation to my home to my school hope you give your bike to me😭😭😭
Sorry for hear about your situation Francis, I wish you all the best in the draw! Cam
Thanks cam😭im hoping😥