Form having the bike myself it is a perfect bike to get into mtb and progress your bike skills I was only getting into mtb from bmx but now I love it it can handle the dh tracks and the climbs I think it would be one of the best bikes to get into mtb
Nice vid. Not too sure about the glam metal background music though… we all had hard tails back in the early 2000’s because the English DH riders would train on them.. now we all have stuffed knees😂😂.
Great video mate!!!! With the Aldi bike since it only has 100mm of travel if you wanted to upgrade it you could put a 120-30mm new fork. The Aldi bike is basically an XC Hardtail but I took mine anywhere and Its still going like a champ with 470+ kms on it. But I kind of want the Merida Big Trail after watching this.
I know very little about forks. I know that because the bike is non-tapered that your choices are pretty limited because everything good is tapered these days. Plus anything decent is probably as expensive as the bike. If you know of a decent air fork that is non-tapered and doesn't cost much then let me know. Otherwise I'm doing my best to not touch anything on the bike, and just admire how inexpensive it is.
I've also got the BT 500 and LOVE IT. cracker bike. There's talk of some reviews that upsizing is the way to go, however with the guys in 99bikes they recommended I stick with the small (I'm 161cm) - took 3 months (1 month longer than getting the Medium) but well worth it. Coming from a Scott Aspect 770, WOW. what a difference experience.... and the Big Trail is as versatile a bike you'll find I reckon... Get a quality saddle and grips (I use Ergon) for those long rides. I have some XT Clipless (flats on one side, clips on the other).
@@marcstolk6682Agree that it's a killer bike for the money. Sizing up makes sense to me. It's much smaller than my Giant Reign (both are sized large). To get the same reach as my Reign I would need to go the XL. So it felt a little tight, but still worked ok. I was ok with the saddle and grips, I'd just use them until they needed to be replaced.
@@RideyRodney yeh I'm not squashed at all so pretty happy. Just coverted to Tubeless, now an even better bike :) Agree, the Grips and Saddle is a nice to have, for me I needed the Saddle (Saddle was on the previous bike) and grips - less "pain".
Thanks for a great review. I'm in the same boat as I'm a family man with two kids. So this is my dream bike. Regarding size, how tall are you and what size bike did you use? I'm 5'9" and Merida advise large, but some reviewers talk about upsizing 🤔.
Great bikes for the money, I'm 5'10" with one of these in size L and it fits me well after a swap from 50mm down to a 35mm stem. For you at 5'9" I'd suggest try and test fit both M and L sizes at shops if you can before deciding. I do think the Big Trail 600 is better value than the 500 and well worth the extra if its available and you can afford it though.
No I haven’t but I’m keen to try one. I think the big difference is the 27.5” wheels on the Marin Vs the 29” on the big trail. The Marin is all about having fun on the decent (maybe hitting a jump line), the Big Trail is a more well rounded trail bike for climbing and descending. Hardtail party has a massive review of the new San Quintin 2 which gives a lot of good info.
Yeah I heard there is some deal with another company that they won’t sell into the states? It’s a nice little win for Australia, normally we struggle to get variety sitting at the ass end of the world.
Yeah I was actually looking at this bike but ended up having a bit more in the bank so went with the Commencal META HT am Ride. For anyone looking for a hardtail around 2500 aid would HIGHLY recommend an absolute dream and pretty good for the price
I'd love a high quality hard tail but all the trails around me are just so full on that I think the hard tail would break my ankles. If there was some blue flow jump lines I'd think about it because I love the simplicity of the hard tail.
@@RideyRodney yeah, I think i live around where you are and yes the trails are pretty janky at times but I think that because I've ridden hardtails pretty much the whole time I've been riding I have just become so accustomed to the impacts.
Those Aldi/polygon bikes were pretty insane spec for a supermarket but end of the day no one wants to hit the trails with a heavy coil fork 😂 the Merida looks mint
A couple of people have asked me that. In short, probably, but why would you? It’s great bang for buck. If you take off the fork, it’s no longer good value. I’d go for the Commencal Meta HT AM if you wanted a longer travel bike.
@@RideyRodney right, I guess. Thanks for the reply! I’m just new to mtb-ing so I’m really looking for a budget mtb to really practice and have fun on. But the trails here in my area are more of descending and rough trails. So trying to figure out what’s the best bike geometry to get. Cheers!
Nice first bike. The pedals were crank brothers stamp composites. I think they are about $75. It’s really hard to find cheap decent pedals in store. I’d probably take the punt on eBay. For about $30 you can get a set with sealed bearings that seem ok.
HELP!!! My height is 1.73 cm to 1.74 cm (5'7 - 5'8) and my inseam is 82 cm (32). I take size M or L?? The page tells me size M but having a relaxed geometry (65.5 degrees) and having a short seat tube, I don't know if I would be comfortable in a size L. What do you recommend me? What is your height and inseam measurement?? What size is your bike?? Does the size of your bike suit you??
I’m 183cm and even though it was a large it felt very compact. It’s a much shorter reach than I’m used to. I’d say at your height it could go either way, medium if you want it more playful and large if you want more stability.
Reckon this could handle a bike park with moderate jumps fairly well? Nothing insane but I’m looking for a bike that balances beginner/intermediate trails as well as bike parks.
100%, I’ve got the Big Trail 400 and although I haven’t hit anything big it’s held up great to plenty of moderate jumps and seems capable of much more than I can throw at it. Only problem is that like any hardtail it’s not particularly comfortable if you get it wrong
They look pretty similar, both look great value for a solid entry level hardtail that will last. My gut feel is that the Big trail is slightly better value, I prefer deore over SX, but it would come down to what’s available.
I did something similar. Bought a large piece of 3M vinyl wrap. Spent 5 hours wrapping my bike and did a terrible job. Never again am I trying that. For me it's prefabbed pieces, or just hand it over to professionals to get it done right.
it worked pretty well. From memory you use soapy water to float this stuff on. It has done a great job where I put it on so far. It keeps pedal strikes away from my other bike when I store it.
did you really not mention its color? or lack thereof? seems like an oversight that i kinda feel qualified to point out. "get bounced around a bit, what what do you expect, it's a hardtail" is utter truth. i love them because they teach you so much. and i like the defined control of their rear end, but they do have a tendency of rattling one's teeth out a bit here and there, don't they. gotta plop some big tires on my HT and go shred a beaten path with it. see what happens.
That sounds right. I think the reach is on the smaller side, so the bars felt a bit close for me. It was a large, and my bike (giant reign) is also a large, but my reach is about 475mm, whereas the Merida is 455mm. I probably could have gone XL to get the same reach as I'm used to. So yeah, medium or large would probably work for you, depending on how you like to ride.
I struggle to recommend anything under $1500. You just need to compromise too much on important features. Trail talk did a good review of 'entry level' hard tails and what you want to look for. I'd check that video out. ruclips.net/video/O8DDLXIskOw/видео.html
@@patty5881 I agree, tough to get anything decent. I was going to suggest the Marin San Quintin 1, but theres too much comprimise. Id be more leaning towards to bigtrail 200 or 400 and stretching the budget more. Make sure whatever you decide, make sure its Boost front and rear with TA. You can build up from that.
Who doesn't have life priorities in right order, a guy that spends on his two kids or one that spends 5k on a bicycle? One has to be marketing victim big time to pay that amount for couple of pipes welded together. Two good condition cars, each of them 4 shock absorbers for that money.
FIRST!!!! Another epic production NAMR, I will have to travel to the Manly Dam mountain bike park when the lockdown ends, the tracks look excellent.
Pretty sure it’s Sydney’s most popular trail. If you are a keen rider there is definitely better trails nearby.
@@RideyRodney It looks good in your videos. Mount Garigal looks excellent but pretty gnarly!
I'd love some more Manly Dam action, the way you ride it rod is so much better than the official loop!
Nice, always good to see skilled riders doing more mellow trails!
But I also started on the Jumping Jack Pro Line, so a bit of variety.
@@RideyRodney true, good point. I was mainly referring to the dam, but you're right :)
Great review and a nice ride buddy. Keep it up and have fun. Ride on
Thanks!
Form having the bike myself it is a perfect bike to get into mtb and progress your bike skills I was only getting into mtb from bmx but now I love it it can handle the dh tracks and the climbs I think it would be one of the best bikes to get into mtb
Yep for the price you get a lot of bike. Good choice
great to see you back on the dam :)
Yeah I thought it would be a good place to test out the hard tail. Very difficult to find a quiet spot to do the review, so busy these days.
@@RideyRodney Yeah it is, bike is super stealthy and quiet
Great mtb video! Keep improving!
I’ve subscribed to your channel a while ago 😃
Thanks! Nice review/video.
loving hardtails, great vid Rodney.
Good review Rod!
Nice vid. Not too sure about the glam metal background music though… we all had hard tails back in the early 2000’s because the English DH riders would train on them.. now we all have stuffed knees😂😂.
Bikes were just way off the mark back then. Full credit to all that used to ride them.
Shredding the gnal
Great video mate!!!! With the Aldi bike since it only has 100mm of travel if you wanted to upgrade it you could put a 120-30mm new fork. The Aldi bike is basically an XC Hardtail but I took mine anywhere and Its still going like a champ with 470+ kms on it. But I kind of want the Merida Big Trail after watching this.
I know very little about forks. I know that because the bike is non-tapered that your choices are pretty limited because everything good is tapered these days. Plus anything decent is probably as expensive as the bike. If you know of a decent air fork that is non-tapered and doesn't cost much then let me know. Otherwise I'm doing my best to not touch anything on the bike, and just admire how inexpensive it is.
I've also got the BT 500 and LOVE IT. cracker bike. There's talk of some reviews that upsizing is the way to go, however with the guys in 99bikes they recommended I stick with the small (I'm 161cm) - took 3 months (1 month longer than getting the Medium) but well worth it. Coming from a Scott Aspect 770, WOW. what a difference experience.... and the Big Trail is as versatile a bike you'll find I reckon... Get a quality saddle and grips (I use Ergon) for those long rides. I have some XT Clipless (flats on one side, clips on the other).
@@marcstolk6682Agree that it's a killer bike for the money. Sizing up makes sense to me. It's much smaller than my Giant Reign (both are sized large). To get the same reach as my Reign I would need to go the XL. So it felt a little tight, but still worked ok. I was ok with the saddle and grips, I'd just use them until they needed to be replaced.
@@RideyRodney yeh I'm not squashed at all so pretty happy. Just coverted to Tubeless, now an even better bike :) Agree, the Grips and Saddle is a nice to have, for me I needed the Saddle (Saddle was on the previous bike) and grips - less "pain".
nice vid! getting one myself :)
You won’t be disappointed
Great review rod!! Great bike for the coin👌🏼
Yeah I was impressed for what you get at that price
I'd like to know where you can get this bike for that price. Currently rrp is $2k not $1500.
@@murrijuana2842 it was $1600 for the gold membership price at 99 bikes. Out of stock now so they removed the price from the website.
Thanks for a great review. I'm in the same boat as I'm a family man with two kids. So this is my dream bike. Regarding size, how tall are you and what size bike did you use? I'm 5'9" and Merida advise large, but some reviewers talk about upsizing 🤔.
I would think you would be medium/ large. So large would be the upsize imo. I’m 6” and the large felt a bit too short, would have preferred an XL.
Many thanks for replying and for the info. I was thinking size large. 👍
Great bikes for the money, I'm 5'10" with one of these in size L and it fits me well after a swap from 50mm down to a 35mm stem. For you at 5'9" I'd suggest try and test fit both M and L sizes at shops if you can before deciding. I do think the Big Trail 600 is better value than the 500 and well worth the extra if its available and you can afford it though.
Sick
Hey nice video! Im trying to decided between a big trail and a Marin San Quintin, have you ridden a Marin?
No I haven’t but I’m keen to try one. I think the big difference is the 27.5” wheels on the Marin Vs the 29” on the big trail. The Marin is all about having fun on the decent (maybe hitting a jump line), the Big Trail is a more well rounded trail bike for climbing and descending. Hardtail party has a massive review of the new San Quintin 2 which gives a lot of good info.
I have the same bike mate. I love it! Been riding down in the Royal National Park
What size did you choose? And what's your height?
@@alamiantrebreloni9045 I'm 6'3" or about 190cm. I got an XL and it seems perfect
You gave him a great recommendation those bikes are spec pretty well I probably would’ve picked one up myself if you could get them in the states.
Yeah I heard there is some deal with another company that they won’t sell into the states? It’s a nice little win for Australia, normally we struggle to get variety sitting at the ass end of the world.
@@RideyRodney lol I believe they manufacture bikes for other companies so maybe that’s why.
Yeah I was actually looking at this bike but ended up having a bit more in the bank so went with the Commencal META HT am Ride. For anyone looking for a hardtail around 2500 aid would HIGHLY recommend an absolute dream and pretty good for the price
I'd love a high quality hard tail but all the trails around me are just so full on that I think the hard tail would break my ankles. If there was some blue flow jump lines I'd think about it because I love the simplicity of the hard tail.
@@RideyRodney yeah, I think i live around where you are and yes the trails are pretty janky at times but I think that because I've ridden hardtails pretty much the whole time I've been riding I have just become so accustomed to the impacts.
Those Aldi/polygon bikes were pretty insane spec for a supermarket but end of the day no one wants to hit the trails with a heavy coil fork 😂 the Merida looks mint
The difference between my Aldi bike and the Big trail is nearly the same as the difference between the Big trail and my reign.
Awesome review! Hey do you think I can put 150mm fork travel to the Big Trail?
A couple of people have asked me that. In short, probably, but why would you? It’s great bang for buck. If you take off the fork, it’s no longer good value. I’d go for the Commencal Meta HT AM if you wanted a longer travel bike.
@@RideyRodney right, I guess. Thanks for the reply! I’m just new to mtb-ing so I’m really looking for a budget mtb to really practice and have fun on. But the trails here in my area are more of descending and rough trails. So trying to figure out what’s the best bike geometry to get. Cheers!
Love the Dam. Just found one of these for my sons birthday. It’s his first bike. What flat pedals did you put on?
Nice first bike. The pedals were crank brothers stamp composites. I think they are about $75. It’s really hard to find cheap decent pedals in store. I’d probably take the punt on eBay. For about $30 you can get a set with sealed bearings that seem ok.
Nice bro!!
Cheers.
Are the tyres (maxxis) tubeless ready? I mean when you went tubeless did you change the tyres?
The tyres are tubeless ready. Just need the rim tape and tubeless valve.
@@RideyRodney thanks
HELP!!!
My height is 1.73 cm to 1.74 cm (5'7 - 5'8) and my inseam is 82 cm (32).
I take size M or L??
The page tells me size M but having a relaxed geometry (65.5 degrees) and having a short seat tube, I don't know if I would be comfortable in a size L.
What do you recommend me?
What is your height and inseam measurement??
What size is your bike??
Does the size of your bike suit you??
I’m 183cm and even though it was a large it felt very compact. It’s a much shorter reach than I’m used to. I’d say at your height it could go either way, medium if you want it more playful and large if you want more stability.
Nice bike. With 65.5 degree head angle can it handle 160mm travel fork? Thanks
I'm guessing that would make it super slack. If you wanted 160mm travel on a hardtail then I'd probably go for the Commencal Meta HT AM
Reckon this could handle a bike park with moderate jumps fairly well? Nothing insane but I’m looking for a bike that balances beginner/intermediate trails as well as bike parks.
I think if you’re a good rider, this bike could send some solid jumps. You just need to hit the landers in the right spot.
100%, I’ve got the Big Trail 400 and although I haven’t hit anything big it’s held up great to plenty of moderate jumps and seems capable of much more than I can throw at it. Only problem is that like any hardtail it’s not particularly comfortable if you get it wrong
Which is better Merida big trail 500 or Canyon Stoic 3 ?
They look pretty similar, both look great value for a solid entry level hardtail that will last. My gut feel is that the Big trail is slightly better value, I prefer deore over SX, but it would come down to what’s available.
Went to Manly dam on Monday but couldn't ride any trails cause I couldn't find any/get to them
Trailforks my dude.
@@RideyRodney Ik but its confusing as (Near Mosman so cant go to jumping jack etc)
I used the $65 large Altrex Skinz from Super cheep auto as my frame protector on my 2021 Avanti hammer LT1
I did something similar. Bought a large piece of 3M vinyl wrap. Spent 5 hours wrapping my bike and did a terrible job. Never again am I trying that. For me it's prefabbed pieces, or just hand it over to professionals to get it done right.
it worked pretty well. From memory you use soapy water to float this stuff on. It has done a great job where I put it on so far. It keeps pedal strikes away from my other bike when I store it.
hey mate, where abouts along the dam is that gap jump in the intro? cheers
Jumping Jack. If you check my Manly Dam pro line video, I go through all the bangers around the Dam.
@@RideyRodney thanks mate
did you really not mention its color? or lack thereof? seems like an oversight that i kinda feel qualified to point out. "get bounced around a bit, what what do you expect, it's a hardtail" is utter truth. i love them because they teach you so much. and i like the defined control of their rear end, but they do have a tendency of rattling one's teeth out a bit here and there, don't they. gotta plop some big tires on my HT and go shred a beaten path with it. see what happens.
Who cares about the color? Black is cool!
How about the recommended size? Is it OK to size up? I'm 5'8 and the recommended size for me is Medium.
That sounds right. I think the reach is on the smaller side, so the bars felt a bit close for me. It was a large, and my bike (giant reign) is also a large, but my reach is about 475mm, whereas the Merida is 455mm. I probably could have gone XL to get the same reach as I'm used to. So yeah, medium or large would probably work for you, depending on how you like to ride.
@@RideyRodney and whats your height?
@@alamiantrebreloni9045 6", 183cm
Have you been to greenvalleys?
No not yet. I've been on the list for a long time now. Need to get down there and see how I handle all those jumps.
Can accommodate 150 fork?
I don’t see why not
Just got the same bike and in can concur its a ripper :)
Good choice. I don’t think you need much more from a hard tail. Great value.
hey do you have any recommendations under $1200?
I struggle to recommend anything under $1500. You just need to compromise too much on important features. Trail talk did a good review of 'entry level' hard tails and what you want to look for. I'd check that video out. ruclips.net/video/O8DDLXIskOw/видео.html
Ok thanks I’ll have a look at the video
@@patty5881 I agree, tough to get anything decent. I was going to suggest the Marin San Quintin 1, but theres too much comprimise. Id be more leaning towards to bigtrail 200 or 400 and stretching the budget more. Make sure whatever you decide, make sure its Boost front and rear with TA. You can build up from that.
Not sure where you're getting that for $1,500. It's a 1900 - 2k bike everywhere I've seen
The rrp is something like $2K, but the Gold price at 99 bikes was $1600. We started at $1500 but I got him up to $1600.
Depend on the place I guess. Here, I can get it for 1000... Maybe add the inflation, 1200 usd for this bike!
Who doesn't have life priorities in right order, a guy that spends on his two kids or one that spends 5k on a bicycle? One has to be marketing victim big time to pay that amount for couple of pipes welded together. Two good condition cars, each of them 4 shock absorbers for that money.
My new bike was a bit over 10k