Merlin Maven or other sub £500 road bikes

[The Tot]

Yes, I know this has been done to death, but considering that I've been using my Trek 4300 for all sorts, I've found that climbing the hills around the cotswolds is NOT its strongest points.

Don't get me wrong, it's a good bike and I've somewhat turned it into a commuter hybrid by sticking 1.5" Schwalbe Marathon Plus' on them, but I think in order to comfortably do longer distances with my mates (40+ miles), I'd want a road bike.

After having seen the usual culprits at halfords - the Carrera Vanquish and Valour (which is currently going for £375), I asked a few of my mates what their preference was.

https://merlincycles-img.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/productImage_1280_1024_ffffff_image-jpeg/7299_merlin_maven_road_bike.jpg

I was subsequently told to have a look at the Merlin Maven, which when looking at it is spec'd pretty nicely for the price.

Also on their site, the Sensa Umbria Sora is also nicely kitted

https://merlincycles-img.s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/productImage_1280_1024_ffffff_image-jpeg/8379_sensa_umbria_sora_special.jpg

Just want impartial opinions, and NO, i'm not going to use it for competition. I simply want a nice leisurely roaster that will allow me to do the nice jaunts from Stroud to Twekesbury. The biggest hassle is getting up to the cotswolds trail! (although saying that, on a MTB, it's absolutely lush!)
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[Ork12]

That merlin looks good and they are a very good make. I would also check out ribble cycles. It's all mail order but the bikes are very well priced and specced!

[duhawkz]

Triban 3

/tread
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[Wafer_Thin_Ham]

As said, loon at ribbles. Good value, especially their carbon imo.

If you have a decathlon nearby the Triban maybe be worth a spin on. A carbon framed bike for 400 worries me. Reviews have been good. Budget wheels excepted.
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[carlosthejack...]

+1 for Ribble.

https://sphotos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/220277_10151040405642511_835382785_o.jpg
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[The Tot]

As much as I wanted to get Ribble, it was about £70-£100 over my budget, which would have gone nicely on a new clutch for the car!

So instead, I've gone for the Maven. The guy on the phone was brilliant to deal with, and I should get my bike before the easter weekend!

Score!
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[The Tot]

Just an update, I received my bike today - £499 including delivery and they did me some Michelin Lithian 2 tyres at cost price and fitted!

Overall impressions are that for an entry level bike, it is exquisitely well made and ridiculously light. I have to get used to the shimano shifters. The left shifter is a bit stiff, but it'll bed in!

Had to assemble the bike myself but it wasn't too bad considering!

Such a well made little bike and I'll be sure to upload more photos when it's bright!

https://sphotos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/8940_10151603809660712_183603077_n.jpg

I'll see how much quicker I am doing the Brockworth -> Cleeve hill circuit over the bank hols!
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism