Pondering a meta 4.1

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May 22, 2012, 01:15:21 AM

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Total Voters: 287

[graeme]

It started with an e-mail from those pesky on line tempters 'Merlin' offering meta 4.2 at discount prices.

Had a post on stw to ask about meta 4's and soon the Merlin 4.2 offer was soundly trumped by Real Cycles 4.1 offer,
now the more I web-drool over the 4.1 the more sense it makes but until now I've been a died in the wool HT fanatic and have had no real riding time on FS.

So, is the 4 a good bet for an all day/XC type rider and if you've got one how do you find it (and do you now wish you'd got a 5 instead !!)

thanks.......

[WildCards]

I've got an 07 4.1 and it's been brilliant for the last 6/8 months, while I do sometimes wish i'd bought a 5.5 I couldn't have got a 5.5.1 for the same price as I did the 4.1 at the time and I wouldn't have been as happy with the lower spec components.

I ride trails in the Peaks and over in Wales most weekends and TBH, there aren't many occasions when I've 'needed' an extra inch and a half.

[graeme]

Thanks 
that's the same equation I'm trying to balance, suspension travel Vs quality of kit !
As It'll be my first FS after many many years of HT/CX bikes I guess I won't miss what I've never had......

[cramaj]

http://www.commencalownersclub.com/index.php/topic,896.msg5611.html#msg5611

Don't know if the above link works but this was a thread on the same subject which may help a little.

[graeme]

That's most helpful, thanks - it still leaves me undecided though 
Seems like the 4 is a travel limited 5 then, with no weight saving - can see now why there's so many 5's around and hardly any 4's (though it is pretty hard to spot the difference)

Other way to think of it is they're both cracking bikes, one a little less travel but with better finishing kit for the same price.....

..will I notice the missing 32mm more than the better componenets, probably not, especially on the local trails (Hurtwood/Swinley/Tunnel Hill) - don't plan to start being a DH type so I'm thinking components over travel (for today anyhow!!)

Bugger!! by the time I've faffed around trying to decide they'll be sold out of '08 models anyway 

Don't really want to do the old "test ride at a local shop then buy cheaper online" thing but that may be the only way I'm going to decide........

[rico]

I'd summarise them by saying...

Meta4 - this is a full sus XC bike. So if you're used to a hardtail, this will feel like home, but give you some travel to smooth the trails out, add more traction etc

Meta5 - this is an all-mountain XC bike. So more travel, but you notice the travel at all times. This can be good and bad.

You REALLY cannot go wrong with either.

[AlexTaylor]

If the trails you ride have things like big jumps and drop offs etc then the Meta 5.5 will probably be best. If it is mainly just off road trails then the 4 is grand. I borrowed a 4.2 round Llandegla, found it handled brilliantly round the twisty stuff and climbed like a robber escaping a police dog, but I missed the travel on the big jumps.

[graeme]

If the trails you ride have things like big jumps and drop offs

 

Nope, wheels on ground shandy XC riding 
 mebbe a few little log hops and drop offs but nothing Rad'n'Gnarly.....

[rico]

I'd say a Meta4 would suit you down to the ground then

[AlexTaylor]

Indeed. Pull that purchase trigger my friend. NOW!

[graeme]

left it too late !!
spoke to steve yesterday and no more 4.1s in medium 

Now just trying to steel myself to go the extra few quid and get a 5....

[Woodchip]

Graeme, try realcycles. Ordered my Large 4.2 on Wednesday expecting to be told that they've sold out, but not so.

[steveb]

You got the last one. In fact, we'd already told a few folk we'd run out, then found one 5 mins before we were about to tell you we couldn't supply.

I do think the 4.1 is better value though, immense bit of kit for only £400 more.