Think I have made a big mistake?

[Mike!]

Have the chance of buying one of these at a discount, do you think it is too race orientated or would it be a good all rounder?

http://merida-bikes.com/en_gb/bike/2012/49/Road /Reacto 907

Very racy and not something I'd want for your type of riding

 

[cyberknight]

I find it very comfortable (apart from the seat but that's subjective and I'm looking at changing), i too looked at the Ride 95 but was put off by the reviews of it having a head tube that was too high. I suffer from back issues but didn't want to be so upright it negated the benefit of drops. If you look at the pictures of them you will see that the Scultura still has quite a long head tube and is certainly not racy (like the Reacto i see you have mentioned.

It's my first carbon road bike so I don't have much to compare it to. However I find it very smooth and responsive and am extremely happy with it. The current model is tested in Cycling Plus this month (August issue) and comes out very well. In fact they do mention that it has a relatively tall head tube!

If you want to see some pictures of mine and the upgrades I have made check this thread http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/my-new-carbon-merida-scultura-905.149176/

I think you have to really look at the websites as well regarding geometries, i looked at the two bikes and the difference is about 1 cm on the same size.

 

[longy65]

I think you have to really look at the websites as well regarding geometries, i looked at the two bikes and the difference is about 1 cm on the same size.

Hi cyberknight, the 1cm difference you are talking about, is that between the Ride95 and the Scultura905?
The dealer has offered me a cracking deal on a new Di2 Ride95 with 33.3% of the RRP!
Merida Head Office sent it to him for me and said I could have with that discount as they messed up my order.
Looks good but still not sure if it's the bike for all my needs???

 

[cyberknight]

http://2014.merida-bikes.com/en_gb/bikes/road/tour/2014/ride-cf-95-1256.html
http://2014.merida-bikes.com/en_gb/bikes/road/race/2014/scultura-903-1263.html

 

[longy65]

Thanks cyberknight, just matched the two sets of measurements and there is only a few cm in it between 4-10 on each measure, that doesn't seem a lot, do you think that the frames are practically the same then?
If the sizes/measurements aren't that different then both bikes should ride pretty much the same, yes/no?
I'm new to all this and when spending 2k on a bike I want it to be right!

 

[cyberknight]

Thanks cyberknight, just matched the two sets of measurements and there is only a few cm in it between 4-10 on each measure, that doesn't seem a lot, do you think that the frames are practically the same then?
If the sizes/measurements aren't that different then both bikes should ride pretty much the same, yes/no?
I'm new to all this and when spending 2k on a bike I want it to be right!

There are differences , the ride has a shorter top tube and a longer head tube designed to give a slightly sat up position primarily for longer or more comfortable rides if your not as flexible compared to the scult but normally the difference can be made up by changing stem height with spacers and reach by stem length.

 

[longy65]

I find it very comfortable (apart from the seat but that's subjective and I'm looking at changing), i too looked at the Ride 95 but was put off by the reviews of it having a head tube that was too high. I suffer from back issues but didn't want to be so upright it negated the benefit of drops. If you look at the pictures of them you will see that the Scultura still has quite a long head tube and is certainly not racy (like the Reacto i see you have mentioned.

It's my first carbon road bike so I don't have much to compare it to. However I find it very smooth and responsive and am extremely happy with it. The current model is tested in Cycling Plus this month (August issue) and comes out very well. In fact they do mention that it has a relatively tall head tube!

If you want to see some pictures of mine and the upgrades I have made check this thread http://www.cyclechat.net/threads/my-new-carbon-merida-scultura-905.149176/

The dealer has offered me a great deal on a Di2 Ride95 and now I'm really confused, read the write up in the mag and really like the sound of that KTM too

This upgrading lark is a real pain, don't want to regret my spending 2k!!!

 

[longy65]

There are differences , the ride has a shorter top tube and a longer head tube designed to give a slightly sat up position primarily for longer or more comfortable rides if your not as flexible compared to the scult but normally the difference can be made up by changing stem height with spacers and reach by stem length.

I see what your saying, but find it hard that 1-10cm can make that much of a difference in ride style?
I'm new to this so may be missing the point, just trying to make sure I don't regret my choice of upgrade.

 

[Mike!]

So you have the Ride 77 at the moment, do you find it comfortable? If the answer is yes and you are happy with it then i suspect you'll be very happy with the Di2 Ride 95. Can they get it in for you to try? Nothing like a ride to confirm if you like it!

 

[Mike!]

I see what your saying, but find it hard that 1-10cm can make that much of a difference in ride style?
I'm new to this so may be missing the point, just trying to make sure I don't regret my choice of upgrade.

Don't underestimate the difference a cm or two and make, I've just shortened the stem on my Scultura by 2cm and it's made my hands fall naturally on the hoods. Previously to this I found myself riding with my hands a little further back. Stem can make a difference and I suspect the Ride 95 will come with at least 3 spacers so the bars can be dropped a little more if needed. For me I'd rather have that option then be to aero to begin with (which you may find yourself on the Reacto)