Bicycle Advice: Merida Speeder 200 (Sora Groupset) Vs 300 (Tiagra Groupset)

Ghogger on 21/08/2021 - 12:43

https://www.merida-bikes.com/en-au/bike/78/speeder-200

https://www.merida-bikes.com/en-au/bike/2052/speeder-300

I am looking to buy a new flat bar road bike for commuting and leisure cycles with my partner. I previously had a Decathlon Btwin aluminium drop bar bike with a Sora groupset (sold a year or so ago), which was a bargain, but the drop bars gave me back pain (not 100% sure if it was due to sizing or the riding position since it was my first drop bar bike).

I have an old flatbar hybrid junker that I've owned for 10 years which is super comfortable, and has never given me back pain. It recently reached the end of its life, and I'm looking for a nice replacement.

I have the choice between the Speeder 200 ($1100) and the Speeder 300 ($1330), and was keen to get opinions. Is the Tiagra groupset worth the extra $230?

Alternatively, would a step down to the Speeder 100 for $900 with the Acera groupset be noticeable for commuting/leisure cycling?

(https://www.merida-bikes.com/en-au/bike/2054/speeder-100)

Thanks in advance!

Sports & Outdoors

Comments

  • Porker on 21/08/2021 - 13:14

    Test rode both (if possible) and see which is more conformable. Group sets and components are easily replaceable later down the track, but that won't make a difference if you're hurting or uncomfortable on the bike as a whole.

    • Ghogger on 21/08/2021 - 13:18

      Unfortunately I'm in Sydney so it's not going to be possible to test ride them :(

    • FlipCrank on 21/08/2021 - 18:45

      Groupsets are super expensive though. Even if you aren't getting a complete Shimano set, the prices add up.

      • Euphemistic on 23/08/2021 - 09:34

        Groupsets are super expensive

        That’s all relative compared to total bike cost, but it definitely costs more to buy parts one at a time than it does to get a whole kit attached to a bike. Some keen cyclists will buy a whole new bike for a group set, switch it to their current frame and sell what’s left and come out in front.

  • Hugh G Rection on 21/08/2021 - 13:20

    imo, that is a lot for a commuting/leisure bike.
    when buying a bike, look at the groupset, all the bikes are pretty much the same, but the price you pay is in the groupset.
    Tiagra > Sora, but the Sora now a days are pretty good. It's a trickle down effect with their technology. So the Sora now would be the 105 from a few years ago.

    • Ghogger on 21/08/2021 - 13:22

      That's a fair comment - I wouldn't mind doing the odd longer distance ride with some cycling buddies too so thought it might be better to get a single quality bike that can do both

  • pharkurnell on 21/08/2021 - 14:02

    It recently reached the end of its life

    Bikes have an end of life?

    • mickyb80 on 21/08/2021 - 14:04

      Think they mean the next turn of refresh.

    • Ghogger on 21/08/2021 - 14:17

      It’s broken haha, it was a $50 bike bought secondhand in 2011, she’s had a good run

  • mickyb80 on 21/08/2021 - 14:05

    Sora: 9-speed.
    Tiagra: 10-speed.

  • OzMike on 21/08/2021 - 14:17

    1kg difference. Nearly all components a slight upgrade.

    • Ghogger on 21/08/2021 - 14:19

      Reckon it’s worth the extra $230? I’m not so worried about the 1kg difference but the longevity of the bike. My previous bike had Sora and I actually wasn’t that impressed with it (skipping gears, chain falling off etc)

      • OzMike on 21/08/2021 - 14:31

        If that doesn’t phase you go for the cheaper bike.

  • epkh on 21/08/2021 - 15:58
    +1

    Hey I have the Merida Speeder 100. Bought it from 99bikes and have been very happy with it. I also considered the 200 and 300 but decided that it's probably not worth the extra.
    I use it to ride to work everyday when it's not raining (6km one way) and find that it's good enough to easily average 25kmph on a flat road without too much effort.
    One thing to consider is will you need the difference in the gears between the 200 and 300, especially if it's just for commute and leisure? Because I only use gear 6 to 8 and have found that more than enough for most situations (besides obvious hills in like once a month random rides).

    Disclaimer: I'm not a bike expert and don't know whether I'm supposed to be using all my gears.

  • Ghogger on 22/08/2021 - 08:17
    +1

    I ended up negotiating a decent deal for the 300 and rode it home yesterday. The Tiagra groupset is noticeably smoother than the Sora I used to have, and the bike looks great in blue!

    Thanks for the comments and suggestions :)

    • Euphemistic on 23/08/2021 - 09:33

      Great decision. Enjoy your riding.

      The Tiagra groupset is noticeably smoother than the Sora I used to have

      That could be down to adjustment, or new lube or just that it’s a newer model. Either way, enjoy what you’ve got, the extra gear will be useful at some point.

    • JRozells on 23/08/2021 - 14:30

      Good choice! Tiagra will last longer and ride smoother than Sora. Acera is not worth it, it's from Shimano's mountain bike groupset line so it won't be nearly as good for your use than anything from Shimano's road bike groupsets.

      My question I would have asked is could you have stretched up to the 400 to get a 105 groupset? 105 is the start of Shimano's 'serious' road bike groupsets. It gets much of the same technology used in Shimano's high end Ultegra/Dura Ace groupsets but only heavier. It's easily Shimano's best value for money road groupset. I know many very serious road cyclists who have bikes with 105 on them. Sora to Tiagra is a step up, Tiagra to 105 is a leap forward.

      • Ghogger on 23/08/2021 - 15:24

        Unfortunately it was impossible to find a Speeder 400 in stock :( They were only $1250 or so at 99 Bikes recently.. such a shame!

      • Euphemistic on 24/08/2021 - 11:32

        There’s nothing wrong with Acera. Have it on my commuter. It’s not quite as smooth as higher grade gear, but it works fine.

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