Merida Big Nine 60

Merida Big Nine 60 - Affordable, Unisex Hardtail Mountain Bike – The Merida Big Nine 60 Hardtail is an entry level mountain bike which is perfect for off-road and urban biking. Costing around $900-$1000 - this bike stands out from the Big Nine 20 with its upgraded drivetrain and Rock Shox fork, enhancing your riding experience. This is the second Big Nine we purchased. Originally got one for my husband (Merida Big Nine 20) and we were so impressed that we got this second model in the bronze colour - the Big Nine 60 has slightly better forks and drivetrain than the Big Nine 20 - but otherwise the riding experience is identical.

The Merida Big Nine range are all lightweight compared to mountain bikes from a decade ago. The frame comes with internally routed cables which are easy to maintain and give your bike a neater appearance. The internal cable routing not only adds to the bike's aesthetics but also protects your cables from the elements and potential mishaps on the trail.

The Big Nine 60 features a 2x9 speed Shimano Drivetrain which makes it easy going up big hills. Gear changes are very clean without a lot of noise or clunking sounds. The forks are Rock Shox Judy TK; Coil; 100mm suspension travel Lockout; 46mm fork offset. The Shimano drivetrain delivers smooth and precise gear changes.

I chose this bike because it has the larger 29 inch wheels for a quick and smooth ride. I got the large size (perfect for someone 170cms and up).

The gears are very easy to operate and figure out for new riders. The lightweight aluminum frame and 9mm thru-axles are a perfect balance between durability and performance without adding unnecessary weight. You also notice just how lightweight these bikes are when transferring them from apartment to the street or your car.

The tech on these modern mountain bikes has improved substantially over the past decade. I previously had a Giant mountain bike purchased in Canberra around 2012. I purchased this Merida bike in March at 99Bikes Canberra for $889 - discounted from the original price of $1,059.

I had to purchase a kickstand separately - and other accessories like water bottle holder. But in essence the Merida Big Nine 60 delivers a fun biking experience. The bike saddle (Merida Sport Comfort) which comes standard isn't super comfortable - but you can upgrade to suit your size and height. The bike has performed well and comfortably on 12 km bike rides on dirt trails and it's very comfortable to ride on bike tracks around Canberra or similar urban areas.

Whether you're a beginner looking to explore the trails or a seasoned rider in need of an upgrade, the Merida Big Nine 60 is a solid choice that won't disappoint.