Thoughts on difference in Componants with DI2

[auswi2]

Merida Scultura Comp 905(2013)

FRAME Scultura comp full carbon monocoque frame with flex stay technology.
COLOR black/matt UD Carbon(red)
FORK Full carbon tapered fork
SHIFTERS Shimano Ultegra Di2
BRAKE LEVERS attached
BRAKES Merida Road Pro
CHAINWHEEL FSA Energy 50-34 Mega
BB-SET attached
CHAIN KMC X10 10s
HUBS attached
RIMS Fulcrum Racing Comp
FREEWHEEL Shimano CS-4600-10 12-28
TIRES Vittoria Rubino Slick 23 60 KV
HANDLEBAR FSA Gossamer Ergo OS
STEM Merida Pro E OS -7
HEADSET NO.55EP Neck-com
SEATPOST Merida carbon K SB19 27.2
SADDLE Selle Italia X1
PEDALS no


Giant TCR Advanced 0

Frame Advanced-Grade Composite
Fork Advanced-Grade Composite, Full-Composite OverDrive 2 Steerer
Components
Handlebar Giant Contact, 31.8
Stem Giant Contact w/ Titanium hardware, OverDrive 2
Seatpost Giant Vector Composite
Saddle Fi'zi:k Arione w/ Manganese rails
Pedals N/A
Drivetrain
Shifters Shimano Ultegra Di2, Electronic
Front Derailleur Shimano Ultegra Di2, Electronic
Rear Derailleur Shimano Ultegra Di2, Electronic
Brakes Shimano Ultegra
Brake Levers Shimano Ultegra Di2
Cassette Shimano Ultegra 11x25, 10-Speed
Chain KMC X10SL
Crankset Shimano Ultegra, 39/53
Bottom Bracket Shimano, Press Fit
Wheels
Rims Giant P-SL0 WheelSystem
Hubs Giant P-SL0 WheelSystem
Spokes Giant P-SL0 WheelSystem
Tires Giant P-SL1, 700x23, Front and Rear Specific, Folding
Other
Extras RideSense

I have ridden both and like the ride of both but the Merida seems to lack the full Ultegra componants like the cranks but unsure if inferior to the Giant Specs or very similer

Any thoughts would be great. Bikes may be used for racing down the track

Sorry wrong details for the Merida as it is DI2

Thanks

Kiwalian

[Ross]

The Giant has the electronic Ultegra Di2 groupset whereas the Merida only has Ultegra mechanical and swaps out the cranks for cheaper FSA and the cassette for a Tiagra version. Not sure of the difference if any with the wheels.

[Marty Moose]

What do you prefer ?? Ride them and choose both are great bikes for the $$ I don't like the way Merida down spec Giant don't. I'm Biased get the Giant

MM

[AlMac]

If you don't prefer one's ride/fit/feel over the other, buy the Giant. Better spec and, I suspect, better value.

I am not a fan of this cross speccing, but appreciate that it's sometimes necessary to hit a price point.

I haven't ridden a bike with cranks that differ to the rest of the groupset, ie Merrida's FSA crank with Shimano group. But, in recent reviews I have read the use of a different crank to rest of groupset has been consistently mentioned as a negative on shift quality.

[auswi2]

I agree that the Giant is better value. I also understand the need to have different spec to save money. I find it ironic when i ask the LBS about the differences in the two bikes that they are sometinmes willing to drop the price by upto $400 to get your business.

From my point of view the bikes should be priced to sell with whatever equipment it has. I know Giant won't drop there prices even for cash which I understand and respect.

The one thing I don't want to do is buy another bike and then have to upgrade componants after 6 months.

Thanks

Kiwalian