Opinion on Merida EBIG.NINE 600

[peter]

New to e-bike and not sure if eventually going to get one, but I guess no harm having a look around and to establish some sort of baseline for future comparison.

I feel that an e-MTB is the most versatile and started looking at some hardtail options. Merida EBIG.NINE 300 stood out a lot, around $4,000, comes with a 60Nm motor and 504Wh battery. The next model up, the 400 upgrades to a 85Nm motor (Shimano EP8) with a 630Wh battery. But I think the 600 is the best value, adds Deore 11 speed drive train and air fork. Currently around $5,700, not sure if under $5,000 is possible when on sale (if ever).

There's not many reviews of it, is it a good one for the money? https://www.merida-bikes.com/en-au/bike ... ignine-600

The blue looks very nice, but they will probably change the colour scheme by the time I'm ready.

[RonK]

Merida e-mtb's must have had a big price increase. Not all that long ago I could have bought an E One Sixty for that money.
Otherwise Merida are a quality brabd and that one has a good spec except perhaps for the Suntour fork.
I have the Shimano E8 drive on my bike and it's excellent, but not sure how the e6 compares.

[peter]

Wow was not aware a full suspension e-MBT was "affordable"

Surprisingly Giant's hardtail options are quite under powered, the Talon is 50Nm across the range.

[celeste boy]

What turned me off the Merida was the different sized wheels. 29er front, 27.5 on the back. Just seemed odd.

[RonK]

What turned me off the Merida was the different sized wheels. 29er front, 27.5 on the back. Just seemed odd.

It's an unusual combination but the mixed wheel sizes don't bother me.
Having room for a 2.6 rear tyre is great for traction when climbing steep slopes