posted by Dan Hertlein on december 15, 1997 at 00:41:58:
in reply to: re: Taiga vs Litespeed OBED posted by Karl Hamilton on december 12, 1997 at 18:57:31:
: Pete,
: You will get a better bike for less by buying the Litespeed Obed. The Obed cuts no corners on tubing (full 3/2.5), nor construction (cold worked, S-stays)--versus the overpriced Taiga with lower priced & lower strength Grade 4 (essentially commercially pure ti) in all tubes except the downtube and chainstays. The Taiga uses a wishbone rear to cut construction costs (which is why you don't see it on higher end Merlins).
: Pete, you went to the wrong place to get anyone (or most anyone) to comment favorably on a Litespeed. If you want more objective feedback, you'd do better at one of the "general sites" such as www.mtbr.com.
: The Merlin owners here seem to have delusions that Merlins have somehow transformed their lives.
: I am the proud owner of several Litespeeds, but don't hesitate to acknowledge that Merlin makes an equally good product (at a much higher price).
: Read this post quickly, as it may eventually be deleted by the Merlin "site gods".
: Good Riding,
: Karl
Karl,
I too own a Litespeed (Hiwassee) that I purchased because it was on sale. I must say it's a great bike. I've upgraded it to all XT, Syncros stem and seatpost and a Judy SL fork. I love it. I also LOVE my Merlin XL!!! I don't have the slightest regret for buying it and the only bike bike that compares to it is the Vortex, which is around the same price as the XL. It's a matter of preference. And to say the "Merlin Site gods" will delete your posting? If you checked out your posting in August, detailing reasons not to get a Merlin, it's still there bud...I guess the "gods" missed that one, ehh? To all you who care, test ride them all. You'll find Merlin and Litespeed are great bikes. I know, I have them both.