Whether or not you’re a newbie buying your first gravel bike or a seasoned bike owner, right here’s three worthy contenders (with loads of 5* opinions)…
Merlin Malt G2 Claris Gravel Bike
The Merlin Malt G2 Claris is the right entry degree gravel bike.
“Love my new bike. Ridden to and from work daily since I acquired it. Did plenty of analysis and selected the G2 as a result of it comes from a good British primarily based firm and supplied distinctive worth for cash.”
Probably the most interesting facets of the Merlin Malt G2 Claris is its affordability with out compromising on efficiency. Gravel bikes typically include a hefty price ticket, however we tried to strike a steadiness by incorporating high quality parts whereas conserving the fee affordable.
The Shimano Claris groupset gives dependable shifting, and the sturdy aluminium body ensures longevity. This makes the Merlin Malt G2 Claris a wonderful alternative for riders who desire a succesful gravel bike with out breaking the financial institution.
Whether or not you’re a seasoned bike owner looking for a brand new problem or a newbie seeking to dip your toes into the world of gravel driving, the Merlin Malt G2 Claris is able to accompany you in your journey.
What our clients say in regards to the Merlin Malt G2 Claris:
“Purchased this bike as a winter / commuter . I’ve now ridden this bike for 4 x 30 mile runs and am very happy with it. By way of seems to be it’s rugged and strong, and I significantly just like the discreet color scheme which lets you fade away into the background. It’s heavier than a carbon highway bike (apparent I do know) but not overly that you may’t produce some nice pace.
The Shimano Claris gearing is faultless permitting for clean and constant gear altering whenever you want it. The wheels are strong and as a primary time disc brake consumer I’m mightily impressed with the stopping energy in each dry and moist situations.
The on bike place is snug and also you nearly overlook you’re on a gravel bike and never on a highway bike. By way of worth for cash this a really nicely specced bike for the cash, it ensures consolation and reliability and gratifying driving.
Total I can’t discover a fault for this bike and am trying ahead to utilising the pliability it permits in tackling canal tow paths and gravel tracks which I might usually keep away from on my highway bike. Glad I bought this bike and would positively suggest as a 5 star product.”
Merlin Malt G2P Tiagra Gravel Bike
The Merlin Malt G2 Tiagra is our mid-level gravel bike. The Merlin Malt G2P Tiagra excels in offering all-day consolation, with a well-thought-out geometry that goals to attenuate fatigue on longer rides (many have chosen to go bike packing on this gravel steed).
“This bike is improbable, I actually adore it. It’s so clean and actually snug to journey. The Tiagra transmission is tremendous slick and the bike seems to be superb as nicely. Been out within the rain as nicely and it’s highway holding is nice and the brakes are highly effective on the hilly roads I journey on. – extremely really useful.“
One of many standout options of the Malt G2P Tiagra is its precision shifting. Tiagra takes benefit of expertise and design improvements that end in smoother and extra correct gear adjustments in comparison with Claris.
The improved shifting efficiency ensures a extra seamless transition between gears, permitting riders to take care of momentum and effectivity on numerous terrains. Whether or not you’re tackling steep climbs or cruising on flat roads, the bike feels very succesful.
What our clients say in regards to the Merlin Malt G2 Tiagra:
“Nice bike … New to highway /gravel bikes having had a mountain bike earlier than and actually having fun with it ..no turning again now. Strong parts, design and construct .”
(Picture from Rach on her expedition to Isle of Man to look at some TT racing.)
“Completely loving driving the Merlin Malt G2P. Quick and enjoyable occasions. 👌🏻🙌🏻“
“Distinctive worth gravel bike, Tiagra shifting spot on straight from the field, beautiful body , sizing spot on – nicely price it – go get one!“
Merlin Malt G2X GRX Gravel Bike
The Merlin Malt G2X GRX is our high quality aluminium gravel bike.
“It is a nice bike for the cash. Body is tidily welded and light-weight, groupset is high quality, wheels roll nicely and tyre specced is nice for many makes use of. Brakes are actually excellent too. As a highway rider I acquired this to discover byways and rougher roads and to date this has been greater than as much as the job.”
The first benefit of Shimano GRX is that it’s purpose-built for gravel and journey driving. It options applied sciences and design components particularly tailor-made for the calls for of off-road and mixed-terrain biking. The inclusion of a clutch within the GRX rear derailleur reduces chain slap and improves chain retention, particularly essential on tough, uneven terrain.
Whereas Shimano Tiagra is a superb alternative for highway cyclists and people on a price range, Shimano GRX shines in terms of gravel-specific efficiency and options. Riders who prioritize off-road adventures, enhanced chain retention, and specialised ergonomics might discover that the purpose-built design of GRX higher fits their wants.
What our clients say in regards to the Merlin Malt G2X:
“What an amazing bike for the cash. It arrived a day forward of schedule. It was extraordinarily nicely packed and all gears and brakes had been adjusted. It was a easy construct and I used to be driving it in about 45 minutes. My first journey was nice. Tremendous clean journey and plenty of gearing to stand up and down the hills. I used to be actually impressed by the tires, not rather more rolling resistance than my highway bike. Very impartial steering as nicely really easy to deal with. That is my third bike from Merlin and each has been a dream and the service is excellent.”
“Such an amazing bike!!! Top of the range ending ! paint, welds and many others…in life this bike seems to be superb and journey so clean. I finished already about 50 miles on this dangerous boy nearly all sort of roads and might say its amazingggg!!!! Planning tour 100 miles for this weekend and might’t wait. That is my dream bike Merlin malt G2X GRX !!! Extremely really useful to professionals and passionate riders. 5 star product!!!”
“Was after a gravel/ winter bike and after some analysis, the GX2 was the most effective spec’d bike of the same priced bikes. It arrived shortly and nicely packaged. The standard of the body, Shimano GRX groupset & FSA ending package is superb. Been out just a few time now and bike feels nice to journey and appears good too.”
That rounds up our comparisons of the Merlin Malt Gravel Bike Vary. In the end the choice will come all the way down to your price range, groupset desire and driving model.
You probably have the cash to spend you’ll be most happy with the standard of the Merlin Malt G2X that includes GRX. However in case you are on a smaller price range the Mid Degree Tiagra and Entry degree Claris are nonetheless each very succesful choices!
