u/Apollodin

Hey, I’m looking to buy a mountain bike through a work scheme. These are two bikes that are available through the scheme.

The bike will be used mainly on trails, but I’m able to use the London Olympic bike park locally so will also use it there. I’ll be fitting a Kids Ride shotgun combo seat additionally.

If you could advise me between the two bikes.

- Merida One-Sixty 500 2026

- Trek Fuel 5 29er 2026

Will the mullet set up be weird to adjust to on the Merida? Are parts easily available at local bike shops for either?

It’s my first mountain bike in a while and the market has changed since my hardtail. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Budget is around the £2200 mark.