Stanfree – I have one, in 52 but with slightly different paintjob.
Actually I built it up from the frameset so can’t comment on the rest of the spec other than I chose to build up a frame with sram groupset offer from merlin, bb7s on sale and XT hub & old rim based wheelset along with planet x finishing kit and some bits from the spares box for about that price which seemed better value (though more hassle obviously). When I looked at the full build I didn’t take to the merida branded stuff (would have had to change bar and stem, seatpost and rims looked a bit low end) or the wheelset massively so decided to go down that route and would do so again.
I haven’t been able to ride it as much as I’d have liked due to injury and a new baby arriving, but anyway, it feels pretty comparable to my previous jake the snake, and similar to a mates new giant cx (though IMO less smart looking than the latter). Carbon fork is definitely a nice change from what I’m used to. I think most of the entry level alu cx bikes I’ve seen or had a spin are more or less alike, though geometry changes between them so worth a try out to see what suits.
Anyway, lack of space for baby and bike things means the frameset has been stripped down over the summer and I’ve been meaning to sell it as I’m not going to be racing this winter and we need the space (been too busy to write a for sale ad though). I’d definitely say worth a try and frame basis for a good value build. I’m only getting rid of mine as it’s that or the mtb. 🙁
edit – just saw your post while I was posting the above. The fork on mine is carbon – much nicer than the front end of a cdf ( though less pretty). Not sure if there is an alu forked version but worth checking. And I deliberately avoided bb30 frames which was a good thing with the merida.
