Merida Scultura 7000
Merida offers with its competition racer Scultura All model variants with electric drivetrains; for the affordable Merida Scultura 7000 a SRAM Rival wireless drivetrain is offered. Our test bike is equipped with a good 8.5 kilogrammes just about the heaviest in comparison. Nevertheless, you can recognise the efforts of the product managers to get as close as possible to the performance of the professional bike with the limited budget.
The values of the frameset are astonishing, with hardly any compromises to be made compared to the 10,000 euro behemoth from the same family: Less than 150 grams of weight separate the most expensive from the cheapest version, both offer very good stiffness values and outstanding comfort on the saddle.
More models in the test:
- Canyon Aeroad CF SL 8 vs. Canyon Aeroad CFR Disc MVDP
- Giant TCR Advanced 1 vs. Giant TCR Advanced SL
- Lapierre Xelius SL 6.0 vs. Lapierre Xelius SL 75TH
- Specialised Tarmac SL 7 Comp vs. Specialised S-Works Tarmac SL 7
- Wilier Zero SL vs. Wilier Zero SLR
- What distinguishes expensive professional racing bikes from inexpensive models
This means that the Merida Scultura 7000 a good basis for later tuning, as lighter alternatives can be found for many components. The Carbon rims are well-intentioned, but the rather heavy wheels slow the bike down on climbs and when accelerating. Once you get going, however, the affordable Scultura rolls along quickly.
Then the high-quality 28-millimetre tyreswhich emphasise the impression of comfort on poor roads. The aerodynamically quite good own-brand rims keep the aero difference to the professional model within manageable limits: Only 7 watts separate the variants, part of which should go on the expensive handlebar unit of the team bike. We would replace the cheap handlebars of the low-cost model first anyway: The thin and hard upper handlebar is uncomfortable in the long run.
Facts about the Merida Scultura 7000
- Price 4599 Euro
- Weight 8.6 kilos
- Aerodynamics 236 watts****
- Info www.merida-bikes.com
Frame sizes** XS, S, M, L, XL
Seat/top tube/head tube 500/560/141 millimetres
Stack/Reach/STR*** 585/387 millimetres/1.51
Wheelbase/caster 990/56 millimetres
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1028/503/82 grammes
Drive/gear shift SRAM Rival eTap AXS (2x12, 48/35, 10-36 t.)
Brakes SRAM Rival HRD (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres (weights)***** Merida Team SL 35/Continental Grand Prix 5000 28 mm (front/rear 1,308/1,811 grams)
The expensive model: Merida Scultura Team
In comparison with others, the light scultura especially strengths in comfort: No professional bike currently softens road bumps better. That's why, in addition to mountainous stages, it is also often ridden on long classics - such as by Dylan Teuns with Paris-Roubaix (picture). One weakness it shares with many others in its category is its mediocre aerodynamics. Merida offers the bike in the same design as the professional version.
Facts about the Merida Scultura Team
- Price 9999 Euro
- Weight 7.0 kilos
- Aerodynamics 229 watts****
- Info www.merida-bikes.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 948/451/74 grammes
Drive/gear shift Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12, 52/36, 11-30 t.)
Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace (160/160 mm)
Wheels/tyres (weights)***** Vision Metron 45 SL Disc/Continental Grand Prix 5000 28 mm (front/rear 1090/1503 grams)
*Weighed weights. **Manufacturer informationTest size in bold. ***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach)1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position. ****Aerodynamics Theoretical pedalling power required to overcome air resistance at 45 km/h, measured in a wind tunnel with a pedalling leg dummy. *****Impeller weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if necessary.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
