In this article, we use so-called affiliate links. With every purchase through these links, we receive a commission from the merchant. All relevant referral links are marked with . Learn more.
With its World Cup coup had Matej Mohoric probably didn't expect it any more than his supplier Merida did. The Slovenian was crowned world champion in his very first race on gravel, making unexpected headlines for the Taiwanese manufacturer. After all, the Bahrain Victorious pro triumphed on a camouflaged flintwhich has now been officially presented.
Merida Silex: Geometry promises a smooth ride
Curiously, Merida is addressing the second version of the gravel bike less to racers and instead emphasises the adventure character of the new model. The most striking change concerns the frame geometry: thanks to a shorter stack (607 millimetres) and longer reach (412 millimetres), you sit more stretched out than on the predecessor. On the five-year-old original model, the handlebars were still extremely high, which meant that the front wheel could lose contact with the ground on steep terrain. As the wheelbase is longer (1082 instead of 1061 millimetres) and the steering angle is slacker (69.5 instead of 71 degrees), the new Silex should roll like a string over gravel tracks.
As before, the gravel bike will be available with either a carbon or aluminium frame. According to the manufacturer, the carbon version weighs 1220 grams, while the aluminium version is 680 grams heavier. The lightest carbon model (Silex 10K) weighs 8.4 kilograms, but is not yet available in Germany. The lightest aluminium version weighs 9.8 kilograms. The platforms share many mounting points for bags or mudguards. The carbon models come with a magnetic bottle cage from Fidlock, while the aluminium models can be retrofitted with a luggage rack. The maximum tyre clearance of 45 millimetres is already fully utilised ex works.
Merida Silex: The most important facts
- Weight of complete wheel: from 8.4 kilograms (size M)
- Frame weight: 1220 grams (carbon), 1900 grams (aluminium)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 607/412 millimetres/1.47 (size M)
- Frame material: Carbon (7000, 4000), aluminium (700, 400, 200)
- Maximum tyre clearance: 45 millimetres
- Special features: Integration, luggage options, high braking power
- Sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Prices: 1349 to 5499 Euro >> available here
To ensure that the Silex decelerates quickly even when fully loaded, Merida uses large brake discs with a diameter of 180 millimetres. Gravel bikes are fitted with 160 millimetre discs as standard. Cooling fins, as used on the Reacto and Scultura competition bikes, are also designed to prevent overheating under full load. The brake and gear cables are routed into the inside of the frame via the headset cap on all equipment variants. The cables for an optional dynamo front hub are also integrated.
Features and prices of the Merida Silex
Merida is offering two carbon and three aluminium models at the market launch. Two high-end models are to follow at a later date.* Interesting detail: The Silex 8000 already appears in the price list (€ 5499), but according to Merida it could not yet be presented as "the parts are still under embargo". Is this a sign that Shimano will be able to offer a new bike after the Mechanical twelve-fold GRX will soon be presenting an electronic GRX version with twelve sprockets?
The available equipment variants come with mechanical groupsets from Shimano (GRX or Sora) and single or double cranks. Overall, the Taiwanese rely on maintenance-friendly and robust technology for the wheels, handlebars and seatpost. As a result, the prices - in contrast to many other competitors - remain within reasonable limits: The carbon models cost between 2349 and 3249 euros, while the aluminium fleet is available between 1349 and 2599 euros.
Silex 7000
- Weight: 9.4 kilogrammes (size M)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Drive: Shimano GRX 820 (1x12; 42, 11-51 t.)
- Impellers: Easton EA70 AX (Aluminium)
- Tyres: Maxxis Rambler (45 millimetres)
- Seat post: Merida Expert CC (Carbon)
- Handlebars: Merida Expert GRII (aluminium)
- Price: 3249 Euro >> available here
Silex 4000
- Weight: not specified
- Frame material: Carbon
- Drive: Shimano GRX 400/600 (2x10; 46/30, 11-36 t.)
- Impellers: Merida Expert SL II (aluminium)
- Tyres: Maxxis Rambler (45 millimetres)
- Seat post: Merida Expert CC (Carbon)
- Handlebars: Merida Expert GRII (aluminium)
- Price: 2349 Euro
Silex 700
- Weight: 9.8 kilogrammes (size M)
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Drive: Shimano GRX 820 (1x12; 42, 11-51 t.)
- Impellers: Easton EA70 AX (Aluminium)
- Tyres: Maxxis Rambler (45 millimetres)
- Seat post: Merida Expert CC (Carbon)
- Handlebars: Merida Expert GRII (aluminium)
- Price: 2599 Euro
Silex 400
- Weight: not specified
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Drive: Shimano GRX 400/820 (2x10; 46/30, 11-36 t.)
- Impellers: Merida Expert SL II (Aluminium)
- Tyres: Maxxis Rambler (45 millimetres)
- Seat post: Merida Comp CC (aluminium)
- Handlebars: Merida Expert GRII (aluminium)
- Price: 1699 Euro
Silex 200
- Weight: not specified
- Frame material: Aluminium
- Drive: Shimano Sora (2x9; 48/32, 11-34 t.)
- Impellers: Merida Comp SL II (aluminium)
- Tyres: Maxxis Rambler (45 millimetres)
- Seat post: Merida Comp CC (aluminium)
- Handlebars: Merida Expert GRII (aluminium)
- Price: 1349 Euro >> available here
*In an initial version, we had listed the Silex 10K as an additional equipment variant. According to Merida, the top model is not available in Germany for the time being.
Julian Schultz
Editor
