Once you've tried a well-adapted time trial bike, you become addicted - addicted to speed. On familiar routes, which you ride at 32 to 35 km/h on the classic racer with a brake grip, you suddenly always see the "4" on the front of the speed display - and a big grin on your face. But the magic word is: well adapted. Finding a comfortable and aerodynamically favourable position on the time trial bike is not easy. The recumbent literally freezes in position. If the riding position isn't perfect, you won't be able to progress properly and you'll feel uncomfortable. Specialised frames are a case for specialists, but their requirements can still vary greatly: The requirements for a short tour prologue of a few kilometres, a long time trial or the bike course of a long-distance triathlon over 180 kilometres differ significantly. While the Ironman athletes want to run a marathon after the fast ride, the cyclists could be lifted off their bikes by crane and straight onto the massage bench after the time trial. They can therefore adopt much more radical positions. This presents bike manufacturers with the difficult task of uniting two worlds. A radical aero position is only possible if the frame is designed low at the front. The Ironman in search of comfort would have to choose a lot of spacers and a steep stem for such a frame. The ride feel would be spongier and the fast look would be lost.
Merida, the world's second largest bike manufacturer, has now brought a modular head tube system to series production. The very short head tube of the "Time-Warp" has mounts for integrated bearings. In addition, one or two extension sleeves with bearing seats can be screwed into the head tube as required. Beautifully shaped carbon fibre covers create a smooth transition to the main frame. As all modules are part of the frame set, you can start with the long version and a few spacers to find the right position and gradually work your way up to the optimum position. If everything fits after this experimental phase, you can shorten the steerer tube.
However, the head tube system is not the only highlight. The fork head is completely integrated into the down tube of the frame, with only small gaps offering resistance to the wind. Special brakes and internally routed shift and brake cables enable the compact and streamlined frame shape. The rear brake is concealed on the bottom bracket housing in the lee of the down tube, which is shaped as a spoiler and also serves as a cable counter-holder.
The seat post also gives free rein to position finding. Contrary to the trend, it is not integrated, but can be completely removed for ease of use and transport. The seat clamps can be mounted in two longitudinal positions. Overall, the adjustment options are excellent for finding the optimum seating position for the individual. The Syntace handlebar set with the "C3" attachment plays a major role in the feeling of well-being on the bike we built. This can also be adjusted in a variety of ways, and the large and well-padded armrests are a blessing. The upwardly angled handlebar ends are also pleasant; the hands find a comfortable grip and the entire upper body is forced into a much less tense position than with the straight handlebar ends that are currently predominantly ridden.
Once on the move, the "Time Warp" is a real pleasure. Thanks to the adapted caster and sufficient frame stiffness, it rolls very safely even at high speeds. Even cyclists who are less experienced in time trials can whizz around the bends quickly after a short familiarisation period - so quickly that even on familiar terrain, some bends that have been taken a thousand times suddenly become a little tight.
When it comes to the braking performance of a time trial bike, you have to accept compromises; spartan levers like on the "Time Warp" and the typical weakness of carbon wheels stand in the way of maximum braking power, but our test bike still decelerated reasonably well. However, adjusting the brakes was a game of patience due to the uncompromisingly aerodynamic rims with angled brake track and the very light but not very stiff rear disc.
Merida obviously knows how complex and tricky the assembly of such a bike can be and delivers a remarkable complete package: This includes the head tube modules, headset, fork, seat post and brake body, as well as a spare derailleur hanger and a Velcro-on race number holder for the back of the seat tube, as well as special clamps for gentle mounting of the frame in assembly stands - and all this for a comparatively modest €2,299. The first frame sets should be available from dealers from August, and a complete bike with SRAM Red, Vision handlebars and S60/S80 wheels, also from SRAM, will be presented at Eurobike.
With the "Time Warp", Merida offers a convincing concept for the fight against the clock. Thanks to the intelligently designed and beautifully shaped headset, the neatly finished frame can be adjusted for almost all purposes and rider preferences, and the handling is faultless. In addition, the frameset is a real bargain compared to the competition, not least because of the extensive range of accessories.
PLUSperfect customisation options for seating position; extensive range of accessories as standard; very good price-performance ratio
Web: www.merida.com
*test bike frame size greased; **projected measurement from centre of bottom bracket to upper edge of head tube/seat tube height at 75 cm seat height (centre of seat frame-upper edge of headset cover); ***adjusted weight for frame size 57 and fork steerer length 225 mm including steering bearings and seat post; ****the bike is a custom build; as the aerodynamics were not measured either, we do not give an overall rating
