The favourable Reacto illustrates the major influence of the wheels on the aerodynamics. Although the frameset comes from the same mould as Merida's team bike, the difference between the standard models is almost 12 watts. If you swap the wheels for those from Swiss Side, the bike makes a big leap of 13 watts. The original wheels are not only aerodynamically weak, but also extremely heavy. The front and rear wheels weigh more than 3.5 kilos - a good pound more than the next heaviest wheels in the test. The excess weight of rotating mass slows down the fun of riding, and in direct comparison the bike seems cumbersome. A pity, because it is otherwise well equipped. Hence the recommendation: swap the wheels for more streamlined, lighter wheels straight away in the shop.
Price 2,149 Euro
Weight 8.9 kilos
Available in specialised shops
Reference/Info www.merida-bikes.com
Frame/fork/steering bearing weight 1,010/437/66 grammes
Frame sizes 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 59 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/73,5°
Seat/top tube/head tube 540/560/159 mm plus 6 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 995/52 mm
Stack/Reach/STR 554/397 mm/1.40
Equipment
Steering bearing FSA, top 1-1/8, bottom 1.5 inch
Brakes/gears Shimano Ultegra
Bottom bracket (FSA Gossamer Evo, 52/36 t., BB386evo)
Wheels/tyres Merida Super Aero 38/Continental GrandSport 25C
Handlebar/stem FSA/FSA
Saddle/post Prologo/Merida Reacto Aero (aero profile)
*The frame set accounts for 36 per cent of the overall score, the equipment for 54 per cent and the aerodynamics for 10 per cent. The grades are calculated with all decimal places up to the final grade; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
**Weighed weights.
***Manufacturer's specification, test size greased.
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