To filter vibrations better, Merida adds a proportion of elastic flax fibres to the carbon frame. Measures that have an overall effect. The bike absorbs bumps effectively and allows a riding position suitable for touring. In some riding situations, heavier riders may notice a slight unsteadiness in the chassis - a consequence of the moderate steering head stiffness. The Fulcrum wheels stand out from the good spec, with their high-quality hubs and butt-welded rims, they are a step up to the upper class. The Ultegra groupset, supplemented by a Rotor crankset, offers a wide range of gear ratios thanks to the 32 sprocket.
CONCLUSION Comfortable riding position, noticeable damping. Gearbox suitable for mountain riding. Riding stability just below average.
Reference/Info www.merida-bikes.com
Price 2,899 Euro
Weight 7.7 kilos
available in specialised shops
MEASURED DATA
Frame/fork/steering bearing weight 1,155/450/60 grammes
Frame sizes 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 59 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/73°
Seat/top tube/head tube 545/550/177 mm plus 13 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 995/51 mm
Stack/Reach/STR 576/379 mm/1.52
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing FSA, top 1-1/8, bottom 1.5 inch
Brakes/Shimano Ultegra 6800 gears
Bottom bracket Rotor 3D (50/34 t., BB386evo)
Wheels/tyres Fulcrum Racing 3/Continental Grand Sport Race 25C
Handlebar/stem FSA Energy Compact/FSA Team Issue
Saddle/post Prologo Scratch Pro/Merida Nano (27.2 mm)
*The frame set accounts for 40 per cent and the equipment for 60 per cent of the overall grade. 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 bold.
****Stack/Reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement 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 an upright riding position.
