In the colours of the Lampre-Merida team, the Ride CF sets fresh accents; the voluminous head tube, the strongly flattened top tube and the low-set seat stays also give the frame a formal face, the design is consistent and coherent. The lightest frameset in the test is without weaknesses, the very good comfort at the rear is remarkable. There is also little to criticise about the equipment. 25 mm tyres, a light gear ratio (34/32 in first gear) and the comfortable, high-quality saddle underline the Marathon concept. The wheels and the perfectly functioning Ultegra groupset also deserve praise. The handlebars with a lot of drop allow for an aerodynamic lower handlebar position, but a slightly flattened upper handlebar would be consistent. The inconspicuously integrated mudguard eyelets in the frame and fork are a nice detail.
Price 3,599 Euro
Weight 7.4 kilos
Available in specialised shops
Reference/Info www.merida-bikes.com
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing** 943/379/89 grammes
Frame sizes*** 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 59 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/73°
Seat/top tube/head tube 540/550/173 mm plus 17 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 995/52 mm
Stack/Reach/STR**** 576/382 mm/1.51
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing FSA, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/2 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket Shimano Ultegra (50/34 t., Press-Fit BB86)
Wheels/tyres Fulcrum Racing 3/Continental GrandSport 25C
Handlebar/stem FSA Energy/FSA Team Issue
Saddle/post Prologo/Merida Nanomatrix (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.
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