A set weight of 1,356 grams in size 57 with excellent laboratory values and a complete paint job: there is not much more that can be done to improve the "Scultura" frame. However, the bike is not only a winner in the lab, but also in practice. The rather sluggish steering behaviour - the result of the relatively long wheelbase in combination with the long caster - is somewhat unusual at first. However, once you get used to this design, the bike pleases with its stoic straight-line stability, controllable road holding at all times, which means there are no unpleasant surprises even at high speeds, and good suspension comfort. The Di2 battery is easily accessible on the down tube and the cable inlets and outlets are neatly sealed. In view of the Dura-Ace Aero wheels with aluminium rims, which are suitable for everyday use, the weight of 6.9 kilos is perfectly acceptable.
Web: www.merida.de
*Weighted weights; **Test frame size greased; ***Frame height: projected measurement from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of head tube; cant: saddle/head tube cant at 75 cm seat height (centre of saddle frame - top edge of headset cap)
