Merida has been experimenting with a combination of stiff carbon and elastic flax fibres to improve damping for some time now. The right fibre mix has now apparently been found for the Scultura. The stretched seating position limits the target group to sporty riders, while the low weight and short wheelbase make the bike agile and manoeuvrable. Kammtail profiles on the down tube and seat tube do not provide any significant aerodynamic advantage; in the wind tunnel, the bike is at the bottom of the competition. The braking behaviour of the carbon rims from Fulcrum is convincing, but their flat profiles are another reason for the moderate aero performance. When pedalling hard, the pads of the direct mount brakes positioned behind the bottom bracket touch the rim.
CONCLUSION Super damped, light, stable, race-orientated. Aerodynamically below expectations. Brake grinds when pedalling
OVERALL GRADE 1.9
Price 6,599 Euro
Weight 6.5 kilos
Info www.merida-bikes.com
available in specialised shops
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 872/303/37 grammes
Frame sizes** 50, 52, 54, 56, 59 cm
Seat/top tube/head tube 545/560/155 mm
Stack/Reach/STR*** 558/396 mm/1.41
Drive Rotor 3D30 (52/36 t., BB386)
Brakes/gears Shimano Dura-Ace, rear Direct Mount/Dura-Ace
Wheels/tyres/weights**** Fulcrum Racing Zero Carbon/Continental GP 4000S2 25C (f/h.: 942/1,330 grams)
*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 a very upright riding position.
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.
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