Light e-MTB all-rounder: The Merida eOne-Sixty SL 6000 on test
Most light E-MTBs are aimed at uncompromising trail use and don't necessarily shine with high everyday utility. The Merida is different. The eOne-Sixty SL carries two tools under the saddle and in the rear wheel axle. A spare tube can be mounted in front of the shock and an extension of the factory-fitted mudguard on the rear triangle.
It is the only bike in our light comparison test that takes an extra-large one-litre water bottle. The small Bosch display on the handlebar provides information on the most important riding data. A flip chip allows you to switch to a small 27.5-inch rear wheel and a steering stop limiter prevents damage to the top tube.
The immaculately finished frame is bursting with details! Especially small and large sizes and a lifetime guarantee on the frame are on top. For those who have now fallen in love: Merida only sells the SL 6000 in sand-coloured paint instead of red in Germany.
Merida eOne-Sixty SL 6000: Price & more info
- Motor: Bosch SX, 60 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 400 Wh (permanently installed)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Spring travel: 160/160
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 20.5 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
- Max. system weight: 140 kg
- Guarantee: for life
- Price: 5999 Euro
Bosch SX fully integrated
The Merida is fitted with Bosch's Light Motor SX, which has just been boosted to a peak torque of 60 Nm with a firmware update. Merida combines the SX with the usual 400 watt-hour battery, which is permanently installed in the frame. For more range, you can use the Powermore range extender with 250 additional watt hours. The most important information is shown on the combination of Purion 400 display and system controller.
A special feature of Merida's design is that the motor is as with Canyon's Neuron:Onfly is completely integrated into the frame thanks to a fully enclosing cover. The Bosch SX motor is therefore less able to dissipate heat to the outside and overheats even faster than it already does on long climbs at full throttle. Not a problem in Touring mode, but you can feel it on long, steep Alpine climbs in Turbo mode.
Features of the Merida
Merida adjusted the price just in time for our test. The SL 6000 actually costs 400 euros more. However, the equipment has remained the same: A high-quality full carbon frame, fully functional Deore parts and a particularly grippy front tyre work perfectly on the trail. The Marzocchi suspension offers a successful alternative to the top dogs Fox and Rockshox. The fork in particular is very sensitive in its response behaviour, while the shock offers a reservoir and adjustable compression damping. This is by no means a matter of course in this price range.
- Fork / damper: Marzocchi Bomber Z1 / Bomber Air
- Circuit: Shimano Deore (12-speed)
- Brakes: Shimano Deore four-piston 220 / 200 mm
- Impellers: Merida Expert TR II
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai MaxxGrip / DHR II Exo+, 29 x 2.50 / 2.40
- Special features: Tool on saddle and axle, flip chip for 27.5 inch rear wheel, XS size
Geometry: long or short?
Merida has long since moved away from classic S to XL geometries. Instead, you should choose your bike according to the right length. Thanks to particularly short seat tubes and long dropper posts, there is plenty of flexibility for personal preferences. The chainstays remain the same across all frame sizes and the front is rather low. Merida therefore fitted a handlebar with a lot of rise on the top model. This wouldn't have done our test bike any harm either.
Practical test
Another speciality is hidden in the Merida chassis: instead of an additional joint, the suspension works via flexing carbon on the rear triangle. On the trail, the so-called "flex pivot" works decently, but our testers did not perceive it as being particularly comfortable. The long, plush suspension elements do offer high reserves. However, compared to the test competitors Mondraker Sly and Propain Sresh SL, the rear suspension lacks that last bit of sensitivity.
At the same time, it doesn't quite deliver the defined support of a Canyon Spectral:On fly or Propain Sresh SL. The smoothness on the descent stands out more. The rider is integrated in a balanced way, the geo creates a lot of security and the bike is easy to control at any speed. The Maxxis tyres are robust and grippy on the piste. With their large discs, the inexpensive Shimano brakes also decelerate well. However, the familiar clattering of the Bosch drive is annoying even in the garage. The flat cockpit and high wheel weight hinder lively manoeuvres and steep terrain. Fast and direct lines at high speeds are the Merida's strength rather than playful trail riding.
Effortlessly under control
Especially at high cadences, the Bosch drives the Merida vehemently towards the summit. The front-heavy riding position matches this. The short head tube also pushes the rider's weight towards the control centre. The front wheel always stays on the ground when climbing, making it easy to keep the bike under control. Even in steep key sections, the rider of the eOne-Sixty SL does not have to bend. The motor and geometry do a lot of the work for you on the climbs. At low pedalling frequencies, we would have liked more power from the SX motor, but a firmware update to 60 Nm has just promised an improvement. In standard trim, you always have to consciously keep the cadence high. This is not always practicable in technical sections.
Strengths and weaknesses of the Light-E-MTB
Strengths
- A wealth of detail and a lifetime guarantee
- Uphill handling with a powerful motor
- more driving safety ...
Weaknesses
- ... as driving fun
- Deep front
- Engine rattling
Conclusion on the eOne-Sixty
Merida has put together a harmonious, versatile light package including practical details. Uphill, the sporty bike with the powerful motor takes the lead. On the trail, the rear suspension and playfulness are not entirely convincing. In terms of character, it is more of a racer with touring expertise than a light-footed trail acrobat. If you like, you can help the playfulness a little with a smaller rear wheel and a higher front end. - Adrian Kaether, Editor Test & Technology
Adrian Kaether
Editor
