In addition to the team presentation of the Multivan Merida Biking Team, the focus was on three new bikes for the 2014 season. Two interesting models are now at the team's side in the battle for World Cup points and championships. We are talking about the new Big.Seven, a 27.5-inch hardtail and a revised version of the Big Ninety-Nine with a significantly lighter frame. Touring riders can also look forward to the All Mountain One Forty-B, which, as the name suggests, also rolls on 650B wheels.
Big.Seven
The frame of the new 27.5-inch hardtail should only weigh 1060 grams and also help smaller riders like José Antonio Hermida (1.72 metres) to achieve the perfect position on the bike, with the familiar advantages of larger wheels. So that the bike doesn't just feel comfortable when seated, flax fibres have been installed in the rear triangle to provide extra damping and therefore comfort, even when standing on the pedals. With a 71 steering angle, the new racer is agile on the trails.
Big Ninety-Nine
In order to make the 29er Marathonfully even faster, the weight has been diligently reduced. The new full carbon frame weighs around 500 grams less than last year's frame with aluminium rear triangle. This puts the frame at a light 1850 grams without shock. Depending on your preference, the Big Ninety-Nine can be fitted with a 100 millimetre or 120 millimetre fork. The hydraulically lockable Xloc shock offers 107 millimetres of travel.
One Forty-B
Merida is also introducing the new 27.5-inch wheel size in the all-mountain segment. The One Forty-B prototype offers its rider 150 millimetres of travel at the front and 145 millimetres at the rear with a pleasing geometry with a low centre of gravity and a smooth steering angle of 67 degrees. The VPP rear suspension made a promising, fluffy impression on the first test lap.
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