Endurance test performance: 1980 kilometres | 36,200 vertical metres
When I'm guiding a group of mountain bikers across the Alps, my own equipment has to work reliably and without a hitch - I already have stress with my guests' bikes. First of all: the Merida One-Forty 7.700 fulfilled this task with flying colours. Not a single defect, no creaking bearings, no failures - and that after three Transalp tours, two trail camps in Livigno and after-work use on my home trails in Franconia.
Contemporary but unobtrusive - that's how you would describe the Merida's external appearance: black main frame, bright blue lettering, blue visual markers (grips, saddle decor) - this even harmonises with the adjustment elements of the fork and shock, but doesn't scream "Rock 'n' Roll!" either. The chassis of the All Mountain looks stiff - no wonder: the curved main frame made of hydroformed aluminium and the rear triangle are reinforced with additional struts. As a result, the bike has proven to be very directionally stable both on bumpy high mountain descents and in the Livigno bike park. Also helpful: the long chainstays, the long wheelbase, the slack steering angle and the 740 mm wide handlebars. The sensitive 145 mm suspension also takes rocky, blocked trails down from Plamort, on the Penegal or on Monte Gazza with flying colours. Only in tight switchbacks could the Merida be more agile. On the climbs, the One-Forty impresses with its comfortable riding position, although it could be a little lighter and the suspension gets a little unsteady on the small leaf and when pedalling.
The XT equipment consumed three pairs of brake pads and five bottles of chain oil - nothing else. However, the chainrings, sprockets and chain would now have to be replaced. The Prologo Kappa2 saddle is not for wimps - you should have a certain amount of firmness. One drawback: the cable routing on the down tube means that the brake cable occasionally touches the rear tyre. The Rock Shox Reverb Stealth sagged one to two millimetres at the end of the endurance test - an old complaint that can usually be remedied by bleeding the air.
CONCLUSIONIf the Merida One-Forty could shed a kilo and remain just as robust, it would be my dream year-round bike.
Functionality 5 out of 6 points
Durability 6 out of 6 points
DEFECTS / MAINTENANCE
1340 km: Dropping of the Reverb seatpost
The familiar problem: the RockShox dropper post had to be vented because of a few millimetres of play in the height.
910 km: Rear brake pads renewed
Not even 1000 kilometres, but plenty of altitude metres in steep terrain require the first change of surface.
1840 km: Brake pads renewed front and rear
Second pit stop: The front pads lasted a pleasingly long time.
TUNING
370 km: Tyre change
Swapping the Schwalbe Rock Razor Snake Skin 2.35 for a Schwalbe Hans Dampf 2.35 after the first Transalp (370 km). The small centre lugs provided too little traction in the wet and on steep climbs. I would recommend a 200mm front disc for heavier riders.
THE TESTER
Thomas Roegner, bike guide, tour author
56 years old / 1.80 m / 80 kg
Rider profile: Long tours, crisp trails and plenty of Alpine crossings
Favourite areas: South Tyrol, South Africa, Southern Alps
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Alps, Alps, Alps - Clearly, as a Transalp guide, the One-Forty had to prove itself on the trails of the Alps, especially on the way to Lake Garda. Examples: the Bunker Trail (101) from Plamort, the 500 on the Penegal (Mendel Pass) and the 602 from Monte Gazza/Lake Garda. Steep, rocky, sometimes technical. With
145 mm travel, slack head angle and stiff chassis, this is no problem for the Merida All Mountain.
WHAT THE READERS SAY
"I rode the 2015 version of the BIKE Four Peaks. The bike is great. Of course, you're better off with a hardtail on uphill gravel sections. But when it gets rough, you have great traction thanks to trail mode." (Jo First, Facebook)
"A super part. Does everything. Flow trails, stairs, bike park, hairpin bends. And it's very comfortable on long tours. Thumbs up." (Michael Melcher, Facebook)
