Merida Dirt 700 pump track test: High-end dirt bike with bottle cage

At the heart of the brand new Merida Dirt is a 6061 aluminium frame whose geometry has been carefully tuned for the model update. During development, Merida drew on its many years of expertise in aluminium processing. The tubes are designed in such a way that the frame offers high rigidity and at the same time enables precise handling. If the promises prove to be true, these would be exactly the characteristics that are required on a pump track. The frame has also been tested in accordance with the EFBE standard in category five (downhill and freeride) and is offered with a five-year warranty for the first owner. Merida has deliberately opted for proven standards in the design: The rear wheel has a classic axle size of 135 x 10 millimetres, installed is a bolted BSA bottom bracket with two-piece cranks. All this creates confidence in tough dirt and street use.

The Merida Dirt is available in two frame sizes, giving customers the choice between a manoeuvrable setup for tricks or a longer, more stable setup for taller riders or pump track fans. In our test, we opted for the longer version. If you really want to do tricks, you have the option of retrofitting a gyro for the rear brake. Merida offers the Dirt in two equipment variants. Our test bike, the € 1999 Dirt 700, is aimed at ambitious dirt jump and slopestyle riders, while beginners and occasional pump track visitors should be happy with the € 999 Dirt 500.

Merida Dirt 700 in detail

• Area of application: Dirt / Street / Pump track / Skate park / Slopestyle
• Suspension travel: 100 mm
• Wheel size: 26"
• Frame material: Aluminium
• Weight: 11.39 kg (BIKE measurement, without pedals)
• Price: 1999 Euro
• Special features: horizontal dropouts for tensioning the chain, gyro mount, bottle cage mount

Merida Dirt pump track test

The new Merida Dirt looks really modern and sporty with the direct transition from top tube to seat stays. When it comes to the componentry, you can tell that Merida is one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world and has to implement a lot of parts. The flat handlebar actually comes from the Taiwanese trail bike line-up and visually breaks away from the high riser bars of classic dirt bikes. The seatpost without a pivot mount doesn't necessarily reflect street credibility either. That's all over when you look at the bottle cage mount anyway. A bottle cage on a dirt bike? Well, why not? An in-house crank is surprising at a price point of 2000 euros, but is functionally in no way inferior to a branded product.

DT Swiss wheels and a Rockshox Pike DJ complete the equipment and are among the best that the complete bike market has to offer in the dirt bike segment. The high-end suspension fork spoils you in every situation with a firm, defined damping feel. The special single-speed freehub body of the rear hub promises long durability. However, the same parts can also be found in the 500 euro cheaper competitors from direct mail order companies. Before the first test metre, it must be said: The customer is obviously paying the extra price primarily for a local bike shop dealer. Or can the riding characteristics justify it?

All-rounder

With lots of spacers under the cockpit, the front is at a comfortable height despite the flat handlebars. On the Merida Dirt, you feel perfectly integrated straight away. The dirt bike positions the rider wonderfully in the centre of the bike, which makes handling a breeze. With its fairly long geometry in size L, the Merida creates a familiar geometry for mountain bikers. In practice, the Dirt achieves a strong compromise between smoothness and manoeuvrability. Fast pump track lines or street tricks? You can do both with the Merida. Complete bike weight and wheel inertia land in the lower midfield in the category comparison. The direction of travel can be changed quickly on board the Dirt without the handling getting bitchy. This kind of good-naturedness makes ticking off new lines and learning new stunts child's play. In the end, dirt bikers are not only buying a strong spec, a well-made aluminium frame with a brand name and a professional connection to the bike shop from Merida, but also a wide range of applications. The price for this remains painfully high.

Conclusion

If only the riding characteristics count, there is hardly another dirt bike that can beat the Merida Dirt. The industry giant has simply succeeded in combining agility and composure. Dirtline, pump track or skate park? The Merida gives you all the freedom you need. The proportionality of the price and the coolness factor are open to debate. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Pro

• Balanced handling characteristics and super rider integration
• Wide range of applications
• Good equipment

Contra

• expensive
• Dirtbike-atypical parts and features