Merida's 96 Team snatches victory in its first appearance in a comparative test. The carbon fibre frame construction of the luxury racer defines the state of the art. The Ninety Six offers the lightest chassis and one of the stiffest, making it suitable for heavier riders. The characteristics of the shock are not yet perfect, the response behaviour could be more sensitive, but the rear remains calm when pedalling (sprinting) and can be locked on the handlebars, which was not used by the pros. Merida has the lightest bike in this group, thanks in part to the bright green Manitou fork. The equipment is based on what the Multivan Merida racing team also rides. Twist shifters, Maxxis tyres, SRAM and FSA components. Only the stem is too long. Let's take a look at the race track: Platt and Kurschat started the test with the Merida, the lack of confidence in the slippery surface explains the poor times in the downhill sector. Nevertheless, Platt set the best time in the first sector and his second-fastest lap overall on the sandy ground of the Palatinate Forest. There is no substitute for light weight.
CONCLUSIONS: Well-deserved test victory: Merida has done everything right. State-of-the-art carbon chassis, top riding characteristics, but high price.
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