Merida is expanding its gravity range with the new Dirt, a hardtail specially developed for dirt jumps and pump tracks. The Dirt is designed to appeal to a new target group and builds on the success and good reputation of the gravity-focussed mountain bikes and E-MTBs in the model range. The bike was developed to offer maximum fun for the money and comes in a simple but robust package.
Robust frame with five-year guarantee
At the heart of the Dirt is a robust 6061 aluminium frame with finely tuned geometry. Merida drew on its decades of experience in aluminium processing when developing the frame. The tubes have been shaped so that the frame reacts stiffly and precisely - ideal for the pump track and for precise control. At the same time, the bike should also be forgiving if the landing is not perfect. The frame has been tested according to the EFBE standard for the highest and toughest category 5 (downhill and freeride) and comes with a five-year warranty for the first owner.
Sophisticated features for maximum versatility
Although the development of the Dirt focussed on simplicity, Merida has equipped the bike with well thought-out features. These include the option of using a gyro system for endless bar spins, extra-long rear brake cable housings as standard and a bottle cage mount that increases versatility for urban riding. Merida has deliberately opted for proven standards in the design: The rear wheel has a classic centre distance of 135x10 millimetres, installed is a normal BSA bottom bracket with two-piece cranks, which are ideally suited for dirt jumping. A ZS44/ZS56 standard is used for the headset, which allows the use of a classic gyro system.
Two sizes for different riding styles
The Dirt is available in two frame sizes, allowing riders to choose between a super manoeuvrable setup for tricks or a longer, more stable setup for taller riders or pump track fans. The smaller frame size M offers agile handling with a reach of 415 millimetres and a wheelbase of 1054 millimetres, while the larger L version with a reach of 440 millimetres and a wheelbase of 1079 millimetres offers a smoother ride. Both frame sizes have short 385 millimetre chainstays, which make it easier to pull manuals, a head tube angle of 68.5 degrees and a super low standover height.
Two equipment variants from 999 euros
Merida offers the Dirt in two equipment variants. The Dirt 700 is aimed at ambitious dirt jump and slopestyle riders and features high-quality equipment with DT Swiss D1900 wheels and a Rockshox Pike DJ fork. A Sram four-piston rear brake ensures maximum control, while the Maxxis DTH tyres offer optimum grip.
The Dirt 500, on the other hand, is ideal for young beginners or riders who want to gain their first experience in the dirt jump sector. It is equipped with an air-sprung Manitou Circus DJ fork with a 20-millimetre axle that responds smoothly and quickly. The Shimano brakes ensure confidence and control, while the robust Alex rims, Novatec hubs and grippy Kenda K-Rad tyres provide a solid basis for tough use.
Singlespeed for maximum reliability
Both dirt models rely on a single-speed setup with 26-inch wheels. Merida deliberately opted for this configuration to maximise reliability and avoid breakdowns due to defective shifting components. The singlespeed setup also allows for a wider supported rear wheel with more even spoke tension. The 26-inch wheels offer enough space for tyres up to 2.3 inches wide and ensure agile handling.
Dirt jump-specific finishing kit
The Dirt comes with a finishing kit specially customised for dirt jumping. This includes long non-lock grips for a secure hold, a two-piece dirt crank with short 160 millimetre crank arms for more ground clearance, a fully integrated headset prepared for gyro systems and a Merida Comp DR saddle with matching seat post. The handlebar with 20 millimetre rise completes the package and offers an optimum position for tricks and jumps.
Technical specifications
Frame
- Material: 6061 aluminium
- Category: 5 (Freeride and Downhill)
- Warranty: 5 years for the first owner
- Bottom bracket: BSA
- Rear wheel axle: 135x10 mm
- Headset: ZS44/ZS56
- Tyre clearance: 26x2.3 inch
- Features: bottle cage mount, gyro system compatible
Geometry size M
- Seat tube length: 300 mm
- Top tube length: 549 mm
- Chainstay length: 385 mm
- Head tube angle: 68.5°
- Seat tube angle (effective): 76.2°
- Bottom bracket drop: 25 mm
- Head tube length: 110 mm
- Fork installation length: 482 mm
- Reach: 415 mm
- Stack: 564 mm
- Wheelbase: 1054 mm
Geometry size L
- Seat tube length: 300 mm
- Top tube length: 574 mm
- Chainstay length: 385 mm
- Head tube angle: 68.5°
- Seat tube angle (effective): 76.2°
- Bottom bracket drop: 25 mm
- Head tube length: 110 mm
- Fork installation length: 482 mm
- Reach: 440 mm
- Stack: 564 mm
- Wheelbase: 1079 mm
Merida Dirt 700
- Fork: Rockshox Pike DJ
- Wheels: DT Swiss D1900
- Brakes: SRAM four-piston (rear)
- Tyres: Maxxis DTH
- Target group: Experienced dirt jump and slopestyle riders
- Price: 1999 Euro
Merida Dirt 500
- Fork: Manitou Circus DJ with 20 mm axle (air-sprung)
- Rims: Alex
- Hubs: Novatec
- Brakes: Shimano (hydraulic)
- Tyres: Kenda K-Rad
- Target group: beginners and young riders
- Price: 999 Euro
Finishing kit
- Handles: Long non-lock handles
- Crank: Two-piece dirt crank with 160 mm crank arms
- Saddle: Merida Comp DR
- Seatpost: Merida Comp
- Handlebar: 20 mm rise
