Fast tyres save the crucial watts. And the double lockout on the handlebars sets off the sprint to the finish for the fork and shock. A look at the full carbon frame shows a low weight, very good workmanship and a stretched geometry. The equipment can be described as durable, functional and sensible. The bike is still fun to ride on rooty trails - although the setup requires a little more caution than with Trek or Marin, where you can let it run carefree. If you buy the bike without considering racing, simply turn the stem round and relax. If you don't do this, you'll realise: You will always ride faster than your own form actually allows.
ConclusionMerida's Ninety-Nine is a classic marathon racehorse, uncompromisingly trimmed for speed. The long fork makes sense downhill.
PLUS Five frame sizes, lifetime guarantee
MINUS Inexpensive fork model (Fox Evolution series), lockout on handlebars difficult to operate
The alternative The upgrade of the 9.700 is the racing team's tool: for 5899 euros you can get the Ninety-Nine 9.Team in the design of the Multivan Merida team. It is said to weigh only 10.4 kilos. Attention: single crank!
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