The Merida eOne-Sixty has been inspiring riders for years with its great riding fun and strong trail handling. Now the Swabian development team has presented the new edition of the popular e-bike. At the same time, its little brother, the eOne-Forty, has also been modernised. Instead of a soft relaunch, the platform has been completely revamped. The new models are clearly and distinctly orientated towards the non-motorised siblings, which were modernised around one and a half years ago. Many of the hidden details and features can now be found on the new e-bikes.
One name, two bikes: The Merida eOne-Sixty as an E-Enduro in a double pack
However, the new Merida eOne-Sixty is not the same as the new eOne-Sixty. The Taiwanese company has designed two new e-enduro bikes at its development centre in Swabia. Not only the frame material varies, but also the battery concept. The expensive carbon models (eOne-Sixty CF) are trimmed for lightweight construction and therefore come with permanently installed batteries. At 600 watt hours, the battery is rather small compared to the rest of the market. The eOne-Sixty Lite is cheaper, has an aluminium frame and the 750 battery can be folded forwards out of the down tube. There is an optional range extender with 360 watt hours for both variants, which should add 2.9 kilos to the weight. The suspension travel is also identical on both bikes. The new bike has 170/173 millimetres on board. Compared to the Predecessor eOne-Sixty (160/150 mm) it has been drilled out a whole corner.
Three new e-bikes in Merida's e-MTB range
The new e-bike platform from Merida comes in a triumvirate. Merida calls it the eTrilogy. In addition to the two versions (aluminium and carbon) of the eOne-Sixty with a full 170/173 mm of suspension travel, a new Merida eOne-Fourty is also in the starting blocks. The bike is based on the same cornerstones as the eOne-Sixty Lite with aluminium frame, but comes with reduced suspension travel of 150/143 mm and rolls on 29er wheels as standard. The bike inherits the aluminium frame and the removable 750 battery from its big aluminium brother. This bike is also available as a fully equipped SUV version with mudguards and pannier rack.
The facts about the Merida eOne-Sixty CF and Lite
- Motor: Shimano EP801
- Suspension travel: 170/174 mm
- Wheel size: Mullet 29"/27.5"
- Optionally convertible to 29"/29", then with 160 mm rear suspension travel
- Max. permissible total weight: 140 kg
- Approval according to ASTM category 4 (enduro, occasional bike park use)
- Lifetime guarantee
- Telescopic support with adjustable stroke from 30 to 230 mm
- Two variants: CF (carbon, 600 Wh) and Lite (aluminium, 750 Wh)
The Merida eOne-Sixty CF
- Carbon frame
- Battery: 600 Wh permanently installed
- Optional: Range extender with 360 Wh (2.9 kg)
- Three models between 7399 and 11,599 euros
- Weight from 22.2 kg (manufacturer's specification, size M)
The eOne-Sixty CF is fully focussed on riding performance and lightweight construction. The goal: maximum fun on the trail, ideal handling, low weight - but with full motor power. To achieve this, Merida has opted for a permanently installed battery with a comparatively small 600 watt hours. The lack of an opening in the down tube should make the chassis stiffer and lighter. Merida specifies the top model at 22.2 kilos. Compared to the predecessor with removable 630 battery, the bike has become lighter with comparable equipment. If the 600 watt hours in the new model are not enough for you, you can use the optional range extender. An additional 360 watt hours can be clipped into the frame triangle. However, this should result in an additional weight of 2.9 kilos, which means that even the super-expensive top model weighs in at 25.1 kilos with 960 watt hours.
A similar step, namely light weight with full power, was recently Cannondale with the new Moterra SL gone. The bike has slightly less travel (160/150 mm) and a somewhat tamer spec, but weighs less than 20 kilos. With an identical drive system with Shimano EP801 and a permanently installed 600 battery. However, there is no range extender for this bike.
The Merida eOne-Sixty Lite
- Aluminium frame
- Battery: 750 Wh, removable
- Optional: Range extender with 360 Wh (2.9 kg)
- Four models between 5999 and 6599 euros
- Weight from 25.6 kg (manufacturer's specification, size M)
The aluminium model should be more universal. In addition to the lower price of the models, the removable 750 battery is also more suitable for the masses. This makes the eOne-Sixty with its classic concept a competitor to conventional Bosch and Shimano bikes. There are two models for 5999 and 6599 euros, which are significantly heavier with a weight starting at 25.6 kilos.
The geometry of the Merida eOne-Sixty
With its balanced geometry and successful handling, the predecessor eOne-Sixty has already impressed in many EMTB tests. However, the geometry dates back to the Model with 2019 vintage. Time for an update. And that's what the Magstadt-based company has given its newcomer. The reach has increased by 19 millimetres and the steering angle is one degree slacker. However, the changes are even more drastic in the seat angle, which has increased by a full three degrees, and in the chainstays, which have become 6.5 millimetres longer. Overall, however, the geometry remains moderate for an E-Enduro with 170 mm travel. Rather compact wheelbase, moderate reach. At 64.4 degrees, the steering angle is also not extreme. The stack, i.e. the height of the front, is lower compared to its predecessor.
Merida attaches particular importance to the freedom of size selection. Every rider should be able to choose from three different frame sizes for their e-bike, depending on their area of use and personal preferences. This is made possible by the fact that the sizes mainly grow in reach and wheelbase, while the seat tube and head tube only have small differences in size. The in-house adjustable telescopic seat post also helps. It can be adjusted from 30 to 230 mm. In combination with the short seat tubes, this provides the ideal combination of suitable seat height and maximum freedom of movement for different frame sizes.
Incidentally, Merida has come up with the original term "agilometre" for this size logic. According to the motto: How agile (or smooth) can it be? With five sizes from XShort to XLong and reach values from 419 to 499 millimetres, the Merida eOne-Sixtys cover a wide range.
The motor: Shimano EP801, variable battery concept
Merida remains true to its long-standing partner Shimano when it comes to the choice of motor. The new eOne-Sixty relies across the board on the new EP801 e-bike motor, which is significantly more powerful than the EP8. This means that the set-up drive has an extremely good power-to-weight ratio, as at just under 2.7 kilos it is clearly lighter than the Bosch Performance Line CX (To test the new Shimano EP801 in the lab and in practice). It's a good decision that Merida didn't opt for the cheaper EP6 for the entry-level models. The EP801's little brother is not only heavier, but also noticeably weaker.
Merida takes a multi-track approach to the battery. Although all batteries come from battery giant Trendpower, the capacity and installation method are different. While a 600 watt-hour battery is permanently installed in the carbon e-bike, the 750 watt-hour battery in the aluminium models can be removed quickly and easily. On all bikes in the eOne Sixty series, an additional battery with 360 watt hours can optionally be fitted to the top tube. This results in a total of 960 (carbon) or 1110 (aluminium) watt hours. The additional weight is said to be 2.9 kilos.
Merida eOne-Sixty: Models and prices
There will be three carbon and two aluminium versions of the new Merida eOne-Sixty e-bike. The e-MTBs are priced between €5999 and €11,599. All models have robust equipment in common, which should equip the bikes for tough terrain and enduro descents. Each bike is equipped with puncture-proof Maxxis tyres with a Doubledown casing at the rear. At the front, the grippy Maxxgrip rubber on the Exo+ tyre provides extra traction and cornering grip. In addition, thick enduro forks with a 38 mm diameter (except for the entry-level model!) and shock absorbers with reservoirs are fitted.
Merida eOne-Sixty 675 - 5999 Euro
- Frame: Aluminium
- Motor: Shimano EP801
- Battery: 750 Wh
- Suspension fork/shock: Marzocchi Z1 eMTB / Marzocchi Bomber Air
- Gear system: Shimano Deore 10-speed
- Brakes: Shimano Deore 6120, 220/203 mm
- Wheels: Shimano TC500/TC600 hubs, Merida Expert rims, 28 mm
- Tyres (f/h): Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip / Maxxis DHR II DD
- Extras: Lezyne E115 front light, multitool on the saddle
- Weight: 25.6 kg (manufacturer's specification, size M)
Merida eOne-Sixty 875 - 6599 Euro
- Frame: Aluminium
- Motor: Shimano EP801
- Battery: 750 Wh
- Suspension fork/shock: Rockshox ZEB Select / Super Deluxe Select
- Gear system: Shimano XT, Linkglide, 11-speed
- Brakes: Shimano XT 8120, 220/203 mm
- Wheels: Shimano XT hubs, Merida Expert rims, 28 mm
- Tyres (f/h): Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip / Maxxis DHR II DD
- Extras: Lezyne E115 front light, multitool on the saddle
- Weight: 26.1 kg (manufacturer's specification, size M)
Merida eOne-Sixty 6000 - 7399 Euro
- Frame: Carbon
- Motor: Shimano EP801
- Battery: 600 Wh
- Suspension fork/shock: Rockshox ZEB Select / Super Deluxe Select
- Gear system: Sram NX Eagle, 12-speed
- Brakes: Sram DB8, 200/200 mm
- Wheels: Novatec SL Team hubs, Merida Expert rims, 28 mm
- Tyres (f/h): Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip / Maxxis DHR II DD
- Extras: Lezyne E115 front light, multitool on the saddle
- Weight: 23.1 kg (manufacturer's specification, size M)
Merida eOne-Sixty 7000 - 7999 Euro
- Frame: Carbon
- Motor: Shimano EP801
- Battery: 600 Wh
- Suspension fork/shock: Fox 38 Performance eMTB / Float X2 Performance
- Gear system: Shimano XT, Linkglide, 11-speed
- Brakes: Shimano XT 8120, 220/203 mm
- Wheels: Shimano XT hubs, Merida Expert rims, 28 mm
- Tyres (f/h): Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip / Maxxis DHR II DD
- Extras: Lezyne E115 front light, multitool on the saddle
- Weight: n.a.
Merida eOne-Sixty 10K - 11,599 euros
- Frame: Carbon
- Motor: Shimano EP801
- Battery: 600 Wh
- Suspension fork/shock: Fox 38 Factory eMTB / Float X2 Factory
- Gear system: Sram XX Eagle Transmission, 12-speed
- Brakes: Sram Code Ultimate Stealth, 220/200 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss Spline HXC1501, 30 mm
- Tyres (f/h): Maxxis Assegai Exo+ Maxxgrip / Maxxis DHR II DD
- Extras: Lezyne E115 front light, multitool on the saddle
- Weight: 22.2 kg (manufacturer's specification, size M)
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
