Based on the geometry specifications in the data sheet and availability, we chose frame size M in advance. According to the manufacturer, the reach should be 470 millimetres, which would have come closest to our desired standard measurement of 475 millimetres. However, with a measured 463 millimetres, the bike is slightly shorter, which results in the shortest riding position compared to the other bikes in size L. The jump to the next size is already large with 28 millimetres more reach.
We have tested these bikes
- Forestal Siryon Diode 16.17 kg / 170/170 mm / 29" / 8899 Euro
- Lapierre Spicy 8.9 16.16 kg / 180/180 mm / 29/27.5" / 6999 Euro
- Merida One-Sixty 8000 15.61 kg / 170/170 mm / 29/27.5" / 7899 Euro
- Norco Sight C1 15.68 kg / 160/150 mm / 29" / 8499 Euro
- Propain Spindrift 5 CF 16.25 kg / 180/180 mm / 29" / 7029 Euro
- Scott Ransom 900 RC 15.46 kg / 170/170 mm / 29" / 9999 Euro
- Transition Sentinel Carbon 14.91 kg / 160/150 mm / 29" / 8990 Euro
Merida One-Sixty: short and low
In the saddle, the riding position is therefore quite compact in conjunction with the steep 78 mm seat angle. Added to this is the noticeably short head tube of only 95 millimetres, which results in a very low stack. To compensate for the low front end with more spacers, we would have liked a longer steerer tube. If you're flirting with the Merida One-Sixty, you should pay particular attention to this peculiarity before setting up the saw. This puts a lot of weight on the front end, which generates good traction in corners on flat terrain without having to shift your weight. On steep downhills, however, the low cockpit showed the taller test riders clear limits and cost them points. At just 15.61 kilos without pedals, the One-Sixty is one of the lightweights in the test.
Features Merida One-Sixty 8000
- Fork: Rockshox Zeb Ultimate
- Shock: Rockshox Vivid Ultimate
- Gear system: Sram GX AXS Transmission, 1x12
- Bandwidth: 520 %
- Brakes: Sram Maven Bronze / 200/200 mm
- dropper post/stroke: Merida Team TRII / 210 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss EX 1700
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai Maxxgrip Exo+ / DHR II Maxxterra DD 29 / 27.5 x 2.5 / 2.4
- Max. system weight: 135 kg
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: integrated tool under the saddle
From the test lab
- Total weight: 15.61 kg without pedals
- Weight of wheels: 5361 g
- Impeller inertia: 4179 kg x cm²
Thanks to the small rear wheel, the inertia of the wheels is also low, which gives the Merida a light-footed, agile character. From frame size L upwards, the Merida One-Sixty comes with a 29-inch rear wheel and ten millimetres less travel as standard. In our 170cc setup, the enduro bike has very good suspension with sensitive response behaviour and swallowing capacity in rough sections. Especially in the tight sections of our test track in Finale Ligure, no competitor was able to beat the lively One-Sixty, which turned corners effortlessly and was easy to pull onto the rear wheel.
Bitingly downhill
On slippery, loose surfaces, the snappy Sram Maven brakes with 200 mm discs required a lot of sensitivity, especially as the pressure point on the front brake moved uncomfortably. Uphill, the Merida benefited from the fast Maxxterra compound on the rear wheel, its low weight and the low front end. With the shock open, however, the rear end pumped noticeably. The effective platform on the Vivid shock completely prevented the pumping and is easy to reach.
BIKE conclusion on the Merida One-Sixty
The Merida One-Sixty left our test crew with a mixed impression. While some praised the playful, agile handling and the potent suspension, others criticised the compact riding position with too much pressure on the front and therefore little confidence on steep terrain.
