The One-Twenty and One-Fourty are followed by the One-Sixty. The logical continuation of the Merida Fully hierarchy is ready to ride. As usual with Merida, the model designation corresponds to the rear suspension travel. This places the One-Sixty in the enduro category. The basis of the new bike is a voluminous aluminium frame with VPP rear suspension system. The low position of the pivot points and shock ensures a low centre of gravity, which promises a firm road holding. ISCG mount for chain guide, thru-axle front and rear and a Rock-Shox Reverb Vario seatpost with cable routing in the frame complete the concept.
Merida is planning three price points and four frame sizes (15/17/19/21 inch). The position of the shock makes it easy to reach the platform lever, and you need it. Typical of VPP (Virtual Pivot Point) drivetrains, the pedalling is rough in the cradle, and drivetrain influences are clearly noticeable on the small chainring of the double crankset. The One-Sixty therefore seems less suitable for long climbs and power pressure. Downhill, however, you can enjoy the sensitive response behaviour of the suspension and good guidance of the front wheel thanks to the fat fork. After all, stiff and precise handling are fundamental characteristics that every enduro bike should have. For freeriders, the Freddy One-Eighty, a fat bike with 180 millimetres of suspension travel (also VPP rear suspension system), which used to be part of the UMF range, will be launched in 2013.
