Endurance racing bikes for around 4000 euros: The Merida Scultura Endurance on test

Merida also tries to bridge the gap between road racers and gravel bikes when designing its endurance model. When the Scultura Endurance was presented four years ago, the thick 32 mm tyres were still considered unusual. In the meantime, the size has become widespread in this class. Because the frameset allows significantly more room for manoeuvre - up to 35 millimetres are nominally approved, 38 fit easily - the bike is also one of the most versatile models in the current competition.

With its striking lines and integrated cables, the bike still looks modern. Due to delivery problems, our test bike comes in a different paint finish and with different wheels; the original aluminium wheels are from Vision. As these are comparable in terms of quality, we have decided to include them in the comparison. In the ride test, the Merida turns out to be a classic marathon racer: the riding position is upright and suitable for long distances, the seat post offers good suspension in line with its class and the handling is pleasantly balanced.

>> You can find an overview of the 12 endurance racing bikes tested here.

Merida Scultura Endurance: Few disruptive factors

The bike tracks stably and willingly without appearing boring, as the steering reacts comparatively directly despite the stable road holding. The Merida reveals weaknesses when pedalling hard, as the wheel/tyre combination plays a significant role in the high weight of a good nine kilograms. The rather heavy tubeless tyres, which are fitted with tubes as standard, roll surprisingly well once you get going. A tubeless set-up should provide even more comfort and suppleness.

On longer tours, only a flattened upper handlebar would be desirable, but apart from that, we searched in vain for disruptive factors. The bike also scores with practical details: threads are provided for fixed mudguards and there is a small tool kit under the saddle. Interesting for heavy riders: A larger 180 millimetre brake disc can also be fitted to the front wheel. The many equipment variants in an interesting price range are great: between 2999 and 5399 euros, there are six options with gears from Shimano or Sram, plus two gravel variants with off-road tyres as standard.

The most important details of the Merida Scultura Endurance

• Price: 4199 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 9.0 kilos
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (test size greased)
• TOUR grade: 2,2

Geometry data

• Seat/top/head tube: 512/555/177 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 610/366 millimetres/1.67
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 660/561 millimetres/1.18
• Wheelbase/caster: 1005/52 millimetres

Features of the Merida Scultura Endurance

• Drive/gear shift: Sram Rival AXS (2x12; 48/35, 10-36 t.) | Grade: 1.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Brakes: Sram Rival (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Tyres: Maxxis Re-Fuse Maxx TR 32 mm (eff.: 33 mm) | Grade: 2.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Impellers: Fulcrum Racing 600
• Impeller weights: 1548/1992 grams (front/rear)

Measured values of the endurance racing bike

• Weight of complete wheel: 8978 grammes | Grade: 4.0 (25 % share of the overall grade)
• Rear comfort: 111 N/mm | Grade: 1.7 (20 % share of the overall grade)
• Comfort front: 108 N/mm | Grade: 3.0 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Front stiffness: 10.0 N/mm | Grade: 1.0 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Bottom bracket stiffness: 61 N/mm | Grade: 1.0 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Lacquer: Grade: 1.0 (5 per cent share of the overall grade)
• Maintenance/adjustment: Grade: 1.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)

Advantages and disadvantages

• Plus: Plenty of tyre clearance, many equipment options
• Minus: Relatively heavy

The 12 marathon bikes in the comparison

We will successively add links to the individual tests here.

• Canyon Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2
• Cervélo Caledonia 105 Di2
• Cube Agree C:62 SLX >> available here
• Focus Paralane 8.8 >> available here
• Giant Defy Advanced 0
• Koga Roqa Premium >> available here
• Merida Scultura Endurance Rival Edition (the bike in this test)
• Rose Reveal 04 105 Di2 >> available here
• Scott Addict 30 >> available here
• Stevens Izoard Pro
• Storck Fascenario.3 Comp
• Veto B983

>> We have compiled all the information about our test here.