Merida One Forty 400: Budget shootout - cheap all-mountain for 2299 euros on test

List price: just 2299 euros. This is the budget Merida is asking for its entry into full-suspension all-mountain fun. With 140 millimetres of travel at the front and 143 millimetres at the rear as well as 29er wheels, the One Forty 400 fits the bill perfectly for sporty all-mountain riders and trail bikers. However, a glance at the meagre equipment or the very high total weight (17.44 kilos) makes the Comparison with other models It is unmistakably clear that in many places the red pencil has been applied to enable bike novices to get started at such a favourable price.

The facts about the Merida One Forty 400

• Price: 2299 Euro
• Range of use: All Mountain / Trail
• Frame material: Aluminium
• Suspension travel: 140 mm front / 143 mm rear
• Wheel size 29-inch
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Weight: 17.4 kg in size L
• Weight of wheels: 6211 g
• Guarantee: for life
• Special features: Cable integration in the headset, integrated tool in the rear thru-axle, agilometre geometry

Although our test candidate is a bike in frame size M, the riding position is compact, but by no means as squat as the Marin in size L. This is partly due to the daring geometry. At 474 millimetres, the reach is well above the average of other size M bikes. On the other hand, the in-house Vario seatpost with 190 millimetres (!) of travel allows riders to choose the next smaller or larger frame depending on their preference. Agilometre - that's what Merida calls this versatile size concept. Also good: Thanks to the flip chip, the Merida One Forty can also be equipped with a 27.5-inch rear wheel for more playfulness.

The features of the Merida One Forty 400

• Fork: SR Suntour XCR 34
• Shock: Rockshox DLX Select+
• Shifting: Shimano Cues 1x11
• Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 11-50/454 %
• Brakes: Tektro Gemini M535 / 203/203 mm
• dropper post/stroke: Merida Expert TR / 190 mm
• Wheels: Merida Comp TR / Shimano hubs
• Tyres: Kenda Regolit 29x2.40

>> More info on more bikes? This is only available in our database: Everything about Merida can be found here

The practical test

Downhill, the rear suspension responds sensitively, but despite the generous suspension travel, it doesn't handle rough terrain as confidently as the short-travel competition from Marin. On the other hand, the rear offers a lot of counter-pressure over the entire suspension travel and encourages an active riding style. This gives the Merida a sporty ride. The tame Kenda tyres reinforce this impression: the rubber rolls fast, but lacks traction and puncture protection.

The SR Suntour fork is noticeable even before the first trail due to loud rattling and bushing play. A no-go for anyone who wants to do serious off-road cycling. The fork also lacks support. However, the response behaviour is good. On moderate trails, the One Forty can still handle a lot of speed thanks to its long reach and slack head angle - even though it is only a size M. However, due to the high weight, playing around on the trail requires an extra portion of physical effort.

On steep descents, all test riders praised the combination of short seat tube and very long dropper post. This offers plenty of legroom and makes handling easier. However, the Tektro brake system was the biggest surprise: it was the only one able to provide sufficient braking power on steep descents.

And what about the uphill performance? Super! This is where the Merida scores the most points despite being massively overweight. The foundation for this is laid by the very modern, compact and propulsion-orientated geometry with a 79.2 degree seat angle, a very long reach (measured against the frame size) and a low front end. These dimensions also allow a lot of pressure and control over the front wheel. Once you get the rotating mass going, the One Forty climbs even tricky climbs with ease.

Merida One Forty 400: BIKE grade & review

Strengths

• Efficient, drive-neutral chassis
• Fast rolling tyres
• successful geometry, top handling
• Very smooth running
• Added value: integrated tools, long Vario seatpost
• Good braking system

Weaknesses

• Chassis offers little reserves
• Extremely heavy
• Very favourably equipped
• weak suspension fork
• only eleven gears

Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor

The Merida One Forty shows: Riding fun can also be super-affordable. The geometry and riding characteristics are excellent. The versatile size concept also offers great added value. The downer: the cheap fork.