In sizes M & L, the customer has the choice between 27.5 or 29er wheels, while with S & XL Merida takes the decision away from the customer and only provides the appropriate wheel size. We put the 27.5 version in L through its paces first in the lab and then on our home ride. The facts from the lab reveal a slight overweight (13.5 kilos) and long chainstays. Nevertheless, the Merida was a lot of fun on the trails - also thanks to the super comfortable suspension. The long travel of the only Rock Shox Revelation in the test field harmonises perfectly with the generous rear end and matches the discreet black look. The remote lever for the suspension fork looks a little lost on the 740 mm wide handlebar and would only make sense if the rear could also be locked from the handlebar. The comfortable riding position is more inviting for long tours than for intermediate sprints on the trail.
Conclusion: Cosy touring bike with comfortable suspension. The Merida is more on the smooth side than the playful side.
The alternative: Frame sizes M, L and XL are also available in 29 inch. The One-Twenty XT-Edition model sounds like a bargain: XT groupset with 22 gears and Rock Shox suspension for 2199 euros.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 1/2016 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
