The Merida One Forty 700 is affordable. You will look in vain for carbon at the price of 3999 euros. On the other hand, you get Shimano SLX equipment and mid-range suspension elements from Rockshox and Marzocchi - that's just right. Although the bike was only available in frame size M, even our test riders over 1.80 metres tall liked the One Forty.
One reason for this is 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 a widely adjustable stroke (maximum 230 millimetres) 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 special: the extremely steep seat angle. It places the rider compactly and very far forwards above the frame triangle. This maximises control on technical uphills. For an ergonomic pedalling position, however, we recommend pushing the saddle slightly backwards.
On the downhill, the long and slack geometry holds all the trump cards. The suspension responds well and offers plenty of support when pushing through berms or pushing off jumps. With the generous rear travel of over 140 millimetres and the 150 mm fork, the Merida offers the greatest reserves downhill in comparison.
However, the high total weight was criticised in particular. Without pedals, the scales only stop at 15.75 kilos. A large part of the excess weight is due to the aluminium frame, which weighs almost four kilos. In combination with the chunky Maxxis tyres, the Merida One Forty needs to be kept going uphill with a lot of dedication.
Conclusion Test Merida One Forty 700 (2023)
The Merida One Forty stands out with its attention to detail and innovative size concept. Thanks to the generous suspension travel of over 140 millimetres and the daring geometry, it sets the tone downhill. Unfortunately, the high weight limits the range of action. - Thomas Weschta, BIKE tester
Technical data and notes Merida One Forty 700
Manufacturer information
- Price: 3999 Euro
- Available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: XS, S,M, L, XL(tested size M, 42 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 15.73 kg
- Frame weight without shock: 3789 g
- Weight of wheels: 5120 g
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z1 Fit Grip
- Shock: Rockshox Deluxe Select+
- Front / rear suspension travel: 148/144 mm
- Crank: Race Face Aeffect
- Gear system: Shimano SLX 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
- Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Shimano SLX / 203 mm / 203 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: Merida Team TR / 170 mm / 34.9 mm
- Wheels: Merida Expert TR
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF; 3C MaxxTerra Exo Protection TR 29 x 2.50; Maxxis Dissector; 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ Protection TR 29 x 2.40
- Ease of maintenance: medium
BIKE test rating*: very good - 192.8 out of 250 points
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders.
The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
Max Fuchs
Editor
