The MERIDA eONE-FORTY and eONE-SIXTY don’t only look similar, they were also designed by the same team. But despite this, their characters and handling are fundamentally different. So, which one should you choose?
The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY has been one of our favourite ebikes for years, winning numerous group tests. MERIDA presented the updated 2020 model at the end of May and have followed it up with the brand new eONE-FORTY, which we’ve had the exclusive chance to test. The fact that both bikes look very much alike has one simple reason: they’re based on the same frame. However, MERIDA have come up with quite a few ways to differentiate the bikes, with each aimed at its own specific application. We compare the eONE-FORTY 9000 and the eONE-SIXTY 8000 head-to-head to show you the most important differences.
The Similarities
Both new MERIDAs feature the same beautiful carbon frame with its distinctive “Thermo Gate” air intakes at the head tube. Both bikes are fitted with a Shimano STEPS E8000 motor, which is powered by the compact Shimano BT-E8035 battery. They both roll on mixed wheel sizes (29″ up front, 27.5″ at the rear) and the generously dimensioned chainstay protectors and the two-piece construction of the battery cover keep both bikes nice and quiet.
The two new MERIDA bikes look very similar at first sight – on the trail, the differences are pretty significant!
The Differences
The names hint at the most obvious difference between the bikes. The eONE-SIXTY comes with a 160 mm travel fork and 150 mm travel at the rear, whereas the eONE-FORTY has 140 mm at the front and 133 mm at the rear. The difference in rear travel is achieved by limiting the stroke length of the shock. As the shorter fork fitted on the eONE-FORTY steepens the head and seat tube angle as well as increasing the reach, MERIDA has come up with a unique solution. Both bikes use the same frame, but an equivalently sized eONE-FORTY actually uses a frame one size smaller than an eONE-SIXTY. This results in reach figures for the eONE-FORTY that slot right in between those of the eONE-SIXTY sizes. To maintain an optimal riding position, MERIDA have opted for different stems for the different models: 40 mm on the eONE-SIXTY and 50 mm on the eONE-FORTY.
The bikes differ only slightly in terms of componentry. Both bikes feature wide gear ranges, powerful brakes and dropper posts. However, the eONE-SIXTY gets more robust tires and piggyback shocks across the range.
MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 8000
Fork Marzocchi Z1 E-Bike 160 mm
Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ 150 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT 12-speed
Motor Shimano Steps E8000
Battery Shimano E8035 504 Wh
Brakes Shimano SLX 203/203 mm
Handlebar MERIDA Expert eTR 780 mm
Stem MERIDA Expert eTR 50 mm
Seatpost MERIDA Expert TR
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI 2.5” / MINION DHR II 2.6”
Wheels Fulcrum E-METAL 700 29/27.5″ (f/r)
Due to the longer fork, MERIDA recommend removing the spacers under the stem, but we found this setup to be comfortable.
MERIDA increase the available travel by speccing a shock with more stroke, making for a very sensitive 150 mm travel on the eONE-SIXTY
For maximum downhill fun, MERIDA spec MAXXIS tires with the EXO + casing. However, very aggressive riders will want even more robust tires. Check out our tire group test to find out what we recommend.
The geometry of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 405 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm |
| Top tube | 563 mm | 584 mm | 605 mm | 628 mm | 652 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 115 mm | 120 mm | 135 mm | 150 mm |
| Head angle | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° |
| Seat angle | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° |
| Chainstays | 440 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm |
| BB Drop | 18 mm | 18 mm | 18 mm | 18 mm | 18 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,168 mm | 1,190 mm | 1,212 mm | 1,238 mm | 1,265 mm |
| Reach | 400 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm | 480 mm |
| Stack | 629 mm | 633 mm | 638 mm | 651 mm | 665 mm |
MERIDA eONE-FORTY 9000
Fork DT Swiss F535 ONE 140 mm
Shock FOX Performance Elite FLOAT 133 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT 12-speed
Motor Shimano STEPS E8000 504 Wh
Battery Shimano E8035
Brakes Shimano XT 203/203 mm
Handlebar MERIDA Expert eTR 780 mm
Stem MERIDA Expert eTR 50 mm
Seatpost MERIDA Expert TR
Tires MAXXIS MINION DHF 2.5” / DHR II 2.6”
Wheels DT Swiss HX 1501 Spline ONE 29/27.5″ (f/r)
The FOX shock not only lacks a sag indicator, but the stroke length is also limited internally. During the setup, you have to be careful to set up 30% sag based on the actual stroke length.
Despite having less travel, the eONE-FORTY also comes with four-piston brakes and 200 mm rotors
Both bikes come with 165 mm cranks to offer sufficient ground clearance on technical climbs.
The geometry of the MERIDA eONE-FORTY
| Size | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 405 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm |
| Top tube | 561 mm | 582 mm | 603 mm | 626 mm | 648 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 115 mm | 120 mm | 135 mm | 150 mm |
| Head angle | 66.4° | 66.4° | 66.4° | 66.4° | 66.4° |
| Seat angle | 76.4° | 76.4° | 76.4° | 76.4° | 76.4° |
| Chainstays | 440 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm |
| BB Drop | 24 mm | 24 mm | 24 mm | 24 mm | 24 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,160 mm | 1,182 mm | 1,204 mm | 1,231 mm | 1,257 mm |
| Reach | 410 mm | 430 mm | 450 mm | 470 mm | 490 mm |
| Stack | 622 mm | 627 mm | 631 mm | 645 mm | 658 mm |
The differences on the trail
As soon as you start riding, you’ll notice the differences between the bikes. The riding position aboard the eONE-FORTY is noticeably more upright, compact and central. It is very comfortable and well suited for long days in the saddle. The eONE-SIXTY is in no way uncomfortable, but the riding position is a little more stretched and your weight is further over the back of the bike. Climbing, both bikes perform equally well on forest service roads – the rear suspension doesn’t bob and there’s no need to reach for the climb switch on the shock.
If you decide to head up more technical terrain, the eONE-FORTY is at an advantage. Your weight is further forward on the bike, putting more weight on the front wheel, which keeps it firmly planted on the ground and makes the handling more precise and direct in tight sections. The suspension doesn’t compress as much after rebounding from a hit either, causing the bike to bob less.
Even if the eONE FORTY is the better climber, that doesn’t mean that the eONE-SIXTY is bad at it. On the contrary, once you’ve pushed your saddle forward, the eONE-SIXTY will conquer even the most technical climbs, though it may require slightly more concentration.
When you start heading downhill, the tables turn. After feeling very good on the first few test rides aboard the eONE-FORTY, we were immediately surprised at how much faster and more capable the eONE-SIXTY is with its 160 mm travel. The eONE-SIXTY knows almost no limits on the descents. Thanks to the long frame, the rider has plenty of room to move around on the bike. The plush suspension sticks to the ground but without swallowing too much of the rider’s input. You can easily get the bike airborne by popping off obstacles and it lets you generate a lot of speed by pumping it through rollers. The eONE-FORTY is a little more agile though. It encourages you to play with the terrain and is very easy to manual. However, if things get fast and rough, the eONE-FORTY lacks the necessary travel and composure. Here, you’ll notice how the firm suspension is no longer able to keep up, and in contrast its bigger brother starts to shine. On very rooty trails, the eONE-SIXTY is capable of offering more grip and control. Tight sections don’t pose much of a problem for either bike. When things get steep, both instil the rider with confidence, but you’ll feel even more integrated and unstoppable on the eONE-SIXTY.
Which MERIDA should you buy?
This is an easy question to answer. Riders who spend most of their time on easier and more moderate terrain, who enjoy long rides and value agile handling should go for the eONE-FORTY. You could easily use it as an SUV, and it will also come with rack mounts for extra versatility.
The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY is the perfect bike for those who want to push their limits on the descents and are after maximum trail performance. With the correct riding technique, its handling is agile yet composed and it is guaranteed to put a smile on your face. You’ll only have to accept small compromises in the seating position in terms of comfort for longer tours and the focus required for technical climbs.
For more info head to: merida-bikes.com
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