In this world, there are bikes that dreams are made of and bikes to which you’re drawn by common sense. After more than 1,500 kilometers spent test-riding the MERIDA eNINETY-NINE XT EDITION EQ, we can confirm that this bike is a veritable, fairytale-esque common sense-crusher, so it’s time to let your sensible side prevail.
We all secretly dream of possessing the ultimate do-it-all bike, one that carries the most cutting-edge technology, the most powerful motor, the biggest battery, and the most envy-inducing spec. Obviously, other key requirements include comfort, performance, speed, and a low weight. Too much to ask? Well, it’ll need to ride just as well in the woods as it can in the city, plus be able to carve along trails too. On those occasions when you potentially find yourself inching closer to a bike like this, you realize that half of your demands simply won’t be realized – and it’s often more to do with the concept than your budget. So, what’s it to be? A city bike might be comfortable and agile, but it’s categorically not made for anything that isn’t asphalt. A mountain bike might be a whiz off-road, but it doesn’t have all-weather protection or headlights and isn’t really cut out for nipping to the shops on a daily basis. So, other than a hybrid, what are you left with?
With the eNINETY-NINE, MERIDA appear to have dialed in the precious middle ground between a hybrid and a mountain bike that’s actually still able to roll well over tarmac and down high streets. The concept looks promising: light-footed, nimble geometry, a fairly stretched-out position, full suspension, and less conventional 28″-/29″ wheels with wider rims and more generous tires than you’d find on a hybrid. In terms of value for money, it doesn’t look like there’s much room for complaint, seeing the MERIDA eNINETY-NINE XT-EDITION EQ retail at € 3,599 with a decent, well-chosen, trail riding-proven spec. .
Solid, well-chosen spec
Launched in two colors (metallic green or a more subtle metallic black/blue), the MERIDA eNINETY-NINE XT-EDITION EQ represents the top-of-the-line model and duly comes sporting a box-ticking spec. The Shimano XT drivetrain and its wide-ratio 11-46 cassette shifts superbly through all eleven gears, putting every ascent within its capabilities even in Eco mode. From the same brand as the drivetrain, the SLX brakes bring the bike safely to a halt with great modulation. The majority of the parts, such as the seatpost, saddle, rims, and cockpit come directly from MERIDA, delivering a stellar performance. If, by chance, darkness falls earlier than expected, the wisely adopted Supernova headlight will see you home in relative safety and high visibility – watch out for fast, tight turns in dense woodland though, as we’d have appreciated a little more peripheral lighting here.
Fork SUNTOUR Raidon XC RLR 29 100 mm
Shock RockShox Monarch RT
Motor Shimano Steps E6001
Battery Shimano E8010 500 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano XT
Seatpost Merida Expert
Stem Merida Expert
Handlebar Merida Expert 720 mm
Tires Coninental Double Fighters 2.0
Rims Merida Expert CC
Hubs Shimano Deore
Price € 3,599
Weight 23.47 kg
Compact and easy to read, the display is remote-controlled and has a dedicated light switch, which differentiates it from the E8000 computer.
The tidy cockpit is only let down by the unforgivingly thin and hard grips.
The rear shock has 100 mm of suspension that is used sublimely without any pedal bob. You can get away with leaving the platform in the open setting.
While the Shimano E6001 motor is no match for the more powerful E8001 motor, it still manages to deliver ample, well-dosed power – albeit with a bit of acoustics.
The SUNNYWHEEL mudguard still works superbly after 1,500 kilometers on the ticker, but it’d benefit from a couple of extra centimeters at the back to prevent unwanted showering of the chain with every wet ride.
Keeping constant ground contact for the 2″-wide Continental Double Fighter tires is partly due to the impeccable work of the RockShox Monarch RT rear shock, while up front the SUNTOUR Raidon XC fork works well but isn’t able to match the rear. The lockout lever on the bars didn’t strike us as wholly necessary, but it is comfortable to use and fortunately the cockpit isn’t overly crowded, so it isn’t an issue. The tires have found some hallowed middle ground between having a low rolling resistance (and therefore pleasantly quiet on the tarmac), while still being able to grip on gravel and dry, loose ground. The tires admittedly struggle to keep upright in mud and deep, wet woodland – but, all things considered, the EQ model of the eNINETY-NINE doesn’t go around claiming to be cut out for hardcore riding. When compared directly to the traditional, thin 28″ format, these slightly wider tires can be ridden with significantly less air pressure; for our 75 kg test rider, we preferred 1.9 to 2.1 bar, which increased comfort and generated more traction to result in a more confidence-inspiring ride.
The positives to be drawn from the side stand are not only that it’s practical, but also that this one is remarkably stable and won’t budge while you’re riding. The same can be said about the SUNNYWHEEL mudguard, which proved wobble- and noise-free, even after extended periods of pretty bumpy riding. The front features a rubber lip, which renders it far more competent than many of its competitors, although it does fall a little short at the rear – and this has nothing to do with protecting our legs, but more to do with its tendency to splash the chain and therefore wash away any lube you might have put on.
The geometry of the Merida eNINETY-NINE XT-EDITION EQ
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 390 mm | 430 mm | 470 mm | 510 mm |
| Top tube | 570 mm | 585 mm | 600 mm | 615 mm |
| Head tube | 110 mm | 115 mm | 125 mm | 135 mm |
| Head angle | 68° | 68° | 68° | 68° |
| Sitzwinkel | 74° | 74° | 74° | 74° |
| Chainstays | 480 mm | 480 mm | 480 mm | 480 mm |
| BB Drop | 40 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm | 40 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1157 mm | 1173 mm | 1189 mm | 1205 mm |
| Reach | 399 mm | 413 mm | 425 mm | 437 mm |
| Stack | 597 mm | 601 mm | 611 mm | 620 mm |
The motor: a case of decent power and a high range
The eNINETY-NINE is built with a Shimano STEPS E6001 motor, which MERIDA have teamed with the generous 504 Wh battery from the E8000 collection. The motor’s power is ample for the bike’s purpose, and there’s sensible gradation between the three levels of pedal assist. The Eco mode is refreshingly more than just a safety net and actually serves a great purpose. The motor itself is quite economical, which results in a really high range when considered alongside the generous battery found on the higher-end models – and that’s even with full sport for the whole ride.
Compared to its direct Bosch peers, the Shimano E6001 motor is louder on long climbs up mountains, especially when it gets really steep and you’re riding with a high level of support. However, as each individual’s perceptions vary, it’s worth taking it out for a long test ride to see what you think. A major asset of the Shimano motor is its super-minimal internal resistance; despite weighing 23.47 kg, this MERIDA feels really normal to ride when the motor is off or you’ve gone over 25 km/h.
The ride and its long-term performance
True to its modestly athletic aspirations, the MERIDA eNINETY-NINE has a fairly aggressive, stretched-out position while keeping comfortable. This lends it equal panache for casual cruising as well as more serious rides. The bars are pretty wide at 720 mm, which is a huge asset if the terrain gets burly or you’re faced with a quick descent, and fortunately they’ll still weave through traffic if you’re caught in rush hour. As an small downside, we were struck by the uncomfortable quality of the grips, so we swapped these after the first couple of rides.
Even after knocking back 1,500 kilometers of test riding, the componentry has all come out unscathed and in great working order – no loose parts or screws, nor unwanted rattling. The full suspension is key here, especially paired with the big tires that let you ride with significantly lower pressures – consequently there are major increases in comfort, confidence, and durability. All these in-built damping tools soak up the bumps and vibrations from the ground, which essentially means fewer forces on frame and componentry compared to regular 700c tires run at a high pressure.
In terms of handling, the eNINETY-NINE deserves praise; it’s very neutral to ride with great composure whatever the situation. It steers with welcome responsiveness and feels at home in the urban sprawl as well as on tricky trails through the woods where the 100 mm of suspension is an asset bringing reliability, poise, and the ability to to smooth out hits. Even without always reaching for the lockout the MERIDA feels really efficient while pedaling.
Conclusion
Chapeau, MERIDA! As a city bike, a fire road-ripping commuter, an outdoor alternative to the gym, or a touring bike for trips, the eNINETY-NINE XT-EDITION EQ does excel in all these categories for year-round, uninterrupted usage. We’re convinced that MERIDA have given it a wholly on-point spec with faultless geometry and handling characteristics. In terms of durability and production quality, there’s no room for complaint (except the grips). This bike delivers true value for money, and we reckon its appeal is as broad as its skillset.
Strengths
– 28″-/29″ wheels with 2″ tires
– Well-considered spec
– Broad scope for use
– Stable, confidence-inspiring ride and handling
– Durable parts and frame
Weaknesses
– Grips
– Noise from the motor could be irritating for many
Tip
Splash out an extra € 100 and get the non-EQ model if you’re after more of an off-road performance-focused bike; you won’t get the lights, mudguard, or rear pannier, but you’ll get the benefits of a plusher, better fork with Boost hub standards, wider, more aggressive tires, and two kilos shaved off the weight!
For more info head to: merida-bikes.com
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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl
