MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K – In our big 2022 eMTB group test

After securing victory in our huge 2021 eMTB group test, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K is determined to defend its title for the second year running. In our 2022 eMTB group test, the titleholder enters the race unchanged. Was the eONE-SIXTY 10K able to assert itself against the competition in our 2022 group test or are there better all-rounders on the market?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

In our huge 2021 eMTB group test, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K was able to assert itself against the competition as the most versatile eMTB of the year, delivering tremendous performance on the trail. Except for a fresh paint finish, the title defender enters our 2022 group test unchanged, sharing the same frame platform, Shimano EP8 motor system and 630 Wh battery as its predecessor. All cables and connections are routed inside the handlebar and run from the stem directly into the frame, leaving only the cables and hoses for the Shimano XTR brakes and drivetrain. These enter the frame via the THERMO GATE in the head tube. Aesthetically, the alloy swingarm doesn’t match the elegant look of the carbon frame and the cables. This includes the cables, which are secured to the chainstays with basic zip ties. The Lezyne headlight on the handlebars is a unique feature in this test field. Thanks to the high 117 kg payload, trailer approval and kickstand, the eONE-SIXTY 10K is also suitable for everyday riding.

Flawless – The spec of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K

Don’t fix it if it ain’t broken! The spec of the 22.98 kg MERIDA remains unchanged from last year and leaves little to be desired. The suspension consists of a FOX 38 Factory GRIP2 fork and FOX X2 Factory shock, controlling 160/150 mm travel at the front and rear respectively. Shifting is taken care of by a high-end 12-speed Shimano XTR divertrain while Shimano XTR four-piston brakes with 200 mm ICE-TECH rotors front and rear do stopping duties. The high-end spec is rounded off by a 170 mm RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post, which is far superior to any other mechanical dropper in this test for ergonomics and speed of operation. MAXXIS tires with robust Doubledown casings are paired with a DT Swiss HXC 1250 carbon wheelset. With the 3C MaxxGrip rubber compound, the MAXXIS ASSEGAI front tire is one of the grippiest front tires in the entire test field. The Minion DHR II rear tire comes with the slightly harder and more durable MaxxTerra compound – what a great combo!

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The geometry of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K

The MERIDA combines a compact 460 mm reach (size L) and the highest front in the entire test field. At 470 mm in size L, the long seat tube doesn’t reflect current geometry trends, restricting freedom of movement on the bike and making it hard to choose the frame size based on your desired reach. In this regard, the competition has evolved massively over the past few years. The high front ensures a relaxed pedalling position. Given the pronounced kink in the seat tube, we recommend pushing the saddle all the way forward, especially if you have long legs. This will ensure a more efficient climbing position which is also comfortable on flat trails. With its stiff, sporty suspension and medium-sized battery, the MERIDA may not be the best option for long rides but is still more comfortable than the Specialized Levo or Yeti 160E T1.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	563 mm	584 mm	606 mm	629 mm	652 mm
Seat tube	405 mm	420 mm	440 mm	470 mm	500 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	76.5°	76.5°	76.5°	76.5°	76.5°
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	1,239 mm	1,265 mm
Reach	400 mm	420 mm	440 mm	460 mm	480 mm
Stack	629 mm	633 mm	638 mm	652 mm	665 mm

MERIDA’s eONE-SIXTY 10K is an all-rounder on the trail

On moderate climbs, the MERIDA winds its way up the trail with ease and encourages you to play with the terrain, rewarding your efforts with plenty of fun. On steep trails, the pronounced kink in the seat tube positions you far back over the rear wheel, requiring long-legged riders to actively weight the front wheel to keep it tracking. When negotiating steep and technical climbing sections, the eONE-SIXTY 10K makes it easy to ride out of the saddle, always generating good traction despite the shock remaining high in its travel.

Whether you’re cruising the flow, shredding the gnar or bombing down a bike park track, the MERIDA impresses with excellent all-round characteristics, regardless of your riding skills.

Das MERIDA eONE SIXTY 10K im Downhill-Test

Drop the saddle, stand up and have a blast! With its accurate yet predictable handling, the agile MERIDA eONE SIXTY 10K conveys huge amounts of confidence, allowing you to negotiate any trail with ease. The weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, making it easy to negotiate open corners at high speeds, even for beginners. The supportive suspension allows you to pop off ledges and generate speed on flowing trails. On steep technical trails and fast bikepark tracks, the MERIDA rewards an active riding style. Here, above all, it impresses with its excellent suspension, high front and grippy tires, enabling experienced riders to ride fast and implement spontaneous direction changes. Unfortunately, the long seat tube restricts freedom of movement. Although the MERIDA is still among the best-performing and most fun bikes in this test. However, the MERIDA can’t match the composure of the brand-new Yeti or the agility of the Orbea with its small battery.

Tuning tip: Riders with long legs should push the saddle forward

Conclusion

If you’re looking for an eMTB all-rounder, the MERIDA eONE SIXTY 10K is still a great option. Although it’s great fun and still delivers impressive performance on the trail, it can’t keep up with the best eMTBs on the market anymore. Despite its versatile character, flawless spec and good-natured handling, the MERIDA wasn’t able to claim the Best in Test for the second year running.

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You can find out more about at merida-bikes.com

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

All bikes in test: FOCUS JAM² 7.0 (Click for review) | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10k | Norco Sight VLT C1 (Click for review) | Orbea Rise M-Team (Click for review) | Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.E375 PRO (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 Z ST XT (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL (Click for review) | Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS (Click for review) | Yeti 160E T1 (Click for review) | YT DECOY MX CORE 4 (Click for review)

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Words: Photos: Robin Schmitt, Julian Lemme