MERIDA eONE-SIXTY – In our big 2024 eMTB comparison test under € 7,000

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY aims to bridge the gap between everyday riding and trail adventures, promising to deliver fun both on and off the beaten track. With its practical features, mullet wheel setup and 170/174 mm of travel (f/r), coupled with a Shimano EP801 motor and 750 Wh battery, we found out how the MERIDA held up against the competition.

The eONE-SIXTY has long been an integral part of MERIDA’s portfolio and has already gone through several evolutionary stages, asserting itself again and again over the years. While the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K, which took part in our huge eMTB group test without price limit, features a carbon frame and top-tier spec aimed squarely at trail performance, the eONE-SIXTY 875 is aimed at a broader target group. It combines an alloy frame with a Shimano EP801 motor, which draws its power from an integrated, removable 750 Wh battery. Like its carbon sibling, the eONE-SIXTY 875 generates 170/174 mm of travel (f/r) and can be configured either as a full 29er or a mullet bike with a smaller 27.5″ rear wheel, which is the version we tested. MERIDA’S exciting new sizing and geometry concept allows most riders to choose from at least two frame sizes based on their desired reach. Tipping the scales at 26.1 kg in size M, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 875 is the heaviest bike in this group test, together with the BULLS SONIC EVO AM3. But is that a problem on the trail? More on this later! Retail price is € 6,599, which puts the MERIDA bang in the middle of this test field and makes it just over half the price of the 10K flagship model. But does that mean it’s only half as good? We’ll find out….

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 under € 7,000 – 5 affordable models in our comparison test

The MacGyver amongst eMTBs – What sets the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 875 apart from the competition?

At first glance, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 875 looks a lot like its carbon counterpart. It relies on the same modern design language and rear suspension design, with the shock merging seamlessly into the seat stays. One particularly noteworthy feature are the seatstays: MERIDA rely on flexible stays, which eliminates the need for a rear pivot between the seat and chainstay. That said, the alloy frame isn’t as tidy as its 10K carbon counterpart or the frame of the Canyon Strive:ON CFR. Like the Specialized Turbo Levo Alloy, it has visible weld seams, especially on the swingarm and bottom bracket area.

However, MERIDA’s engineers came up with a few clever ideas, providing the frame with several practical features: a small mud guard shields the seat tube from muck and water, while the swingarm has additional bosses for a longer mudguard – and there’s even a kickstand mount on the chainstay, which the more expensive carbon model doesn’t have. MERIDA also throw in a stem-mounted Lezyne E-BIKE POWER E115 headlight, which draws its power directly from the main battery, and comes standard with a removable USB tail light. This ensures a high level of versatility, allowing you to use the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY as an everyday eSUV during the week, and as a trail ripper in your time off. As usual, the Taiwanese manufacturer integrates a multi-tool under the saddle and a 4 mm Allen key into the rear thru axle, allowing you to carry out basic trailside repairs – even MacGyver would be jealous.

At the heart of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY lies a Shimano EP801 motor, which delivers 600 watts of peak power and 85 Nm of torque. It draws its power from a big 750 Wh battery, which can be removed from the down tube for external charging without the need for tools – provided your fingers are strong enough to release the locking mechanism. If you charge the battery directly on the bike, you’ll need a bit of patience to get the finicky charging port cover back into its place. For longer rides, the MERIDA battery can be expanded with an optional 360 Wh range extender, which is secured to the down tube with a dedicated mount, and bumps the total capacity to a whopping 1,110 Wh. Unfortunately, when using the extender, you can’t fit a water bottle in the cage. The Shimano SC-EM800 display is safely tucked away behind the handlebars and shows all of the most important riding data, like the battery charge status, speed and current support mode. Together with the Specialized Turbo Levo, the MERIDA is the only competitor in this test with a full-size display. In our big eMTB motor test, you’ll find an in-depth review of the Shimano EP801 motor and what other features it offers.

With the spec of the eONE-SIXTY 875, MERIDA focused on durability rather than bling. The Shimano XT LINKGLIDE 11-speed drivetrain works reliably in the background, with the slower gear shifts ensuring smoother shifting while at the same time increasing the drivetrain’s service life. The cassette has a narrower gear range than its 12-speed counterpart, but this doesn’t affect the bike’s performance on the trail. For the tires, MERIDA rely on fellow Taiwanese brand MAXXIS, combining an ASSEGAI in the soft MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front and Minion DHR II in the slightly harder MaxxTerra compound at the rear, both in EXO+ casing on our test bike. You’ll be pleased to hear that the production bike comes standard with the tougher DoubleDown casing at the rear.
The RockShox suspension consists of a ZEB Select fork and matching Super Deluxe Select air shock, and while this can’t keep up with the top-tier Ultimate models of the Propain Sresh CF in terms of adjustability, it still delivers a decent performance on the trail. Braking is taken care of by Shimano XT four-piston stoppers which, together with the big 220 mm rotor at the front and 200 mm disc at the rear, provide reliable and powerful deceleration. MERIDA’s in-house 230 mm TEAM TR II dropper post offers the most travel in our test, and allows you to reduce the travel by up to 30 mm without the need for tools. In combination with the short seat tube, this is a key part of MERIDA’s geometry concept, because it allows you to choose your frame size based on your preferences and riding style rather than solely on your anatomy – awesome! Speaking of the geometry concept: although the eONE-SIXTY comes standard as a mullet bike, it can be converted to a full 29er using the flip chip in the upper shock mount.

Tuning tip: Arrange a test ride with two different frame sizes at your MERIDA dealer. Downsize if you’re looking for a more agile character, go bigger if composure is what you’re looking for.

The all-rounder? – The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY on the trail

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY plays to its strengths in many different areas. The comfortable, upright pedalling position makes it suitable for long days in the saddle, enabling epic backcountry expeditions without hurting your back. The plush suspension generates tons of traction on technical uphills and ensures a comfortable ride when you’re cruising your way back down into the valley. On steeper climbs, the front wheel remains planted on the ground, meaning that you don’t have to actively shift your weight forwards and can focus on the climb ahead. The Shimano EP801 motor packs a punch, but can’t quite keep up with the brutal force of the Bosch Performance Line CX, which comes standard with the Canyon Strive:ON and BULLS SONIC EVO AM 3.

With its countless clever features, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY makes your life easier.

When gravity takes over, there are no surprises with the eONE-SIXTY, allowing you to open the taps straight away. As a result, the MERIDA is equally suitable for both beginners and seasoned trail veterans. The weight is evenly distributed between the front and rear, and there’s always enough pressure over the front end to keep traction. The eONE-SIXTY follows steering inputs with great eagerness, and only the Canyon Strive:ON feels more direct. Overall, the MERIDA is the perfect proof that weight isn’t everything: despite being one of the heaviest bikes in this test, it’s easy and predictable to ride and doesn’t require too much physical effort to swing around tight corners. It’s particularly great fun on flowing trails, making it easy to pop into the air or spontaneously change your line. When the going gets rougher, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY is still reassuringly composed, inspiring huge amounts of confidence in the process, with the plush suspension absorbing impacts when you plough through nasty rock gardens at full pelt. While it’s significantly plusher than the Canyon, it doesn’t simply blow through its travel, providing plenty of support and keeping a little in reserve to deal with the occasional error of judgement or over-ambitious jump. Active riders who want to clock fast laps will miss some feedback from the ground on the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY. On steeper trails, the short seat tube and long-travel dropper post ensure plenty of freedom of movement, which adds to the already awesome sense of security.

Riding fun guaranteed – thanks to its good-natured handling, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY delivers top riding fun for both beginners and advanced riders.

Who should take a closer look at the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY and who should look elsewhere?

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY is a great choice if you’re looking for a good all-rounder for countless riding scenarios: whether it’s relaxed one-day tours, tough trails or the daily commute, the MERIDA is suitable for a wide range of applications and rider types. Moreover, the intuitive handling makes it a great learning companion for beginners who want to improve their skills. On the other hand, sporty riders who want more direct handling to shave seconds off their PRs should take a look at the Canyon Strive:ON.

Our conclusions about the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY might not be as stylish as the carbon competitors in this test, but it manages to combine a wide range of applications. Above all, it scores with a first-class trail performance and appeals to beginners and advanced riders alike. At the same time, the countless clever features make it suitable for everyday life scenarios. Overall, the MERIDA is a very good all-rounder at a fair price, and therefore deserves our coveted Best Buy Tip!

Tops

• Suitable for both beginners and experienced riders
• Clever detail solutions
• Versatile spec is suitable for both downhill shenanigans and everyday riding

Flops

• Finicky charging port cover

For more information, visit merida-bikes.com

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2024 under € 7,000 – 5 affordable models in our comparison test

Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.

Words: Mike Hunger Photos: Mike Hunger