Last year, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY won the group test twice. But the competition hasn’t slept, and so we were all the more excited to see how the bike would fare in direct comparison with its 2018 rivals.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB around € 4,500 – 11 exciting and affordable bikes go head to head
Almost nothing has changed on the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 for 2018. The bike still has the same spec, it has the same frame with the same paint job, and yet the price has increased by € 500. Even for € 4,599, however, the package it delivers is still very good. The componentry consists of high-quality RockShox suspension with a Yari fork and a Super Deluxe shock. Stopping is taken care of by Shimano SLX brakes with 200 mm rotors.
The MERIDA makes even significantly more expensive bikes look very old!
The only critique we have is regarding the short 115 mm stroke of the standard dropper post. The eONE-SIXTY is powered by a Shimano STEPS E8000 motor, whose three support levels can be customized via a smartphone app. The external battery is beautifully semi-integrated into the frame. MERIDA made no compromises when it comes to the tyres and uses high-quality MAXXIS Minion DHR II in 2.8″ width with the grippy 3C Maxx Terra rubber compound.
The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 in detail
Fork RockShox Yari RC 160 mm
Rear shock RockShox Super Deluxe R 160 mm
Motor/Battery Shimano Steps E8000 / Shimano 504 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano Deore XT/SLX
Brakes Shimano SLX 200/180 mm
Seatpost MERIDA Expert Dropper Post 115 mm
Stem MERIDA Expert SS 45 mm
Handlebar MERIDA Expert II 760 mm
Hubs Joytech
Rims MERIDA Expert TP
Tires Maxxis Minion DHR II 2.8″
The rear linkage of the Merida is one of the best. It responds sensitively, doesn’t wallow, and gives good feedback.
The battery is not completely integrated, but it fits nicely in the silhouette of the bike
The cables are routed internally and are clamped at their entrances. No clattering!
The RockShox Yari suspension fork is in a class of its own in this price segment!
The geometry of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800
The reward comes as soon as the incline follows gravity: on descents, the eONE-SIXTY impresses with a brilliant mix of composure and agility. It stays very securely on course and gives the rider the feeling of being totally integrated in the bike. Even on very steep descents, there is no over-the-bars feeling and at high speeds, the suspension filters out all impacts sensitively and compensates for some line-choice blunders and small riding errors without flinching. In corners, however, the MERIDA is incredibly agile, steering quickly and precisely without much effort. Even tight switchbacks can be mastered with ease. Riders with an active riding style will also appreciate the good feedback you get from the trail, which makes it easy to jump off and over stuff.
Conclusion
The MERIDA is the master of all classes. The bike cuts a great figure both on relaxed tours and in really demanding terrain. It climbs well and descends even better! The harmonious overall package is rounded off by great features and a stylish design – despite the external battery. Best in Test!
Strengths
– a lot of fun
– very composed
– great look
Weaknesses
– price increase
– dropper post hasn’t got enough stroke
Uphill
Downhill
Stability
Agility
Value
For more information head to: merida-bikes.com
The testfleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB around € 4,500 – 11 exciting and affordable bikes go head to head
All bikes in test: BULLS SIX50 EVO AM2 | Conway eWME 627 | FLYER Uproc 4.10 | FOCUS JAM² Plus | Giant Full-E+ 1.5 Pro LTD | Haibike XDURO AllMtn 7.0 | KTM MACINA KAPOHO 273 11 PT-CX5I | Moustache Samedi 27 Trail 6 | SCOTT E-Genius 720 | Specialized Turbo Levo FSR 6Fattie
This article is from E-MOUNTAINBIKE issue #013
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Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer, Valentin Rühl
