MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 review

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 has been in our group tests for the third time now. In 2017, it was crowned the well-deserved Best in Test and hasn’t given up the crown since. But the air at the top of eMTB Olympus is getting thinner and thinner. Can the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 still hold its ground?

For an overview about the test field click here: The best budget eMTB of 2019 – 8 models head to head

**MERIDA** eONE-SIXTY 800 | Shimano STEPS E8000/504 Wh | 160/160 mm (f/r) | 22.1 kg | € 4,599

The € 4,599 MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 remains almost unchanged for the third round of this group test and relies on proven componentry: the Shimano STEPS E8000 motor draws its power from an external 500 Wh battery, which is mounted low on the down tube, leaving no room for a bottle cage. The matching STEPS E8000 remote and the dropper post lever require finesse when operating. The 27.5″ x 2.8″ wide MAXXIS Minion tires have convinced us in the past and offer significantly more traction than other plus tires in the test field. The suspension generates 160 mm travel from a RockShox Yari fork and a Super Deluxe R shock. The latter, however, is somewhat overdamped, meaning that light riders won’t necessarily be able to set the rebound fast enough. Keeping the 22.1 kg MERIDA in check is a set of Shimano SLX two-piston brakes. Thanks to large 200 mm rotors front and rear, they initially offer sufficient braking power, but soon fade on longer runs.

All time classic! The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY is a classic and knows how to play to its strengths.

**Helmet** MET Roam MIPS | **Glasses** 100 % Speedtrap | **Backpack** CamelBak K.U.D.U. | **Shirt** ION Tee Scrub_Amp | **Shorts** ION Bikeshorts Scrub_Amp

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 in detail

Fork RockShox Yari RC 160 mm
Rear shock RockShox Super Deluxe R 160 mm
Motor/Batterie Shimano STEPS E8000 504 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano XT 11 speed
Brakes Shimano SLX 2-Kolben 200/200 mm
Seat post MERIDA Expert TR 125 mm
Stem MERIDA Expert eTR 40 mm
Handlebar MERIDA Expert eTR 780 mm
Wheels MERIDA Expert TP 27.5″
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHRII 2.8″

**Plush**
The 160 mm Yari performs sensitively and provides good feedback from the trail.

**Too Slow**
We had the rebound of the shock almost completely open despite the rider weight of 90 kg. The rebound was too slow for our lighter test riders.

**Securely clamped and quiet**
The cable ports even manage to clamp down the thin Shimano STEPS cables. You don’t have anything rattling on the MERIDA!

**Lever overload**
Select mode or drop the saddle? Hitting the right lever is almost a matter of luck.

**Deceptive**
MERIDA combines the high-quality XT rear derailleur with the somewhat undefined, lower end SLX shifter. Looks good on the shop floor, but doesn’t feel so good on the trail.

**Austerity measure**
The thru-axle of the Yari fork doesn’t have a quick-release lever. RockShox also have a slightly more expensive version with a lever.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	410 mm	430 mm	470 mm	510 mm
Top tube	583 mm	608 mm	634 mm	658 mm
Head tube	100 mm	120 mm	140 mm	160 mm
Head angle	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°
Seat angle	75°	75°	75°	75°
Chainstay	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm
BB Drop	13 mm	13 mm	13 mm	13 mm
Wheelbase	1,174 mm	1,202 mm	1,230 mm	1,258 mm
Reach	420 mm	440 mm	460 mm	480 mm
Stack	608 mm	626 mm	644 mm	663 mm

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 in review

With its tall front end, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 is very comfortable and upright. For relaxed rides on forest roads, the weight distribution is ideal. When the incline starts increasing and the terrain becomes more technical, you will have to work at keeping the front wheel on the ground. But the suspension and tires provide a lot of traction. Thanks to the smart Trail mode of the Shimano STEPS E 8000 motor, you will get up steep climbs with enough physical effort. Spinning the rear tire despite leaning forward? Won’t happen. However, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 can no longer keep up with the best climbers in the test field.

**Tuning tip:** stärkere Bremse | Sattelstütze mit mehr Hub | Wahlhebel im Cockpit (Motor und Dropper-Remote)

Although climbing is more than just a means to an end on this bike, the heart of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 clearly beats for the descent. Here it can fully exploit the advantages of the tall front end and the relatively low bottom bracket: both making the rider feel like they’re integrated into the bike, instilling experts as well as beginners with a lot of confidence. On steep descents, however, the 125 mm dropper post limits your freedom of movement. Thanks to the balanced weight distribution and a lot of mid-stroke support from the suspension, changing direction is easy. In general, the eONE-SIXTY allows beginners to play with the trail and easily conquer obstacles. Nevertheless, the CONWAY and the COMMENCAL are more agile and playful. In turn, the MERIDA scores with better composure and handling that is very predictable when you’re at the limit.

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY is a great all-rounder that promises to make beginners and experts equally happy.

Conclusion

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 800 is still an excellent eMTB, but in a direct comparison with the newest competition, it lacks that wow factor on the trail. Despite its outstanding all-round qualities, it isn’t enough for a test victory hat-trick.

Tops

balanced and good-natured handling
ultra versatile
very composed in all terrain

Flops

Shimano SLX brakes are underpowered
ergonomics of the cockpit
suspension overdamped for light riders
no motor protection

Riding Characteristics

Agility

sluggish
playful

Stability

nervous
stable

Handling

demanding
balanced

Riding fun

boring
lively

Motor feeling

digital
natural

Motor power

weak
strong

Value for money

poor
top

Technical Data

Size: S M L XL
Weight: 22,1 kg
Perm. total weight: 140 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment): 117 kg
Motor torque: 70 Nm
Battery Capacity: 504 Wh
Travel (f/r): 160/160 mm
Wheel Size: 275"
Price: € 4,599

Rider type

Touring Rider 1

Trail rider 2

Extreme rider 3

For more information head to merida-bikes.com

The Test field