Enduro attitude and trail bike lightness? The new MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 10K aims to combine the best of both worlds while making its debut with the Bosch Performance Line SX motor. But how does it fare on the trails with its 160 mm of travel, 400-Wh battery, and 29-inch wheels?
After introducing their full-power eMTB, the eONE-SIXTY 10K last year, which delivered a tremendous performance in our big e-MTB comparison test, MERIDA now expand their portfolio with its lighter counterpart: the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 10K. Unlike its powerful sibling, the SL model relies on a light-assistance Bosch Performance Line SX drive, which replaces the powerful Shimano motor and makes the eONE-SIXTY SL MERIDA’s first bike with a Bosch motor system. The motor draws its power from a 400 Wh battery, while a high-performance spec and well-thought-out geometry concept are meant to preserve the character of its bigger brother. The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL also sports a newly revised carbon frame design and rolls out of the factory on 29” wheels. Tipping the scales at just 19.7 kg in size L, it breaks just under the mystical 20 kg mark, retailing at € 10,999 in the top-tier 10k spec variant. Read on to find out how it performs on the trail!
Black gold! – what makes the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 2025 so special?
At first glance, the eONE-SIXTY SL is hardly recognisable as an eMTB. The Bosch Performance Line SX motor is cleverly integrated into the bottom bracket area, while a special motor cover discreetly conceals the whole unit. This allowsMERIDA’s engineers to keep the eONE-SIXTY SL’s sleek silhouette intact, ensuring a sharp, clean look. The rectangular design not only gives it a high-performance look but also makes it appear visually dynamic. The 400 Wh Bosch CompactTube battery is permanently integrated into the downtube and can be charged via the charging port on the seat stay. This can also be used to connect the optional Bosch PowerMore 250 Wh range extender, which boosts the total capacity to 650 Wh. The range extender attaches to the same mount as the bottle cage, meaning that on longer rides you’ll have to carry your water bidon in a backpack or hip pack.
The motor is controlled via a Bosch Mini Remote and Bosch System Controller in the top tube, while the new Bosch Purion 400 color display shows all basic riding data on a 1.6″ screen, including distance, current speed, battery charge status and assistance mode.
The eONE-SIXTY SL 10K also boasts a clean cockpit. All cables disappear into the frame through the headset and only reappear shortly before the component where they’re needed. Together with the generously sized chainstay protector, this prevents unpleasant background noises, ensuring a quiet ride on the trail. However, the internal headset routing makes it harder to service the bike . A big downtube protector and a small fender between the main frame and the swingarm protect the frame against stray rocks.
The SRAM Maven Ultimate four-piston brakes grab on 200 mm rotors front and rear, and perfectly suit the bike’s overall look. Shifting is taken care of by an electronic SRAM XX Eagle Transmission AXS drivetrain, which relies on a direct-mount rear derailleur and ensures butter-smooth shifting even under load. The suspension consists of a FOX 36 Float Factory fork with GRIPX damper and matching 160 mm FOX Float X Factory shock. Both feature a fancy Kashima coating and allow for countless adjustment options,delivering a tremendous performance on the trail – awesome! FOX also supply the Transfer Factory dropper post, which offers 210 mm of travel and shines in the same golden finish.
The eONE-SIXTY SL rolls on a new 29” FSA SC i30 carbon wheelset and MAXXIS tires, with an Assegai in the soft MaxxGrip compound at the front, and a MAXXIS Minion DHR II in the harder MaxxTerra compound at the rear, both in the relatively thin EXO+ casing. A small multitool under the saddle allows you to carry out all basic trailside repairs, and is complemented by an additional tool mount at the bottom of the toptube.
MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 10K
€ 10,999
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line SX 55 Nm
Battery Bosch CompactTube 400 Wh
Display Bosch Purion 400
Fork FOX 36 Float Factory GRIP X 160 mm
Rear Shock FOX Float X Factory 160 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 210 mm
Brakes SRAM MAVEN Ulitmate 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX Eagle Transmission AXS 1x12
Stem MERIDA EXPERT eTR II mm
Handlebar Race Face Era
Wheelset FSA SC i30 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI, MaxxGrip, EXO+/ Minion DHR II, MaxxTerra, EXO+ 2.5"/2.4"
Technical Data
Size XShort Short Mid Long XLong
Weight 19.7 kg
Perm. total weight 140 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 120 kg
Kickstand mount nein
Specific Features
Flip Chip
Tool Mount
Multitool
Other spec variants of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 2025
All variants of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL rely exclusively on a carbon frame. Our MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 10K test bike is the flagship model in the range and is also available in a slightly more eye-catching Silk Anaconda Green paint finish. This retails at €10,999, and relies on top-tier components.
Just below sits the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 8000, which costs € 8,499 and comes equipped with RockShox suspension consisting of a RockShox Lyrik Select+ fork and matching RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock. In terms of sheer trail performance, the Select+ variant is on par with the Ultimate flagship model. eliable SRAM DB8 brakes do stopping duties, while an electronic SRAM GX Eagle Transmission AXS drivetrain ensures butter-smooth, precise shifting. The eONE-SIXTY SL 8000 is available in Guarded Gold and Gunmetal Grey paint finishes.
The entry-level model in the series is the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 6000, which retails from at € 6,399. It features a Marzocchi Z1 fork and Marzocchi Bomber Air shock, with Shimano Deore M6120 brakes providing reliable, powerful deceleration, and a cable-operated Shimano Deore drivetrain ensuring smooth gear shifts. The SL 6000 is available in Silk River Clay and Heritage Red finishes.
The geometry of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 2025
The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL is available in five sizes, XShort, Short, Mid, Long, and XLong, thus relying onMERIDA’s well-known AGILOMETER sizing concept, which allows you to choose your frame based on your desired reach and riding style: go for a shorter frame if you’re after an agile character, pick a longer one if you’re looking for composure.
The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY also has a flip-chip in the shock mount, which lets you convert it to a mullet bike with a smaller 27.5” rear wheel. With mixed wheel sizes, rear travel increases to 174 mm. However, MERIDA recommend riding the eONE-SIXTY as a full 29”, because the geometry is tuned around this setup.
Chainstay length is 450 mm across all sizes. Our test bike in size L has 489 mm, which is relatively long for modern standards but results in an efficient climbing position, especially in combination with the steep 78.5° seat tube angle. The short seat tube allows you to insert the dropper post all the way into the frame, ensuring plenty of freedom of movement on descents. Top!
Size | XShort | Short | Mid | Long | XLong |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Top tube | 543 mm | 567 mm | 591 mm | 616 mm | 640 mm |
Seat tube | 400 mm | 410 mm | 425 mm | 445 mm | 465 mm |
Head tube | 100 mm | 105 mm | 110 mm | 115 mm | 120 mm |
Head angle | 64° | 64° | 64° | 64° | 64° |
Seat angle | 78.5° | 78.5° | 78.5° | 78.5° | 78.5° |
Chainstay | 450 mm | 450 mm | 450 mm | 450 mm | 450 mm |
BB Drop | 27.5 mm | 27.5 mm | 27.5 mm | 27.5 mm | 27,5 mm |
Wheelbase | 1,202 mm | 1,228 mm | 1,253 mm | 1,278 mm | 1,303 mm |
Reach | 420 mm | 443 mm | 466 mm | 489 mm | 512 mm |
Stack | 611 mm | 616 mm | 620 mm | 625 mm | 629 mm |
Flow fever – The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 2025 on the trail
When you first hop on the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 10K, the first thing you’ll notice is the front-heavy pedalling position. This puts slightly more pressure on your hands but ensures an efficient climbing performance, allowing you to pedal smoothly and transfer plenty of power into the pedals. The Bosch Performance Line SX motor supports you with a natural ride feel, providing just the right amount of assistance. However, it does require a slightly higher cadence and more active pedalling to fully unleash its potential. On steeper climbs, the front-heavy geometry keeps the front wheel grounded, ensuring good composure and allowing you to negotiate even technical climbs with great confidence. The 400-Wh battery has enough capacity for fast-paced post-work trail laps, but needs a little extra help on longer rides, which is where the 250 Wh Bosch PowerMore range extender comes into play.
Descending on flowing trails, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 10K excels with its agile handling. The precise, intuitive handling make it easy to control, making you feel at ease from the get go, regardless of whether you’re a newbie or seasoned trail veteran. The stiff rear suspension ensures a lively feel, allowing you to generate speed by pumping through rollers – fun guaranteed! On the trail, the MERIDA feels compact and encourages you to pop off natural kickers and play with the terrain.
When the trail gets rougher, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 10K still tracks eagerly and gives you a high degree of control. On very steep descents, however, the lower front end robs you of confidence slightly. A handlebar with more rise or additional spacers under the stem could help here, preventing dreader OTB moments on steep trails. The SRAM Maven Ultimate brakes provide reliable, powerful deceleration, even in the most challenging conditions.
Tuning tip: If you want more battery capacity and range, consider adding the Bosch PowerMore range extender on longer rides.
Who should take a closer look at the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 2025?
Let’s be honest! With its relatively high price of €10,999, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 10K is a serious investment. However, in return, you’ll get a premium-level setup that performs exceptionally well on the trail. Uphill, you’ll appreciate the comfortable assistance, but you’ll still need to be prepared to put in some effort. While the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 10K can certainly hold its own on rough enduro trails, it truly shines on singletrack and flowing trails where it can play to its strengths.
Conclusions about the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 2025
With the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY SL 2025, the Taiwanese bike manufacturer introduced a fun trail eMTB that doesn’t shy away from challenging trails either. Thanks to its agile handling and high-quality spec, both beginners and advanced riders will get their money’s worth. However, with the Bosch SX motor, you’ll still need to put in some of your own power, and the smaller 400-Wh battery might be the limiting factor on longer rides. However, the range extender solves this issue, allowing you to enjoy full days in the saddle.
Tops
- Extremely fun to ride
- High-quality components
- Agile riding character
- Intuitive handling
Flops
- Small battery
More information can be found at merida.com
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Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Peter Walker