MERIDA’s new aluminium eMTBs for 2020: the eONE-SIXTY Limited Edition and eONE-FORTY Limited Edition

MERIDA have released two new, attractively priced aluminium models in their eMTB range: the 2020 eONE-SIXTY LIMITED EDITION and the 2020 eONE-FORTY LIMITED EDITION, both featuring Shimano’s STEPS E8000 motor. Read on for all the details on the models and our recommendations for the eONE-SIXTY models.

MERIDA eONE-SIXTY Limited Edition | Shimano E8000/504 Wh | 160 mm/150 mm (f/r) | € 4,699 | manufacturer website

Our latest group test of the 25 hottest 2020 models proved that the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K is one of the best performing eMTBs currently on the market. However, with a price point of around € 10,000 for the flagship model, it will remain a dream for many of us. Up until now, the most affordable model in the eONE-SIXTY range was the eONE SIXTY 5000 for € 5,099, but that comes specced with the somewhat weaker Shimano STEPS E7000 motor. Having said that, the “but” should be put into context since the STEPS E7000 is by no means bad: you can read all about it and its more powerful brother, the STEPS E8000, in our motor group test. If you wanted an eONE SIXTY with the Shimano STEPS E8000 nonetheless, you would have had to go for the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 8000, which costs € 6,199. However, MERIDA have now released the eONE-SIXTY Limited Edition, which comes with an aluminium frame instead of carbon fibre and costs just € 4,699, with spec similar to the eONE-SIXTY 8000. That’s € 1,500 less – where’s the catch?

MERIDA eONE-SIXTY Limited Edition in detail

Even though we haven’t yet been able to ride it, there’s no catch as far as we can see. The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY Limited Edition comes with a modern hydroformed aluminium frame and has the same features as the more expensive carbon variants: the stylish Thermo Gate on the head tube, MX wheel concept, Shimano STEPS E8000 motor with a removable 504 Wh integrated Shimano BT8035 battery, MERIDA EXPERT eTR cockpit, Allen key integrated in the thru-axle for the most common bolts on the bike and a generously sized chainstay guard, which, in conjunction with the internal cable routing, should keep the bike nice and quiet.

Motor Shimano E8000
Battery Shimano E8035/504 Wh
Fork Rock Shox 35 Gold RL
Rear shock Rock Shox Super Deluxe Select+
Drivetrain Shimano XT RDM8100 Shadow+
Brakes Shimano MT-520/Shimano MT-500
Handlebar MERIDA EXPERT eTR
Stems MERIDA EXPERT eTR
Rims MERIDA COMP TR
Hubs Shimano MT400-B / Shimano MT510-B
Tires Maxxis Assegai / Maxxis DHR II
Seatpost MERIDA COMP TR
Weight 23.51 kg

In terms of spec, the eONE-SIXTY Limited Edition is similar but not quite on par with its € 1,500 more expensive carbon counterpart. For example, the eONE-SIXTY Limited Edition has to make do with a mix of two- and four-piston brakes, as well as a lower end shifter, saddle and dropper post. They aren’t specced with the same fork and wheels either. MERIDA haven’t yet released any information on the weight of the aluminium model.

MERIDA eONE-FORTY Limited Edition in detail

MERIDA eONE-FORTY Limited Edition | Shimano E8000/504 Wh | 140 mm/133 mm (f/r) | € 4,699 | manufacturer website

The MERIDA eONE-FORTY is now also available as a “Limited Edition” aluminium version and has the same technical features as its bigger brother, the eONE-SIXTY. We found out the differences between the eONE-FORTY and the eONE-SIXTY when we compared the carbon models.

Motor Shimano E8000
Battery Shimano E8035/504 Wh
Fork Rock Shox 35 Gold RL
Rear shock Rock Shox Super Deluxe Select+
Drivetrain Shimano XT RDM8100 Shadow+
Brakes Shimano MT-520/Shimano MT-500
Handlebar MERIDA EXPERT eTR
Stems MERIDA EXPERT eTR
Rims MERIDA COMP TR
Hubs Shimano MT400-B / Shimano MT510-B
Tires Maxxis DHF / Maxxis DHR II
Seatpost MERIDA COMP TR
Weight 23.51 kg

If you want to know more about what goes on at MERIDA, we were on a factory visit in Taiwan last year and had an exclusive behind the scenes look at the production of the eONE-SIXTY.

Our Conclusion of the all-new Merida bikes

We think it’s good that MERIDA have added the eONE-SIXTY Limited Edition and the eONE-FORTY Limited Edition to their range of eMTBs, both of which are interesting options technically and economically. If you can do without the “prestige” of carbon, you are guaranteed to have just as much fun on the Limited Edition models. However, we find the “Limited Edition” model name referring to the aluminium version a bit misleading, since one would expect that to be the flagship model or a very fancy and special version.

More Info: merida-bikes.com

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Words & Photos: Robin Schmitt