The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K 2021 is equipped with the new Shimano EP8 motor, a larger 630 Wh battery, a more robust spec and features some exciting new details. But the larger battery and burlier spec mean that despite the lighter motor, the eONE-SIXTY’s weight has increased by 800 g. Is that noticeable out on the trail?
The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K previously proved itself as one of the best eMTBs on the market in terms of trail performance during our big E-MOUNTAINBIKE group test of 25 ebikes. Enduro pilots will find a bike with razor-sharp handling that is incredibly quiet, manages to be simultaneously agile and stable and which doesn’t have to shy away from demanding trails. For 2021, MERIDA have adapted the eONE-SIXTY frame to fit the new 630 Wh Shimano battery, naturally, in combination with the new Shimano EP8 motor. The price remains the same at € 9,799. Alongside the motor, aspects of the build have also been updated. The 160/150 mm travel suspension, making use of the new FOX 38 fork leaves just as few wishes unfulfilled as the brilliantly chosen tire combination for the mixed 29″/27.5″ wheels. We’ve already tested the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K in the Alps and on our home trails and can tell you how noticeable the changes are out on the trail.
The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K 2021 in detail
The slim silhouette of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K hasn’t changed and the chassis is almost the same as last year. Solely the battery slot has been modified to allow the new Shimano EP8 to be powered by the new and larger 630 Wh battery. However, size XS won’t come with the larger battery due to space constraints and continues to use the 504 Wh model. MERIDA continues to deliver the clever details they are known for on the 2021 model. The MERIDA Expert eTR cockpit routes the cables of the EM800 remote inside the bars and the MERIDA Expert TR rear axle has a removable handle that doubles as a mini tool. The axle lever combines a 4 and 6 mm Allen key in one, fitting almost all bolts on the bike. A new addition is the Lezyne E-115 headlight which is powered by the bike’s battery and is attached securely to the stem. The rainbow-effect paint job delivers significant bling, while the saddle-mounted multi-tool is a new addition.
The components of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K 2021
Admittedly, apart from some small details like the tires, the MERIDA was already well-equipped for hard use on demanding terrain in its previous incarnation. That said, MERIDA took our criticism to heart and have improved things, leaving us with nothing to complain about. The new spec is high-end and leaves no wishes unfulfilled. For 2021, the eONE-SIXTY 10K comes with sturdy and grippy Doubledown tires which should satisfy even the most ambitious enduro pilots. The suspension has also been updated: the new 160 mm travel FOX 38 Factory fork comes with the GRIP2 damper. It doesn’t really get any better! At the rear, the new FOX FLOAT X2 Factory is used to control 150 mm travel. The cockpit is MERIDA’s own design and hides away display and remote cables inside the bars. Combined with the wireless RockShox Reverb AXS dropper post, only the cables and hoses for the Shimano XTR brakes and drivetrain remain, resulting in an extremely tidy cockpit, especially for an eMTB.
MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K
€ 9,799
Specifications
Motor Shimano EP8 85 Nm
Battery Shimano BT-E8036 630 Wh
Display Shimano SC-EM800
Fork FOX 38 Factory eMTB+ 160 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X2 Factory 150 mm
Seatpost RockShox Reverb AXS 125 - 170 mm
Brakes Shimano XTR 4-Kolben 203/203 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XTR 1x12
Stem MERIDA Expert eTR 40 mm
Handlebar MERIDA Expert eTR 780 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss SPLINE HXC1250 29"/27.5"
Tires 29″ x 2.5″/27.5″ x 2.5″
Technical Data
Size XS S M L XL
Weight 22.96 kg
Perm. total weight 135 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 112 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes
Specific Features
Lezyne lighting system
saddle-mounted multi-tool
Geometry and models of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 2021
The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 2021 is offered in four specs ranging in price from € 4,499 to € 9,799 and available in five sizes in each. Except for size XS, all models come with the new 630 Wh Shimano battery. The seat tube isn’t the shortest, meaning you’re unlikely to be able to choose your size according to the reach you want. For most riders, there will only be one size that fits. The 470 mm reach in size L offers good freedom of movement and the front end is high with a stack of 650 mm.
Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Seat tube | 410 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm |
Top tube | 563 mm | 584 mm | 605 mm | 629 mm | 652 mm |
Head tube | 110 mm | 115 mm | 120 mm | 135 mm | 150 mm |
Head angle | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° | 65.5° |
Seat angle | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° |
Chainstays | 440 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm | 440 mm |
BB Drop | 18 mm | 18 mm | 18 mm | 18 mm | 18 mm |
Wheelbase | 1,168 mm | 1,190 mm | 1,212 mm | 1,239 mm | 1,265 mm |
Reach | 400 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm | 480 mm |
Stack | 629 mm | 633 mm | 638 mm | 652 mm | 665 mm |
The Merida eONE-SIXTY 10K on the flats and uphill
The riding position of the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K is comfortable on the flats and well-suited to riding long distances. The relatively slack seat angle means it’s advisable to slide the saddle as far forwards as possible on steep terrain to sit more centrally on the bike. Otherwise, you’ll have to actively weight the front to prevent it from lifting. Overall, the updated eONE-SIXTY keeps on climbing for longer thanks to the larger battery which increases the load on the front wheel. Standing or leaned over the front of the bike, the suspension and grippy, robust rear tire generate a lot of traction making climbing even easier. On less extreme inclines, the MERIDA and its new Shimano EP8 motor make for easy cruising.
The new EP8 motor has two riding profiles that can be changed on the trail and in which the parameters of the support levels can be set differently. MERIDA took advantage of this and in Profile 1, the MERIDA uses all of the power of the well-tuned motor, which handles naturally and can push powerfully when required. In Profile 2, more rider input is required to achieve maximum output, which is great for saving battery power. You can find all the details about the new motor in our exclusive in-depth article on the EP8 with all the most important facts and our detailed ride impressions. If you’re more interested in a direct comparison between the old Shimano STEPS E8000 and the new EP8, we have everything you need to know here.
The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K downhill
On the downhills, you’re positioned centrally on the bike and remain in complete control thanks to the high front, balanced handling and the longer battery that, particularly in flat corners, puts more pressure on the front wheel. Despite the larger battery and the increase in weight of 800 g, the eONE-SIXTY 10K maintains its direct and agile character. It manages to balance agility and stability in a way that few other bikes can. The FOX 38 fork and the DoubleDown tires eke out the last iota of downhill performance from the bike, yet thanks to the excellent adjustability of the suspension, which can be tuned from comfortable to sporty and stiff, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K isn’t just a bike for ambitious trail riders but is just as suited to those who want to travel at a more leisurely pace on their eMTB. Hats off to you MERIDA! And thank you for the new lights, which increase everyday usability. The eONE-SIXTY 10K was known as a quiet bike, avoiding any clattering cables or noisy chainstays. Sadly, those times are over with the new Shimano EP8 motor. The metallic clunking from the motor’s internals is a prominent feature on the MERIDA.
The MERIDA is the perfect all-rounder with a stunning look – from eSUV use as a status symbol right up to the most hardcore trail blasting, it’s happy to do anything!
MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K 2021 conclusion
MERIDA have managed to make a brilliant bike even better. The characteristics that we loved so much on the eONE-SIXTY 10K remain and any weaknesses such as range and climbing ability have largely been resolved with the update. The bike is just as well suited to enduro pilots as it is to beginners and leisure riders. The look, spec and performance are all flawless and our only criticism is that with the new Shimano EP8 motor, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K 2021 isn’t as quiet as it was last year.
Tops
- razor-sharp yet balanced handling
- balanced agility and stability
- impeccable spec
- all-round characteristics
Flops
- clattering of the Shimano EP8 motor
- long seat tube
More information at merida-bikes.com
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Words: Photos: Felix Stix