Tom reviews the 2025 Merida eOne-Sixty SL

Merida has entered the lightweight e-MTB market with the new eOne-Sixty SL. It’s a long anticipated addition from a brand deeply invested in the e-MTB space. This lightweight model fills a long standing gap in Merida’s lineup. After extensive development, Merida collaborated closely with Bosch to integrate the SX Performance Line motor into its debut SL e-MTB.

The eOne-Sixty lineup is expanding fast, now featuring non-motorised, lightweight and full-powered e-MTB versions. It’s interesting to note that Merida chose the One-Sixty platform for its first and only SL e-MTB. While lightweight e-MTBs are often built on shorter travel trail platforms, Merida sees the One-Sixty as its most versatile model, capable of handling a wide range of trails and conditions.

At Flow, we’ve reviewed numerous eOne-Sixties over the years, consistently assessing this lineup since 2018. Recently, Wil reviewed the full powered eOne-Sixty. If you’re deciding between the full powered version and the SL bike, make sure to check out both reviews.

I recently travelled to Girona, Spain, to see if this new SL model lives up to its ‘do-it-all’ reputation. It’s genuinely one of the most intriguing bikes I’ve ridden lately, with plenty of unique features to unpack. The model I swung my leg over for testing was the Merida eOne-Sixty SL 8000, which comes in at $11,999 AUD.

Watch our video review of the Merida eOne-Sixty SL here:

An overview of the Merida eOne-Sixty SL

The Merida eOne-Sixty SL sits in the enduro category but boasts a unique split personality. At times, it feels like a nimble trail rig, yet it can also transform into a bike park bruiser. These adaptable characteristics stem from its two main configuration options. In its stock setup, the eOne-Sixty SL comes with dual 29er wheels and 160mm of travel front and rear. However, Merida has equipped it with a flip-chip, allowing a second setup option. This adjustment lets riders swap to a mixed-wheel configuration, boosting rear travel to 174mm. With its longer travel and versatile design, the eOne-Sixty SL competes with models like the Trek Slash+ and Specialized Kenevo SL in the expanding long-travel e-MTB segment.

Merida is known for using both carbon and alloy frames across its range, though all three models headed to Australia feature full carbon frames. No doubt, a deliberate choice aimed at keeping weight under 20kg, depending on the build.

The bike’s suspension design is an evolution of Merida’s earlier eOne-Sixty models. Engineers have removed the yoke that previously drove the shock, creating a design that’s lighter, simpler, and more compact. This revision reduces side loading on the shock, which Merida sees as a significant advantage for longer-travel bikes subjected to intense forces. Meanwhile, the bike retains Merida’s flexstay system, allowing a small degree of flex through the seatstay as the shock moves through its travel.

Bosch Performance Line SX drive unit

The eOne-Sixty SL is powered by the compact Bosch Performance Line SX motor, a proven and reliable choice that represents a safe yet strategic move for Merida in this segment. Delivering 55Nm of torque, this motor is paired with a fully integrated 400Wh battery, bringing the 8000 build’s weight to 19.8kg. By integrating the battery into the frame, Merida was able to reduce overall weight further. For riders seeking additional range, the optional Bosch PowerMore 250Wh range extender can be added, though it does introduce a 1.6kg weight increase.

For a deeper dive into this drive unit and its performance relative to competitors, check out our full review of this particular drive unit.

Related:

• Bosch SX Motor Review | The new performance benchmark in the lightweight e-MTB category?

Merida eOne-Sixty SL geometry & size chart

Merida offers the new eOne-Sixty SL in five sizes: X-Short, Short, Mid, Long, and X-Long, with reach lengths spanning from 420mm to 512mm. All frame sizes share a 450mm rear centre length, but switching to the mullet (MX) setup with the flip chip shortens the chainstay to 447mm while keeping the rest of the geometry unchanged. The geo includes a conservative 64° head angle paired with a steep 78.5° seat angle.

For riders in sizes X-Short and Short, the standard 450mm rear centre might feel slightly long. I’d recommend trying the mixed wheel configuration with its shorter 447mm chainstay, as this could enhance handling by making it more responsive and manageable. Merida’s engineers explained that the Bosch SX drive unit’s size limited its ability to design shorter chainstays on the smaller frames.

One thing to note is that other bikes in the One-Sixty lineup vary in reach and head angle, even within the same nominal size. Merida’s engineers explained that with added weight, ride stability naturally improves, so it’s not need to extend the geometry as much to maintain stability. Instead, they shorten the reach slightly to regain some agility. For example, while the standard (non-powered) One-Sixty (in Long) has a reach of 498mm, the SL has a reach of 489mm, and the full powered version measures at 479mm. So here we’re seeing a 19mm difference in reach lengths between the lightest and heaviest variations within the One-Sixty platform. This sizing strategy is worth keeping in mind when selecting a Merida e-MTB, as a shorter reach on an eMTB may deliver a ride quality similar to a regular bike with a longer reach.

Merida eOne-Sixty SL price & specs

There are three models in the Merida eOne-Sixty lineup for 2025 with prices starting at $9,499 AUD.

All models are built around exactly the same full carbon frame, Bosch SX motor and 400Wh internal battery. Regardless of price, each bike gets a 160mm travel fork, a piggyback shock and Maxxis EXO+ tyres with an Assegai on the front and a Minion DHR II on the rear.

Our test bike sits in the middle of the lineup. It’s the Merida eOne-Sixty SL 8000, which retails for $11,999 AUD. For the full details on the other spec options check out our ‘First Ride’ article.

2025 Merida eOne-Sixty SL 8000

• Frame | eONE-SIXTY SL, CF4 Carbon, Flex-Stay Suspension Design, Travel: 160mm (29in Wheel) – 174mm (27.5in Wheel)
• Fork | RockShox Lyrik Select+, Charger 3.1 RC2 Damper, 160mm travel
• Shock | RockShox Super Deluxe Select+, DebonAir+ Linear XL Air Can, 230x65mm
• Motor | Bosch Performance Line SX, 55Nm
• Battery | Bosch CompactTube 400Wh
• Wheels | DT Swiss HX 1700, 30mm Inner Width
• Tyres | Maxxis Assegai EXO+ 3C MaxxGrip 2.5in Front & Minion DHR II EXO+ 3C MaxxTerra 2.4in Rear
• Drivetrain | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission AXS 1×12, 10-52T cassette
• Brakes | SRAM DB8 Stealth, 4-Piston w/SRAM HS2, 200mm Rotors
• Handlebar | Merida Expert eTR, 780mm width, Rise: 20mm (XS-S), 30mm (M-XL)
• Stem | Merida Expert eTR II, 35mm Diameter, Supernova Mount, 40mm Length
• Seatpost | Merida Comp TR III, 34.9mm diameter, Travel: 150mm (XS), 170mm (S-M), 200mm (L-XL)
• Weight | 19.8 kg
• Price | $11,999 AUD

Merida eOne-Sixty SL sizing and Fit

I tested the “Long” size, equivalent to a large for most other brands, which has a reach of 489mm. For my height of 179cm, this was at the upper limit of what felt comfortable; my ideal reach is typically between 475–485mm. It handled well, especially on faster trails, though I’d like to test the “Mid” (466mm reach) on tighter, more technical trails to see how it compares.

Suspension Setup

My suspension preferences are fairly standard, generally sitting around the middle of the dials and close to the manufacturers’ recommendations. However, I found some tweaks necessary when switching between dual 29er and mixed wheel (MX) setups. While the flip chip helps maintain similar geometry, it doesn’t quite keep the kinematics identical.

The first essential adjustment is shock pressure, which needs to be recalibrated to achieve the same sag in the MX configuration. The mullet setup reduces progression to 10.8%, compared to the 12% on the full 29er setup. What does this mean for your setup? You may want to experiment with adding or removing volume spacers. In 29er mode, there’s slightly more resistance at the end of the travel, reducing the likelihood of bottoming out. By contrast, the MX setup allows for less ramp up.

The 8000 model comes stock with a RockShox Super Deluxe+ equipped with the DebonAir+ Linear XL air can—a component that’s typically an aftermarket upgrade. It’s pleasing to see Merida include this as standard. This Linear XL air can bridges the gap between the Super Deluxe and Vivid models. Given the slightly less progressive kinematics of the MX setting and the more linear air can, I’d opt two bottomless tokens for my weight and preferences. The setup allows up to eight tokens in total (four in the eyelet and four on the air sleeve). Once you’re happy with the number of tokens you can dial in the feel of the suspension by changing the air pressure.

Merida eOne-Sixty SL 8000 weight

The SL e-MTB category carries the expectation of a lightweight setup, and we’ve seen some impressive weights within this segment. For instance, the Specialized Levo SL Pro weighs in at 17.94kg. While the eOne-Sixty SL is slightly heavier at 19.8kg, it still offers a ride that feels comparable to a traditional enduro bike. Based on my experience with SL e-MTBs, keeping the weight under 20kg allows the bike to closely mimic the handling of a non-powered bike on descents.

What I dig about the Merida eOne-Sixty SL

I was excited to see Merida choose the One-Sixty platform for its sole SL e-MTB. Enduro bikes with 160-170mm travel are exactly the type I gravitate towards. While modern enduro bikes pedal fairly well, they can still be a grind on the climbs. This is where SL e-MTBs really shine: they provide an overall ride experience very similar to a regular bike, but with just enough assist to take the edge off on the ascents. Plus, you avoid the heavy, sluggish feel that’s often associated with full powered e-MTBs.

Personally, I found this bike most enjoyable when using the Tour mode (second of its four assistance levels). This setting delivers enough power to noticeably boost climbing speed, yet still keeps you working and preserves the battery life.

The Merida eOne-Sixty’s mixed wheel size and rear travel options were also a highlight. I appreciated that the bike could transition from a trail bike feel to a more enduro oriented setup with added travel. That said, this versatility may not appeal to everyone, especially riders looking for consistency rather than variety. One might simply want the option of a smaller rear wheel without a drastic change in the overall bike’s character.

For me, the mixed-wheel setup (MX) brought out the bike’s playful side, compensating for some of the extra weight. It made the suspension feel more responsive and less harsh, tracking the ground more closely and freeing up the rear for a smoother, more dynamic ride.

Testing the bike in Girona, Spain, was great for the reviewing process. The trails here offer a mix of terrain, though they’re generally fast, with good line of sight and few long, steep descents. This allowed me to open up the bike and really let it run. On these types of trails, the dual 29er setup felt like the best choice, handling speed and stability well.

What I didn’t like about the Merida eOne-Sixty SL

The Merida eOne-Sixty is a well-rounded and thoughtfully designed bike, but there were a few elements I didn’t quite gel with. Some of these came down to spec choices, which I’ll cover in more detail in the next section.

If you’re planning to run this bike in a mixed wheel configuration, be prepared for a few extra purchases. It would have been great to see at least one mixed wheel build option offered straight off the shelf. Maybe even one with a more gravity-focused rear shock, like the RockShox Vivid or even a coil shock.

This bike could easily handle bike park days, especially with the 27.5in rear wheel and 174mm of rear travel. If this were your only bike (which I can see being a popular choice), it would be nice to have the option, like on the Trek Slash+ or the Transition Relay, to remove the battery and drop a few kilos when the extra weight isn’t needed. I like the idea of transforming an SL e-MTB into a regular bike for shuttle or lift access riding, especially for longer travel setups. Unfortunately, with the Bosch SX system on the eOne-Sixty, you need to remove the motor to access the internal battery.

Personally, I prefer traditional internal cable routing and would rather avoid running cables through the headset. That said, “hate” would be too strong a word here and the way Merida has implemented it is one of the better approaches. This setup still allows you to use any bar and stem combination and add spacers on top of the stem, which isn’t always the case with other systems.

In our past experiences with the Merida One-Sixty and One-Forty bikes, we encountered issues with the internal headset routing that led to creaking and significant damage to the cable and brake hose housing. Both of these problems have reportedly been addressed with an updated Acros headset that’s found on this new eOne-Sixty SL and the full-powered eOne-Sixty we recently reviewed. We have had no issues with the headset system on either of these newer models.

Component highs & lows

The Bosch SX drive unit may not be the most powerful or the lightest SL system on the market, but it stands out for its reliability and user friendly design. The interface is intuitive, and making adjustments through the app is a seamless process. Connecting the bike via the app is straightforward, and customising settings is both simple and intuitive. However, after riding the new full-power Bosch CX Performance Line motor on the Merida eOne-Eighty, it’s evident that the SX system isn’t as smooth or as quiet. Hopefully, it won’t be long before some of the CX upgrades make their way to the SX unit.

The eOne-Sixty SL 8000 model I tested features the Bosch Purion 400 handlebar display unit. While it’s not essential for operating the system, I found it to be a useful addition. I particularly liked the cadence screen, which helps optimise motor and battery performance. There’s also a screen showing the estimated range across all four power levels, which is especially helpful for managing ride expectations, particularly on an SL e-MTB, where battery range tends to be more limited.

Another component I was impressed with was the RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ shock, equipped with the DebonAir+ Linear XL air can. This shock has been reliable on multiple bikes over the years, but this was my first experience with the Linear XL air can, which truly enhances the shock’s sensitivity and suppleness.

Those interested in using the bike for more aggressive enduro riding, it’s worth considering a fork with a sturdier chassis, such as the Fox 38 or RockShox Zeb. You might even want to increase the travel to 170mm to match the 174mm rear suspension (MX configuration). This would add about 240g to the overall weight and slacken the head angle by 0.5°, while reducing the reach by a few millimetres.

Two components I’d consider swapping out are the SRAM DB8 Stealth brakes and the lightweight EXO+ casing rear tyre. The DB8 brakes are solid, but for a nearly 20kg bike, a bit more stopping power wouldn’t go amiss. Before opting for new brakes, you could try metallic pads and larger rotors as a cost effective way to improve performance. However, the lack of contact adjustment is a more challenging issue to resolve. Achieving consistent lever feel between the front and rear brakes cannot be done on the fly. The factory bleed on these brakes resulted in an inconsistent feel between the two levers. Without contact adjustment, a full bleed is necessary to even out the feel of both levers.

Regarding the rear tyre’s Maxxis EXO+ casing, I’d swap it out immediately for a more robust casing, like Maxxis’ Double Down. Though it adds a bit of weight, it’s better suited to enduro riding and the heavier demands of e-MTBs. Another option would be to pair the EXO+ tyre with a tyre insert such as the Cuschcore e-MTB insert we recently reviewed.

One notable feature, both a benefit and a potential drawback, is the integrated power cable for the GX AXS wireless derailleur. On the positive side, it eliminates the need to charge a separate AXS battery. However, this also means that if the main bike battery runs out, you’ll lose the ability to shift gears.

Flow’s Verdict

For me, an ideal SL bike is one versatile enough to potentially replace every bike in your shed. For those who primarily ride enduro, the Merida eOne-Sixty SL is a solid option. It’s an exceptionally capable bike, and its lightweight drive system smooths out the climbing challenges often associated with enduro rigs.

The Bosch SX drive unit is a reliable choice. It’s been around for a while and has proven itself as one of the top SL motors on the market. Although some other units may boast better specs, there’s no doubt this system performs well on the trail and has been hassle free in my experience.

If you’re after a bike that lets you hammer out laps in Turbo mode, this can do it, but expect only around an hour or so of ride time in that setting. For heavier riders or those who want to climb as fast as possible for extended periods, a full-powered eMTB would be a better fit. This bike is really for someone seeking a single mountain bike, or an eMTB that closely resembles the feel of a regular bike. If that sounds like you, the Merida eOne-Sixty SL 8000 is certainly worth considering.

ABOUT THE REVIEWER - Tom Wilson

Hometown

North Vancouver, BC, Canada

Height

179cm

Weight75kg

RIDING STYLE

The tyre-rolling cornering type