We were lucky enough to have a quick ride on the Merida Big-Seven at the 2014 Merida launch in September and left mightily impressed with ride quality of this bike. We quickly set about lining up one for a longer test and here it is.

This bike challenges the inner lycra racer in you, tempting you to go harder with promises of record breaking hill climbs and a collection of Strava trophies (all KOMs of course). The burly bottom bracket, huge boxed chainstays and 12mm rear axle translates into instant power.
Merida have not forgotten about compliance in their ride and the tapering of the top tube and thinner seat stays show that some thought have been put into ensuring that the ride is not like being beaten with a broom handle.

With a full XTR groupset, FSA carbon bar, stem and seatpost topped with the Prologo Zero saddle things are definitely heading in the right direction.
We can’t wait to hit more of the local trails on this rocket ship. We’ve got a sneaking suspicion that this is going to be a consistent theme in 2014 cross country offerings; ridiculously stiff frames that lead to mind bogglingly quick acceleration.