Seriously, who can fault their new One-Sixty 9.700, after seeing what a dramatic improvement and update it is over the old model. With a beautiful carbon front end, enduro-spec right out of the box and an all-new aura of performance, we are not opposed to throwing our all at this bike!
What’s New?
Everything. An all-new frame roughly resembling their OneTwenty models of 2016 (with their Float Link suspension design), Merida have stepped it up with an up to date carbon/alloy frame that rivals the most elite of brands. We haven’t got out the tape measure, but the One-Sixty looks to have nice tight chain stays, and a nice slack head angle, though the overall reach does feel quite short.
Boost hub spacing, internal routing, Trunnion shock mounts and full-size pivot bolts are just some of the exciting features that will no doubt get many people’s eager nod of approval.
One hell of a parts spec, for $4490
Merida have managed to present one of the most cost effective Gravity Enduro build kit of recent times, ticking almost every box.
Suspension needs are covered by a RockShox Yari and Super Deluxe – new and exciting options from RS we haven’t had a chance to sample yet… Stay tuned to hear what we make of these in the coming weeks.
Merida has you covered with something you won’t get with most new bikes – a good chain guide. The MRP adjustable top guide sits upon a full SRAM NX 11 speed drivetrain. SRAM’s new entry-level wide range drivetrain brings you all the benefits of X1 and X01, arguably the most widely loved all-mountain drivetrains of recent times, but at a fraction of the cost.
Is that a Merida dropper post?
This is one intriguing feature that has appeared on this bike. Merida-branded and made by Trans-X the cable-actuated post is a new model to us, it is certainly not the top of the line, however initial tinkering with it prove quite promising. Time will tell the reliability of this post as we give it a proper run.
A super short stem and wide alloy bars, wide alloy rims and downhill casing tyres round out a truly modern offering from a brand that looks to be coming to its full potential as an industry leader in the enduro/gravity arena.
Oh, did we mention its $4490? Yeah, that’s seriously hot price tag. Make sure you keep an eye out for our in-depth review of this one, and expect to see a lot more of them on your weekends.
Merida One-Sixty 5000: Flow's First Bite
The not-so-minor details
Positives
Beautiful.
All-new frame.
High end construction.
Enduro-ready build kit.
Negatives
Merida-branded dropper is unproven.
Is the reach too short?