All-new Merida One-Twenty trail bike

Merida have just released an eagerly anticipated update, with the new One-Twenty getting a major overhaul to match some of the updates made to both the Merida Ninety-Six and Merida One-Forty platforms.

Merida have always said that the One-Twenty is 'a mountain bike made for mountain biking.' They haven't changed that outlook, and so the new One-Twenty hits the dirt with a design that looks to be a strong all-rounder. From suspension kinematics that allow efficient climbing, to a frame that allows two water bottles to run in the main triangle, and progressing fast-trail geometry. With two models available at $2599 and $3399, Merida haven't put the bike out of reach, either.

Suspension travel has bumped up to 130mm front and rear (which goes against the model name, but that's the same for Ninety-Six so we forgive Merida). Merida also employ their flex stays to take out maintenance (and pivots) from the drop outs. The One-Twenty is only availale in aluminium, keeping them to a good pricepoint.

Facts and figures on the 2024 Merida One-Twenty

At a glance, you can see that Merida have moved to a horizontally oriented shock, to open up the main triangle (and match the layout of other recent updates). But you can probably also see how steep the seat angle and how much standover height is available. Merida have moved to reach specific sizing with the One-Twenty, as they did with the new One-Forty and One-Sixty ranges.

On a medium frame, the seat angle is 3 degrees steeper, at 78.5 degrees. Reach has lengthened accordingly by 30mm, pushing to 465mm on medium. The head tube is slacker at 66 degrees and chainstays are a handy 435mm – not too short, not too long.

The seat tube is 34.9mm for phat droppers, and you can fit a maximum tyre size of 2.5" in the back. The frame uses a UDH (Universal Derailleur Hanger) and a 190x45mm stroke shock. While you can mount two bottles there is also an accessory mount under the top tube. The frame has a 180mm post mount disc brake mount and is built for a 55mm chainline.

Design aims of the Merdia One-Twenty

Merida state they used a progressive suspension curve to provide supple travel but support through the midstroke to give the ability to take the harshest hits without blowing through travel, and not being harsh off the top. Their aim was to make a fun and 'poppy' bike.

By moving to reach based sizing Merida offer lower standover options with longer bikes – and so you can base your sizing more on the reach, handling and agility needed. So maybe you want length and stability and err towards a longer size. But maybe you need to master the tighest of Euro switchbacks, so you end up sizing down a little. Merida have a guide to help you choose your size.

The bikes are built around 40mm stems and 780mm wide riser bars. They have 4-piston brakes with a 200mm front rotor, and 35mm legged forks with fast trail tyres (a Maxxis Forekaster, specifically). This is all about working with the capability of the bike and not limiting it, by creating a stiff front end with the braking ability to get the most out of the bike's design.

Something easy to look over is having linkage bolts that are secure on one end, so pivot bolts only need one tool to tighten/loosen them for mainten.

So who is the Merida One-Twenty for?

The Merida One-Twenty is going to suit riders who want to get out and ride. It should have the handling, kinematics and features to suit riders looking for their first proper mountain bike, to riders who want to spend all day riding trails, through to riders keen to do a custom build on a high-value platform.

What the Merida One-Twenty isn't, is a fly weight downcountry bike. With a frame weight over 3kg, without a shock, this bike is about trail versatility and reliability, not smashing weight weenie records. You need to invest more than the bike cost on a frame alone if that's your intent. The One-Twenty is about delivering a versatile bike at a great price point.

What Merida One-Twenty models are available?

There are two build kits available in Australia, landing in November 2023. The first is the Merida One-Twenty 

One-Twenty 300 – $2599

Suntour suspension and a Shimano Cues drivetrain deliver the suspension performance and drivetrain reliability needed. This bike is also availble in Cool Grey.

Merida One-Twenty 600 $3399