The all-new Merida One-Forty has landed!
Following on from the One-Sixty and One-Twenty, Merida have overhauled the One-Forty. And wow.
What we expect from a bike to make it an 'all-day' trail bike continues to change. As the trails we ride become more demanding, riders skills progress, and technology continues to improve, the type of bike we want to be on out on the trails grows. In response to this, Merida have redesigned their One-Forty to make what they think could be the perfect all-day trail bike.
Utilising suspension concepts from the One-Twenty and One-Sixty, the One-Forty isn't just something sitting inbetween. The full-aluminium bike uses the Float Link rear suspension, which adds a progressive and near-bottomless feel to the suspension.
With 435mm chainstays, but clearance for huge 2.6" tyres, the One-Forty should be playful but sure-footed.
The Float Link suspension means the bottom shock mount isn't fixed. It moves with the system to create plushness and pedalling efficiency. It's super sensitive, and with the Fox Float EVOL rear shock will offer great small bump absorption and mid-stroke support, with great bottom out resistance.
The Merida One-Forty 800, above, comes with a SRAM GX Eagle drivetrain for a wide 12-speed spread, along with SRAM Code R brakes. Cable and hose routing is internal, and all frames are aluminium. The forks are revamped RockShox Revelations, with 150mm travel to suit the 140mm out back.
The brake caliper sits nicely inside the Boost spaced back end.Merida have 3 models, and while the 800 is $3799, the One-Forty 700, at $3299 has an SLX/XT 11-speed group set, but the same suspension combo of RockShox Revelation RC and Fox Float Performance.
The 600 is $2799, and comes with SLX 11-speed, a Manitou Matloc fork and Fox Performance shock. The dropper is Merida’s own and the wheels are Merida tubeless ready rims on Shimano and alloy hubs – still wrapped in awesome Maxxis rubber.
We really want to take one of these to the trails! Considering the amount of bike you get for the price, for all three models, the One-Forty is set to be a ripper. With ‘almost Plus’ tyres on the 27.5mm rims, 150mm up front and 140 in the rear, short chainstays, slack 66.3 degree headangles, and reasonable length (about 620mm top tube in a large) you need to question if you need more bike than this?
Head to your Merida dealer for more details – but expect these in stores around September and October.
