Merida's 2024 eOne-Sixty and eOne-Forty
Merida's three new eMTBs meet the needs for different riders with the same design goals at their core.
Merida set the benchmark with theit eOne-Sixty in 2017, following up with an impressive eOne-Forty for riders who wanted longer or mid-travel eMTBs. In our mind, the eOne-Sixty was the first eMTB that really ticked the boxes on specs, function – and even looks!
After a couple of iterations, including carbon models and updated drive units, Merida have now released what we all expected must be coming soon – the new eOne-Sixty and eOne-Forty.
The basis of the new bikes is range, full power support and low weight. There's three new bikes across the range, which Merida call their trilogy. Each one has the same ingredients at the core. The new models are the eOne-Sixty CF, eOne-Sixty Lite and eOne-Forty Lite.
Design features
Across the three new models Merida have kept similar concepts that reflect the One-Sixty and One-Forty – these models acted as the blueprint for their eMTB bretheren.
This includes what Merida call their FAST suspension – which on the ground means size specific suspension progression. Bigger riders get more progressive suspension while riders on the smallest frames can benefit from a design that works with the rider sizes on those bikes.
The frames use a flexstay (yes, even on the eOne-Sixty!) to remove the maintenance of an extra pivot. There is also a flip chip to adjust the geometry. This is for wheel size changes including travel. So the stock eOne-Sixty CF with a 27.5" rear wheel gets 174mm of travel, but flip the chip, put a 29" wheel in and you get 160mm of travel (as the name would suggest).
Merida have an accessory mount built into all bikes, plus mounts for fenders and even for full-time lights. Merida have adopted a UDH for modern group set upgrades and there's a tonne of frame and chain slap protection, as you would imagine.
The Shimano EP801 system is at the heart of the bikes, pumping out 85Nm of torque with a 600W peak power. There is a lot of customisation available all from Shimano's E-tube app.
Geometry
On all bikes this has been updated. Think longer reach, slacker head angle, steeper seat angle and a longer chain stay for better climbing traction.
All about the 2024 Merida eOne-Sixty CF
The star player, the eOne-Sixty CF is all-carbon and full-power. This model has had a travel boost to match the eOne-Sixty launched in 2022. This bike now sports a 170mm front end with 174mm rear travel. You'll see a MX (mullet) setup to optimise handling for a long travel eMTB.
In terms of range, Merida have built this model around a 600Wh integrated battery – but it can be extended to 960Wh with a range extender! We like this approach as you don't have to lug around a chonky 960Wh battery if you mostly ride a few hours or so. But if you're all in on all-day epics, youi can bump up the range.
This is a built in battery – which helps Merida cut the weight but may not be convenient for everyone. But this CF frame is 800g ligher than the outgoing one…
Get more details on the eOne-Sixty range online.
The eOne-Sixty Lite
Take the design features of the eOne-Sixty CF and throw it into an aluminium frame and you have the eOne-Sixty Lite. This one has a 750Wh removable battery, but you can upgrade it to a whopping 1100Wh! Come at us Atlas laps!
Get more details on the eOne-Sixty range online.
In Australia, we will see the following stocked:
Merida eOne-Sixty 675 $8699
Merida eOne-Sixty 875 $9499
Merida eOneSixty 7000 $11499
Merida eOneSixty 10K $15999
The eOne-Forty Lite
Don't need 170mm+ of travel? Fair enough – that's a lot of bike. The eOne-Forty Lite brings shorter travel to the party on an aluminium frame. Range wise, Merida build around a removable 750Wh battery with the option for the 1100Wh upgrade.
In Australia we will see one model coming in:
Merida eOne-Forty 400 $6999
When can I get a new Merida?
Good question! Many of these bikes will be available in March (2024!) but they are mostly already going out to dealers. So get in touch with your local Merida dealer to find out about specific sizes and models.
