MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K – In our 2024 light eMTB comparison test

What’s that doing on this check? With its large Shimano EP801 motor and built-in 600 Wh battery, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K doesn’t actually appear to be a lightweight eMTB in any respect. Because the heaviest bike in your complete check area, it doesn’t have significantly good possibilities of profitable this check both. However how did the longest-travel contestant fare in opposition to the competitors in our 2024 mild eMTB comparability check? As eMTB classes more and more converge, we thought it was worthwhile to seek out out.

With the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K, the Taiwanese bike producer enters the race with the flagship mannequin of their eONE-SIXTY vary. After securing the Greatest Purchase Tip in our E-MOUNTAINBIKE group check underneath €7,000 with the eONE-SIXTY 875, MERIDA are actually taking up the sunshine eMTB check area. The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY is an outdated acquaintance of ours, having already taken half in our large e-mountainbike group check. It depends on an 85 Nm Shimano EP801 motor and a 600 Wh battery, producing 170/174 mm of journey on the entrance and rear. Similar to their enduro bikes, MERIDA’s eMTBs depend on a particular sizing idea, which adapts the attain whereas sustaining a brief seat tube throughout the board. In consequence, the character of the bike modifications from agile to composed because the body measurement grows. We examined the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K in measurement L (Lengthy), which suggestions the scales at 22.58 kg. This makes it the heaviest eMTB in your complete group check, however nonetheless displays the thrilling developments of latest years. At €11,599, the MERIDA eOne-SIXTY 10K ranks within the higher worth section of our check area.

Click on right here for an summary of this comparability check: The most effective mild eMTB of 2024 – 9 of essentially the most thrilling bikes in direct comparability

What units the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K aside from the competitors?

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K is wrapped in a smooth silver paint end, with the Kashima-coated suspension offering elegant, golden accents. The carbon body depends on a easy, understated design language, whereas the shock merges seamlessly into the seat stays. Similar to its analogue enduro counterpart, the ONE-SIXTY, it depends on flex-pivot rear suspension. Mounting factors on the down tube and on the underside of the highest tube can help you carry a water bottle and your entire path necessities instantly on the bike, whereas a mini device underneath the saddle makes it straightforward to hold out fundamental trailside repairs. There’s an extra Allen key hiding within the rear via axle. A generously sized chainstay protector prevents chain slap and paint chips, whereas a TPU fender shields the seat tube from flying particles and muck.

Like its predecessor, the brand new MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K options the distinctive cooling fins on the head tube, which assist forestall the 600 Wh battery within the down tube from overheating. The battery is completely built-in into the down tube, and might’t be eliminated for charging. Because of this the 10K needs to be charged at your parking area with an obtainable socket by way of the charging port within the backside bracket space, which may solely be closed with a substantial amount of dexterity as a result of fiddly cowl. The battery feeds an 85 Nm Shimano EP801 motor which, in contrast to the SyncDrive Pro2 motor of the GIANT Trance X Superior E+ Elite, is seamlessly built-in into the underside bracket, rounding off the general clear look of the bike. If you wish to discover out extra concerning the newest and most enjoyable motor methods, it’s best to take a better take a look at our large motor comparability check. The MERIDA’s principal battery additionally powers the Lezyne E-Bike Energy E115 headlight on the stem, which ensures good visibility even at evening. The battery capability – and thus the vary – may be expanded with the optionally available 360 Wh vary extender, however this additionally will increase the bike’s system weight. Plus, all the time keep in mind, the vary of an eMTB depends upon a number of elements, not simply the dimensions of the battery! The vary extender may be secured to a bracket on the cage mount, which means that you simply’ll have to hold your water elsewhere when utilizing the extender. The Shimano SC-EM800 show on the handlebars reveals all related driving information like the present help stage, battery cost standing and extra.

Shifting is taken care of by an digital SRAM XX Eagle AXS Transmission drivetrain, which permits shifting underneath load and depends on a direct-mount rear derailleur. There’s no want for a mech hanger, and the rear derailleur is much less vulnerable to getting broken. The MERIDA comes normal as a mullet bike, rolling on a strong DT Swiss HXC 1501 SPLINE carbon wheelset. The flip chip within the shock mount lets you convert it to a full 29er, although this additionally reduces the suspension journey to 170/160 mm (f/r). The wheels are paired with MAXXIS tires, with an ASSEGAI within the delicate MaxxGrip rubber compound and EXO+ casing on the entrance, and a Minion DHR II tyre within the laborious MaxxTerra rubber compound and sturdy Doubledown casing on the rear – glorious! SRAM CODE Final Stealth four-piston brakes with a 220 mm rotor on the entrance and 200 mm disc on the rear present highly effective, dependable deceleration. FOX provide the 38 Manufacturing facility GRIP2 fork and matching FLOAT X2 Manufacturing facility shock, each of which boast a elaborate Kashima coating and, at 170/174 mm of journey, make the MERIDA the longest-travel bike in your complete check area. Each fork and shock supply numerous adjustment choices and ship an incredible efficiency on the path. MERIDA’s in-house TEAM TR II dropper put up has an enormous 230 mm of journey and may be inserted all the way in which into the body, guaranteeing loads of freedom of motion on the path.

Tuning tip: Should you worth an agile character, it’s best to downsize when shopping for the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY.

Construct to shred – The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K on the path

When gravity takes over, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K integrates you properly between its wheels, with the burden evenly distributed between the entrance and rear. The intuitive dealing with makes you’re feeling comfy from the get go, no matter whether or not you’re a newbie or a seasoned path veteran. Should you open the faucets proper from the beginning and smash by way of nasty rock gardens at full pelt, the MERIDA is surprisingly composed, making it among the finest performing rivals in your complete check area. The eONE-SIXTY smooths out the path and forgives driving errors should you get overexcited, providing tons of reserves, gobbling up tough trails with nice composure and provoking enormous quantities of confidence to push your limits somewhat extra. Solely the metallic clunking noise of the Shimano motor spoils the in any other case quiet driving expertise.

If you wish to take it somewhat simpler at first and begin the day with a pleasant circulation path, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K requires somewhat extra bodily effort. The plush suspension makes it laborious to generate pace by pumping the bike by way of rollers, swallowing the rider’s enter, in contrast to the Santa Cruz Heckler SL. In consequence, the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY feels somewhat stodgy on circulation trails and might’t wait so that you can hit the following tough part. Regardless of the comparatively excessive system weight, the MERIDA is straightforward to flick round corners, however it will probably’t match the nimbleness of the Specialised S-Works Turbo Levo SL. That stated, if you would like extra agility, you possibly can all the time choose a smaller body measurement.

In your manner again to the trailhead, the Shimano EP801 motor gives highly effective help, permitting you to succeed in the highest of the hill very quickly utilizing Enhance mode, with its 600 watts of peak energy. The comfy, compact pedalling place permits lengthy days within the saddle with out forcing you to e book your self in with a chiropractor the following day. The wonderful suspension additionally delivers an incredible efficiency uphill, absorbing small bumps with nice sensitivity and producing loads of traction within the course of. Total, the MERIDA proves a wonderful climber.

Jackpot! MERIDA depend on a stable tire combo, which ensures loads of puncture safety and tons of traction.

Who ought to take a better take a look at the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K?

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K is a superb alternative should you prefer to get rowdy on a composed, predictable bike. The intuitive dealing with makes you’re feeling comfy, no matter whether or not you’re a newbie or an skilled rider. Due to the comfy driving place, environment friendly suspension and highly effective motor, the MERIDA can be appropriate for longer excursions.

Our conclusions concerning the MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K

The MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K feels at residence on the tough stuff, nevertheless it doesn’t actually come to life on flowing trails. With its composed character, potent suspension and intuitive dealing with, it holds up in opposition to the opposite mild eMTBs on this check, proving appropriate for a variety of riders. It additionally scores factors with sensible options just like the headlight and built-in multi-tool, which spherical off the profitable general bundle.

Tops

• Very composed
• Intelligent element options
• Stable spec

Flops

For extra info, go to merida-bikes.com

---

The check area

Click on right here for an summary of this comparability check: The most effective mild eMTB of 2024 – 9 of essentially the most thrilling bikes in direct comparability

All bikes in check: Cannondale Moterra SL1 | GIANT Trance X Superior E+ Elite 0 V2 | Mondraker Dune RR | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10K | Orbea Rise | Santa Cruz Heckler SL XX AXS RSV | SCOTT Voltage eRide 900 Tuned | Specialised S-Works Turbo Levo SL | YT DECOY SN

---

Did you take pleasure in this text? In that case, we might be stoked should you resolve to help us with a month-to-month contribution. By turning into a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you’ll assist safe a sustainable future for high-quality biking journalism. Click on right here to be taught extra.

Phrases: Benedikt Schmidt Pictures: Peter Walker