Shimano Steps E7000 (2019 Merida eOne-Sixty 500)

[knut7]

I've had a few rides on the all new E7000 motor, and I quite like it. It's a nice motor for an emtb, riding on trails control is more important than power, and that's what this motor is all about. If all you want to do is ride at 25kph on tarmac/gravel then this motor requires a bit more rider input than other motors usually found on eMTBs.

Here's a first ride on the E7000 powered 2019 Merida eOne-Sixty 500
Can a proper full suspension emtb be had for much less $ in 2019? Does the new and a bit weaker Shimano Steps E7000 motor cut it for trail riding?

 

[R120]

How was the E7000 switch unit ?

 

[knut7]

The switch unit was flush and easy to operate, haven't missed the intended button once I've got the E6000 on my bike. I've unintentionally hit buttons on the E6000 a few times, so the E7000 seems to operate better, and it looks better. But I appreciate the 3rd button on the E6000 so I won't be swapping. Probably.

 

[SquireRides]

On paper the E7000 looks fine for my rider style. But does it make much difference to the price? Haven't seen enough bikes to compare...

 

[knut7]

On paper the E7000 looks fine for my rider style. But does it make much difference to the price? Haven't seen enough bikes to compare...

It's difficult to say. The 2019 eOne-Sixty 800 is 45k NOK and the 500 is 38k. MT500 vs SLX brakes, Deore+SLX 10s vs SLX+XT 11s drivetrain, Rockshox vs Suntour suspension and E7000 vs E8000 motor. The savings on brakes and drivetrain shouldn't ammount to much, some 1k NOK (£100)? I guess the savings on suspension is more substantial, £300 sounds way too much? There's still a few hundred £ unaccounted for that may be down to the motor. My guess is it's quite a bit cheaper. Will be interesting to compare if other manufacturers decide to go with the E7000.

Edit: Different hubs too. MT400 vs Deore. Shouldn't make much of a difference.

 

[SquireRides]

Dropping to 10 speed would annoy me, but for £650 (I think?) cheaper I'd go for the 500 model! Deore brakes are fine - SLX isnt any more powerful. Yeah it's Suntour but it's a decent burly, inelegant fork that'll do the job better than a entry level Rockshox.

 

[MattyB]

Really interesting development form Merida. Will be intrigued to see the impact on the UK street price. Seems like they are potenitally trying to provide a LBS sold alternative to the Levo at a price point that challenges direct sales brands like Canyon and Vitus.

 

[SquireRides]

Really interesting development form Merida. Will be intrigued to see the impact on the UK street price. Seems like they are potenitally trying to provide a LBS sold alternative to the Levo at a price point that challenges direct sales brands like Canyon and Vitus.

An LBS bike at current direct sale prices would be awesome. That 500 model at near to £3500, and I wouldnt be looking at a Canyon Spectral:On

 

[Gary]

I don't really understand Merida as a company... They're the biggest bike comany in the world but seem to do almost zero marketing compared to all their competitors... don't really offer any bikes that aren't middle of the road (by that I mean safe). and their pricing is high.
I mean this eone sixty 500 has about the same componentry spec as the Deore Vitus but has suntour suspension and a weaker motor. At £3.8k (if I read that review correctly) it's a grand more.

 

[knut7]

Merida may not be as competitive in all markets as they are here. I don't know the UK prices, if it ends up being £3.8k my review isn't very relevant for the UK. I might have to change the angle of the English review. In Norway we don't get the Vitus due to battery shipping, and we don't have any domestic manufacturers offering fs emtbs for cheap.

 

[Gary]

Merida are fairly well represented over here but they're just not attractive (if you know what I mean?). you barely see any Merida's out riding. (I'm not just talking Ebikes)