It’s clear the marketing hype does a good job, and to be fair that’s important. People rushing out to by the latest and greatest bike help keep the industry profitable.
I wasn't saying they aren't good bikes, and in respect to the Merida I am a big fan of an external battery, and its a great bike for UK Riding.
My point is mainly referring to the specifications and integration of the motor systems and controls. A lot of us have made changes to our bikes that the latest bikes take into account feedback from this, and have changed specs accordingly.
For example a lot of the latest Shimano bikes have subtle improvements, such as using the E7000 controller to allow using a decent dropper lever, and correct placement. Now of course you can do this upgrade your self, but it involves buying a new controller and new dropper lever. The latest bikes also tend to come with various tweaks that take into account lessons learnt from earlier models, such as shorter cranks, and slightly narrower tyres rather than 2.8/3.0
If I look at my 2018 Vitus, which is a very similar design to the Merida in terms of motor, battery etc, but with longer geometry, pretty much all the changes that I made to the bike during my ownership are now standard features on the 2019 model.
Its these subtle differences that make a big difference out on the trail.
It also scares alot of people from buying 6-7k euro bikes, if its «old news» within 3 months..
On paper the Merida to me is not good.
460m reach in XL
67 degree head angle
170mm cranks
In reality it’s on of the best ebikes I’ve ridden for hooning about on local trails in the South U.K.
Lively geometry, fairly light (22ish KG) and 160mm travel. Bloody good fun.
Actually, its 460 reach in Large, and 66,5dg HA.
It has a longer reach than i.e. Decoy in same frame size.
The crank arms are waaay to long, totally agree.
Will there be a individual youtube review of youre Merida Rob?
My XL says Reach 460
This is strange. Maybe mine is an incorrectly badged L!! It's no where near my Levo reach which is 480 if I recall.I also thought it was only the M#erida that came in XL, and only S/M/L to get in 800/900/900E.
edit: Btw. My 900E frame sticker say M , reach 440, stack 626. So just as the geo specs claim..
Sorry for slow reply. Wanted to give it some thorough testing before making any conclusions.I'm not sure to go for 170mm or 180mm. On my previous normal bike I changed the fork from 170mm to 180mm and though it felt much plusher and smoother (which could have also been due to changing from a 2014 Fox 34 to a 2018 Lyric) I never used the 10mm extra of travel. I'm still undecided but I suppose the extra 10mm (180mm) will give just that little bit more slacker head angle...how are you finding it?
I also thought it was only the M#erida that came in XL, and only S/M/L to get in 800/900/900E.
edit: Btw. My 900E frame sticker say M , reach 440, stack 626. So just as the geo specs claim..
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