2024 Merida

ONE-TWENTY 700

Merida’s 130mm travel One-Twenty (yes, you read that correctly) aims to be the bike of the people, offering an up-to-date, do-it-all platform at a reasonable cost

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First ride review As a trail all-rounder that targets simplicity and affordability, Merida’s latest One-Twenty model isn’t directly competing with the best downcountry bikes that we’ve tested, like the Scott Spark, Yeti SB-120 or Transition Spur. That’s because, while those bikes tend to be lighter and cost way more cash the One-Twenty has a broader remit targeting a wider range of terrain and user groups. Best full-suspension mountain bikes: reviewed and rated by experts This new version only (currently) comes with an aluminium frame across a range topping out at £3,100 for the top spec 700 model featured here with RockShox suspension and SRAM NX drivetrain. Two other One-Twenty versions offered include a 600 model at £2,500 with a Marzocchi Z2 fork and Deore drivetrain and a 300 model with a Suntour fork XCR fork and Shimano Cues drivetrain for the bargain price of £1,900. Need to know New 130/130mm short-travel aluminium trail bike 29in wheels f/r only Five frame sizes grow in reach and wheelbase, rather than height Size specific dropper seat post, rather than infinitely adjustable to save weight and cost Steeper 78.5° effective seat angle and 66° head angle The One-Twenty is something of a bridge between Merida’s pure XC bikes and the new-school One-Forty/One-Sixty models launched last year that target aggressive trail and full-on enduro riding. The all-new frame also forms the basis of a Ninety-Six Lite model, which replaces the outgoing 120 RC and is a more XC-focussed machine with reduced travel of 110mm at both ends. This Ninety-Six plugs a gap in the market Merida has identified for a more affordable XC/marathon bike across two variants; the XT version with a RockShox SID SL and the 400 model, which has a Suntour fork and Shimano Deore drivetrain. Merida One-Sixty FR first ride review: a bike park bruiser While we’re talking about travel, it’s worth pointing out that despite the name, the new One-Twenty actually has 130mm at both ends. An extra 10mm might be worth shouting about in terms of capability, but Merida was keen to retain the name of what’s been a very successful bike for the brand and is sticking with the original. Short travel trail bikes haven’t got as much attention in recent years as enduro bikes, but with the growth of the downcountry segment and a sense many riders are starting to feel over-gunned on 160 or 170mm travel bikes at many spots, the category is definitely getting livelier. It makes a lot of sense too, as with modern geometry, shorter travel rigs can be plenty capable, especially if local hills don’t justify the extra weight and (potentially) less efficient pedalling and climbing of a longer travel rig. Merida reckons the One-Twenty ascends as well as its XC bikes while combining the confident handling, styling and modern sizing concept from its longer travel trail and enduro bikes. With a slight caveat over weight that I’ll get into later, I’d largely agree. It’s also refreshing (a little like with Specialized’s Status) …Continue reading »

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It's still called the One-Twenty, but this aluminum trail bike now has 130mm of travel front and rear.

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