![]() ![]() The predominantly black, three-tone frame harks back somewhat to the team's previous colour scheme, but gains a racy, McLaren-inspired papaya-orange front end and fade-to-red top tube graphic with complementing flecks of cyan on the inner fork. As an out-and-out race bike, it's hard to dispute the presence that the Bahrain McLaren livery adds to the package. ![]() While this colour palette may not appeal to everyone, it turned many heads during my initial test rides, with some riders going as far as to trail me to ask more about it. Swapping out the wheels for Metron 55 SL tubular versions will drop the weight by a further 300g to 7.1kg. The Reacto Team-E tips the scales at 7.41kg (actual), which makes it one of the lightest dedicated aero road bikes in the segment. Merida has kept things simple this time around by eradicating the S/M and M/L sizing options and going with a solitary medium instead, which takes the sizing total to six: XXS, XS, S, M, L and XL.Īccording to the spec sheet, the new bike is indeed lighter than before – 965g (medium) for the frame and 457g (medium) for the fork. ![]() The geometry is more or less the same as before and shares the same compact 990mm wheelbase thanks to the use of short 408mm chainstays, but gains a steeper 73.5-degree head angle and 0.5-degree slacker seat tube angle (73.5-degree). Other alterations include a concealed seat post clamp, hidden front/rear 12mm thru-axles and neatly integrated disc coolers, all of which contribute to minimising the effect of aerodynamic drag. The design tweaks comprise a chunkier fork that's now integrated into the frame profile (claimed to save around three watts), a new fully integrated handlebar arrangement compliments of Vision (a two-watt saving), lower attachment points for the seat stays and a thicker seat post. ![]() The 'NACA Fastback' aerofoil profiling is more defined and prominent – more so than the previous version, and you can see this when looking at the two models side by side. I couldn't tell you how much influence either of these two elements has, but I can tell you that the Scultura won't rattle you to pieces over poor surfaces.It certainly looks fast – no visible cables or hoses here. This is a layer of organic flax fibre that's designed to filter out high-frequency vibration. Merida says that the lack of a brake bridge between the seatstays – the rear brake being positioned on the underside of the chainstays – allows it to extend the potential flex zone upwards and that the inclusion of its Bio Fiber Damping Compound helps back there too. Stu also praised the Scultura's comfort and I'd agree with him there too. > Too racy? Check out our guide to 24 of the best sportive bikes It's a fast-reacting, well-balanced bike that inspires confidence whether you're negotiating your way through a bunch of riders or pinning it through a tight turn, and it's an absolute joy if you're ever lucky enough to find yourself on a long, flowing, swoopy descent. When our man Stu Kerton reviewed the Merida Scultura 6000 he was super-impressed by the handling, describing it as 'direct and quick but never twitchy'. I find it much easier to get over the top of a low front end and browbeat the bike up a really steep section and, of course, a low position allows you to hunker down and attack on flat sections and descents. ![]()
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