{"id":54940,"date":"2023-09-29T09:00:05","date_gmt":"2023-09-29T07:00:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=747910"},"modified":"2023-09-29T09:35:40","modified_gmt":"2023-09-29T07:35:40","slug":"meridas-new-one-twenty-gets-extra-10mm-travel-and-targets-price-conscious-do-it-all-riders","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/meridas-new-one-twenty-gets-extra-10mm-travel-and-targets-price-conscious-do-it-all-riders\/","title":{"rendered":"Merida\u2019s new One-Twenty gets extra 10mm travel and targets price-conscious do-it-all riders"},"content":{"rendered":"

Alloy-only frameset, 130mm travel and smart kit choices combine, with versatility the order of the day <\/p>

By Tom Marvin\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Friday, 29 September 2023 at 07:00 AM<\/p>

\n\n

Merida\u2019s new One-Twenty is a do-it-all mountain bike, sitting in the space between the brand\u2019s Ninety-Six XC race bikes and the trail-focused OneForty.<\/p>\n

With 130mm of travel<\/a> (no, that\u2019s not a typo), the new bike is aimed at riders who want versatility. The One-Twenty is designed to be a bike that can double up on all-day epics while not embarrassing itself on gnarlier trails.<\/p>\n

Merida seems to have given itself quite the task, with the goals of producing a bike that\u2019s a \u201cstrong climber, perfect ground coverer, daredevil descender, fun packed, affordable and with a simple to look after and reliable top performing design\u201d.<\/p>\n

\"Merida\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The One-Twenty is designed to tackle all-day epics and singletrack blasts.<\/span><\/figcaption> Paul Box \/ Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This is achieved via modern geometry, with angles that are straight out of the 2023 trail bike<\/a> recipe book, as well as suspension derived from Merida\u2019s Bike of the Year winning longer-travel rigs<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The One-Twenty is alloy only, and sees three models coming to market.<\/p>\n

The same alloy frame forms the basis of a budget XC racer<\/a>, when paired with a shorter-stroke shock and fork. This is aimed at the European market, where more conservative travel numbers may appeal. It sits in the Ninety-Six family, and is dubbed the Ninety-Six Lite.<\/p>\n

Merida One-Twenty frame details<\/h2>\n
\"Bottle\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The shock is placed under the top tube.<\/span><\/figcaption> Paul Box \/ Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The new One-Twenty sees significant changes over the previous version<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Most notable is the move to Merida\u2019s P-FLEX suspension, which allows for a horizontally mounted shock under the top tube and utilises flex engineered into the seatstay and chainstay junction.<\/p>\n

This enables Merida to do away with a traditional pivot in this area, which saves weight, adds stiffness, improves durability and reduces necessary maintenance.<\/p>\n

While we\u2019re talking about flex stays<\/a>, Merida has reportedly extensively stress-tested the flex area, and says it passed with flying colours. The frames are rated (and warrantied) to \u2018Level 4\u2019 use, which includes enduro racing<\/a>, should you wish to set times down tracks on your shorter-travel rig.<\/p>\n

The suspension details given to us by Merida are fairly typical of trail bikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The system is designed to be progressive, with plenty of bottom-out resistance so you can push the shorter-travel bike hard. This, in turn, gives a poppy mid-stroke, so you\u2019re encouraged to get the bike airborne at any opportunity.<\/p>\n

\"Chainstay\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
There\u2019s plenty of protection for the frame\u2019s paint.<\/span><\/figcaption> Paul Box \/ Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Deep in the travel, the anti-squat is low, so there shouldn\u2019t be any harsh pedal kickback, though at around the sag point it should be just over 100 per cent. Therefore, your pedal stroke shouldn\u2019t make the rear shock bob through its travel in an energy-inefficient manner.<\/p>\n

In terms of anti-rise (the impact of braking on suspension), Merida says it\u2019s below 100 per cent for the full travel of the bike. This means the suspension should remain active whenever the brakes are applied (rather than stiffening up and decreasing the bike\u2019s ability to deal with impacts when the brakes are on).<\/p>\n

Angle of attack<\/h3>\n
\"RockShox\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
A sturdy RockShox Pike fork is placed up-front on the top-spec model.<\/span><\/figcaption> Paul Box \/ Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

When it comes to the shape of the bike, it\u2019s no surprise to see some rather interesting angles from Merida, certainly if you kept abreast of the One-Forty and One-Sixty<\/a> bikes launched a year ago.<\/p>\n

The seat angle, in particular, is steep at 78.5 degrees (and it\u2019s steeper on the Ninety-Six Lite, covered below), while the head angle is a little more middle-of-the-road, at 66 degrees. That\u2019s still 1.3 degrees slacker than the old version.<\/p>\n

\"Maxxis\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Fast-rolling rubber has been chosen to add zip on the trail.<\/span><\/figcaption> Paul Box \/ Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Reach is 30mm longer than the outgoing model, but chainstays remain the same at 435mm.<\/p>\n

<\/colgroup> \n
\ufeffFRAME SIZE<\/th>XSHORT<\/th>SHORT<\/th>\u041cID<\/th>LONG<\/th>XLONG<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Tyre sizes <\/b>(in)<\/td>29<\/td>29<\/td>29<\/td>29<\/td>29<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube<\/b> (mm)<\/td>400<\/td>410<\/td>425<\/td>445<\/td>470<\/td> <\/tr>
\u0422op tube <\/b>(mm)<\/td>548<\/td>569<\/td>590<\/td>611<\/td>632<\/td> <\/tr>
\u0421hainstay length <\/b>(mm)<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td> <\/tr>
\u041dead tube angle<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>66<\/td>66<\/td>66<\/td>66<\/td>66<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube angle<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>78.5<\/td>78.5<\/td>78.5<\/td>78.5<\/td>78.5<\/td> <\/tr>
\u0412ottom bracket drop<\/b> (mm)<\/td>40<\/td>40<\/td>40<\/td>40<\/td>40<\/td> <\/tr>
\u041dead tube<\/b> (mm)<\/td>95<\/td>100<\/td>105<\/td>110<\/td>115<\/td> <\/tr>
Fork length <\/b>(mm)<\/td>541<\/td>541<\/td>541<\/td>541<\/td>541<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach <\/b>(mm)<\/td>425<\/td>445<\/td>465<\/td>485<\/td>505<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack <\/b>(mm)<\/td>604<\/td>609<\/td>613<\/td>618<\/td>622<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase <\/b>(mm)<\/td>1,155<\/td>1,177<\/td>1,199<\/td>1,221<\/td>1,243<\/td> <\/tr>
Standover height<\/b> (mm)<\/td>748<\/td>750<\/td>752<\/td>754<\/td>756<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>

What is key to the bike\u2019s shape, though, is the seat-tube lengths.<\/p>\n

In keeping with its longer-travel bikes, Merida has kept them short, believing this enables riders to pick their bike size based on the handling they want (via reach), rather than how long their legs are (seat-tube length).<\/p>\n

\"Merida\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Merida\u2019s own dropper post holds the saddle, which in turn stores a multi-tool.<\/span><\/figcaption> Paul Box \/ Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The short seat tubes are paired with relatively long dropper posts, so it\u2019s possible to pick and choose whether you want a shorter bike that\u00a0might be more agile (the jury\u2019s out on that), or a longer bike that\u2019s theoretically more stable.<\/p>\n

Additional frame and finishing details include cables that route via the top of the headset, built by Acros for Merida. There\u2019s also plenty of frame protection on the down tube and chainstays.<\/p>\n

Bolts are all adjusted with a single tool and the majority can be tightened with the removable rear axle lever\u2019s stepped hex keys (4mm and 6mm).<\/p>\n

There\u2019s a 34.9mm seat tube, a port in the down tube to aid cable routing and a threaded BB for which there\u2019s an ISCG05 adaptor, too.<\/p>\n

\"Headset\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Headset-routed cables keep the bike smooth and smart looking.<\/span><\/figcaption> Paul Box \/ Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Merida One-Twenty range details<\/h2>\n

Merida will offer three models of the One-Twenty \u2013 the 700, 600 and 300.<\/p>\n

Merida One-Twenty 700<\/h3>\n
\"Merida\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The top-end One-Twenty comes with RockShox suspension and a SRAM drivetrain.<\/span><\/figcaption> Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

This is the top-end model of the bike. It comes with a 130mm RockShox Pike Select<\/a> fork, and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock.<\/p>\n

The drivetrain is largely SRAM NX Eagle<\/a>, with a 10-50t cassette, while SRAM also provides the stopping, via its DB8 brakes.<\/p>\n

Merida-branded rims hold 29\u00d72.4in Maxxis Forekaster<\/a> tyres \u2013 they\u2019re triple-compound with an EXO casing<\/a>. Merida\u2019s own dropper post is fitted, with lengths ranging from 150 to 200mm across the five sizes.<\/p>\n

It\u2019ll cost \u00a33,100 in the UK, with EU pricing dependant on your local distributor.<\/p>\n

Merida One-Twenty 600<\/h3>\n
\"Merida\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The mid-spec One-Twenty looks as though it could be the pick of the bunch.<\/span><\/figcaption> Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The One-Twenty 600 appears to be the pick of the bunch, with a decent price and well-specced components.<\/p>\n

The finishing kit, is similar to the 700 model, though the tyres are dual- rather than triple-compound and the rims are a touch cheaper.<\/p>\n

However, the drivetrain is a near-full Shimano Deore 12-speed group<\/a>, while you also get the excellent Deore brakes.<\/p>\n

Suspension up-front is a Marzocchi Z2, which is a firm budget favourite here, while the same Deluxe Select+ shock is used.<\/p>\n

In the UK this bike will retail at \u00a32,500.<\/p>\n

Merida One-Twenty 300 details<\/h3>\n
\"Merida\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The entry-level One-Twenty could be a great introduction to full-suss life.<\/span><\/figcaption> Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The most budget-friendly model in the range receives SR Suntour suspension in the shape of an XCR34 fork and an Edge Plus shock.<\/p>\n

Shimano Cues<\/a> is the drivetrain choice \u2013 it\u2019s a budget-friendly groupset that has durability as its core goal.<\/p>\n

The MT200 brakes from Shimano are reliable at this \u00a31,900 price point, too.<\/p>\n

Merida Ninety-Six Lite<\/h2>\n
\"Merida\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
A budget XC racer from Merida.<\/span><\/figcaption> Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Merida has borrowed the One-Twenty frame and lent it to the Ninety-Six<\/a> family in order to give it a more pocket-friendly sibling, the Ninety-Six Lite.<\/p>\n

By shortening the shock stroke, the travel is limited to 110mm, and when paired with a 110mm fork, it produces a more cross-country bike<\/a> feel.<\/p>\n

The result is a 67-degree head angle and a remarkably steep 79.5-degree seat angle, which should make the steepest of climbs much less threatening.<\/p>\n

While the One-Twenty models feature components that are more trail-friendly (bigger brakes, wider bars), the Ninety-Six Lite gets two-piston stoppers, narrower bars and fast-rolling rubber.<\/p>\n

The goal, according to Merida, is to appeal to riders who want a bike suited to marathon-style rides, or who want to dip their toes into XC racing without splashing out on a super-light carbon race whippet.<\/p>\n

<\/colgroup> \n
\ufeffFRAME SIZE<\/th>XSHORT<\/th>SHORT<\/th>\u041c\u042e<\/th>LONG<\/th>XLONG<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Tyre sizes<\/b> (in)<\/td>29<\/td>29<\/td>29<\/td>29<\/td>29<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube <\/b> (mm) <\/td>400<\/td>410<\/td>425<\/td>445<\/td>470<\/td> <\/tr>
\u0422op tube <\/b>(mm)<\/td>545<\/td>566<\/td>587<\/td>606<\/td>629<\/td> <\/tr>
\u0421hainstay length<\/b> (mm)<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td>435<\/td> <\/tr>
\u041dead tube angle<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>67<\/td>67<\/td>67<\/td>67<\/td>67<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube angle<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>79.5<\/td>79.5<\/td>79.5<\/td>79.5<\/td>79.5<\/td> <\/tr>
\u0412ottom bracket drop<\/b> (mm)<\/td>47<\/td>47<\/td>47<\/td>47<\/td>47<\/td> <\/tr>
\u041dead tube <\/b>(mm)<\/td>95<\/td>100<\/td>105<\/td>110<\/td>115<\/td> <\/tr>
Fork length<\/b> (mm)<\/td>520<\/td>520<\/td>520<\/td>520<\/td>520<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach <\/b>(mm)<\/td>435<\/td>455<\/td>475<\/td>495<\/td>515<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack<\/b> (mm)<\/td>596<\/td>601<\/td>605<\/td>610<\/td>614<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase <\/b>(mm)<\/td>1,149<\/td>1,171<\/td>1,193<\/td>1,215<\/td>1,237<\/td> <\/tr>
Standover height <\/b>(mm)<\/td>741<\/td>743<\/td>745<\/td>747<\/td>749<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table> <\/div>

Merida Ninety-Six Lite models<\/h2>\n

Two bikes make up the pocket-friendly XC racer range, a Shimano XT build and a Deore-based model.<\/p>\n

\"Merida\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Looking to race XC on a budget? This model from Merida could be a good starting point.<\/span><\/figcaption> Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Merida Ninety-Six Lite XT Edition details<\/h3>\n

As the name suggests, Shimano\u2019s XT groupset features here, alongside Deore brakes.<\/p>\n

Up-front, there\u2019s a lightweight RockShox SID SL fork<\/a> with 110mm of travel, while a Deluxe Select+ shock controls the rear.<\/p>\n

Maxxis\u2019 3C EXO Rekon Race tyres are intended to keep things rolling quickly.<\/p>\n

Merida Ninety-Six Lite 400 details<\/h3>\n

Suntour\u2019s Raidon34 R-2CR fork heads up this build, with a matching shock at the rear.<\/p>\n

Shimano\u2019s Deore 12-speed groupset provides the drive, while MT200 brakes bring it all to a halt.<\/p>\n

Once again, there\u2019s a Rekon Race tread, but the tyre has a cheaper wire bead.<\/p>\n

Merida One-Twenty 700 initial ride impressions<\/h2>\n
\"Merida\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
With stable suspension, the One-Twenty climbs well.<\/span><\/figcaption> Paul Box \/ Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

I rode the top-line One-Twenty for a day on Exmoor during the bike\u2019s co-launch with the One-Sixty FR<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The conditions were mercifully dry (a rare sight this summer in the UK) and the trails dusty and buff \u2013 perfect territory to get to grips with the bike.<\/p>\n

As I found with the One-Forty, climbing manners on Merida\u2019s bikes are second to none. The suspension system seems largely immune to pedal-induced bob, until you really start mashing the pedals.<\/p>\n

If you want to completely remove any shock movement, there\u2019s a dial on the shock.<\/p>\n

The seated position is good, with the steep seat tube angle placing your hips centrally over the bottom bracket.<\/p>\n

The front end is a touch shorter than on the longer-travel bikes. As such, there\u2019s a hint less of the rangey feel the bigger bikes have, but the One-Twenty doesn\u2019t feel cramped.<\/p>\n

\"Merida\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
With the Forekasters biting, the One-Twenty feels fun through the corners<\/span><\/figcaption> Paul Box \/ Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Adding to the zippy feel are the Forekaster tyres from Maxxis. Their mid-depth, mid-aggression tread rolls faster than a \u2018true\u2019 trail tyre, while still giving just enough bite to scrabble up marginal climbs.<\/p>\n

The rims are wide, and so with 2.4in rubber I was happy running moderately low pressures<\/a> to further enhance grip.<\/p>\n

On the way back down, the One-Twenty shows its true colours.<\/p>\n

The tyres pick up speed quickly, and a few jabs at the pedals will yet further increase speed.<\/p>\n

\"Merida\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The short-travel trail bike doesn\u2019t shy away downhill.<\/span><\/figcaption> Paul Box \/ Merida<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

I appreciated the Pike\u2019s sturdy chassis when I encountered chunkier trails, as well as the progression from the rear suspension. It\u2019s supportive and then protective as you reach the later stages of its travel.<\/p>\n

While not overly slack, the geometry doesn\u2019t seem to hold the bike back \u2013 certainly if you remember this is one of the brand\u2019s shorter-travel options.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s enough front-end length to give confidence on faster trails, while once you\u2019ve learnt the limits of the Forekaster, cornering is a hoot, with the bike displaying plenty of agility.<\/p>\n

I have the Merida One-Twenty 700 in for a full review, so look out for that soon.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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