{"id":41,"date":"2020-09-01T11:01:11","date_gmt":"2020-09-01T09:01:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mbuk.com\/?p=5715"},"modified":"2021-10-13T13:31:31","modified_gmt":"2021-10-13T11:31:31","slug":"backyard-bike-check-jcws-merida-eone-sixty-8000-long-termer","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/rss_feed\/backyard-bike-check-jcws-merida-eone-sixty-8000-long-termer\/","title":{"rendered":"Backyard bike check: JCW\u2019s Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 long-termer"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By James Costley-White\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 01 September 2020 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

In part six of our Backyard Bike Check<\/a> series, MBUK\u2019s editor James Costley-White<\/strong> (aka JCW) gives us a look at his Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 and explains why he picked an e-bike as his long-termer this year.<\/em><\/p>\n

\""JCW's\"<\/picture><\/div>
JCW\u2019s Merida eOne-Sixty 8000<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""JCW's\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 uses a Shimano STEPS E8000 motor<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""JCW's\"<\/picture><\/div>
The battery is concealed in the down tube, but can be removed for charging<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""JCW's\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Marzocchi Z1 fork is essentially a cheaper Fox 36 with more basic damping<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""JCW's\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Merida has a single-pivot swingarm, with a rocker link to drive the RockShox shock<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""JCW's\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Merida comes with top-quality Maxxis rubber \u2013 a 29\u00d72.5in Assegai up front and a 27.5\u00d72.6in Minion DHR II at the rear<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""JCW's\"<\/picture><\/div>
Shimano XT shifting is flawless<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""JCW's\"<\/picture><\/div>
JCW has tweaked the cockpit, fitting a wider PRO bar and Fabric grips.<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""JCW's\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Shimano SLX four-pots are top stoppers<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""JCW's\"<\/picture><\/div>
Another upgrade \u2013 a Brand-X Ascend XL 200mm dropper<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""JCW's\"<\/picture><\/div>
A Syncros Tailor Cage and Backcountry Research strap keep water, tools, a pump and tube close to hand<\/span> <\/figcaption> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The bike<\/h4>\n

Merida<\/a>\u00a0eOne-Sixty 8000, 150mm travel, size XL, \u00a35,850<\/strong><\/p>\n

It does feel weird not having a true \u2018pedal bike\u2019 for a long-termer this year. Thankfully, I do have access to test bikes if I feel the itch, plus my trusty Orange Clockwork hardtail is always on-hand for more visceral thrills. So why pick an e-bike? Curiosity, mainly. With their extra heft and long wheelbases, they\u2019re <\/span>the antithesis of the light and lively trail bikes that I love. But we\u2019re seeing more and more of them out on the trails, so I felt it was time I spent some proper time on one and found out what it was like to live with for a whole year. As a time-challenged dad of two young kids, I also liked the idea of being able to ride more laps in less time. Plus, with some niggling health problems, the option of being able to put a bit less effort in on days when I was feeling bad but still get out for a ride was appealing.<\/p>\n

I opted for the Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 on the grounds that it was available in an XL size with an OK reach, was based on the brand\u2019s proven One-Sixty enduro bike and was kitted out with some decent parts, while not being as exorbitantly expensive as some of the latest \u00a310k+ e-bikes, even with a carbon fibre front triangle. It turned out to be a good choice. So, eight months in, am I an e-vangelist? You\u2019ll have to read my updates in the mag to find out! Here\u2019s the lowdown on my bike\u2026<\/p>\n

\""JCW's\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
JCW\u2019s Merida eOne-Sixty 8000<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Motor & battery<\/h4>\n

The Merida uses a Shimano STEPS E8000 motor \u2013 a proven unit that\u2019s been around for a few years now. It delivers a decent amount of torque (70Nm) and assistance (up to 300 per cent what you put in, cutting out when you reach 15.5mph\/25kmh), although doesn\u2019t quite match Bosch\u2019s latest Gen 4 motor (its main rival) for either. There\u2019s also a slight lag between starting pedalling and the assistance kicking in, which is easy to compensate for in most circumstances but, combined with the extra weight of an e-bike, can make it tricky to restart riding if you stall on a technical climb. On the plus side, the assistance is super-smooth, there\u2019s a useful difference in power between the Eco, Trail and Boost modes, and I\u2019ve had no reliability or technical issues. There is a walk mode, but you need to be in one of the smaller cassette sprockets to make the most of it, which is unhelpful if you\u2019re suddenly confronted with an unridably steep ascent.<\/p>\n

\""JCW's\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The eOne-Sixty uses a Shimano STEPS E8000 motor<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Because the E8035 battery is concealed inside the down tube, the 2020 eOne-Sixty looks a lot sleeker than the 2019 model, where the battery was only semi-integrated. It can be charged in-situ, via a socket at the base of the down tube, or removed, by detaching the rubberised armour section on the underside of the down tube (using an Allen key built into the quick-release lever for the rear through-axle). The battery has a reasonable 504Wh capacity, and for longer rides Merida can supply a spare, along with a custom backpack to carry it in. \u2018Gills\u2019 on the side of the head tube \u2013 Merida call this the \u2018Thermo Gate\u2019 \u2013 allow airflow to keep the battery cool, as well as providing an entry point for the internally-routed cables. The E8000 display clearly shows what mode you\u2019re in, how much assistance you\u2019re using and how much juice is left. It\u2019s easy to change modes using the two buttons next to the left handlebar grip.<\/p>\n

\""JCW's\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The battery is concealed in the down tube, but can be removed for charging<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Suspension<\/h4>\n

Up front is a 160mm-travel (hence the e-OneSixty name), e-bike-optimised Marzocchi Z1 fork, which is essentially a cheaper Fox 36 with less sophisticated GRIP damper. It\u2019s stiff and swallows bumps well, and the extra weight over the 36 isn\u2019t noticed on a 24kg+ e-bike. Out back, the Merida uses a linkage-actuated single-pivot (aka faux-bar) design, with a pivot on the chainstay, to drive a RockShox SuperDeluxe Select+ shock. It\u2019s unusual to see this mix of Fox and RockShox kit, but the suspension balance is good, with both ends offering similar support and an equally plush feel.<\/p>\n

\""JCW's\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Now that Marzocchi are owned by Fox, the Z1 Bomber fork is essentially a cheaper Fox 36 with more basic damping<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n
\""JCW's\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Merida has a single-pivot swingarm, with a rocker link to drive the RockShox shock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Wheels<\/h4>\n

The bike rolls on Fulcrum E-Metal 700 wheels, with Boost axles and a 30mm internal rim width. Merida have opted for a \u2018mullet\u2019 set-up, with a 29er wheel up front and a 650b out back. I guess this keeps the wheelbase a bit shorter on the smaller frame sizes and potentially gives a slightly more playful feel, but personally I\u2019d prefer to have the same size at both ends, if only because it makes swapping wheels and tyres between bikes so much easier. Tyres are a 29\u00d72.5in Maxxis Assegai and a 27.5\u00d72.6in Maxxis Minion DHF II with EXO+ casings \u2013 a solid combo. One of the first things I did with this bike was set it up tubeless, which was a cinch. I run quite low pressures for maximum grip. With tyres this size I\u2019ll generally pump both ends up to around 20psi and adjust downwards from there, based on ride feel and trail conditions. I can get away with low pressures because I\u2019m not the heaviest (11st\/70kg) or most aggressive rider, and on an e-bike rolling resistance is less of an issue.\u00a0If I\u2019m planning a trip to the bike park or some rockier terrain, I\u2019ll add a couple more psi. Since these photos were taken, I\u2019ve fitted some new Pirelli tyres for testing \u2013 a Scorpion E-MTB S up front and an R out back (\u00a364.99 each,\u00a0<\/span>www.pirelli.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/p>\n

\""JCW's\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Top-quality Maxxis rubber is fitted \u2013 a 29\u00d72.5in Assegai up front and a 27.5\u00d72.6in Minion DHR II at the rear<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Drivetrain<\/h4>\n

Shimano\u2019s 12-speed Deore XT provides slick shifting and a wide gear range, with a 34t chainring (I\u2019d normally go smaller, but here you have the added assistance of the motor) and 10-51t cassette. I\u2019m keen to try out the new SRAM GX Eagle to see how it compares. and have the e-bike version, with single-click shifter and steel chainring. But I\u2019m struggling to get hold of an XD driver for the rear wheel so haven\u2019t been able to fit it yet. I run Crankbrothers clipless pedals on all my bikes (even my commuter), because I like the way the extra float (compared to Shimano\u2019s SPD system) gives me a bit more freedom to shift my weight around. Occasionally I\u2019ll swap to a set of DMR Vault flats, but that\u2019s mainly for rides with my kids.<\/p>\n

\""I'm\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The 12-speed Shimano XT shifting has remained flawless so far<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Cockpit<\/h4>\n

The cockpit was the one area I wasn\u2019t really happy with when I first sat on the Merida. Combined with the 480mm reach (10-20mm shorter than I\u2019d ideally like), the own-brand 780mm bar with 10 degrees of backsweep left me feeling a little cramped. Fitted with firm Merida-branded grips, it also left me feeling a bit beaten-up after long descents. I sorted this by swapping it for an 800mm PRO Koryak Di2 riser bar (\u00a354.99, www.freewheel.co.uk<\/a>),<\/span> which still allowed me to route the wire for the motor mode buttons <\/span>internally (I could have fitted a regular bar and ziptied the wire to the outside, but my OCD tendencies never would have let me do that!)<\/span>, and some Fabric Magic grips (\u00a316.99, https:\/\/fabric.cc<\/a>).<\/span> The front end still felt a little high, due to the long fork and tall head tube (665mm stack height on the XL), so I moved all the headset spacers to above the stem and slid the saddle forward to put more weight over the front wheel on climbs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\""I'm\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
JCW has tweaked the cockpit, fitting a wider PRO bar and Fabric grips<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Brakes<\/h4>\n

Astonishingly good. That\u2019s how I\u2019d describe the Merida\u2019s Shimano SLX four-pot stoppers, which are paired with 203mm rotors front and rear. Even with all the extra weight of the motor, battery, reinforced tyres and long-travel suspension, they stop on a dime,<\/span> without the wandering bite-point issues that can plague Shimano\u2019s pricier brakes, and with decent modulation too.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\""I'm\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Shimano SLX four-pots are top stoppers<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

Seatpost, saddle & extras<\/h4>\n

The own-brand dropper post worked well enough and the 170mm version that came with the XL bike would be long enough for some, but I\u2019m tall (6ft 2in\/188cm) with a long inseam (34in\/86cm) and wanted more wiggle room for the descents, so I replaced it with a 200mm Brand-X Ascend XL post (\u00a3169.99, <\/span>www.hotlines-uk.com<\/span><\/a>), which is working great so far \u2013 look out for a review in the mag soon. Merida\u2019s own Expert CC saddle is comfy enough, and has a little multi-tool hidden underneath. However, this is straight in the line of spray from the rear wheel and was beginning to get rusty, and also lacks a chain tool, so I removed it. Instead, I\u2019ve fitted a Syncros Tailor iS 2.0 HV bottle cage with integrated tool and pump (<\/span>\u00a359.99,\u00a0<\/span>www.scott-sports.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

\""JCW's\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
Another upgrade \u2013 a Brand-X Ascend XL 200mm dropper<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

While it\u2019s a nice touch that the bike comes with mudguards, they\u2019re basic sheets of plastic attached with zipties. Wanting more coverage up front, I swapped the stock fender for an RRP ProGuard Bolt On Standard mudguard (<\/span>\u00a335.99,\u00a0<\/span>www.extrauk.co.uk<\/span><\/a>), which attaches to the fork crown. It\u2019d look overly bulky on a skinnier-tubed bike but doesn\u2019t look at all out of place here, giving the bike a purposeful, MX-style look. My first ride with it was a revelation \u2013 it <\/span>works so well that I\u2019ve stopped wearing riding glasses altogether. <\/span>The rear mudguard isn\u2019t very effective, doing little to keep muck off your shorts, the dropper post seal or the rear shock, but I\u2019ve left it in place for now. My final addition is a Backcountry Research Mutherload<\/span> strap for a spare tube (\u00a318.95, www.silverfish-uk.com<\/a>). With this set-up I don\u2019t need to wear a pack for shorter rides, which is especially good on hot days.<\/p>\n

\""I'm\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A Syncros Tailor Cage and Backcountry Research strap keep water, tools, a pump and tube close to hand<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

About MBUK\u2019s long-term bikes<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Key magazine staff and testers get a bike (or in some cases, two) for the year, to ride in feature shoots and use as a test bed for new kit. These machines get a good thrashing, allowing us to report back to you on their long-term performance, any issues that arise and any upgrades that we deem necessary. You can stay updated via regular reports in the mag.<\/em><\/p>\n

\n<\/div>\n

You can subscribe to\u00a0MBUK<\/em>\u00a0here<\/a>\u00a0and check out our\u00a0Facebook<\/a>,\u00a0Instagram<\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Twitter\u00a0<\/a>accounts for all of the latest mountain bike action.<\/p>\n

And don\u2019t forget to sign up to our\u00a0newsletter!<\/a><\/div><\/body><\/html>\n
","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By James Costley-White Published: Tuesday, 01 September 2020 at 12:00 am In part six of our Backyard Bike Check series, MBUK\u2019s editor James Costley-White (aka JCW) gives us a look at his Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 and explains why he picked an e-bike as his long-termer this year. JCW\u2019s Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 The Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":42,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"11"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2021\/10\/backyard-bike-check-jcws-merida-eone-sixty-8000-long-termer.jpg",2560,1087,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2021\/10\/backyard-bike-check-jcws-merida-eone-sixty-8000-long-termer-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2021\/10\/backyard-bike-check-jcws-merida-eone-sixty-8000-long-termer-300x127.jpg",300,127,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2021\/10\/backyard-bike-check-jcws-merida-eone-sixty-8000-long-termer-768x326.jpg",768,326,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2021\/10\/backyard-bike-check-jcws-merida-eone-sixty-8000-long-termer-1024x435.jpg",800,340,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2021\/10\/backyard-bike-check-jcws-merida-eone-sixty-8000-long-termer-1536x652.jpg",1536,652,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/40\/2021\/10\/backyard-bike-check-jcws-merida-eone-sixty-8000-long-termer-2048x870.jpg",2048,870,true]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By James Costley-White Published: Tuesday, 01 September 2020 at 12:00 am In part six of our Backyard Bike Check series, MBUK\u2019s editor James Costley-White (aka JCW) gives us a look at his Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 and explains why he picked an e-bike as his long-termer this year. JCW\u2019s Merida eOne-Sixty 8000 The Merida eOne-Sixty 8000…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/41"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=41"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/mbuk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=41"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}