Merida gravel bike - From beginner to top model, everything is included
Merida has now been around for more than half a century, founded by Ike Tseng, who was motivated by his desire to elevate the reputation of Taiwanese bicycles after discovering their poor reception during his travels in America. In 1972, he established Merida, initially focusing on producing bikes for premium American manufacturers. As the mountain bike craze emerged in the US, Merida was at the forefront, crafting numerous bikes for this evolving market. By 1988, they released their first self-branded bike in Norway, initiating an impressive journey of success that continues unabated. Today, Merida is recognized globally, boasting one of the most advanced production facilities that enhances their offerings through techniques like robot-controlled welding, ensuring they remain competitive with cutting-edge bikes.
For 2022, Merida introduces several new gravel bikes and enhanced versions of its classics, including the Merida Silex+ Limited, Merida Silex 7000, Merida Silex 4000, Merida Silex 700, Merida Silex 600, Merida Silex 400, Merida Silex 300, and Merida Silex 200. The Silex series caters to all levels, from novices to seasoned riders, featuring a drop bar handlebar that supports three different grip positions, enhancing aerodynamics and climbing efficiency. Older gravel models include the Merida Silex CF2 and the Merida Silex+ 6000, alongside the Merida Mission CX, which blends road and mountain bike attributes.
The Merida eSilex adds an electric option to the gravel category, with models like the Merida eSilex 400 and Merida eSilex 600. These bikes feature a Mahle X35+ Hub Engine, producing 40Nm of torque, paired with a 250 Wh Mahle B1-D battery and a Mahle One Remote-C switch for effortless riding.
All Silex bikes are available in frame sizes XS to XL and come with three mounting options for bottle cages, as well as attachment points for rear luggage, making them suitable for bikepacking adventures. Drawing inspiration from mountain bikes, the Silex series features a long head tube and top tube design for excellent maneuverability, available in both carbon and aluminum frames—such as the Merida Silex 400 and Silex 700, respectively.
Merida's extensive range also includes mountain bikes, available as hardtails and full-suspension options, road bikes in various styles, fitness bikes, and trekking bikes. Additionally, the Youth & Kids section caters to younger riders, providing appropriately sized options, alongside various e-bikes, including E-MTBs.
From beginner to profile level, the right components are there for everyone
For those just venturing into gravel or off-road biking or those with a smaller budget, Merida offers entry-level models to help you dip your toes into the gravel biking experience. As you progress, you can choose from a variety of quality classes that feature both dependable and high-performance components, some of which are crafted in-house, reducing reliance on external suppliers. For additional components, Merida partners with esteemed brands like Shimano, SRAM, Tektro, Promax, FSA, Maxxis, and Fulcrum.
Derailleur groups & brakes
The shifting groups consist of various manufacturers and product lines, such as Shimano GRX 810 or FSA Gossamer cranksets and SRAM Rival XPLR eTAP AXS or Shimano Sora rear derailleurs. Newly released Merida gravel bikes are equipped with modern disc brakes like Tektro Spyre and Shimano GRX 400, ensuring superior braking performance, especially under wet conditions.
The disc brakes enhance the riding experience due to their effective stopping power and comfort during braking, despite being slightly more complex and pricier compared to traditional rim brakes.
Saddle / Seatpost & Handlebars / Wheels.
Most Silex gravel bikes, excluding the Silex+ Limited, Silex 700, and eSilex models, come with the Merida Comp SL saddle. Merida also utilizes proprietary components for the seatpost, including the Merida Team CC and Expert CC models.
The preferred choice for handlebars is the Merida Expert GR Drop Bar, available in four variations and Di2 compatible, making it an excellent choice for gravel riding. The stem consists mainly of the Merida Expert CW, but also includes the Merida Comp CC and Expert CX on select models, especially e-bikes.
Wheels can be customized using the Merida Comp SL and Expert CX rims, or complete wheelsets from Fulcrum like the Rapid Red 900 Tubeless Ready. The Maxxis Rambler Gravel tire is favored across most bikes for its exceptional grip and high-speed capability.
Additional equipment
Depending on your intended use for the Merida gravel bike, you can equip it with mudguards for muddy adventures or add a rack for bikepacking excursions. Merida also provides a wide range of spare parts and accessories, including pumps, locks, bells, and a solid selection of clothing such as helmets, gloves, and jerseys.
Gravel bike or road bike, which of the Merida bikes will give me the most pleasure
Merida's mountain bikes are divided into hardtails or full-suspension options, categorized into cross-country, trail, all-mountain, enduro, and more. The level of suspension travel enhances comfort and control on descents, with fullies absorbing impacts at both the front and rear, while hardtails provide front suspension only. For road biking enthusiasts, Merida offers the Reacto and Scultura models, spanning categories like Road Race and Race Endurance. Those enjoying leisurely rides can opt for the Merida Crossway, while fitness-focused riders may prefer the Merida Speeder. Additionally, young riders can explore the sporty Matts J MTBs with quality components.
For those who favor electric assistance, options extend beyond gravel biking to electric mountain bikes, e-city, trekking bikes, and e-road bikes. Alongside the Merida eSilex gravel bike, the eSpeeder fitness e-bike offers additional choices.
Unsure which bike suits you best amid an overwhelming assortment of brands and styles? Reach out to us at Buycycle, and we'll gladly provide detailed insights to help you decide.
Looking for budget-friendly options? Explore our selection of gravel bikes under $500, gravel bikes under $1,000, gravel bikes under $2,000, or gravel bikes under $3,000. We also cater to female riders with a dedicated range of women's gravel bikes.
