FYI Merida own 49% of Specialised, Merida I understand are designed in Germany,and Specialised in America.For the most part they all come from the same factory.
I was sceptical about gravel bikes till I got my 2020 Silex 7000, it’s fast become my favourite bike. It’s all hills where I live with small lanes, so mixing road and off road on the Silex is brilliant and if you hit harder trails you just go a bit slower than on a mountain bike.
Well at least Merida are an actual manufacturer rather than just a brand that hops between factories depending on price. Personally I prefer Giant but Merida are second only to Giant in quality mass production of bikes. Both great Taiwanese companies.
I wouldn't consider buying Bahrain design bikes because people would assume that am fast. Haha, exactly my thoughts. Bought Silex 400 to ride in Moscow. Good choice as an entry model, relatively fast a bit heavy but affordable with amateur friendly geometry. As for my next choice I would consider Scultura Rim with upgraded wheels and tyres, thanks for the tip.
I got a brand new Merida Scultura 5000 for Aud$2500 which GBP1385... local bike store on a price match. Not bad an Ultegra for my first road bike except the crank & cogs. Love Merida now and will probably get an aero bike in the future (not sure if merida)
I’ve had a Silex for about four years now and this is a great allround bike. Yes, it looks a bit strange and Merida is not a sexy brand. But it’s very comfortable (the frame is inspired by mountain bike geometry) and considering the low price for the aluminium frame Silex, it has served my very well both for gravel and daily commuting. Would buy it again.
Hi Mr Bikotic, much love from Australia. Love your reviews. Can you do one between 2019 Ridley Helium SLA Disc 105 v 2020 Cube Attain SL. I’m trying to choose between the 2 for around 2k AUD as my first road bike.
Mr Bikotic, sir. Was watching your video from 2 years ago called "I'm thinking of getting a new road bike." Did you ever pull the pin on this? If so, what did you go with in the end? Apologies if I've missed a video or any comments regarding this since.
Great video as always. I'm trying to decide between an aero bike or one of the new all-rounders including the Emonda, Tarmac Orca OMX, etc... You seem to be a big fan of the new Emonda. Do you rate the Emonda SL7 di2? Or would I be best going for the Merida equivalent (which would in reality be the Reacto Force Edition)?
Hey, good question, complicated! Don't hold me to it, but I'm going to try and make a video of the latest comments to this video, if I get time - if so I will include this - but the bottom line is only you can can make this decision, because we all have different needs!....nice decision to have by the way!
@@bikotic Thanks for the reply and I'll look forward to that video! I ride in Snowdonia hence why I thought perhaps an all-rounder might be best, seeing as they are starting to bridge the aero gap with the new 2021 bikes... but I'm just attracted to the pure speed an aero bike seems to offer. Decisions decisions!
@@bikotic I am also looking for an all-round bike (with ultegra di2): all day in the saddle (100km+), some bad terrain (preferably 28-30mm tyres), but definitely a climbing bike. Till recently i was looking to Canyon Ultimate. It's a shame that they still don't hide those cables in 2020, but the main turn off for me is the ratio: 52-36 crank with 11-30 cassette, when now I am using a 52-36 with 11-32 and still i'm spitting my lungs out on some step hills. If I was to change the cassette, I would need to change the derailleur too (and that is not cheap). So any recommendation for a bike in the 3-4k range - ultegra di2,friendly ration, 30mm clearance and also light weight ? Or maybe I should get some stronger legs :P
@@Dragos02 haha, we all need stronger legs mate! Check out the Canyon Endurace, its still 52/36 but 11-34 on the back - www.canyon.com/en-gb/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/endurace/endurace-cf-sl-disc-8.0-di2/2186.html?dwvar_2186_pv_rahmenfarbe=BK%2FGY#!accordions=1_0
@@bikotic that was my second option, but I am feeling a little disappointed that no one prays Endurance near as much as the Ultimate. Anyway, from watching all your videos I kind of beginning to trust your judgment, nice analytics - so, do you think that the Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 Aero Di2 (which is precise 1k Euro more) is just throwing money like 50cent - P.I.M.P or is it worth it. It has that nice aero cockpit, some cool wheels and near 400gr less weight.
The part where u said about non bike friend asking why would u pay 9000 is what I’ve talk about to another friend. But it’s even way more in my area after shipping etc. Heard I could even upgrade from the R8K Mech to DI2; Reacto 5000 offers in the future. But it’s daunting that only Reacto 5000 and Team E has the Bahrain colors which really appeals to me. Weirdly Ultegra DI2 models, even like Canyon are in models that do not have the team colors that are nice. In brown, normal black, Silver.
@@bikotic That's my category as well (to be most interested in) at the Ultegra Di2 / Force AXS level. Note, most Giant country web sites do not have the 2021 Defy (South Korea does) and the 2021 Canyon Endurace should be out at the start of October (I fear your assessment that Canyon has devoted development resources to eBikes this year and will roll over the 2020 design and not modernise it with more cable integration)
I ride the previous generation Reacto, and I'm very content with it. They've bumped up the prices a LOT, as I purchased my Ultegra Di2 disc model with aero wheels for 1.5k less than the equivalent model costs now!!
Great stuff here as always!.. Backend/seatpost area of the Scultura endurance and Silex, look very similar to the Canyon Ultimate.. (especially the Scultura)..
@Bikotic, just watched the rest of your video, like the photo comparisons that show the changes in geometry, thanks. btw I have had a Scultura 4000 for 3yrs and love it, a great first bike, and have a 2021 Scultura Force Edition on hold to be collected very soon which I hope will be a good choice for 100+km rides, and for the hills/gorges around where I live. Thanks
I own silex 7000. It goes with 700c fulcrum wheels (cheap ones). What a pity you didn’t mention it. I wasn’t even dreaming that you would review silex :))) anyway, thank you!
FYI Merida own 49% of Specialised, Merida I understand are designed in Germany,and Specialised in America.For the most part they all come from the same factory.
Never heard of Merida last week and now I am seriously considering the Scultura 400.
I have the Reacto 3000, the Scultura 400 (Rim) and considering now the Scultura Endurance 6000 ;D
I was sceptical about gravel bikes till I got my 2020 Silex 7000, it’s fast become my favourite bike. It’s all hills where I live with small lanes, so mixing road and off road on the Silex is brilliant and if you hit harder trails you just go a bit slower than on a mountain bike.
Well at least Merida are an actual manufacturer rather than just a brand that hops between factories depending on price. Personally I prefer Giant but Merida are second only to Giant in quality mass production of bikes. Both great Taiwanese companies.
Wow, what an awesome comparison video. Most probably the best I have seen in quite a while. Keep it up!
Love the 50/50 view and comparison views and dollar/value comparison you do, thank you. Great video as usual
Best. Reviews. Period.
I wouldn't consider buying Bahrain design bikes because people would assume that am fast. Haha, exactly my thoughts. Bought Silex 400 to ride in Moscow. Good choice as an entry model, relatively fast a bit heavy but affordable with amateur friendly geometry. As for my next choice I would consider Scultura Rim with upgraded wheels and tyres, thanks for the tip.
Another great video always in-depth much appreciated 👍
I got a brand new Merida Scultura 5000 for Aud$2500 which GBP1385... local bike store on a price match. Not bad an Ultegra for my first road bike except the crank & cogs. Love Merida now and will probably get an aero bike in the future (not sure if merida)
Absolutely love the review mate, keep it up
Awesome video! I like this format!!
Excellent review 👍Love the Merida brand.
Currently own a 2017 Scultura 4000 with Fulcrum Red Wind Xlr50 wheels🇦🇺.
I’ve had a Silex for about four years now and this is a great allround bike. Yes, it looks a bit strange and Merida is not a sexy brand. But it’s very comfortable (the frame is inspired by mountain bike geometry) and considering the low price for the aluminium frame Silex, it has served my very well both for gravel and daily commuting. Would buy it again.
Ditto. Fantastic for commuting and gravel grinding...
Hi Mr Bikotic, much love from Australia. Love your reviews. Can you do one between 2019 Ridley Helium SLA Disc 105 v 2020 Cube Attain SL. I’m trying to choose between the 2 for around 2k AUD as my first road bike.
I now prefer the seat tube’s embrace of the front of the rear wheel which the Italian T3 and the Italian Formigli have.
Scultura Limited disc pretty good weight at 7.9kg , ultegra groupset, decent wheels actually. At this moment £2250
Mr Bikotic, sir. Was watching your video from 2 years ago called "I'm thinking of getting a new road bike." Did you ever pull the pin on this? If so, what did you go with in the end? Apologies if I've missed a video or any comments regarding this since.
I am very curious about what @Biktoic ended up getting if any.
Hi Luke - I sure did, planning to make a video about what I went for...as soon as I get time :)
@@bikotic Excellent! Will look forward to that video for sure. Intrigued about what you went for...
Keep up the great work / content
@@bikotic please do!
Underrated
great review, thank you
good video my dude :)) love your stuff :)
Cheers GC!
@@bikotic colab in the future ;)
@@GCPerformance18 excellent idea!
Great video as always. I'm trying to decide between an aero bike or one of the new all-rounders including the Emonda, Tarmac Orca OMX, etc... You seem to be a big fan of the new Emonda. Do you rate the Emonda SL7 di2? Or would I be best going for the Merida equivalent (which would in reality be the Reacto Force Edition)?
Hey, good question, complicated! Don't hold me to it, but I'm going to try and make a video of the latest comments to this video, if I get time - if so I will include this - but the bottom line is only you can can make this decision, because we all have different needs!....nice decision to have by the way!
@@bikotic Thanks for the reply and I'll look forward to that video! I ride in Snowdonia hence why I thought perhaps an all-rounder might be best, seeing as they are starting to bridge the aero gap with the new 2021 bikes... but I'm just attracted to the pure speed an aero bike seems to offer. Decisions decisions!
@@bikotic I am also looking for an all-round bike (with ultegra di2): all day in the saddle (100km+), some bad terrain (preferably 28-30mm tyres), but definitely a climbing bike. Till recently i was looking to Canyon Ultimate. It's a shame that they still don't hide those cables in 2020, but the main turn off for me is the ratio: 52-36 crank with 11-30 cassette, when now I am using a 52-36 with 11-32 and still i'm spitting my lungs out on some step hills. If I was to change the cassette, I would need to change the derailleur too (and that is not cheap). So any recommendation for a bike in the 3-4k range - ultegra di2,friendly ration, 30mm clearance and also light weight ? Or maybe I should get some stronger legs :P
@@Dragos02 haha, we all need stronger legs mate! Check out the Canyon Endurace, its still 52/36 but 11-34 on the back - www.canyon.com/en-gb/road-bikes/endurance-bikes/endurace/endurace-cf-sl-disc-8.0-di2/2186.html?dwvar_2186_pv_rahmenfarbe=BK%2FGY#!accordions=1_0
@@bikotic that was my second option, but I am feeling a little disappointed that no one prays Endurance near as much as the Ultimate. Anyway, from watching all your videos I kind of beginning to trust your judgment, nice analytics - so, do you think that the Endurace CF SL Disc 8.0 Aero Di2 (which is precise 1k Euro more) is just throwing money like 50cent - P.I.M.P or is it worth it. It has that nice aero cockpit, some cool wheels and near 400gr less weight.
It is pronaounced as Tadey Poghachar
Just bought a Reacto 4000 🤘
for the price/weight the top end merida is pretty great. same weight as last years venge and about 60% of the price.
The part where u said about non bike friend asking why would u pay 9000 is what I’ve talk about to another friend. But it’s even way more in my area after shipping etc. Heard I could even upgrade from the R8K Mech to DI2; Reacto 5000 offers in the future. But it’s daunting that only Reacto 5000 and Team E has the Bahrain colors which really appeals to me. Weirdly Ultegra DI2 models, even like Canyon are in models that do not have the team colors that are nice. In brown, normal black, Silver.
I am going to buy the Merida scultura 400 next week... I live in Taiwan...so, it's either Giant or Merida.
Hey do you mind making comparison for endurance bike (e.g endurace, domane, roubaix, defy)
whats your budget?
@@bikotic 3k €, but I prefer more racy endurance bikes (synypse, team gtr...) and not the slugish endurence bikes (domane....)
@@bikotic That's my category as well (to be most interested in) at the Ultegra Di2 / Force AXS level. Note, most Giant country web sites do not have the 2021 Defy (South Korea does) and the 2021 Canyon Endurace should be out at the start of October (I fear your assessment that Canyon has devoted development resources to eBikes this year and will roll over the 2020 design and not modernise it with more cable integration)
I ride the previous generation Reacto, and I'm very content with it. They've bumped up the prices a LOT, as I purchased my Ultegra Di2 disc model with aero wheels for 1.5k less than the equivalent model costs now!!
Well done!
amazing video love it !
Great stuff here as always!..
Backend/seatpost area of the Scultura endurance and Silex, look very similar to the Canyon Ultimate.. (especially the Scultura)..
Merida ML size it's a 54 cm. Right?
Can you do the new scott addict rc and foil next? I cant find any reviews on RUclips.. cheers
Good shout
@Bikotic, just watched the rest of your video, like the photo comparisons that show the changes in geometry, thanks. btw I have had a Scultura 4000 for 3yrs and love it, a great first bike, and have a 2021 Scultura Force Edition on hold to be collected very soon which I hope will be a good choice for 100+km rides, and for the hills/gorges around where I live. Thanks
I assumed the E whould stand for eTap until you pointed out that it was a shimano drivetrain.
Please review the new Lapierre aero
I like Merida Reacto
Dude make a new for the new silex please
what bike would you get for < $1600?
Viel Dank
Was that KISS ? 🤟 👍
I own silex 7000. It goes with 700c fulcrum wheels (cheap ones). What a pity you didn’t mention it. I wasn’t even dreaming that you would review silex :))) anyway, thank you!
can't see a 7000 on the uk website :(
More pls, others brand
easy use
Merida looks like a Winspace
Pick the cheapest Reacto and put a Ultegra crank in... you would want to upgrade your wheels anyway. Way cheaper!
looks like spez.. because they own more than half of the company, and they make bike for spez
Minus Giant and Colnago, all those bikes look the same..
1rd
oh fuck yes..vid not the bike
Comical