Merida Scultura Disc 6000 S2 105

£2500

Merida is one of the world’s biggest bike manufacturers, and economies of scale allow it to offer excellent quality products at reasonable prices. The 6000 may have a 20mm taller seat-tube than the Team version, which limits saddle to bar drop, but the downtube and seat-tubes are truncated aerofoils, it has a sizeable BB86 bottom bracket and deep chainstays – so it’s clearly built with speed and efficiency in mind.

Merida is the first company outside of Focus to include the Focus-designed RAT (Rapid Axle Technology) 12mm thru-axle system. Wheel removal is just a flick of the lever and a quarter turn of the axle, no tools needed. This connection between the wheels and frameset results in precise steering. High speed flicks, sudden direction changes under braking and rough surface stability are all undramatic, and the air volume of Continental’s Grand Sport 25mm tyres is a huge help.

The Scultura Disc’s ride is incredibly smooth even on the roughest tarmac, and despite the tall position, the bike is quick, accelerating rapidly and climbing strongly, thanks to impressive frame and wheelset stiffness. On rolling, testing terrain it was easy to carry speed through downhill bends and power over the rises. Merida has added its own disc cooler beneath the rear disc brake calliper, which is claimed to make a big difference during long descents.

Overall, Merida has created a stunning endurance bike, with poise, speed and comfort in abundance.