MERIDA SILEX 400
A unique design takes the crown
Inspiration came from mountain bikes and progressive geometry – looks odd but feels so right!
This test has been fun but a tough one to judge as every bike here has its merits. The Marin’s lively steel frame and great ride position make for an incredibly fun experience, especially on long days out.
The Fuji majors on versatility and while it make a good commuter, it tilts its spec to the more adventurous rider looking towards multiday epic tours and challenges. British brand On-One has yet again overturned the apple cart when it comes to out-and-out value. We were impressed by the spec on the Free Ranger. Try and find a similarly equipped bike from the big bike brands and you’d be looking at around a £1000 more on your bill. It’s not just about value though: the Free Ranger combines stable handling, low weight and some inspired component choices with a bike that’s genuinely exciting to ride off road. If it’s pure gravel you want, then look no further. The winner, however, is Merida’s Silex 400. We’ve always been impressed with Merida’s approach to gravel bike design. It hasn’t looked to road or cyclocross bikes for inspiration, believing that even the greatest examples of road-derived gravel or race-inspired cross bikes are somewhat compromised. Rather, Merida has taken inspiration from mountain bikes and the progressive geometry that may look odd but feels so right when you’re riding. The long frame yet short cockpit allied with a long trail makes for one of the best handling gravel bikes around. That it feels good on the road and particularly when riding in an urban environment means that the 400 is a weekend warrior that’ll also get you to work every day with confidence and, above all, is lots of fun.