Merida Reacto 5000

Merida’s original Reacto appeared in 2011, with the Reacto II arriving in 2014. The 2018 Reacto is claimed to improve on the outgoing bike’s comfort, weight and aerodynamics. The tubes are slimmer, and the seatstays meet the seat tube lower down, their enhanced aerodynamics supposedly saving up to 5 per cent of your energy at 45kph.

The CF2 geometry is less aggressive than the topspec models, with shorter reach and a 177mm headtube that’s 20mm taller than the equivalent-sized CF4 model. We found our M/L (54cm) model a great fit. With no spacers, the reach was ideal for adopting a good position, low on the drops or on the hoods with flat arms, and we definitely didn’t feel cramped.

The Reacto 5000 is a good climber, with great composure and balance to go with its efficiency, and sportier wheels would unlock even more potential. It descends with confidence too. The 52/36 and 11-28 gearing is ideal fast road gearing, and well suited to the Reacto’s ability.

Its plush ride quality is at odds with the frame’s angular appearance, but its stability and intuitive handling really enhanced our riding experience. The own-brand wheelset and FSA chainset cut costs, but the frameset is very good, so rather than only seeing it as an aero bike, look on it as a simply great road bike with aero benefits.