MERIDA SCULTURA 4000

TThis bike is a more affordable version of the Scultura 6000, which has proven itself as a climbing classic.

It’s a well-specced, well-priced, thoroughly modern bike that weighs in at about 8.2kg. It’s stiff and responsive, and leaps off the line like a dog chasing a tennis ball.

The frame is the same CF2 carbon as the Sculturas higher up the range, and the groupset is no-nonsense Shimano 105, with a wide 11-30 cassette and a 50/34 chainring. With that kind of gearing you can ride hills all day.

Speaking of riding all day, the geometry is slightly more upright than on an all-out racing bike. Some might find this annoying; others might see the endurance potential…

I found it a lovely bike – a great all-rounder that’s light enough to summit like a champ, and comfortable enough for longer races.