The best of two worlds: externally shaped head tube with bigger diameter at the bottom and weight saving smaller diameter at the top. ‘X-Taper Headtubes’ always come with tapered forks or correct adapters fitted. Result: superb stiffness and precise steering even in the toughest conditions without increasing the weight of the frame unnecessarily.

Due to the widening of the hub spacing by 6mm, the spoke angles become flatter resulting in a stiffer and stronger wheel. In particular on 29er and 650b+ wheels, and paired with the stiffness increasing attributes of a through axle, this is hugely desirable. Besides that, the wider hubs and cranks with wider bottom brackets push the chain line further outwards and enable extra short chain stays for a more agile geometry.

You can always go lighter…? At least with regards to aluminium the internal competition of the MERIDA developed ‘Racelite 61’ and ‘Prolite 66’ is already immense. But our ‘Superlite 16 Alloy’ pushes the bench mark even further. This new high-end grade of aluminium enables super thin wall thicknesses yet delivers amazing strength – ideal for demanding off-road usage. Used for the first time in 2017 in the rear triangle of the new ONE-SIXTY.

Internal cable routing perfected: Up to this point, the routing of cables inside frame tubes often had the unwanted side effect that they were able to move and produce noise. Our ‘Smart Entry’ allows the cables to be clamped under tension, resulting in rattle free cables even when it is getting rough. All cable inlets are completely interchangeable to deal with any kind of set up; Di2, hydraulic hoses, brake and gear cable housings etc.

Due to a large cable exit in the down tube, “Down Tube Exit” additionally puts an end to awkward handling of internally routed cables.

“Chain Stay Post Mount Disc” – this technology is the result of three findings. First, a brake mount positioned within the frame triangle optimally protects the brake from external influences. Second, the caliper is supported by the chain stay and is therefore able to distribute the occurring physical forces in an ideal way. Third, internally routed cables can reach the brake neatly from the chain stay.

This rear end construction features a “floating” shock: The lower mount moves together with the system and offers very sensitive response characteristics. In addition, engineers are able to influence transmission ratio and progression in an optimal way. In practice, a “Float Link” rear end feels like having more travel than it actually does. Finally, the omission of the shock mount in the main frame provides a clean look.

Anti Wrinkle System – Due to its technological characteristics, carbon provides designers and developers with many excellent possibilities which are not offered by other raw materials used for bike building (e. g. aluminium). The special surface structure is particularly fascinating – but what does happen inside the frame? MERIDA utilizes specific mould inserts which reduce the wrinkling considerably. Result: More stiffness and durability but less weight.

Elaborately shaped frame designs with special inlets and outlets for internally routed brake and/or shifter cables. “Clean” in a double sense: The bike looks uncluttered while the cables are protected effectively from moisture and dirt.

Besides top functionality, MERIDA frames also have to offer a convincing visual appearance. The second welding process during Smooth Welding evens the connecting welding seam – an elaborate concept for a brilliant look without compromises to stability.

The friction-free alignment of the brake calliper is considerably eased by direct mounting of the post-mount calliper at the rear dropout. Adaptable to different brake disc sizes thanks to the utilization of differently dimensioned adapters.

Carbon bikes are often subject to considerable strain. To increase the quality of the used material, MERIDA utilizes this premium technology: The carbon mats are enriched with special nanoparticles which strengthen the matrix of the epoxy resin. In this way, the impact resistance of the final component construction can be increased successfully by up to 40 %. “Nano Matrix Carbon” refines all MERIDA high-end bikes of Model Year 2014.