Tech

Review: Merida One-Forty 1-B

· By BikeHubCoreAdmin · 29 comments

Once in a while a bike comes along that exceeds my expectations and reminds me why I enjoy riding. The 2014 Merida One-Forty 1-B has been one of these bikes.

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The Frame

Mountain bike geometry has changed dramatically over the last couple of years. Advances in suspension design, shocks and forks have allowed faster and more aggressive riding, meaning that geometry has had to adapt to keep up with rider demands. Top tubes and wheelbases are longer, bottom brackets are lower, and head angles are getting slacker.

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Merida are clearly aware of the direction that MTB geometry is heading. The One-Forty B’s 67-degree head angle would have suited a freeride bike five years ago, the 1,190mm wheelbase of the large (19-inch) test bike wouldn’t be out of place on a DH rig and, at 326mm high, the bottom bracket could be considered “slammed”.

The bike has a very understated look with minimal graphics and colour. The colour matching extending to the base of the saddle is a nice touch.

At first glance, it is obvious that the One-Forty is a long bike. The frame is made of 6066 high-strength aluminum, with triple butted walls. The 3D look of the tubes are made possible through a delicate, hydraulic forced forming process giving it a swooping top and down tube and a very modern look, somewhat similar to those made by Yeti or Specialized. Attention to detail includes a rear brake that is attached to a post mount and internal cabling (excluding the rear brake cable), plus routing for a stealth dropper seatpost. The head tube is tapered and the rear wheel is attached via a 12x142mm thru axle.

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The rear suspension design is Merida’s own Virtual Pivot Kinetics (VPK) which they claim offers outstanding sensitivity in combination with optimum drivetrain and braking neutrality. It was debuted last year and is a completely different setup to the previous single-pivot design. The VPK design utilizes a twin-link system in a similar vein to Giant, Niner, Pivot and others.

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My only gripe with the frame is tyre clearance at the top of the seat stays and mud build-up in the BB / lower link region. I find it strange that manufactures limit consumer options by building bikes so tightly.

Components

For pure trail riding and the odd enduro or two, the type of riding you’d expect this bike to be used for, there are some component choices that seem a bit off the mark.

Fork: The Fox 32 battles for stiffness at 150mm travel and I have never felt the need to use the Talas function. Thanks to the seat tube angle, the bike climbs well enough and with the correct body position the front end remains planted without having to drop the fork. Overall, the performance was not up to the standard you’d expect from Fox.

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Tyres: This bike would be improved with a Hans Dampf up front. Nobby Nics are great all rounders for general trail riding, but when pushed hard they battle to offer sufficient grip to maintain the speeds the frame can handle.

Crank: I can’t remember the last time I rode a bicycle with a triple crank – even more so on a longer travel bike! I would have selected a double crank as it offers a generous enough spread to get you up and down the hills with ease.

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Other than the issues highlighted above, with only the fork impacting on performance, the specification is spot on. Credit has to be given to Merida for speccing wide bars, short stem and a dropper post as standard. Shimano’s XT drivetrain and brakes are faultless. It shows that Merida is in tune with consumer needs on this one.

Dropper seatpost: On a bike like this a dropper seatpost is essential and I was glad to see the Merida came with a Reverb Stealth dropper with a left hand remote. During my test period the Reverb was faultless in operation. The left hand remote meant that I could fit it under the handlebar. Making it is easier to quickly push with your thumb, an action that requires less movement of your wrist.

To mount it at the bottom on the left hand side you need a right hand remote and vice versa if you want to mount it on the right at the bottom of the bar. 1X drivetrains make it a lot easier to mount a remote and I battled a bit to get it in a comfortable position that wouldn’t need thought to push out on the trail. This is not an issue specific to Merida, but worth keeping in mind when setting up your bike or when buying a dropper seatpost.

On the Trail

At 13.85kg (3,250g for frame and shock) the bike is in line with today’s standards, but out on trail it rides lighter than the scale would suggest. The VPK suspension arrangement not only allows for better performance under braking and pedaling than the old single-pivot system, but enables the rear to handle bigger hits. The setup does lead to some chain tug when climbing in the smaller chainring, but it’s not a problem and is a trait common to most bikes with a pronounced rearward axle path. Using the rear shock’s CTD lever to minimize the suspension movement, and in turn chain growth, helps. It does however mean that you have to remember to flick the switch.

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The large I rode had the perfect fit and reach, combining a long top tube with a 60mm stem and 740mm bar. The 67-degree head angle, low bottom bracket and front end is the kind of confidence inspiring geometry I like. It’s stable at both high and low speeds, yet it’s very responsive to rider input. The long top tube also means one can run an even shorter stem without running out of breathing space on longer rides.

The Merida loved fast, flowy trails and is happy for the rider to get off the brakes and enjoy the ride. With the seat out of the way, one can focus on letting the suspension do it’s work.

The bike tends to run out of grunt when the trail gets too rough and battles with front end grip in the loose stuff. This was solved by running a 2.35 Hans Dampf up front and swapping out the OE Fox for a RockShox Pike.

Compared with the Pike up front, the Fox shock needed a lot of fine tuning to match performance and capability up front, but I still managed to get a balanced feel. The uber capable Pike does highlight some of the shocks shortcomings though and to balance the on the trail feel, one has to flip the shock into climb mode when pedaling uphill. It is not a major issue, as I’d prefer a shock to have good trail manners and handling, even if that means that I have to use the shock’s pedaling platform more often than I’m accustomed to.

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The One-Forty 1-B carves fast single track and berms with ease and blasts through rock gardens with utter confidence. The long wheelbase, in part thanks to the long chain stays, means that it is not the most agile bike around slow steep switchbacks. But if you get your body position right and force the front end into the switchback, it will reward you with momentum on the other side.

The chainstay length’s other victim is manuals. It’s not impossible to get the front end up, but you certainly have to work for it.

Verdict

It is a great achievement for a mass producer to deliver a bike that will give many boutique brands a run for their money where it matters most – on the trails. The One-Forty 1-B was a pleasant surprise and I have no doubt that Merida will do well with this range in our country – especially if it can represent the same value for money Merida is known for. The 2015 models look to build on the existing strengths of the frame and suspension design.

Let’s hope we can convince Merida SA to send a couple our way – the market and demand for a bike like this certainly is there.

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Specifications

Frame Sizes15.5″, 17″, 19″, 21″ (19″ Tested)ColoursSilk Black / Grey / YellowForkFox 32 Talas Performance 650B CTD FIT, 15QRDerailleur FrontShimano Deore XT HD triple Derailleur RearShimano Deore XT Shadow+ShiftersShimano Deore XT i-SpecBrakesShimano Deore XT-Fin; 180 mm Ice Disc CrankShimano Deore XT 40-30-22CassetteShimano CS-HG81-10 11-36ChainKMC X10 10sStemFSA Afterburner 6° 60mmHandlebarFSA Afterburner Riser 740mm, 15mm riseHeadsetBig Conoid A-Bearing Neck Seat PostRock Shox Reverb Stealth 31.6 mm, 125mm dropRimSunRinglé Charger ExpertTiresSchwalbe Nobby Nic 2.35 Evo foldedSaddleProLogo Scratch X14 STNClaimed weight13.85 kg

Comments

Flowta

Dec 3, 2014, 5:06 AM

Looks good, any idea what they'd go for price wise?

Hairy

Dec 3, 2014, 7:50 AM

Finally .... a Merida I would not mind trying out!

Quantum Theory

Dec 3, 2014, 8:36 AM

Didn't they have this suspension design on the One-Forty since 2013 model year? I've been asking the Merida agents for pricing on the One-Forty range for the past 2 years. They just always said that they couldn't help me. Happy on my Trance now...

Quantum Theory

Dec 3, 2014, 8:38 AM

Sorry, I see that is what you said...

nonky

Dec 3, 2014, 8:54 AM

not really fair to swap out the fox for a rockshox pike, is it?

that's like swapping out the drivetrain or the brakeset, isn't it?

I can understand changing a tyre at R750 a pop but (casually) changing a front fork is not an inexpensive exercise...

Iwan Kemp

Dec 3, 2014, 12:54 PM

Looks good, any idea what they'd go for price wise?

 

No way to know for sure, but it should be on par with the Trances of the world.

 

Spec wise this is close to the Trance 2 27.5 I've been riding.

Iwan Kemp

Dec 3, 2014, 1:14 PM

not really fair to swap out the fox for a rockshox pike, is it?

that's like swapping out the drivetrain or the brakeset, isn't it?

I can understand changing a tyre at R750 a pop but (casually) changing a front fork is not an inexpensive exercise...

 

True, but consider this.

 

1. Wouldn't be fair to blame the frame / Merida for an OE component that can't keep up at the very upper limit of the bike's use. Trying a different fork showed the bike is capable to run with some big boys and that you're not stuck with a bad suspension design that no component will fix.

 

Based on experience with RS Revelations on other bikes I'm sure it would have had a positive upgrade effect as well. I just happened to have a 650b Pike in the cupboard. 

 

2. Yes, there are better forks (Fox's own Factory model for example), but those come at a price. The (local) competition is running the same fork and at this price-point it offers good value for money. 

 

3. If I didn't try the different fork it would have left a couple of questions unanswered - the same way it would have on any other bike that's (seemingly) capable to handle more. Only one way to find out...

 

See it not as "if you buy this bike you will HAVE to swap out the fork", but rather "buy a bike that one day will be upgrade-worthy, but still oodles of fun if you keep it stock".

 

On a side note: I wouldn't necessarily upgrade to a Pike on this bike. I believe that as soon as you do that there will be some other components that will need look at as the Pike is big hit ready. Again, for me, no different to any other 140mm dual suspension bike with similar components.

 

Hope this adds some clarity.

openmind

Dec 3, 2014, 1:29 PM

Don't knock a triple crank, especially on a bike like this where a few grams are of little concern - the ability to dump or gain a bunch of gears twice instead of just once with one click of the left shifter is invaluable, especially on undulating track where you are trying to maintain momentum and a reasonable pedal cadence. Shimano front shifting is so good that you can do this reliably under power with no mis-shifts. 

Johny Bravo

Dec 3, 2014, 5:49 PM

No ooh and aah appeal for me. Sorry. typical Merida, bland.

Iwan Kemp

Dec 4, 2014, 7:31 AM

No ooh and aah appeal for me. Sorry. typical Merida, bland.

 

Honest question: do you think has something to do with the spec? Would it be different if it had 11 speed, a blacked out Rock Shox and a DBInline or something drool worthy?

Johny Bravo

Dec 4, 2014, 7:36 AM

1x11 xo would def help, maybe the Pike will also make it look better. But compared to its rivals, on looks, this wont be my first choice.

Bomberman

Dec 4, 2014, 8:04 AM

Im currently riding the Merida 120 900 D, i know its not the same but I must say I really enjoy its. The only problem i have is the gear set up which is also a 3 x 10, it feels like shifting a truck gear box when riding on a flat area.  

Bomberman

Dec 4, 2014, 8:15 AM

Looks good, any idea what they'd go for price wise?

 

They seem to go for about R53000.00

Headshot

Dec 4, 2014, 11:53 AM

They seem to go for about R53000.00

If that is the price there are better options. Merida should have focused on the suspension and put slx or deore cranks on instead among  a few other things. A pike or at least a fox 34 should be on this bike...

Odinson

Dec 4, 2014, 12:16 PM

If the bike is retailing for over R50k, I would definitely look elsewhere. 

 

Somehow, the bike just doesn't look special. It's kind of like buying a million Rand Toyota. It will get the job done, but won't give you that fizz when you look at it. 

Johny Bravo

Dec 4, 2014, 12:18 PM

If the bike is retailing for over R50k, I would definitely look elsewhere. 

 

Somehow, the bike just doesn't look special. It's kind of like buying a million Rand Toyota. It will get the job done, but won't give you that fizz when you look at it. 

I feel the same, Spez Enduro or Santa Cruz Bronson give me that feeling, also the Rocky Mountain trail bikes. 

Bomberman

Dec 4, 2014, 12:23 PM

If that is the price there are better options. Merida should have focused on the suspension and put slx or deore cranks on instead among  a few other things. A pike or at least a fox 34 should be on this bike...

https://www.google.co.za/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCMQFjAB&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.bikeradar.com%2Fmtb%2Fgear%2Fcategory%2Fbikes%2Fmountain-bikes%2Ffull-suspension%2Fproduct%2Freview-merida-one-forty-1-b-14-48484%2F&ei=n0-AVKKwELSQ7Abo0YHIBg&usg=AFQjCNFhxfI6N2gw_r198ocs8HN276HXEA&bvm=bv.80642063,d.ZGU

 

it received a 2.5/5 rating on bikeradar so kinda gives you a idea of what they think of it.

Hairy

Dec 4, 2014, 12:25 PM

50K is a decent wad of cash ....... this bike should have be electrifying for 50K

Catatonic_Joe

Dec 4, 2014, 12:33 PM

I highly doubt this bike will retail for that much, has almost identical spec to the Anthem 1 (100mm vs 120mm but exact same fork) and the similarly specced Trance, which retail for around 30k. If this was a carbon frame, then possibly, but no ways 53k for aluminium.

Iwan Kemp

Dec 4, 2014, 1:00 PM

They seem to go for about R53000.00

 

Won't be near that much and should be in lne with Giant Trance pricing

 

 

And yet they gave the lower spec 5-B 4.5/5. 

"Great value, good looking and very capable: an overwhelmingly fun modern trail bike"

 

http://www.bikeradar.com/mtb/gear/category/bikes/mountain-bikes/full-suspension/product/review-merida-one-forty-5-b-14-48206/

Beefy

Dec 5, 2014, 4:57 AM

True, but consider this.

 

1. Wouldn't be fair to blame the frame / Merida for an OE component that can't keep up at the very upper limit of the bike's use. Trying a different fork showed the bike is capable to run with some big boys and that you're not stuck with a bad suspension design that no component will fix.

 

Based on experience with RS Revelations on other bikes I'm sure it would have had a positive upgrade effect as well. I just happened to have a 650b Pike in the cupboard. 

 

2. Yes, there are better forks (Fox's own Factory model for example), but those come at a price. The (local) competition is running the same fork and at this price-point it offers good value for money. 

 

3. If I didn't try the different fork it would have left a couple of questions unanswered - the same way it would have on any other bike that's (seemingly) capable to handle more. Only one way to find out...

 

See it not as "if you buy this bike you will HAVE to swap out the fork", but rather "buy a bike that one day will be upgrade-worthy, but still oodles of fun if you keep it stock".

 

On a side note: I wouldn't necessarily upgrade to a Pike on this bike. I believe that as soon as you do that there will be some other components that will need look at as the Pike is big hit ready. Again, for me, no different to any other 140mm dual suspension bike with similar components.

 

Hope this adds some clarity.

 

What else is in your cupboard? Sounds like an awesome place.

willemjnaude

Dec 5, 2014, 5:29 AM

Saw one of these at Jowetts in PMB the other day for just about R30k-ish. Looks good in real life

Hairy

Dec 5, 2014, 6:47 AM

Saw one of these at Jowetts in PMB the other day for just about R30k-ish. Looks good in real life

30K-ish sounds so much better now!

Iwan Kemp

Dec 5, 2014, 2:58 PM

30K-ish sounds so much better now!

 

:thumbup:

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