Merida Bikes eONE-SIXTY 10K 2024
Reviews / Electric Bikes
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At A Glance
I was lucky enough a few weeks ago to be invited to the Merida eONE-SIXTY launch in the Forest of Dean. I always enjoy catching up with the team, and they usually have something unique up their sleeves; this was no exception. The new eONE-SIXTY platform comes after the much-lauded and award-winning version that has been around for a few years now.
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This launch builds on that success but also takes the bike in a slightly different direction; namely, we are looking at two bikes in one. I’m going to focus on the model I rode, the eONE-SIXTY 10k (thanks for the top-end ride, guys), but I want to give you an overview of the concept first.
Essentially, the new bike comes in two platforms, carbon, the eONE-SIXTY CF and aluminium; the eONE-SIXTY LITE, the carbon version, while sharing the same suspension kinematics and overall look, is a different bike when you get under the hood. The aluminium version is pushed towards riders who want range and aren’t too fussed on the weight of the bike; it’s not overly “heavy” but uses larger battery packs to ensure you don’t suffer from range anxiety.
The eONE-SIXTY CF is aimed at the rider who wants performance and agility on the trail with a close feel to a “meat-driven” bike. The Nano Matrix Carbon frame saves weight, but it also features an integrated, lightweight 600wh battery that is inserted into the downtube. This battery isn’t easily removable; it would require the Shimano EP801 motor to be dropped out to get to it, but that means there isn’t a gaping hole in the downtube for the battery pack. This increases the strength and stiffness of the frame without the need to overengineer this area for durability; it also means the battery doesn’t need to be reinforced with heavy padding to protect it from rocks. Upstairs for thinking, downstairs for dancing…
If you are worried about range, Meirda have a 360wh range extender pack that mounts to the frame and can be connected to the engine via the charging port. When this pack is fitted the engine will vampire the power from here first, meaning when it is spent you can remove the added weight and put it in the boot of your car or chuck it in your pack. It’s an innovative solution to the advantages of an internally mounted battery that you can’t swap out.
On the other hand, the eONE-SIXTY LITE prioritizes extensive range without compromising trail prowess. With suspension and frame aesthetics identical to those of its CF counterpart, this all-aluminium model features a removable 750 Wh battery, which slots into the downtube in the traditional manner. However, they have improved how it integrates with the frame, making the battery more secure and harder to insert improperly. The 750wh battery should be plenty for everyone, but in case you are banging out huge rides all weekend with no access to a charging port, there is an 1100wh upgrade available. Here endeth the range anxiety woes.
Back to the review, the eONE-SIXTY 10K that I rode is up there at the apex of electric mountain bikes, not only in terms of components but also price; this build will set you back £10,500, which is no small consideration; however, you can’t get much more bike for your money. Boasting a carbon frame, the potent Shimano EP801 motor, and a 600 Wh battery tucked seamlessly into the design. This high-end bike is equipped with top-tier components, including a Fox 38 Performance fork, a Fox Factory Float X2 shock, a SRAM XX Eagle Transmission, Maxxis tires, and a DT Swiss carbon tubeless-ready wheelset.
The innovative FAST kinematic suspension offers 174mm of rear travel with 170mm up front from the FoX 38. Why is it called eONE-SIXTY I hear you cry? Well, keeping the bike bang up to date it ships as standard in mullet format with a 27.5 rear and 29 front. When you go full 29er by utilising the flip chip you get 160mm of rear travel. So now you know why it’s called the eOne-SIXTY but boasts an outlandish amount of travel. The Agilometer sizing system caters to a wide range of riders, while the Flexstay design ensures an optimal balance of compliance, weight reduction, and frame stiffness.
On The Trail
I was lucky enough to ride the leg-driven ONE-SIXTY a couple of years ago when it was launched at the EX event in Devon, the new eONE-SIXTY takes a lot of the technology from that and puts it into the ebike, the reach-based sizing, the FAST kinematic suspension platform and the clever dropper post that offers infinite adjustment within a range of 30mm to 230mm to ensure you can have the exact seat height and required drop too.
In addition to this it adds additional ebike-specific features too, the integrated battery gives it a clean look with a slimmed downtube, the vents at the head tube allow air to circulate ensuring the battery can cool and run at optimum efficiency no matter the conditions, and the range extender pack adds appeal for those riders who race enduro on an ebike or want to spend a longer day in the saddle.
The goal from a design point of view for the eONE-SIXTY CF was to improve the rider's experience on the ups as well as the downs and create an ebike that handles and performs just like a normal bike. Obviously, weight plays a large part in that feel and handling, and that’s why the team chose an integrated 600wh battery system.
A steeper seat angle at 78.4 on the middle sizes and 78.3 and 78.5 on the short and xlong respectively puts you right in the middle of the bike on the climbs and the 64.4 head angle is slack enough to tackle to toughest of terrain without being overkill. There is a longer reach across the the range to increase stability and make you feel comfortable at speed.
The flip chip gives you a bit of extra choice without sacrificing the geometry and is a thoughtful addition to the bike. Giving you plenty of options, I only rode the bike in mullet form, and I suspect that’s how most of you will use it, but options are always good. The suspension system comes from the tried and tested design for the ONE-SIXTY with 174mm of rear travel and 170mm at the front should never leave you wanting.
Climbing on the eONE-SIXTY feels a breeze; the EP8 engine offers plenty of drive and feels smooth on the pedals; there is an improved feel when you stop pedalling as the bike still pushes a little, making the ride less jerky with more of a gliding feel rather than stop-start. The cockpit puts you in the middle of the bike with plenty of traction at the rear end, I didn’t feel any wheel spin even though I kept it in boost mode and mashed it up some challenging terrain.
The lower weight of the bike also allows it to be nimble on technical sections of the climb, shifting your weight has a noticeable effect unlike on some heavier bikes where you feel a little stuck in your lane in terms of line choice, the eONE-SIXTY CF 10k responds well to rider input when the going gets tough.
On the descents the bike is so planted and feels plush through the roughest of terrain. The tyres offer plenty of grip, even on the sloppy wet slippery trails we were riding after days of rain. Rooty sections were all swallowed up with ease and I really enjoyed pointing it down anything the Forest of Dean could throw at it. On the more off piste trails the handling was predictable and sublime.
Once on the race track flow trails, the speed was there in abundance, and the bike was fun to pop off jumps and pump into and out of corners. It really is an agile ride, and you soon forget about the engine, which feels like a normal bike. Something a lot of riders value over range, especially if they have been riding a long time and don’t mind conserving a bit of power and putting a bit more effort into their rides. If this sounds like you, then this version of the eONE-SIXTY will reward you at every turn.
I am always a fan of bikes that you can get on and ride with no nasty surprises and the eONE-SIXTY is definitely one of them. I shamefully hadn’t ridden much before the launch; my work, surf, life, and ride balance is a little out of kilter at the moment. So, to be able to jump on a bike and throw it down trails that were challenging in the wet inspired an abundance of confidence that allowed me to keep up and enjoy the days riding as if it was a bike I’d spent years on.
So much so if it weren’t for the hefty price tag, I’d gladly add one to the stable… Fortunately there are other models available, the 7000 comes in at £7000 and the 6000 is £6000. If you want to go for the aluminum version with the 750wh battery there are two models at launch, the 875 and 675, prices at £6000 and £5500 respectively.
Overall
An epic bike, with a price tag to match, for some, this will be the ride of their life; for others, we’ll be looking further down the range. However, the best bits are shared through the price points, and the 6000 and 7000 versions of this bike should prove immensely popular. Expect this to win some awards and tests, like it’s predecessor. It’s a very well-thought-out and engineered machine. Suited to the rider looking for an ebike that won’t feel sluggish or held back by the extra weight of the battery and engine, this bike is all about handling and having fun on the trails. Something you’ll have plenty of!
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By Rou Chater
Rou Chater is the Publishing Editor of IMB Magazine; he’s a jack-of-all-trades and master of none, but his passion for bikes knows no bounds. His first mountain bike was a Trek 820, which he bought in 1990. It didn’t take him long to earn himself a trip to the hospital on it, and he’s never looked back since. These days he’s keeping it rubber side down, riding locally and overseas as much as possible.
