Issue #054, Review - December 27, 2022

The MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 8000 – In our big 2023 enduro bike group test

The MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 8000 allows you to choose the frame size not based on your anatomy but your riding style. While the concept is nothing new, MERIDA’s approach is the most consistent we’ve seen so far. But how does it translate into trail performance?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best enduro bike of 2023 – 14 models in review

**MERIDA** ONE-SIXTY 8000 | 170/162 mm (f/r) | 29″
15.5 kg in size L | € 8,999 | Manufacturer’s website

The 2023 MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 8000 was redeveloped from the ground up and has very little in common with its predecessor. Particularly striking are the discreet, clean look and unique geometry concept, which combines a short seat tube and very long 230 mm dropper post across all sizes, allowing you to choose the frame size according to your preferences and riding style rather than your anatomy. While this is by no means a new approach, this is the most consistent way it has been implemented so far. Moreover, you can choose between a 29” wheel setup or a mullet configuration. Depending on the wheel size, the rear suspension of the € 8,999 MERIDA generates 162 mm (29″) or 171 mm (mullet) travel, which are complemented by 170 mm at the front.

The MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 8000 in detail

The frame of the ONE-SIXTY has an integrated service port at the bottom of the down tube, which doubles as a storage compartment and can be accessed with a 6mm Allen key integrated into the rear thru-axle. The compartment comes standard with a pouch and is complemented by an additional tool strap on the upper shock-mount, which lets you carry other trail essentials like a spare inner tube directly on the bike. A multitool hides under the saddle while a mudguard between the seat tube and seat stays protects the frame from mud and flying debris. MERIDA deliver the ONE-SIXTY 8000 with a special Fidlock cage mount for magnetic bottles, but this can be easily replaced with a conventional bottle cage if needed. An elongated but rather thin TPU plate shields the frame from stray rocks, while a generously sized seat- and chainstay protector prevents chain slap and paint chips. Additionally, MERIDA covered the exposed sections of the seat stays with protective tape.

**Pumptrack champ**
The suspension of the MERIDA is rather stiff and provides tons of support. We recommend cranking the compression dial relatively wide open.

The spec of the MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 8000

The MERIDA is the only bike in this test to come with RockShox suspension, consisting of a ZEB Ultimate fork with Charger 3 damper and Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T air shock. As usual, both suspension components allow for easy setup and deliver top performance on the trail. MERIDA’s in-house 780 mm TEAM TR alloy handlebars are slightly narrower than most other bars in this test, which measure 800 mm. The shifter is attached to the bars with a separate clamp, which might not look as tidy but makes it easier to adjust the position of the shifter independently from the brake levers. As already mentioned, the MERIDA TEAM TR dropper post offers a whopping 230 mm travel, which can be adjusted infinitely between 30 mm and 230 mm using an Allen key. Needless to say, this ensures excellent freedom of movement and at the same time allows riders of all heights to adjust the maximum extension of the dropper to suit their needs and preferences – we love it! Shifting is taken care of by a wireless 12-speed SRAM GX AXS drivetrain, while Shimano XT brakes with 200 mm discs front and rear do stopping duties. Mixing components from those two brands might seem a little unusual, but there’s nothing that speaks against it. For the wheels, MERIDA rely on a Race Face Turbine R alloy wheelset and MAXXIS tires, combining a 29×2.5″ ASSEGAI in the soft MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front and 29×2.4″ Minion DHR II in the harder MaxxTerra compound at the rear. Both tires come in the robust DoubleDown casing, which, in our opinion, is the perfect choice for tough enduro riding.

The spec of the MERIDA leaves nothing to wish for and is complemented by well-thought out frame details.

**Slim Shady**
At 780 mm, the MERIDA TEAM TR alloy handlebars are the narrowest bars in the entire test field.

**Dirt collector**
The large fender protects the main bearing of the rear triangle from dirt bombardment.

**Get Low…**
Not a problem with the 230 mm adjustable dropper post of the ONE-SIXTY 8000.

**Individual solution**
A strap can be attached to the front shock mount for attaching tools or a tube.

**Versatile**
A flip chip in the shock mount allows you to run the ONE-SIXTY either as a 29er or a mullet bike without altering the geometry.

MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 8000

€ 8,999

Specifications

Fork RockShox ZEB Ultimate Charger 3 170 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate RC2T 162 mm
Seatpost MERIDA TEAM TR 230 mm
Brakes Shimano XT 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX AXS Eagle 1x12
Stem MERIDA EXPERT eTR2 40 mm
Handlebar MERIDA TEAM TR Alu 780 mm
Wheelset Race Face Turbine R Alu 29"
Tires MAXXIS ASSEGAI, Doubledown, 3C MaxxGrip/MAXXIS Minion DHR II, Doubledown, 3C MaxxTerra 2.5/2.4

Technical Data

Size XS S M L XL
Weight 15.5 kg

Specific Features

Tool strap
Flip-Chip
storage compartment
integrated tool

The geometry of the MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 8000

The MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 8000 is available in 5 sizes, XS to XL. However, the “S” and “L” in the acronym stand for short and long, meaning that the frames come in different sizes but are suitable for riders of all heights. With a 445 mm seat tube and 498 mm reach, the inseam isn’t a decisive factor in the choice of size. At 79°, the ONE-SIXTY has the steepest seat tube angle in the entire test field, while the 438 mm chainstays are rather short. However, the chainstay length grows with the frame size, providing consistent handling across all sizes. MERIDA also adapt the progression of the rear suspension to suit the frame size and the approximate rider weight each size is supposed to cater for. A flip chip in the shock mount allows you to adapt the rear end to be compatible with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels without altering the geometry.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Top Tube	535 mm	562 mm	589 mm	621 mm	652 mm
Seat tube	400 mm	410 mm	425 mm	445 mm	470 mm
Head tube	95 mm	95 mm	95 mm	105 mm	120 mm
Head angle	64°	64°	64°	64°	64°
Seat angle	79°	79°	79°	79°	79°
BB Drop	7 mm	7 mm	7 mm	28 mm	28 mm
Chainstay	434 mm	434 mm	434 mm	438 mm	438 mm
Wheelbase	1,188 mm	1,215 mm	1,242 mm	1,275 mm	1,308 mm
Reach	415 mm	442 mm	470 mm	498 mm	525 mm
Stack	615 mm	615 mm	615 mm	625 mm	638 mm

**Helmet** Fox Dropframe Pro | **Glasses** 100% Speedcraft | **Jersey** Rocday Park Short Sleeve | **Shorts** Rocday Roc Short | **Kneepad** Pearl Izumi Guard | **Shoes** Unparallel Up Link | **Socks** Rocday Park

The MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 8000 on the trail

Although the MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 8000 has the longest reach in the entire test field, it puts you in a rather compact pedalling position. This is due to both the steep seat angle and the position of the seat tube, which is drawn far forward. While on level ground, the position puts a fair amount of pressure on your hands, but this improves as the climb gets steeper, making the MERIDA a pleasant climbing companion. The suspension is pleasantly firm, allowing you to negotiate your way to the trailhead without having to reach for the climb switch. Considering the generous amounts of travel it generates, the ONE-SIXTY pedals extremely well, proving itself as the second-best analogue climber in this test right behind the Mondraker.

The excellent suspension and intuitive handling make the ONE-SIXTY 8000 a great all-rounder.

**Gordon Ramsay would be proud**
With the ONE-SIXTY, MERIDA nailed the recipe for the perfect all-rounder: plenty of freedom of movement, predictable handling and an excellent suspension.

Turn its nose into the valley, and the MERIDA immediately puts you at ease with predictable and easy handling, allowing you to shred your way back to the car park safely and confidently even after a long day in the saddle. Together with the Canyon Strive, the ONE-SIXTY 8000 offers the best handling in the entire test field. Due to the steep seat angle and the long-travel dropper post, the saddle is positioned quite far forward between your legs, which feels a little weird at first but only takes a little getting used to. The riding position is central and nicely integrated, with the weight evenly distributed between the front and rear. As a result, you don’t have to constantly shift your weight to generate traction and the front wheel always tracks reliably, even when you slam into an open corner at Mach 10. Even downhill, the suspension is very stiff, providing tons of support and allowing you to generate speed when pumping through rollers and berms. However, we recommend cranking the compression knob wide open to improve small bump sensitivity. With that taken care of, the suspension will still offer enough support but at the same time generate sufficient traction for last-second braking manoeuvres on bombed-out tracks with nasty brake bumps. At the same time, the suspension provides enough reserves to deal with nasty huck-to-flats and harsh landings, preventing your ankles from exploding.

Tuning tip: Back off the compression damping for small-bump sensitivity

Riding Characteristics

Uphill

sluggish
efficient

Agility

cumbersome
playful

Stability

nervous
confident

Handling

demanding
balanced

Suspension

harsh
plush

Fun Factor

planted
poppy

Value for money

terrible
very good

Intended Use

XC

Trail

Enduro

Downhill

Conclusion

The MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 8000 takes on the competition with a cool sizing concept, combining a short seat tube and long-travel adjustable dropper post in all frame sizes and thus allowing you to choose the frame size based on your personal preferences and riding style. The spec does full justice to the intended use of the bike and is rounded off by practical features. Together with the strong suspension and intuitive handling, this makes the ONE-SIXTY an excellent and fun all-rounder for all types of rider, both up and downhill.

Tops

Excellent spec
Cool suspension provides tons of traction, support and reserves
Harmonious concept

Flops

Front-heavy pedalling position on level ground

You can find out more about at merida-bikes.com

The test field