Merida Warp TT

The Warp TT has the shape of a purebred time trial bike. In addition to the relatively shallow seat tube angle of 74-78.5°, which permits a seat position of at least 5 cm behind the bottom bracket (UCI rule 1.3.013), the extremely low cockpit, with a horizontal stem and low arm pads, is equally responsible for this. Thanks to the “Modular Head” system, the effective length of the steering tube can be extended by 30 or 60 millimetres using special inserts. Therefore, the Warp TT can also be used just as well over short and medium distances.

“We were not trying to build a universal bike that was suitable both for short time trials and for long distances. Starting in 2015, we have added our new Warp Tri, which has a true long-distance geometry, to our range for the very important triathlon market” says Daniel Schwenk, one of the engineers for both models.

Apart from the tube-type tyre wheel set, the Pro Tour bike’s equipment is absolutely identical to the commercially available Warp TT Team-E. While the pros thrash the Fulcrum high-profile disc wheelset over the asphalt on narrow Conti Competition ProLtd tube-type tyres, the speedster for everybody has Red Wind XLR 80 aluminium clinchers made by the same manufacturer, including comfortable mass-produced GP 4000S 23 wired-on tyres.

I feel sorry for these lightweight pros, especially on poor ground surfaces or in strong crosswinds. Although there’s nothing wrong with tubulars in terms of weight, stiffness, ceramic bearings, and rolling resistance, the narrow V profile is no longer up to date, responding with a sudden jolt to every gust of wind. In addition, the rigid front wheel makes the front of the bike seem harder than it actually is.

Standard equipment

Although the new Warp Tri models are based on the Pro Tour bike discussed here, they do not comply with every UCI regulation. In addition to their high degree of aerodynamics, they dazzle with a geometry that is toned down for use in triathlons and an adaptable modular cockpit.

For example, the large seat adjustment range and the high seat tube angle of 76-80° (compare with the TT bike at 74-78.5°) are clearly made for middle- to long-distance triathletes. Above all amateur athletes benefit from the optimised geometry because their performance decreases more with a poor seat position compared with professionals.

Another further development from the TT model are the large “NACA Fastback” tube profiles, with their typical drop shape that is truncated towards the back. At the front, the extremely slim steering tube provides for little wind resistance.

Both the standard Ahead stem and the vertical dropouts that are open to the bottom, ensuring lightning-fast wheel changes, result in increased applicability for everyday and touring use.

+ Carbon frame with “Nano Matrix”
+ Wind tunnel-optimised overall concept
+ Triathlon-optimised geometry
+ Standard dropouts
+ Interior routing for electronic Di2 and mechanical shifting system

When we received the test bike via UPS, a cold shiver ran down my spine. The wounds caused by the previous time trial bike manufacturers X, Y and Z were too fresh, and the positive experiences with the Speedmax CF by Canyon were too valuable. So Merida did not have an easy job of winning me over with their Warp TT.

The first positive surprise came in putting it together – attach the handlebar, insert the seatpost, tighten a total of four screws, finished! The fine adjustment of the seat, spacers and extensions also went very quickly. In an instant, my desired position – including taking into account all the UCI rules – had been precisely transferred to the bike, and I took it out for the first long practice session.

I especially liked the generally high stiffness of the frame and of the base bar – very reassuring when pedalling super hard, hurrah! Despite this, the frame (rear, bottom bracket) and the cockpit (armpads, extensions) are sufficiently comfortable on bad roads and reduce rough shocks from the road, although the super-rigid and relatively “brittle” ProTeam wheels masked this a little. However, my ZIPP 808 Clincher or the Airstreeem Carbon Aero 85, including 22/24mm tyres, made road handling, rolling resistance and comfort a true revelation.

This brings us to the topic of road handling: very agile over short and medium reaches, yet perfect straight-line stability. Even in the tightest corners, there were no problems with the steering – before my first ride, I was afraid that I might fall off in 180° bends due to the limited steering angle. 

Finally, the topic of brakes: This is just the way one would like it – quick adjustment, lots of bite, good dosing capability and very low maintenance. Highly recommended in everyday riding, for training camps as well as on long distances if the rider is able to endure the aggressive riding position.

The Warp TT is not only one of the fastest time trial bikes on the market (according to Merida’s own wind tunnel tests and direct comparisons to the competition), it also sets new standards in terms of adjustability. After all, one rides really fast only when one has found the optimum compromise between aerodynamics and biomechanical position. Its riding performance and everyday practicality are outstanding.

This uncompromising time trial bike has an integrated seat clamp that produces no turbulence, a specially designed handlebar/stem unit that allows an almost infinite variety of different settings of the cockpit, and many other smart features, such as the “Modular Head”, the adjustment mechanism for the dropouts, the flip-flop seatpost feature, and perfectly functioning Shimano Dura-Ace Direct-Mount brakes.

Highly recommended for long workouts, TT races and short-distance triathlons. Real triathletes pick the Warp Tri.