Merida eOne-Sixty & eOne-Forty 2024

Everything spins, everything moves – especially in the world of e-bikes. What was cutting-edge a few years ago in terms of range, weight, or support characteristics no longer meets the increasingly demanding expectations of customers today. Therefore, it's not surprising that Merida has once again modernized its e-MTBs, eOne-Sixty and eOne-Forty, last updated for 2021.

But where to turn in terms of development when segments are increasingly differentiating and it seems ever more difficult to meet all needs with one bike? "Sometimes the best compromise is to make no compromises at all," said Merida. And magically turned two bikes into three.

The eOne-Sixty CF is Merida's full-throttle E-MTB, lightweight, powerful, and made of carbon. The Mullet bike features 170 mm of travel at the front and 174 mm at the rear. The 600-Wh battery is permanently screwed in place and, due to its particularly low positioning, is supposed to ensure the best handling and fine maneuverability. The non-removable battery brings construction advantages - the keywords are stiffness and weight. The frame is supposed to have shed around 800 grams compared to its predecessor. Optionally, the battery capacity can be expanded to 960 Wh. From this platform, three models, standardly equipped with a Mullet setup, are offered between 7,399 and 11,599 euros.

The eOne-Sixty Lite aims to combine maximum range, comprehensive support, and great trail characteristics. Equipped with the same suspension travel and wheel mix as its carbon namesake, the Lite uses aluminum as the frame material and features a removable 750 Wh battery, which can also be expanded to a generous 1,110 Wh. Updates in geometry, suspension, and features specifically target performance on the trail. Here, two equipment packages are available for €6,599 and €5,999, respectively.

The similarity in names is no coincidence: In the past and now again, Merida has been significantly inspired by the One-Sixty and One-Forty in the further development of the E-Fullys. And why not, after all, the two non-motorized bikes are regularly praised by the trade press and awarded prizes.

The new E-MTBs, for example, use a specific version of Merida's in-house FAST suspension. Its kinematics offer size-specific progression, which should make it easier for lighter riders to use the full travel, while promising the necessary support and resistance for heavier or more aggressive riders.
The eOne-Sixty series is now also equipped with P-Flex technology, which is intended to reduce weight and maintenance effort, as flexing stays replace the rear pivot. For the smaller sibling, however, it remains at seat stays with pivot, to facilitate the mounting of racks and mudguards.

Also already known is Merida's Agilometer-System, which means that one is not limited to a single option when it comes to choosing a size. The combination of low standover height, a lot of suspension travel, and adjustable seat posts in all sizes means that a short reach for agility or a long reach for stability can be chosen.
This switch is also reflected in the terminology: instead of S(mall), M(edium), L(arge) etc., now there's Short, Mid, Long etc. Both platforms are offered in five sizes each.

Fundamentally, the geometry is heavily influenced by the One-Sixty but has of course been adapted to the specific requirements of an E-MTB - a motor needs space and also weighs quite a bit. Merida followed the general trend, increasing the reach values on both platforms, making the head angles slacker, and the seat angles steeper than in the previous generation. Despite the higher frame weight compared to the non-motorized models, the handling is still supposed to be "dynamic". In the case of the eOne-Forty, it's also agile enough to cope with the bustling urban jungle. For its bigger brother, the focus is primarily on stability in rough terrain and climbing capabilities. There is no difference between the carbon and the aluminum version of the eOne-Sixty.

For the purpose of optimal performance and user-friendliness, there are also many clever detail solutions or simply fine parts on board. For example, the Wire Port cable integration, the derailleur hanger in UDH standard, the Acros Block Lock steering stop, the Trail Mount (a mounting point for additional tools, spare materials, etc. on the underside of the top tube), or in some models the Merida Team TR Dropper Post with a tool-free adjustable travel from 30 to 230 mm.

With the Shimano Steps as its drive, the eOnes remain loyal to their previous power plant supplier. For those who might have missed it due to Bosch's dominance: Since 2023, there has been a new flagship model in the lineup of the Japanese, the EP801, and, of course, it also operates in Merida's E-MTBs.
Featuring improved connectivity, features like automatic shifting functions, and a completely new electronics system, the successors of the EP8 were presented to the public. In fact, the new model also surpassed in terms of performance (max. 600 W) and torque (max. 85 Nm) and delivers full power from the lowest pedal force, unlike the widely used Performance Line CX.

Its compact magnesium housing weighs 2.7 kg according to the manufacturer. The motor is controlled via a minimalist toggle switch on the handlebar along with a satellite on/off switch embedded in the top tube. Those who do not find the very limited information (battery status, support mode) sufficient can turn their gaze to the handlebar display, which is mounted to the right of the stem.
What Merida particularly appreciates about the Shimano motor, besides its compactness, sporty characteristics, reliability, and global service network, is the associated E-Tube App. Remember: Up to 15 support levels can be unlocked there for one of the two available profiles and finely tuned individually. In the second, it remains at the - also adjustable - three modes.

In terms of batteries, however, Merida leaves the very own Shimano universe and instead opts for Trendpower batteries. The Taiwanese company is the second manufacturer after Darfon to be recognized by Shimano as an official third-party provider - including any possible claims processing.