Merida Innovations 2026

In July, Merida invited guests to Reit im Winkl in southern Germany to showcase the highlights of the upcoming season. The full range of new road and gravel bikes, mountain bikes, and E-MTB models was presented. The focus was on proven platforms like the SILEX, the REACTO, the NINETY-SIX, and the eONE-SIXTY, the latter now equipped with the latest Bosch drives.

The presentation was accompanied by an extensive test offering with around 200 test bikes and a variety of route options on asphalt, gravel, and off-road terrain, including two compact off-road loops for the MTB and E-MTB segments.

For us, it was a welcome opportunity to take a closer look at the new lineup, test the bikes directly in the field, and engage in discussions with the product managers and technical partners from Shimano, Sram, Bosch, and FSA.

Merida presents the new DIRT, a robust and fun-oriented platform for dirt jumping and pump tracks, specifically designed to appeal to new target groups. The frame of all bikes is made of durable 6061 aluminum, is approved for category 5 (downhill/freeride), and comes with a five-year warranty. Despite the simple single-speed setup, the bikes feature thoughtful details like gyro compatibility, extra-long brake cable housings, and even a bottle cage mount - for greater versatility in urban use.

The DIRT is available in two sizes, either particularly agile for tricks or longer and more stable for taller riders and pump track enthusiasts. Two model variants are available: The DIRT 700 is designed for ambitious dirt jumpers and slopestylers and comes with high-quality components such as the RockShox Pike DJ and DT Swiss D1900, albeit at a correspondingly sporty price. The DIRT 500, specially offered in an Austria Edition, is aimed at beginners and young riders. It features a solid setup with an air-sprung Manitou fork, Alex rims, and Kenda tires at a very competitive price.

Merida Dirt 500

Merida's REACTO, SCULTURA, and SCULTURA ENDURANCE remain largely unchanged technically in the 2026 model year, which is absolutely legitimate given their performance.

Instead of radical new designs, Merida focuses on the subtle differences – new, elaborate paint jobs, fresh colors, updated specs, and a noticeably broader model range for the Austrian market. The motto is: More choice and more style with minimal air resistance.

The razor-sharp Reacto aero platform remains the top contender when it comes to speed, stiffness, and edgy looks. Particularly noteworthy for 2026: The REACTO 5000 with CF3 carbon frame IV, Shimano 105 Di2, and Vision Team 35 Comp SL wheels for 3,299 euros – a true price-performance hit for ambitious aero fans.

The Reacto 8000 features a CF3 carbon frame with integrated cable routing ("Wire Port") and aerodynamically optimized shaping. The cooling fins at the brake mount ("Disc Cooler") improve thermal management on long descents; weight, stiffness, and comfort are at a high level. The equipment is designed for sporty use. New is the color variant Rainbow-Purple.

Reacto 8000 MY26

The Scultura remains the most versatile model in the lineup: lightweight, comfortable, and fast. The new colors appear both elegant and sporty. Across all models and frame sizes, the seat post has been switched to 0-degree offset, and the top models come factory-equipped with TPU tubes, single-sided power meters, and integrated FindMy technology. Additionally, the gearing on selected variants has been made more suitable for climbing – identifiable by the abbreviation „CH“. While „CH“ geographically stands for Switzerland, here it also explicitly denotes a configuration with lighter climbing gears in Austria.

The Scultura 4000 in "Glossy Black Silver" combines a CF3-V frame with Shimano 105, weighs 8.8 kilograms, and costs 2,499 euros. It impresses both uphill and on long flat sections, offering good value for money.

The Scultura 10K is the top model of the series and is based on the exceptionally lightweight CF5 carbon frame. Geometry, tube shapes, and many construction details are inspired by Merida's aero model, the Reacto, while the Scultura focuses on low weight, high efficiency, and noticeable riding comfort. Nevertheless, the aerodynamics have been significantly improved compared to previous generations. The frame and fork offer a balanced mix of stiffness, damping, and precise handling. The paintwork in "Silk Blue/Grey" changes color depending on the light.

Scultura 10K MY26

For everyone who doesn’t feel the need to chase their FTP value on every ride but also enjoys taking in the view: The Scultura Endurance bridges the gap between a classic road bike and a lightweight gravel bike, featuring a relaxed geometry, comfort-oriented equipment, and integration typically found only in high-end models. A CF3-II carbon frame, Shimano’s 105 Di2, and Maxxis Re-Fuse tires in 32C make up a stylish long-distance package. Officially, a maximum tire width of 35 mm with 5 mm ISO clearance is approved – but in practice, significantly wider tires also fit.

New in the Austrian lineup: the two aluminum models, Endurance 400 and 300.

The full-suspension XC/Marathon bike Ninety-Six remains a key part of the lineup and is aimed at performance-oriented riders. With 100 mm of travel at the rear, 120 mm at the front, and modern geometry, it is equally suited for demanding climbs and fast descents. The model range spans from the aluminum model Ninety-Six 400 to the carbon flagship Ninety-Six 9000.

In Austria, the identically named version of the Ninety-Six 9000 with SRAM GX Eagle T-Type 12-speed wireless shifting and Fox 34 SC fork is still being offered at the more affordable price of 7,999 euros.

Merida is initially relying on proven platforms with targeted technical advancements for its e-bike portfolio. The Bosch Performance Line CX and the lightweight SX motor are now being widely used across various model series. The program is complemented by new colors and specific equipment updates.

Major innovations in the e-MTB segment are planned for fall 2025 and spring 2026. Specific information on this is currently under embargo.

The eONE-EIGHTY FR 800 is Merida's longest travel E-MTB to date and is aimed at bike park riders and demanding descents in alpine terrain. It is based on an aluminum frame with revised kinematics, offering 180 mm of travel at the front and rear, as well as a mullet setup with a 29-inch front wheel and a 27.5-inch rear wheel. The new frame is compatible with coil shocks. For the drivetrain, Merida is using the Bosch Performance Line CX motor for the first time, delivering 85 Nm of torque in combination with an 800-Wh battery.

Thanks to a not overly slack head angle, a high front end, and short chainstays, the bike is said to feel significantly more agile and lighter than the spec sheet might suggest.

The eOne-Sixty SL model range remains largely unchanged but has been expanded with numerous new color variants.

Particularly noteworthy is the eOne-Sixty SL 8000 in "Guarded Gold." This light-support e-MTB combines a full-carbon frame with sporty geometry, 160 millimeters of travel, and 29-inch wheels, with a total weight of 20.3 kg. The new Bosch SX motor provides moderate but noticeable support at a low overall weight. With a Rock Shox suspension, wireless SRAM GX AXS drivetrain, and DT Swiss HX 1700 wheels, the bike is aimed at ambitious riders who seek a natural riding experience with electric assistance. The MSRP in Austria is 7,999 euros.