Merida Mission Race Gravel Review 2026

The new Merida Mission is a purebred gravel race bike that combines key geometry and frame elements from the Scultura Endurance and the Silex. It has also been enhanced with a solid dose of road bike DNA and aero know-how – for fast and direct performance on any terrain. With this clear focus, the new Mission is only available as a CF4 carbon frame. The tire clearance of up to 40 millimeters provides space for gravel race tires or voluminous road tires. As a result, the bike feels at home on gravel as well as on asphalt.

We attended the presentation of the new gravel racer in sunny Girona in September. Barely back in Austria, our long-term test bike, a Mission 10K, was already in the editorial office. Since then, it has been showing what it's capable of on local asphalt and gravel.

What is the maximum tire width?
The tire clearance on the Mission is a maximum of 40 millimeters. This limitation was intentionally chosen to ensure precise handling, low weight, and optimal performance for fast gravel racing on typical European terrain. Those seeking more comfort or off-road capability would be better served with the Silex or a Big.Nine hardtail.

What is the maximum brake disc size that can be installed?
The Mission is equipped as standard with 160-millimeter brake discs. If needed, 180-millimeter discs can also be mounted on the front and rear, provided the appropriate adapters are used.

Can alternative drivetrains be installed?
The new Mission is compatible with the UDH standard and is suitable for all modern drivetrain configurations. This includes both mullet and MTB setups as well as classic 2x road groupsets like Shimano Dura-Ace with 52/36. This variety allows for close gear spacing and precise adaptation to different racing and track conditions.

Suspension fork and dropper post on the Mission?
The Mission was designed for low weight and high speed. A suspension fork or a dropper seat post are therefore not part of the concept. Those who regularly ride on technically demanding terrain should opt for the Silex or a mountain bike from the Big.Nine series instead.

What options does the Mission offer for luggage, cages, and fenders?
Despite its sporty character, the Mission has sufficient mounting options for tools, water bottles, and small gear. The frame features three positions for bottle cages as well as a mounting option on the top tube for a bento box. Additionally, the integrated G.U.T. storage compartment is available.

The bike does not feature a rack system or eyelets on the fork. However, fenders can still be mounted thanks to the discreetly integrated mounts, which were first introduced with the Scultura Endurance. When fenders are mounted, tire clearance is reduced to a maximum of 35 millimeters.

The extra-wide rims and aerodynamically optimized Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheels roll extremely fast on asphalt as well as on firm and loose surfaces with the specially developed Goodyear Fiment XPLR Slicks – making them perfectly suitable for fast, dry gravel races.

But beware: A limiting factor is the low tire height cross-section. With too little air pressure, they bottom out relatively quickly on rough terrain. Therefore, it's absolutely necessary to ride tubeless and – depending on rider weight and track conditions – choose slightly more pressure rather than too little.

In mud, rough gravel, and similar conditions, tires with more tread are clearly the better choice. See the official list of all tested tires on the SRAM website. If wider tires up to a maximum of 45C are also needed, a wheelset with a smaller internal width is recommended, as the tire effectively becomes wider with the 32-mm Zipp rims, which could otherwise lead to contact with the frame or fork.

A true highlight is the new Team SL GR1P Carbon cockpit: ergonomic, comfortable, and featuring a flat drop bar that allows quick transitions between the tops and drops. Additionally, there is the integrated G.U.T. storage compartment in the down tube, providing space for tools or snacks without rattling.

A regular tube, a large CO₂ cartridge including an adapter, patch kit, and multitool easily fit inside. This means you can do without a saddle bag or an overstuffed jersey pocket. In our opinion, this is a very clever detail that even racers won't want to do without for long.

Visually, the Mission makes a clear statement. Sleek, aerodynamically optimized tube shapes, crystalline edges, and a touch of retro-futurism give it a character all its own. It doesn’t look like a showpiece but rather like speed – and that’s exactly how it rides.

Application: Gravel racing

In the next few weeks, wheelset experiments are on the agenda: On the one hand, the DT Swiss GRC 1100 Dicut 50 with 40mm Schwalbe G-One R tires on the usual Schönberg 01/02 routes, including autumnal mud passages.

On the other hand, the DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut 55 with 29mm or 30mm Conti GP 5000 slicks. My assumption: With the road bike wheels, the Mission rides like a solid endurance road bike – just with generous tire clearance. And that, in turn, could dangerously impact the personal collection of flared drop bar bikes. Because, hand on heart: Who still needs a comfort road bike when they have a Mission?