Merida Reacto V 2027

Since 2011 the Merida Reacto has stood for aero performance with a racing focus. The fifth generation is now intended to set new standards: Under 200 watts according to TOUR magazine's measurement method (Reacto ONE: 196 watts), lower weight while maintaining stiffness values with a development target of 6.8 kg, as well as high comfort and tire clearance up to 32 mm. The Reacto TEAM weighs just over 7 kg in size M.

Despite the still competitive previous version, the Merida Reacto V positions itself as an even more aerodynamic and versatile all-rounder. Ten models cover different budgets and use cases.

Witti from Bikeboard had the great honor of attending the press launch in Valencia.

Since 2011 the Reacto has stood for uncompromising aerodynamics. What began as a pure aero race bike has been consistently developed over five generations – with a clear goal: maximum efficiency, without sacrificing comfort and control.

With the Reacto V, Merida consistently continues this course. The focus is not only on top marks in the wind tunnel, but on a road bike that remains fast, stable and controllable — in WorldTour use as well as on the quick after‑work ride. The new Reacto therefore does not present itself as a one‑dimensional aero specialist tool, but as a versatile aero all‑rounder.

The most uncompromising aero configuration registers 196 watts in TOUR magazine's wind-tunnel test. The weight is 7.4 kg in size M.

It uses a 1x drivetrain with a Classified hub gear that covers the full 2x gear range. Fitted with DT Swiss ARC wheels with Continental Aero 111 and Grand Prix 5000S TR tires in 29/30 mm, respectively. A Rotor power meter is integrated, and braking is handled by 160-mm discs front and rear.

Reacto One Specs

The ultimate all-round aero performer records 202 watts in TOUR magazine's wind-tunnel review. The weight is 7.2 kg in size M.

The aero balance is designed for an especially well-balanced performance in head- and crosswinds, resulting in high stability and secure handling in crosswinds. A SRAM power meter is integrated; braking is done with 160-mm discs front and rear.

Reacto 10K Specs

The Reacto Team is the lightest model in the Reacto range. In TOUR magazine's wind-tunnel review it reaches 203 watts, significantly improving on the Reacto IV Team's 211 watts. The weight is 7.1 kg in size M.

It is equipped with a Shimano power meter and 160-mm brake discs front and rear.

Reacto Team Specs

Merida Reacto V geometry

Even the presentation the evening before had piqued my curiosity. Admittedly I haven't missed the trend toward specialization in the road-bike sector — Aero, Light & Endurance — but my own road bike, with a birth year of 2015, is definitely from another world.
The Reacto makes no visual compromises. From the purpose-built CW 1P cockpit, through the fork to the overall frame shape, any layperson can unmistakably see that this is about only one thing: Speed.

The nice thing about it is that everyday use hasn't been forgotten. With as many as seven frame sizes, just about everyone will find the right bike; the geometries are sporty but not extreme in reach and stack.

I find the approach of offering three top bikes with different high-end equipment brilliant. The ONE with a 1x drivetrain and Classified hub as the ultimate aero weapon, the 10K with a balanced setup (cockpit, Reynolds wheels) and the TEAM as the lightest variant with Shimano Dura-Ace components and wheels from Vision.

In addition to these top models, four more Reacto models are available in Austria: the PRO with Dura-Ace Di2, a more affordable cockpit and DT Swiss ARC 1600, the 8000 model with Ultegra Di2, Vision cockpit and Reynolds AR 60 DB wheels, as well as the 6000 (Shimano 105 Di2) and 5000 (Shimano 105).

The latter two fall into the "sensible" category. The CF3 frame used here has the same aerodynamic performance characteristics as the CF5 of the top models, but a different carbon layup, and can therefore be offered at a correspondingly lower price. But let's be honest — if a rocket like that comes home, it should already be playing in the top tier.

After an intensive workshop in the morning it was finally time — I got to pick up my Reacto. At first I was a little disappointed that it was the ONE, but that soon passed. I chose the size Medium, which most closely matches the stack and reach of my 2015 Cannondale SuperSix.

After adjusting the saddle height and pairing my Wahoo computer with the Rotor power meter, the Merida crew and I, together with 20 other sports journalists, set off on a 47 km ride.

As is often the case with a new ride under your backside, it took a few kilometers to get used to — after all, I’ve spent the last four months riding only the gravel bike.

On flat roads the Reacto ONE was a lot of fun in the group. In the draft I constantly felt I had to hold back to avoid running into the rider in front. The position on the bike is naturally sporty. A solid stack is paired with a comfortable reach — exactly how I prefer it. The DT Swiss wheels proved, in a positive sense, unobtrusive and tended to track true; even in the wind they were never twitchy.

Uphill — the hill, over 9 km, had a respectable 360 meters of elevation — only the rider showed signs of weakness. The climb made it necessary for the first time to activate the Classified hub. That can be done surprisingly quietly and reliably. When riding out of the saddle the frame showed itself unimpressed by my considerable body weight and was super stiff, while the surprisingly comfortable Prologo Nago saddle kept me sitting for most of the time.

I was still not used to the fitted Vision aero handlebar. Riding on the tops — except on the hoods — apparently isn't cool anymore. But there are ways to get at least a bit of grip on a carbon bar. On the hoods the narrow Vision bar, however, feels great, whether on the flats, uphill or downhill.

The Reacto ONE put the biggest smile on my face during a long descent. I had actually expected the opposite, but in this configuration this aero machine is a proper downhill weapon. It's probably the combination of a stiff frame, the riding position, the DT Swiss wheels and the cockpit that allowed me to trust the Reacto ONE completely from the very first corner. The Conti tyres at 4 bar pressure practically glued to the Spanish asphalt and even at top speed — about 80 km/h shown on the Wahoo — the Reacto showed no weaknesses.

Even the subsequent rides confirmed this first impression. Unfortunately I was only able to ride the TEAM version briefly. As a decades‑long Dura‑Ace rider I was impressed by the crankset and the front derailleur. The fitted Vision Metron 60 RS wheels proved to be noticeably more agile, but also more prone to crosswinds compared with the DT Swiss ARC 1100 on the Reacto ONE.

The Reynolds wheels on the Reacto 10K should be the happy medium here. Unfortunately a stomach bug prevented me from being able to review that model.

In any case I’m really looking forward to the long-term review — no matter which of the three top models eventually turns up on my doorstep.

The enormous development effort — incidentally made in Germany — has paid off. Where earlier aero race bikes still had weaknesses in certain areas, I can so far see none with the Merida Reacto V. Any drop in performance on the test ride was due only to the rider. The Reacto felt at home on every terrain — above all it was able to shine on descents.

All models are intelligently specified; the high-end models with a list price of around €10,000 offer very good value for money. The 8000 model with Ultegra Di2 at about €5,699 is a genuine bargain.

The long-term review will show whether the Merida Reacto V can prove its coherent concept over time.