New year, new me! That’s what MERIDA’s engineers thought while redesigning the ONE-FORTY 10K for the new season. The latest iteration of MERIDA’s trail bike boasts an elegant, fresh new look and shares the same frame platform as the ONE-SIXTY, which has already impressed us in the past. But what is it capable of on the trail?
14.1 kg in size L | € 11,699 | Manufacturer’s website
Despite being one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the World, MERIDA isn’t especially well represented on the trails. However, the new models might be able to change this, rolling into the new season with a fresh new look and exciting geometry concept. This allows you to choose your frame size according to your desired reach rather than your height, which is possible thanks to short seat tubes across all sizes. Moreover, the seat tube angle is steep across the board, while the size-specific shock tune ensures consistent suspension performance across all sizes, allowing taller (and thus heavier) riders to enjoy a similar riding experience as shorter, lighter ones. Unlike what the 10K suffix might suggest, the MERIDA ONE-FORTY 10K retails at € 11,699, which makes it the most expensive analogue competitor in this test. Tipping the scales at 14.1 kg, MERIDA’s trail bike employs an elegant carbon frame with flex-stays and combines 150/143 mm of travel, front and rear.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best trail bike 2024 – 15 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2024 comparison test
The 2023 MERIDA ONE-FORTY 10K in Detail
The ONE-FORTY 10K relies on a discreet design language with a simple, straight-lined frame silhouette, all topped off by a glittery, green-brown paint finish, which makes it a real head turner. The elegant look is enhanced by some clever frame details, like the hidden brake mount, which is tucked away behind the seat stays. Furthermore, the ONE-FORTY 10K comes standard with a tool strap on the shock mount and a small multi-tool under the saddle – awesome! The frame also features an integrated service port at the bottom of the down tube, which doubles up as a storage compartment, with a storage pouch included as standard. The cover is removed with a 6 mm Allen key, which you’ll find hidden in the handle of the rear thru axle.. A generously sized TPU plate shields the down tube from stray rocks, while a small mudguard between the seat tube and seat stays protects the main bearing from mud. The cables are routed internally and disappear into the frame through an Acros headset, but unfortunately there’s a loud rattling noise in the swingarm area.
The spec of the 2023 MERIDA ONE-FORTY 10K
As the price tag suggests, the ONE-FORTY 10K comes equipped with some of the finest components. These include FOX Factory suspension consisting of a 36 fork and matching FLOAT DPS shock. While the fork is the flagship model in FOX’s portfolio, offering countless adjustment options and delivering a tremendous performance on the trail, the DPS shock is a slimmed-down version of the FLOAT X, which is a popular choice amongst trail bikes but forgoes a piggy-back reservoir. While this might help save weight, it comes at the expense of trail performance. The Limotec dropper offers up to a whopping 230 mm of travel, which can be set anywhere from 30-230mm stroke. Furthermore, the post can be inserted all the way into the frame across all sizes – excellent! This makes the Merida one of the few bikes in this test with a long travel dropper post. Shimano supply the top-tier XTR brakes, which are paired with 200 mm IceTech rotors front and rear, providing reliable and powerful deceleration. Shifting is taken care of by a SRAM XX Transmission drivetrain: the rear derailleur is bolted directly to the frame and forgoes both a mech hanger and limit adjustment screws! The SRAM AXS pod is connected via an Infinity clamp, which allows for a wide range of adjustments. For the wheels, MERIDA combine a Reynolds BL 329 carbon wheelset and MAXXIS tires, with a Minion DHF at the front and DISSECTOR at the rear. The tire combination is sensible and rounded off by a decent pairing of casings, which combines an EXO at the front and EXO+ at the rear. However, both tires come in the harder MaxxTerra rubber compound, so we recommend upgrading to a softer MaxxGrip rubber compound at the front for more traction.
The spec of the ONE-FORTY is top-notch! In particular we like the long-travel dropper post, which can be inserted all the way into the frame.
Together with the SCOR, the MERIDA is the only bike in this test that doesn’t have a piggy-back shock, which compromises its trail performance.
The name says it all! Our test bike in size Long is… erm, brutally long! In fact, it’s the bike with the longest reach in the entire test field.
The integrated service port at the bottom of the down tube doubles as a storage compartment and comes standard with a pouch.
Since the MERIDA relies on mixed components from Shimano and SRAM, the shifter pod requires an additional clamp, which restricts the cockpit’s ergonomics.
The rear brake calliper is mounted on a special bracket and tucked away behind the seat stay – clever!
MERIDA ONE-FORTY 10K
€ 11,699
Specifications
Fork FOX 36 Factory GRIP2 150 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT DPS Factory 143 mm
Seatpost LIMOTEC Merida Team TR II 230 mm
Brakes Shimano XTR 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM XX SL Transmission 1x12
Stem MERIDA Expert 60 mm
Handlebar MERIDA TEAM TR 780 mm
Wheelset Reynolds BL 329 Carbon 29"
Tires MAXXIS DHF, EXO, MaxxTerra/MAXXIS DISSECTOR, EXO+, MaxxTerra 2.5"/2.4"
Technical Data
Size XS S M L XL
Weight 14.1 kg
Specific Features
Toolstrap
Tool under saddle
Flip-Chip
Tuning tip: More robust tires with EXO+ casing and softer rubber compound at the front
Jersey 7Mesh Roam Shirt LS | Pants Monserat Trailpants
Shoes Ride Concepts Accomplice
The geometry of the 2024 MERIDA ONE-FORTY 10K
The ONE-FORTY 10K is available in 5 sizes, XS to XL. However, MERIDA rely on a proprietary sizing concept, where the “S ” and “L” in the acronym stand for short and long, meaning that the frames come in different sizes but are suitable for riders of all heights. The Long size we tested is exactly that: long! As a result, we recommend choosing your size carefully, and in our opinion it’s worth reaching for the smaller size if you’re on the fence, as this translates into livelier handling. While the massive 509 mm reach makes it by far the longest bike in this test, the 445 mm seat tube is nice and short. The chainstay length doesn’t grow with the frame size, measurings 437.5 mm across the board. However, this also means that the handling changes slightly between the different frame sizes, because the growing reach and consistent chainstay length result in a different weight distribution. A flip chip in the shock mount allows you to adapt the rear end to be compatible with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels without altering the geometry.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 532 mm | 559 mm | 586 mm | 618 mm | 649 mm |
| Seat tube | 400 mm | 410 mm | 425 mm | 445 mm | 470 mm |
| Head tube | 95 mm | 95 mm | 95 mm | 105 mm | 120 mm |
| Head angle | 65.0° | 65.0° | 65.0° | 65.0° | 65.0° |
| Seat angle | 80.0° | 80.0° | 80.0° | 80.0° | 80.0° |
| Chainstays | 438 mm | 438 mm | 438 mm | 438 mm | 438 mm |
| BB Drop | 35 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm | 35 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,177 mm | 1,204 mm | 1,232 mm | 1,265 mm | 1,298 mm |
| Reach | 426 mm | 453 mm | 480 mm | 509 mm | 535 mm |
| Stack | 607 mm | 607 mm | 607 mm | 616 mm | 629 mm |
The 2023 MERIDA ONE-FORTY 10K on the trail
As soon as you swing your leg over the saddle, the MERIDA places you in a comfortable pedalling position, which is far more upright than you might expect just from looking at the reach values, and doesn’t put excessive pressure on your hands – the steep seat tube angle plays a crucial role in this. At the same time, the front wheel always remains planted on the ground, tracking efficiently even on steep climbs. The suspension is on the firm side and doesn’t bob at all, making the ONE-FORTY a lively, efficient climber.
The MERIDA is the longest bike in the entire test field, which, on one hand, ensures a high level of composure and, on the other, comes at the expense of the bike’s agility.
When gravity takes over, the long reach quickly becomes apparent, and yet the balance is still evenly distributed between the front and rear. That said, the MERIDA places you on top of the bike rather than integrating you between its wheels, thus making it harder to carve through tight hairpins. Moreover, the steep seat angle positions the saddle far forward between your legs, which takes a little getting used to. Despite this, the MERIDA ONE-FORTY is intuitive to ride and makes you feel at ease from the get go. The harder you push it, the rowdier it gets, which is partly due to the firm suspension, which provides plenty of feedback from the ground. We found it lacked a little sensitivity – upgrading to a piggy-back shock would make a huge difference. As a result, the MERIDA feels most at home on smooth, flowing trails with tons of berms, rollers and jumps. The long reach comes at the expense of agility, making the MERIDA one of the least nimble bikes in this test, alongside the Ghost and the Cube. On the other hand, the long frame ensures excellent composure on faster trails, where the MERIDA rides alongside the Cannondale and Santa Cruz Hightower.
Who should take a closer look at the 2024 MERIDA ONE-FORTY 10K?
The ONE-FORTY 10K is an excellent choice if you’re after a potent frame platform with well thought-out details. Take care when choosing the size, because long bikes compromise on agility, which can kill the fun factor of a trail bike. While the eye-watering € 11,699 price tag might be a major setback for some, MERIDA have a huge dealer network, making it super easy to service and repair your bike.
Our conclusions about the 2024 MERIDA ONE-FORTY 10K
As the most expensive analogue bike in this test, the MERIDA ONE-FORTY 10K convinces with a good frame platform and several clever features, like the tool strap and long-travel dropper post, which can be inserted all the way into the frame across all sizes. On the trail, the MERIDA delivers a smooth performance but also feels a little sluggish, which spoils the fun factor quite significantly. The suspension might lack sensitivity, but shines with tons of support, allowing it to pick up speed on flowing trails.
Tops
- Excellent high speed composure
- Unique geometry concept
- Clever frame features
Flops
- Sluggish on narrow trails
- Rear suspension lacks sensitivity
You can find out more about at merida-bikes.com
The test field
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best trail bike 2024 – 15 of the most exciting trail bikes in our 2024 comparison test
All bikes in test: Cannondale Habit LT 1 (Click for review) | Cube ONE55 C:62 SLT 29 (Click for review) | Ghost RIOT Trail Full Party (Click for review) | Merida ONE-FORTY 10K | Mondraker Neat RR SL (Click for review) | Nicolai Saturn 14 Swift HRZ (Click for review) | Orbea Occam LT M10 (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Heckler SL XX AXS RSV (Click for review) | Santa Cruz Hightower X0 AXS RSV (Click for review) | Scor 2030 X01 (Click for review) | SCOTT Genius ST 900 Tuned (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo SL (Click for review) | Trek Fuel EX 9.9 X0 AXS T-Type (Click for review) | Yeti SB140 LR T3 X0 (Click for review) | YT JEFFSY CORE 5 CF (Click for review)
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Simon Kohler Photos: Peter Walker
