Merida eONE-SIXTY 900E Electric Mountain Bike
The eONE-SIXTY 900E from Merida is one of the best eMTBs money can buy, and has recently been awarded a number of top accolades:
- eONE-SIXTY 900E wins Design & Innovation Award 2017
- eONE-SIXTY 900E awarded the TAIPEI CYCLE d&i award 2017
- eONE-SIXTY 900E awarded ‘Best in Test’ 2017 by E-Mountainbike Magazine
- eONE-SIXTY 900E awarded ‘Best Value’ 2017 by E-Mountainbike Magazine
Leading eMTB magazine ‘E-Mountainbike’ declared the eONE-SIXTY 900E having “brilliant and cohesive spec” a “stylish image” and comes at a “great price“. Praise indeed for what is a truly awesome machine. First impressions are all about the look of the bike. Perfect geometry. Perfect lines. Then there’s the plethora of high level components that take the eONE-SIXTY to dizzy heights. Designed for full off road, this gem of an eMTB provides serious performance as well as endless fun on even the most demanding trails.
Powered by the new Shimano E8000 engine, the eONE-SIXTY 900E delivers extraordinary performance. Light and responsive, the E8000 marks a new era for eMTBs. Merida refer to their frames as having a ‘casting motorbracket’. This allows a more integrated look as well as improved motor performance. Frames are made of triple butted aluminium alloy and are extremely light and durable. They are manufactured with an optimised stiffness-to-weight ratio. A huge 500Wh battery ensures long rides, and fits seamlessly into the frame. The Fox Float Factory 36 Boost 160mm forks are Kashima coated and ultra responsive. Capable of gobbling up almost anything. The ‘Boost’ thru axle widens the hub spacing by 6mm resulting in a flatter spoke angle. Wheels are stiffer and stronger. Chain stay length is shorter for greater agility. Rear suspension is provided via a FOX X2, and delivers ultimate compensation whenever required. A tapered headtube ensures superb stiffness and precise steering.
Gearing on the eONE-SIXTY 900E doesn’t get any better. A Shimano XT Shadow Plus and 11-speed 11-46T cassette work in perfect harmony. Add Di2 electronic easy switch shifting, and the result is effortless, reliable and efficient gear changes, enough for any terrain. Wheels are tough, stable and reliable. Maxxis DHR II 2.8″ Plus tyres adorn the awesome, lightweight DT Swiss XM1501 Spline One rims for ultra strength and endurance. Hubs are once more DT Swiss and utilise the XM1501 Spline One 40 boost. A perfect match. Braking comes in the form of Shimano Saint hydraulic disc brakes with ice tech cooling. A set of 203mm/180mm rotors are more than up to the job. Shimano Saint brake levers add a nice feel,to what is a very responsive and effective system.
The RockShox Reverb Stealth dropper seatpost is a nice touch and facilitates easy handling on all those tricky downhills at the press of a button!
The aesthetics of the eONE-SIXTY 900E are further enhanced in a number of ways. Internal cable routing has been perfected thanks to Merida’s ‘Smart Entry’ approach. Cables are indeed routed internally, but are clamped under tension eliminating cable rattle and noise even when the going gets tough. Special inlets and outlets ensure a clean and uncluttered look. For even greater strength and resilience, welding comprises a two-stage process. A second weld evens the connecting welding seam producing a ‘smooth-weld’ appearance for even more astonishing looks.
Merida really have thought hard about producing a top end eMTB. The eONE-SIXTY 900E is a real winner.