• 8 months ago
Lightweight electric mountain bikes are very popular these days, especially among MTB enthusiasts looking for the extra kick provided by an electric motor. New powertrains from the likes of Bosch and Shimano have paved the way for more capable and lightweight e-MTBs, and Merida, a popular name in the cycling industry, is the latest to use this technology, specifically the Shimano EP801 motor.

For the 2024 riding season, Merida has introduced not one but two new e-MTBs designed for both hardcore Mountain Bikers and casual commuters looking for some premium off-road capability. Electric bikes need to be versatile (even more so than their muscle-powered siblings), and Merida is hoping to deliver on that with two new models.

Merida's eOne-Sixty Lite is designed as a versatile e-MTB that combines the essential features of long-distance touring e-bikes with the go-anywhere capability of enduro mountain bikes. It features an aluminum frame and front and rear suspension with 170mm of travel at the front and 174mm at the rear, with a choice of RockShox or Marzocchi hardware. As mentioned before, it is powered by the Shimano EP801 motor and comes with a removable 750 watt-hour battery pack. Those looking to go the distance have the option to increase its capacity to 1,100 watt-hours via a range extender.

For those looking for the pinnacle of performance, Merida has also introduced the eOne-Sixty CF, where CF stands for carbon fiber. As you might expect, this bike features a full carbon frame with the same suspension travel as the light. But Merida makes things even better here, thanks to premium suspension components from brands like Fox and RockShox. Because of its lighter carbon frame, the eOne-Sixty CF can get away with a smaller 600-watt-hour battery pack, and an optional range extender can take that up to 960 watt-hours.

If the eOne-Sixty series is designed for uncompromising off-road performance, consider the eOne-Forty as its truer sibling. Merida markets the eOne-Forty as an "SUV e-bike"; meaning it's a more versatile option that goes beyond recreational cycling. That's why the eOne-Forty is equipped with more practical equipment such as a luggage rack, built-in lighting and components that are much more accessible when it comes to pricing.

For starters, it comes with shorter suspension with 150mm of travel than the RockShox or SR Suntour. However, it has a large 750-watt-hour battery pack that can be upgraded to 1,100 watt-hours for more range. Also, unlike its more premium eOne-Sixty sibling, it only comes with an aluminum frame.

With prices ranging from €4,699 for the base model eOne-Forty to €12,600 for the top-of-the-line eOne-Sixty CF, Merida's new e-bike range more than covers the bases when it comes to everything else.

Source: https://www.rideapart.com/news/710931/merida-eone-forty-eone-sixty-emtbs/

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