The Scultura Evo Team-20 is Merida's new flagship road bike and it weighs in at a featherlight 6.4kg (14.1lb), with a claimed frame weight of just 855g (1.9lb).
According to the company's product manager David Webster, it offers "the Holy Grail of light weight, stiffness and comfort".
The monocoque frame is made from high-modulus carbon fibre reinforced with nano particles for improved impact resistance. Features include comfort-enhancing Flexstays and a BB30 bottom bracket for improved power delivery.
Merida's Anti Wrinkle System (AWS) – silicon inserts are used during construction to ensure a smooth and uniform surface on the inside of the frame, then removed – is said to further improve stiffness and durability.
A full build is available, at £4,291.29, which includes a full SRAM Red groupset, S40 wheels, Vittoria Diamante Pro tyres, FSA finishing kit and a Fizik Arione saddle. Alternatively, you can buy the frameset, including Merida's 295g Carbon Road Ultralite fork and Ultralite Carbon seatpost, for £1,532.60.
Merida Time Warp
We showed you Merida's innovative Time Warp time trial bike back in the summer, and it looks even more impressive in the flesh. The key feature is the Modular Head System, which allows you to adjust the height of the front end by up to 40mm by inserting a large green wedge at the top of the head tube.
It shares much of the technology found on the Scultura Evo, with the deep aero-section frame again made from carbon fibre coupled with nano-matrix resins. Claimed frame and fork weight (medium size) is 1,779g (3.9lb) – for comparison, Giant's Trinity Advanced weighs 2,236g (4.9lb).
UK pricing has now been confirmed. The frameset, including FSA IS-2C headset, Merida's Time Warp Carbon-Triathlon fork, Tektro T925/R725-2 brakes with Vision aero levers, own-brand carbon seatpost and seat clamp, will set you back £2,298.90.
For £5,364.12 you get a full build including SRAM Red derailleurs and SL-Aero TT shifters, an FSA Neon Pro TR chainset, SRAM S60/S80 wheels, Vittoria Diamante Pro tyres, Vision Trimax bar, FSA ST-OS-15 stem and a Fizik Aliante CX Kium saddle.
