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Thu 2 Jul, 10:25 am UTC

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Merida unveil new TimeWarp time trial/triathlon bike

By BikeRadar

Merida have unveiled their new TimeWarp bike, suitable for both time trial and triathlon use.

A key feature of the TimeWarp is the ability to adjust the height of the front end by inserting a large green wedge at the top of the head tube.

This allows the stem to be raised by 40mm without the use of extra spacers. Merida say the wedge system is more aerodynamic than using spacers, as well as being less flexy when cornering.

Merida’s head of design Juergen Falke, an Ironman competitor, set out to create a frame which balanced aerodynamics and efficiency, and could be fine-tuned for different riders. See the video on this page for an explanation from Juergen Falke.

In high mode: in high mode

Here's the Time Warp in high mode

In low mode: in low mode

Here's the Time Warp in low mode

Time trial riders can remove the wedge to position the bars extremely low, while long-distance triathletes can wedge the bars to a more comfortable level, without any loss of stiffness and without spoiling the bike's appearance with a stack of spacers. 

Frames will be available in October for £2,399.99 and full bikes will be on sale in January 2010 at £5,299.99.

The modular wedge in place:

User Comments

There are 3 comments on this post

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 comments

  • I understand the wedge idea but I dont see how they get over the need for a longer steerer tube? Anyone know?

    Great looking bike but I think they should have though about the cable routing a lot more, they've just knacked their efforts for and aero frame.

  • The steerer can't extend. I suppose you must leave enough to fit the wedge and pack up with spacers when in low mode. So apart for aerodynamics and looks, this is a gimmick. Add 10-15mm of spacers and remove them when you want a lower position. Actually it must be a pain to add/remove the wedge since you must change to top cup of the headset it seems from one wedge to the other. Or maybe it comes with 2 top cups????

    Anyways beautiful bike!

  • he's been reading slowtwitch. The're readers have a loathing for spacers. Why not just provide aero spacers?

    This does make it look a lot cleaner.

    As for cable routing, make it simple to use first, the internal routing on my cervelo is a fkin nightmare

  • 1

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