Mekk’s entry-level road bike is as good as you’ll find at this price: decently fast, comfortable and well equipped. And while 10kg isn’t that light, it’s good for the money, and you'll only really notice on climbs.
- Highs: Very good ride for the price
- Lows: Gears take time to get used to
The welds are pretty chunky, though the rear brake cable is internally routed and the Mekk has a carbon fork, which is more forgiving than alloy. Unusually – and very welcome – at this price, it also has cartridge brake pads, which contribute to the decent braking.
Microshift’s 8-speed shifters work well with the Shimano Sora rear derailleur and Microshift front, and though the three-lever setup takes getting used to, we still prefer it to old-style Shimano thumbshifters.
Watch out for the Mekk’s short wheelbase
It’s good to see rear rack mounts and fittings for mudguards, though you might want to check toe overlap. Our tester’s size 42 shoes overlapped the front tyre of the largish frame by about a centimetre, which shows the frame’s pretty aggressive geometry.
Overall, though, as a first road bike and a step up from supermarket bike-shaped-objects, this Mekk is a great shout.
