Merida Scultura 5000 first ride review

Merida has specced a bit more Shimano Ultegra than £1,750 normally gets you — and a carbon seatpost — though economies have been made to the brakes and chainset on its endurance-flavoured Scultura 5000.

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Merida Scultura 5000 spec overview

• Weight: 8.05kg (56cm)
• Frame: Carbon
• Fork: Full carbon, tapered
• Gears: Shimano Ultegra (R500 50/34), 11-28
• Brakes: Shimano R561
• Wheels: Merida Expert SL
• Tyres: 25mm Continental Ultra Sport II
• Handlebar: Merida Expert Compact
• Stem: Merida Expert

Its distance qualities are reflected in its (just) metre-plus wheelbase, a taller head-tube than a ‘standard’ road bike and Merida’s own Flex Stay chain- and seatstays, which are designed to reduce vibrations.

Though its classic race bike 73-degree parallel angles and on-the-money 8kg weight show its aspirations aren’t overly lazy.

Merida Scultura 5000 ride impression

Out on the road the Scultura scores highly for tapping out the miles comfortably and at a decent lick. The geometry, with its short-reach drops and tall, back-friendly seat tube, is ideal if you don’t tend to ride too aggressively.

It’s not that it’s slow, but with a 190mm head tube you’re not getting into a super-slow aero tuck. The Flex Stay technology seems to work too, as rear-end comfort is impressive — and without any unwanted efficiency-fleecing lateral flex we couldn’t get any rear brake rub even when we tried.

If you’re looking for a long-distance bike for reasonably paced rides and you like a slightly more upright riding position, this Merida is a serious challenger to the likes of Specialized’s Roubaix. And at well under £2,000 it also represents very decent value.

Merida Scultura 5000 early verdict

Good value endurance bike scores more for comfort than all-out speed.