Check out the Meridabikes Reacto aero road bike that fred_wright0 rode to victory in the national champs at the weekend. ShimanoROAD cycling (pic © (t-a Photography Hub Ltd)
There were two big changes at the front end. Whereas the brake hoses and any shift cables used to run partially externally, they’re now tucked away inside, as they are on most high-end road bikes these days, going down the head tube via a cutout in the headset’s compression ring.
Merida says that this provides an aero benefit as well as an aesthetic win.The new fork is more integrated into the frame than previously too, the crown being pushed further into the junction of the head tube and down tube. Again, Merida says that this results in a slight reduction in drag so you can hold the same speed with a little less effort. The seatstays which have been dropped slightly and the seat post clamp is hidden away from the wind, Merida claiming that these features reduce aerodynamic drag further. The Reacto comes with clearance for tyres up to 30mm wide and it’s fitted with Merida’s S-Flex aero-profiled seat post. Although it looks a constant profile, there’s a large cutaway notch in the carbon fibre at the back of the post, up towards the top. The idea is that this allows a small amount of movement to help smooth the ride. The Merida Reacto is available in two frame types: CF3 and CF5. The CF3 version is heavier and can take mechanical shift calls while the CF5 – which the pros use – is lighter and is compatible with electronic shifting only.Speaking of weight, Merida claims a medium-sized CF5 frame weighs 965g with the fork coming in at 457g. The latest Reactos are compatible with disc brakes only; there are no rim brake options.When we rode the Merida Reacto Disc Team-E here on road.cc, we found it to be very stiff, very fast, and a whole lot of fun. The low weight allows you to get up to speed quickly but the Reacto really proves its worth when you’re cruising along on the flat. Climbing is impressive too. We didn’t get photos showing much of Fred Wright’s Merida Reacto from the British National Road Championships but we did get pics of one of his bikes at the Critérium du Dauphiné recently. As you can see, Bahrain Victorious use Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupsets. This bike is built-up with Vision Metron 60 SL wheels which are designed to be fast and stable. They’re also available in 30mm, 45mm, 55mm and 81mm depths. The rear hub uses a 72-tooth ratchet system which means it engages in 5° when you start to pedalWright uses a one-piece Vision Metro handlebar and stem and a Prologo Scratch M5 saddle.We’ve noticed you’re using an ad blocker. If you like road.cc, but you don’t like ads, please consider subscribing to the site to support us directly. As a subscriber you can read road.cc ad-free, from as little as £1.99. If you don’t want to subscribe, please turn your ad blocker off. The revenue from adverts helps to fund our site.If you’ve enjoyed this article, then please consider subscribing to road.cc from as little as £1.99. Our mission is to bring you all the news that’s relevant to you as a cyclist, independent reviews, impartial buying advice and more. Your subscription will help us to do more.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Check out this Scarab Santa Rosa Integrated from Colombia with special ‘Campesina’ colourwayThis bike hails from Colombia with the special colourway embracing the vibrant culture of the cycling-mad South American nation
Read more »
Sarah Ferguson thanks sister who 'made' her go to check up that found her cancerSarah Ferguson, Duchess of York, who recently underwent surgery for breast cancer, has stressed the importance for getting checked, revealing that her sister made her go for hers
Read more »
UK Gardeners Warned To Check These Plant Pots ImmediatelyYou could be seriously drying out your soil.
Read more »
Mercedes hopes of catching Red Bull quashed with firm reality check issuedMercedes have been warned to keep expectations in check after Red Bull's reduced winning margin with Max Verstappen in Canada gave new hope.
Read more »
Apple issues warning to iPhone users and urges them to check their settingsApple has issued a warning to iPhone users and has urged them to check their settings as a new update will prevent further cyber attacks from taking…
Read more »