9/18/2023 0 Comments Reacto![]() There are no changes to the geometry of the new Reacto, numbers that provide quick handling and an aggressive reach. This difference likely has more to do with the selected cockpit than it does the frame. These figures are certainly not class-leading, but it’s worth noting that Merida often prices its bikes substantially lower than the likes of Specialized and Trek (more on this below).Īnother difference between the CF5 and CF3 frames is that the former is intended for use with electronic drivetrains only, while the latter accepts everything. The cheaper CF3 frame is quoted at 1,145 g while the fork sits at 490 g. The new CF5-level frame is quoted to weigh 965 g for a painted medium frame, with the matching fork at a not-so-light 457 g. Merida claims that aerodynamics, ride comfort, and stiffness are unchanged between the two, with the key difference being seen on the scales. Merida will offer the new Reacto in two tiers of carbon frame: the premium CF5 and the mid-priced CF3. Or in other words, it’s competitively fast. ![]() Worthy of note: the Reacto no longer uses Focus’ R.A.T keyed thru-axle design and instead has moved to a simpler threaded system.Īll told, Merida is claiming the new Reacto saves one watt of power at 45 km/h when compared to the previous version (210 versus 209 watts), and remains one of the very best in the wind tunnel according to German-based Tour Magazin’s testing protocol. The cooling fins at the chain stay also share a similar design to the front, while the bolt-on thru-axles are now countersunk into the respective dropouts. Smaller improvements include Merida’s disc cooler fins moving from the side of the fork blade to behind it, which now also somewhat mimics an aero covering, too. Merida’s disc cooler fins (similar in concept to Shimano’s finned brake pads and rotors) receive a tweak on this new bike. And like so many others, those seat stays have been dropped further, too. Merida has also widened the space at both the seat stays and fork crown for better airflow between the wheels. However, changing stem lengths or headset bearings will be tricky with the cables running through both.įurther gains are seen with a new fork design that now more smoothly integrates with the frame. Like similar designs, it offers split headset spacers for easy stack adjustment, too. The design requires a deeper-shaped head tube (one of the claimed aerodynamic losses) to provide room for the cables, but in turn allows the use of a regular round steerer tube. This system includes an assortment of FSA/Vision handlebars and stems designed to fit with a specific headset and compression plug which are all designed to keep the cables (including mechanical shift cables) concealed from the levers through to the frame.įSA’s ACR system sees the front brake hose run through the special steerer compression plug, while all other cables are routed in front of the steerer tube. And where much of the competition has achieved this feat through proprietary systems, Merida has simply adopted FSA’s ACR system, something already used by the likes of Bianchi and De Rosa. Up front, the most obvious improvement is a move to entirely hidden and internally routed cables. Merida admits to having made some aero compromises in order to achieve more all-round benefits from the Reacto, but according to the company, those aero losses have been more than offset elsewhere. The Reacto IV is clearly still an aero road bike with truncated airfoil profiles throughout, and it’s intended to sit alongside the lightweight Scultura in Merida’s lineup. Thankfully no such controversy exists here. Imagine a brand releasing a new aero bike in 2020 with an exposed cable. The new 2021 Reacto IV aims to retain that comfort while dropping weight, increasing frame stiffness, and cheating the wind just a little more than the Reacto III. And in many ways, Merida was one of the first to produce an aero bike that was comfortable for all-day use. ![]() Merida’s Reacto aero bike has long offered a healthy balance of aerodynamics, stiffness and seated comfort. We’re yet to throw a leg over the 2021 Reacto but here’s what we know of this new ride so far. Merida’s new fourth-generation Reacto sits firmly in the former camp. On the road, the common themes are disc-only aero bikes becoming lighter and more well-rounded, and disc-only well-rounded race bikes becoming more aero. And while things haven’t gone to plan, that hasn’t stopped a swarm of new bikes hitting the market. Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members!īetween the Olympics and the Tour de France, 2020 was always going to be a big year for new bike releases.
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