2021 Merida Reacto Review | This Year's Best Value Aero Bike?

[@obtugtxivtub]

Can we buy this bike in the USA?

[@bikeradar]

They are not available in the US sadly. Thanks for watching, if you're after a similar good value aero bike check out our review on the Vitus ZX1 EVO kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIibe6aEesl_rbs

[@janatlmb2770]

they are not available anywhere :D LOL.

[@MERIDABIKES-INT]

We're very glad you liked it! 🙌

[@hughvanr2482]

Can I get one? 😁

[@SidharthThapar]

You guys killed it! SUPER!

[@philipcooper8297]

@@hughvanr2482 Sure, for 2800£.

[@philipcooper8297]

@@SurfandSand808 They make all sorts of bikes with this frame desing in various sizes.

[@philipcooper8297]

@@SurfandSand808 You could send a letter (email) to the manufacturer whether they could send you what you are looking for. OR you could buy a bare frame and have your local bike shop to fit all the parts you desire.

[@bikeradar]

What do you think of Merida's Reacto? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

[@jekskeetv4700]

nice review, cant wait to have my reacto sram force edition black 😉

[@virtualmartijn]

If I could actually buy one, that would be great. No 7000-E or Force Edition available in a 200km radius

[@alfa-x5598]

While I had riden 2021Reacto 4000 and 2021 Reacto team-e, both acceleration performance above 20km/h on the paved flat road were felt same. But, Reacto 4000 was more awkward for transition from stop to go (starting) than team-e. Maybe, wheel differences would affected that.

[@aldrinclementina4297]

I know this an old video. But I have to say. I’m moving from a climber bike to an aero road bike. And that will be the Reacto 4000 2024. With some upgrades along the way 😂

[@richcrompton6891]

My current road bike weighs in at 12.5kg and is as aero optimised as a brick, so one of those ‘heavy’ Merida’s would be awesome!

[@samchaplin9688]

I have 10+ kilo gravel bike so something like that would be amazing 😂

[@kingprone7846]

@@samchaplin9688 it does sometimes annoy me when I ride my cyclocross bike - which is very good - but it is clear that you lack weight and aero. unfortunately 35-45mm tires with 9kg will just make you a lot slower than people even on a cheap road bike. And yeah, you can work harder but it really is a slowdown of 5-10% which is significant. and you always get judged on the road, not off road....

[@Stonefish71310]

I’ve been lucky to have just taken delivery on a Reacto 8000e, though it’s in hibernation until next spring - if it rides half as well as it looks I’ll be a happy man 😍

[@AllanPhillips]

Thanks for giving us an informative review with helpful facts and figures, rather than just the usual tired superlatives about stiffness, handling and comfort. If I didn't already have a Wilier Cento 10 Pro, this one would definitely be on my shortlist, and I love a bright colour scheme.

[@Sir-Prizse]

I ride a 2019 Merida Scultura and it's my favorite bike.... exceptionally good price to performance, great race bike

[@OLICIT]

Same here, I have a 2019 Scultura Didk 5000 and the only thing I changed was the saddle and a 11-32 cassette because I live somewhere hilly, perfect bike, well built and great value

[@mervingan3150]

I was a user for the Allez sprint for 4 years. And just yesterday I bought the reacto 4000. I went for a 55km with some 6 deg climbs and helll yea! Weight is not an issue on this bike! It’s super comfy, super responsive and I love everything about it!

[@hasrul83]

i have to agree with you. I bought reacto 4000 as well and went for a good climbing with it. it doesn't hurt me that much.

[@roebbiej]

I'd like them to swap to full 105 so they could put the rest of the money in weight saving and maybe better rims or tires

[@danieledelstein936]

The imagery of an aero-bike being ridden by a rider with his jacket flapping in the breeze is priceless!

[@hogdog567]

A good, honest review 👍🏻

[@bikeradar]

We are passionate about bringing you the best, independent reviews! Thanks for watching from everyone at BikeRadar

[@exmum]

I have the reacto 4000 in the Bahrain McLaren team color, it has 105 and only cost 1500. I recon the value is way better if you dont have to have ultegra.

[@Northwindbreeze]

Good tip! well said

[@briancranch618]

Looking at this myself. How do you rate it?

[@ponakilanxll-c2297]

What just 1500

[@benturp3492]

how did you get it so cheap? they selling here for 2600 euros!

[@lodvaessen]

Expect my 8000E in June! Blue cf5 with di2, exited!

[@oldballer04]

U will love them .... been using them for a month. Did a solo 160km at 33.9kmh speed.

[@adcmoya]

I'm planning to get Merida Reacto 6000 this month and problably i wll ask to change an integrate carbono handel bar. Also the review helped me at lot , thanks!

[@bikeradar]

Good choice!

[@stefanodirector]

I heard the cable routing in this model (Ultegra mech) resulted in a not so fluid action and a little bit more effort when shifting gears. Do you confirm?

[@bikeradar]

Hi Stefano, thank for your question! Simon says he didn't notice any deterioration in the shifting performance on this bike. We imagine the gear cables need to be carefully routed, precisely cut for length and finished neatly to get the best performance from the drivetrain - the bends certainly are tighter than with external cable routing, but with good setup it appears to not be an issue.

[@felipeernestoyanezsandoval1250]

Hi! I would like a review about Scott foil Thanks

[@Andy_ATB]

Good to see it takes 30mm; that's almost the minimum on UK roads, which are less than smooth......

[@Northwindbreeze]

lmao sad truth.

[@kingprone7846]

you havnt been to the usa and australia haha.

[@nosense6018]

I got the Reacto 5000 white 2018 and it’s so nice

[@willbeau8278]

Good review because it was honest and balanced. I may get one!

[@Jedsonmcfarly]

At that price dropping a little bit of extra cash on some better wheels and tyres shouldn't be a big thing! Paint Jo is a bit 'meh' tho?!

[@dzat]

Giant & Merida is the best value for money bike in the pro peloton....merida basically produce the bikes for specialize hence its not available in the NA due to its agreement wt Specialize

[@jonathanzappala]

I would say that’s not a proprietary headset. It’s not unique to Merida, it’s proprietary to FSA. Considering almost all bikes come with a FSA headset, it will be available widely as more bikes like this one use it.

[@leebridgwater]

Great review, I'll have have one

[@thomasmayo7317]

Bikeradar - how do you find the shifting? I.e. is mechanical shifting worse than mechanical ultegra on a non-integrated bike where the gear cables have more gentle bends? Thanks!

[@bikeradar]

Hi Thomas, good question! Simon didn't notice any decrease in shifting performance. The bends in the cables aren't too extreme, so it doesn't appear to have any detrimental effects. Hope that helps!

[@thomasmayo7317]

@@bikeradar Thanks!

[@brotherfranciz]

Sonny Colbrelli just won Paris-Roubaix on this bike. 👍

[@nycyclist4154]

I would upgrade the wheels, keep the Ultegra groupe but put them on reacto 4000. I like the color scheme on that frame.

[@aidanwoodward5888]

Better than the new Canyon Aeroad? Looking for a comfortable, fast bike

[@Mububban23]

The new Aeroad's comfort comes mainly from a 28mm rear tyre, no fancy layups etc

[@marcing7684]

Where did You get this color frame from? I can only see it being offered in stealth black

[@surekhahulugalle9304]

I have been looking at the Reacto 5000. What would be the basic differences ?

[@danbradley6962]

Reacto 5000 has the RS510 cranks and Merida’s own wheels, everything else is Ultegra I think.

[@jackhammer40k_]

hey Simon. What do you make of the Garmin pedals? Cheers

[@bikeradar]

Simon says he only got hold of them recently, so hasn't delved deep into the power data yet, but his first impressions are very good! Thanks for asking 🤝🚴‍♂️🔋

[@thestamsvideoproduction7427]

They look really smart

[@samraba6693]

How much does this cost???

[@garrettgarcia7115]

Great advice

[@aflats]

What wheels would you recommend to make this better but still affordable?

[@bikeradar]

We admit that's a tough one, as everyone has a different definition of affordable - but there are some bargains to be had if you shop around. Though we haven't had the chance to test them, we've seen places like Wiggle selling carbon wheels with tyres for under £500; www.bikeradar.com/news/bikeradar-bargains-cheap-road-wheels-bonanza-uk-deals/ Alternatively, if you drop down to the 105-equipped Reacto that might give you more money to play with - deep section wheels from the likes of Parcours or Hunt would likely be a great fit, if you have the budget for those. Simon reviewed Parcours Strade wheelset recently and was a big fan, though they're not the cheapest option; www.bikeradar.com/reviews/components/wheels/wheel-sets/parcours-strade-wheels-review/ Hope that helps!

[@aflats]

That's great, thanks so much for the speedy response

[@pigeonpoo1823]

I'd recommend Hunt wheels. I've an aluminium set, joy to use, easy schwalbe tubeless setup, light and eager and not one issue is 3 years. Or Mavic ksyrium which play nice with Hutchinson Fusion 5.

[@andriegilsson6623]

Check out the Canyon Aeroad CF SL 8 Disc. Better value, only $200 more.

[@bikerjk1205]

@@andriegilsson6623 In Australia the Canyon is almost A$2000 more expensive (including the A$199 delivery fee) based on list prices and A$2450 more expensive based on the discounts available on the Merida here.

[@206frankthetank]

Thanks for this. I have a Reacto 4000 due to arrive in April - wheelset looks comparable and I hear there are no mechanical differences between 105 and ultegra. £550 saving worth it IMO.

[@ionuttv5874]

6000 has lighter and better quality ultegra , better cooled disc brakes ,better bottom bracket, better tires

[@jedilam4429]

What is the difference between CF5 and CF3 other than weight? Are they as stiff as each other?

[@kimwardiell8929]

Would buy one in blue but can only get it in black so give it a miss

[@lawrencealger9576]

I don't get the negativity around the tyres and wheels in the review. I personally want to be able to use my own wheels on a new bike, or possible select my own upgrade - I currently have a lovely set of Wheelsmith wheels with Hope hubs - so having a cheap set of wheels is a key part of the spec I'm looking for (and I'm sure the same is true of many of my fellow club members who have far more expensive after market wheels that I do!) The same goes the the moaning about the tyres, I suspect that these tyres outsell the top end versions in after market sales anyway, but for me a bigger issue for the tyre choice is the width. If I didn't just sell the standard wheels on ebay (I wish we could by new bikes without wheels frankly) I would likely use them as winter training or commuting wheels, in which case I would want a minimum width of 28mm, but would be perfectly happy plodding along on that grade of rubber.

[@bikeradar]

Hi Lawrence, thanks for your comment - great that you have a lovely set of race wheels with better tyres, but we can't assume that everyone will do, so we simply review bikes with the spec they have as stock. Likewise we'd agree the tyres are fine for plodding along, but given this is a race bike we'd have preferred something faster! Doesn't mean it's not a great bike (Simon gave it 4.5/5 stars in his full review on BikeRadar.com!), but we feel we have a duty to our wonderful audience to be honest about these things. Have a great day from your friends at BikeRadar!

[@MrRichardsnj]

Reacto Force AXS or SystemSix Ultegra people? Its gotta be fast and ride well.

[@Outback10]

Massive emphasis on weight throughout cycling. If you look at your bike and smile it's a win win. Just ordered the endurance model. I did want the Ultegra but absolutely loved the blink paint job on the 105 model.

[@Mububban23]

I agree, but I also do long hill rides so weight is a factor to consider. I'm already skinny so can't lose body weight

[@richardggeorge]

Half a kilo between 105 and ultegra, it's nothing! I weigh 91kg!

[@hitheshravi9665]

Is it available in india ?

[@kaioberst1899]

Stand-over hight?

[@nickhutchinson9068]

What size is this?

[@Heldermaior]

To be honest, the aero disadvantages of an integrated stem are next to none for most of us. And just over 8Kg is perfectly fine. I mean, you can do some customisation to make it lower but what is the point?

[@Heldermaior]

@@Bungle2010 it is slightly over. I mean, take a nice shit before going for a ride and there's your 500g right there.

[@sebwoodward6214]

Merida's sizing chart for the Reacto seems yo put you down a size. At 181cm it says I should be on a M (54) where as I would normally ride a 56. Does anyone have any experience? Thanks

[@MsPietpaaltjes]

I ride a 56cm at 184cm height and the bike seems to be on the bigger side, 54 would fit better if you are 181cm

[@kingprone7846]

@@MsPietpaaltjes what framesize do you have for the reacto? I am 184cm and meridia suggests getting the Large frame?

[@MsPietpaaltjes]

@@kingprone7846 i ride a merida scultura size (L)

[@kenharris9751]

Get a Giant TCR Advanced Pro disc or rim and get top quality and don't spend as much money.

[@antonioabanto8971]

How much is it??

[@brettbaker3991]

Was that weight with or without pedals?

[@bikeradar]

Without pedals or bottle cages. Thanks for asking! 💎🔮🎉

[@lennart8996]

I thought people actually want loud hubs :-)?

[@bikeradar]

Some people do, but Simon *loves* a quiet bike so quiet freehubs FTW (in this case)!!! Thanks for your comment.

[@Mububban23]

I despise overly loud freehubs!

[@andriegilsson6623]

I think the Aeroad CF SL 8 Disc (Ultegra) provides more value. It's only like $200 dollars more and 800 grams lighter.

[@bmmaia81]

this... It is no comparisson. And if we go Di2, canyon is also more afordable and overal better equiped, lighter, etc.

[@bikeradar]

Simon says "no doubt the Canyon Aeroad is also a great bike, but if you're talking about the 2021 Aeroad CF SL 8, that's currently over £1000 more expensive than this Reacto! 😱 The Merida Reacto 6000's RRP is £2,800 and the Canyon CF SL 8 Disc's RRP is £3,949... 😉" Thanks for your comment, have a great day!

[@bmmaia81]

​@@bikeradar Well, as usual it seems uk prices are diferent from the rest of the world. Reacto 6000 ->3200EUR aeroad CF SL 8 -> 3800EUR. With these 600EUR we got a 700g lighter bike with 62 Carbon wheels instead 34 alluminium. On aeroad is also ultegra R8000 and Merida R7000? but ok, its on a price point that someone can relate and not see the benefict of the extra 600€. But the price diference is not 1000£ (at least on the rest of the world).

[@andriegilsson6623]

@@bikeradar Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Merido Reacto is 2800 gpb or roughly $3,750 USD. The 2021 Canyon Aeroad CF SL with Ultegra is $3,999. Edit: might be a big difference when using different currencies or in different countries. For me purchasing this from Iceland the difference is only ~$250.

[@kingprone7846]

depends where you live. in australia the reacto is much much cheaper than the canyon (the canyon is like 1500 usd more)

[@calumramsaybrown]

So is the stem proprietary or not ?

[@bikeradar]

The stem isn't proprietary - you can use any standard stem on the fork steerer, it just likely won't integrate quite as cleanly with the headset spacers! Thanks for your question.

[@amramweismann6162]

ORRO Venturi puts this bike to shame i tested both and the ORRO is and without shortcuts taken by Merida and lighter i wonder why you don't test it

[@bikeradar]

We have 🙂 www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/orro-venturi-evo-105-review/

[@amarmangaonkar7682]

That's weird paint scheme for specialized venge pro. ;)

[@chubscoi]

Oooof. Me likey.

[@fabiosousa9814]

David Arthur already said this

[@Lestalad1961]

Or get the 105 version and buy an ass saver with the money saved

[@oneofthesidemen]

I have the 2020 Reacto 400.

[@konstantintomilin1826]

It is a shame they don't sell Meridas in the US...

[@richardggeorge]

Not allowed - was part of the agreement when Merida bought a significant share of Specialized (ie. Not to poach usa sales)

[@khorikyura]

У меня 7000-е 2020, я в восторге! Супер машина

[@johnhirka654]

Anyone have a suggestion for US retailer for Merida? Can’t seem to locate any. Thanks!

[@markj.a351]

I heard on youtube somewhere that they don't distribute in the U.S. Merida make specialized bikes or something and there is a contract / deal that merida wont be sold in the U.S . I'm sure some angry person with more knowlwedge will be happy to call me a stupid f'ing c**t and give more details though.

[@richardggeorge]

That's deliberate. When Merida bought a 50% share of Specialized, Spec put a condition that Merida was NOT allowed to sell bikes in the USA

[@richardggeorge]

@@markj.a351 correct! 👍

[@johnhirka654]

Richard George interesting. Guess I’m sending money overseas and to import fees !

[@Oleks380]

I just got a Merida Reacto 5000. It's a great bike, but fuck, it's almost impossible to attach wahoo element roam computer. I hate this aspect!

[@Berlinspc]

Why?

[@danielmoorhouse6506]

Why not give the wheelset weight alone? It means nothing while watching a video to hear the combined weights.

[@bikerjk1205]

I believe it weighs a porky 1960 grams.

[@rider4854]

Merida reacto 6000 How much cost in india?

[@williamwalmsley2940]

Just buy the giant tcr it has much better wheels and equipment specked👌🏻

[@hogdog567]

That would be my choice too but it’s not an aero bike.

[@williamwalmsley2940]

@@hogdog567 did think that after I commented but nowadays they’re all merging together anyways. The tcr still has some aerodynamics ands a lot lighter.

[@OLICIT]

The Scultura is the Merida competitor to the TCR

[@ArteUltra1195]

Oranges and apples..

[@clarenceong2365]

No rim brake , no buy

[@Joe-xi5gh]

Why have they put 42cm mountain bike handlebars on a super-aero road bike? Surely correct and proper 36cm bars would be a better choice? Makes me think this video is sponsored by top enduro brand Nukeproof???????

[@bikeradar]

Hi Jim, while you are right in saying a narrower handlebar is going to help with aerodynamics this video is not sponsored, nor do we sponsor content which might conflict with a review product. We're a small team who are passionate about riding bikes and our editorial integrity. Thanks for watching!

[@Joe-xi5gh]

@@bikeradar Thanks for the clarification. I have one more question. If i wanted to win the tour on this bike, would it be better to have rim brakes?

[@baddriversofcolga]

Mountain bikes typically have 720-800mm handlebars.

[@richcrompton6891]

42cm bars are spot on for me as my shoulders are very broad after many years of swim training. I’d love an aero bike, but it’s my body that needs the aero makeover! Only thing that would make me more aero is a TT bike!

[@DDGB08]

😊

[@WowRixter]

Those integrated bar/stem combo's are just a cash grab by manufacturers

[@detolerandisstultorum]

All these english language channels like bikeradar, gcn or roadcc are just marketing tools. Never do they concentrate on user perspective.

[@eagerbob]

An incredibly competitive bikeframe at "JUST" 2800 pounds!

[@tomstephenson5452]

Too heavy for 2020, my canyon aeroad is 7.1

[@Mububban23]

Which model? Price?

[@43bikeguy]

£2800

[@babybelkin977]

What’s with the political add before getting your video, bs I say

[@Penalist]

adds are personalized

[@AI-xi4jk]

Unisex can’t be sexy

[@shaunedwards4362]

So you've reviewed an "affordable" aero bike..then pointed out all it's bad points !!

[@bikeradar]

Simon also pointed out the many good points too! 😉Don't forget to check out Simon's full review on BikeRadar.com; www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/merida-reacto-6000-review/

[@hogdog567]

And that is how good, honest reviews are done.

[@shaunedwards4362]

It's a cheaper price end..of course its heavier,cheaper components etc.so to me,he just pointed out the obvious.i like the bike..its why I watched it.just giving an honest review.

[@user-ce9or1nx6h]

1

[@bikeradar]

Congratulations on winning our top prize of 1,000,000 BikeRadar gold stars! Thanks for watching from all at BikeRadar ⭐️

[@pedromarques7341]

@@bikeradar, is it possible to cash out those BikeRadar gold stars at sometime?... 😅

[@Daniel-ynuhnunu]

First