Merida Reacto 1000 mile real-world review - Fast without spending a fortune

[@davidarthur]

What do you think of Merida's aero bike? Would you buy it? NOTE: I misspoke at the beginning, I meant to say it does not fail to impress!

[@francescorota2982]

Tbh it looks like a great deal, I'd probably get the lower end Reacto 4000 with Shimano 105 and then get a pair of carbon wheels or even the Hunt 34 Aero Wide Disc (+ maybe swapping out the Ultrasports). Getting such wheelset, for less than 3000€ you have a fully integrated aero bike with a great budget wheelset and you can just fly on hills as much as on the flats

[@benturp3492]

@@francescorota2982 That is what exactly I have done got the 4000 and a pair of HUNT 54 Aerodynamicists. Just need to wait for spring to turn up now!

[@b09d4n]

One thing worth mentioning is the versatility of this bike. One could easily use the Reacto for a half Ironman just by fliping the seat head and bringing the saddle further and lowering the front by removing the spacers. I did a few Half Ironmans with a Merida Reacto 7000E (Model 3) which came with Ultegra di2 (di2 allowed me to use clip-on bars with satellites blips). Very few bicycles allow you to do this.

[@brianmessemer2973]

Really nice David - great follow up to your first video on this bike. I did the pounds to dollars conversion: $3,363 (today). That's a TON of bike for that money. Wow. Full Ultegra groups. Even though it's "only" mechanical and not Di2, that's fantastic value for money, indeed 😳. Suggestion - if you can get your hands on a Winspace T1500 - that's another gorgeous bike at a tremendous value. Wouldn't be surprised if they sent you a bike to review if you contacted them!

[@jameshassan8514]

Another great informative video David, getting my Reacto end of November. Saving my pennies to upgrade wheels, plenty of time as I don't plan to ride until next Spring.

[@kennedystuart5685]

Great video....I really appreciate the real world reviews and opinions...keep.up the great work.

[@andriivaskovets5438]

Always informative and structured reviews. Thanx

[@davidarthur]

My pleasure!

[@oxy02]

This Is a great review David. I'd love to see a review of the New Scultura. This Reacto has probably long gone, but a comparison might be of some interest- I know they serve slightly different purposes, but the scultura range equally seems to his a good sweet spot!

[@FranciscoRZayas]

Live in USA but going to London next year. Absolutely going to look for a MERIDA bike store while I’m there.

[@jackseph03]

Some people turn their noses up at Merida because it isn't seen as 'kool', even though they make bikes for many of the 'kool' brands. I had a 2015 Merida Ride 7000 Disc. It was a massively underrated bike. Sold as 'endurance road', I soon after buying) began to ride a lot of gravel. You could squeeze 35mm tyres on it (this was 2017) and it handled mixed surfaces really well. At $2500 (aust.) for carbon and full Ultegra with DT Swiss wheels, it was amazing value for money. Kind of regret selling it, but I bought an Enigma Escape, so the Merida was just gathering dust in the garage.

[@TheKrrn]

I'm loving my scultura 400, great value for money to get full 105 for $1500 AUD (eofy sale) when the competitors were near twice that price for partial 105.

[@jasonng8143]

Thanks for the great reviews!

[@robertnoltefavorite]

For an even better bang for buck: buy the reacto 5000 team edition. It’s €2399,- and full ultegra except the crank. Buy an ultegra crank for €200,- and upgrade the cheap wheels (what you should do anyway) and you are ready to go for even less! 👍

[@dorcashaslam4864]

Genius move! Maybe even upgrade to a crank with power meter for not much more 🤔

[@robertnoltefavorite]

Dorcas Haslam Exactly, although it would add another €500ish to the bill... I’m highly tempted. Only thing is the shifting performance; would this justify di2??? 🤔

[@MehediHasanSizan]

That's the frameset only. The team edition is 9000 GBP

[@scuckplexity]

@@MehediHasanSizan The 5000 is their lower end frameset. It's a replica livery of the Reacto Team Edition.

[@Berlinspc]

Never seen a reacto 5000 team edition but heard some times about it. Where and when was the bike offered?

[@db613]

I would love a comparison of merida reacto, new Tarmac SL7, and new Canyon Aeroroad then lay down the price differences and what you get more from each one.

[@emiliosagichnicht7521]

Yes pleeease

[@antoniop1968]

That would be a two against one as the Merida factory makes the frames for Specialized.

[@db613]

@@antoniop1968 is that true? Where do you get your information from on that?

[@benturp3492]

Dude they own half of Specialized@@db613

[@paulappleyard5832]

Nice looking bike and really good spec at this price point but i wish they would supply a better tyre all manufacturers seems to do this on mid-range bikes. Good to see that haven't gone fully integrated bar and stem starts getting expensive if you find out you need a shorter or longer stem.

[@davidarthur]

I hear you, but I thought in this case the Continental tyres showed good attention to detail

[@veegtec]

Great work David. But I have to ask, how do you ride so many miles to test all these bikes? Your food bill must be immense.

[@davidarthur]

Ha ha! I do like my food. I’m lucky to be able to ride bikes everyday, sometimes twice a day, so get the miles in

[@CycoWarriorx]

Great review David... very thorough...

[@davidarthur]

Thanks 👍

[@CycoWarriorx]

David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes I wish the Meridia was sold in the States... I’d love to check it out... but I understand that they and Specialized have an agreement... lol... 🤷🏽‍♂️

[@benturp3492]

@@CycoWarriorx Dude Merida own half of specialized hahaha

[@aldrinclementina4297]

Hi there Arthur. I know this is an old video. But is it possible to upgrade this cockpit with a stem and handle bar combo, like the Metron ? I ordered the 2024 (4000) model. With upgrading along the way in my mind... What's your recommendation? ( I already ordered the 4000 though)😁

[@dries365]

hey David, great review again! I am debathing wether my next bike should be an aero bike and I really like the specs of this one, but the one thing that keeps putting me of is how uncomfortable aero bikes are compared to endurance bikes. Would you say that that is the case with this bike as well, that it's more uncomfortable than the average endurance bike or do you think with the right setup this bike can be used for long rides without being to harsh on your body?

[@weekenderfam7965]

Would you go budget with the 6000 with Ultegra mechanical set or pay a bit more to go with the 7000 with the Rival etap?

[@davesmeaton4137]

Great video David, really enjoy your content. So im torn between the Reacto limited edition which is great value and the 7000 which is more expensive and heavier. Is the mechanical shifting really an issue, is it a deal breaker?

[@77carvell]

How does the comfort compare with the Tarmac SL6 and SuperSix Evo? Always been put off aero bikes by the lack of comfort. But now I'm tempted 🙂

[@davidarthur]

Comfort was very impressive with this new Reacto and it's very nearly as good as the SL6 or SS

[@michaelevans797]

Hello David, have you ever reviewed the PlanetX EC130 and if so how does it compare to the Merida 6000 please?

[@davidarthur]

I have not but I can see if they’ll let me review a Planet X

[@michaelevans797]

@@davidarthur That would be great as I have watched your reviews for a while now and they thorough and real life. I like the Merida and it's at a price I can justify but have a ProCarbon at the moment and have seriously looking at EC130 due to the price. Many thanks for getting back to me.

[@channul4887]

For 2.6k that is an amazing value in todays market. Not sure your average dentist or lawyer would want to be seen riding a Merida though, which is great for those who aren't either of them.

[@arhu74]

I'm a dentist not a pro-cyclist and have been happy with my old merida and now giant ;)

[@cojobi]

Hello David. Great job, love your videos. You mention that the cable action is hampered by the internal routing, which seems understandable. My question is do some brands do the IR better than others? I am shopping for a new bike and must say I like the clean lines. Thanks for all your hard work.

[@josemanuelsilva5785]

Good afternoon, I already really liked the videos you make, about bicycles. I intend to buy a new one for the road and I am undecided between PROPEL ADVANCED PRO 0 DI2 and the MERIDA REACTO 8000. In terms of price and quality, few can beat it. So and as you have already tested the 2 in your opinion which one would you choose. I also inform you that I am 1.79 meters, weight 64 kg. And I really like climbing. Thank you and I look forward to your opinion when possible, José Silva writing from Portugal

[@spinnetti]

Looks nice... hits a sweetspot of features/price/looks that nobody else has quite hit (especially the clean cockpit at this price point)... Shame can't get it in a 1x

[@digisuboob]

when im light enough, im buying a reacto, cant wait

[@campagnol1]

Yes I've been saying the same for years, lockdown really whaled me

[@electraatom]

Great vid. Can this bike be upgraded to di2?

[@rolandcolavizza5368]

Has anyone upgraded from an old rim brake giant propel to this ? Just wondering if the switch to disc will be justified and if there will be any speed gains to be made ?

[@Physicist999]

How does this bike differ than Tcr Advanced in terms of steering and pedalling stiffnesses or responsiveness?

[@Seagulleater01837]

The fins are good for climbs but one thing I would say is they're not uci legal so you can't really road race on them

[@olas84pl55]

Is there a room for mounting an aero bars on this handlebar?

[@timothychua8641]

Any chance of getting your hands on the Obrea Ocra Omr with the sram force etap group set? Similar to this it’s a carbon frame just not the top shelf stuff with a pair of fulcrum 700/800 wheels. I’d love to hear your opinion on that bike! Good stuff as always - can’t wait for the next one. No matter the bike 🤘🏻

[@davidarthur]

Eventually. I've been speaking to Orbea but they've struggled with supply and demand this year

[@MehediHasanSizan]

Orbea bikes offer everything except value for money.

[@stevecullum7879]

Interesting comment about not being quite as comfortable as the madone - as I seem to recall you were not impressed with the Madone comfort levels??

[@davidarthur]

True. I’d say they’re on a similar level. The Madone wasn’t bad as such, I was just disappointed it wasn’t as good as expectations and considering how complex it is compared to other designs, like the Reacto

[@MrSynchronise]

Hi David, appreciate your reviews. Well done! In the market for a new bike - here’s a question for you...Merida Reacto 8000 or Specialized Tarmac SL7 Pro Ultegra Di2??? I know they are completely different design philosophies and the prices vary but it seems to me they could both help me achieve my goal of riding faster. I currently ride a 2016 Giant Defy - have loved it but it’s time for a change. I would really appreciate your thoughts. Thanks in advance.

[@benturp3492]

Merida own 50 percent of Specialized and make their bikes ;)

[@kimwardiell8929]

I went to a bike store that supplies merida, I wanted the 6000 in blue but they said it only comes in black is that right.

[@MehediHasanSizan]

May vary in different regions.

[@triTube70]

I would love to get one but it is not available in the US

[@umutbirey101]

how did you make 1000 mile with a bike without bottle cages ?

[@nehaojha9094]

1000 1 mile laps around his home

[@matthi2358]

he has 2 bottles on some of the clips. maybe just taking them off for filming

[@davidarthur]

This. I just take the bottles and cages off for filming which was done on the day before the bike was heading back to Merida

[@peterlynch2285]

Got a 2017 reacto 7000e cracking bike would like disc brakes though

[@MrRichardsnj]

Reacto Force AXS or SystemSix Ultegra - what you think people? I'm down to 2 on my shortlist but can't decide. It's gotta be fast and ride nicely.

[@Hybrid9830]

Reacto for sure.. Much cheaper

[@MrRichardsnj]

@@Hybrid9830 that’s what I’ve gone for 😀👍 although di2 not force

[@danielm3894]

@@MrRichardsnj What's your verdict after riding it for a couple of months? Currently trying to choose between a Reacto 7000 Di2 or a Wilier Cento10 SL. And how's the sizing on the Reacto? It looks like an M matches L for many other brands.

[@MrRichardsnj]

@@danielm3894 yeah size down I say. I’m normally L but on the reacto I went medium. Spot on. The bike itself is awesome. Really good build quality. I made a few changes which I always had in mind. I put some 60mm hunt tubeless wheels on and swapped the stock bar (which was fine but a bit wide for me) for a carbon aero bar, and kept the same stem. The bike flies. It puts you in a great position and rides like a dream. Lighter than I had imagined too.

[@danielm3894]

@@MrRichardsnj thanks! I'm just in the middle of the sizes, looking at the geometry, but the shop don't have S on stock. Guess I'll just have to go and try an M (which they have on sale). Getting a shorter stem might be a solution- and seems like an easy enough fix given the "semi" integration of the cables.

[@sebwoodward6214]

What size frame did you get? I am looking to buy one but the sizing is confusing me

[@davidarthur]

This was a size medium and I'm 181cm, the fit was great

[@sebwoodward6214]

@@davidarthur thanks for coming back to me. I am roughly 181 as well and would normally ride a 56. Everything i have read points to a medium reacto though.

[@guruk5]

Can anyone please tell me what would the maximum tire size that can be fit on the Reacto 4000 rim brake 2020 model. I would really appreciate it. It comes with 25mm tires. What is the maximum size?

[@MrInvolved11]

30mm but you can get a 32mm in there no issues

[@12ockybalboa]

Ordered the 8000, but looking at this bike, I probably overspent. The bottom bracket is a bb72 not 86?

[@MrInvolved11]

Bb71 and bb72 both have a shell width of 86.5mm which is bb86. You are fine

[@waynedoherty7758]

Great review David! Would it be a good pick for hilly races? Or is the TCR a better choice in that situation even if its less Aero?

[@nicktel5414]

Like to know too. Tks

[@oneofthesidemen]

TCR would be best. Reacto they say are a bit heavy since it’s aero.

[@davidarthur]

TCR is lighter so that would help, and you’ve got a power meter for measuring your power output which could be useful in races and training. TCR isn’t as aero, in lab testing, but is still rapid in real world riding

[@timbattershall1679]

Would you get one of these or a canyon aeroad?

[@paulysci925]

What about this vs the tcr?

[@davidarthur]

The TCR more comfortable and lighter on the climbs, the Merida has the speed edge though

[@drscre]

What about paint job quality? Just received my Reacto 7000-E and was disappointed by the way how gloss and matte areas are painted. You can literally feel the border between those areas, not smooth at all. Feels like a poorly applied film. Should have probably gone for the fully glossy team color.

[@antoniop1968]

Why would buy the Merida with ultegra for $2600, when you get the Specialized Tarmac with uktegra for $7000?

[@richardggeorge]

The Tarmac is made in a better factory....oh wait. IT'S THE SAME FACTORY!

[@leftymadrid]

Is that a 9 kilo bike?

[@anthonyibea4753]

hm is that whole bike? pls notice me

[@Mububban23]

Blue and bright orange - my favourite colour combo. Mechanical Ultegra - my ideal groupset. Aero but fairly comfortable - my dream bike frame. Aaaaand my kid needs dental work that's twice the cost of this bike :-( :-( :-(

[@MehediHasanSizan]

whoa!

[@emnico6063]

Where can i buy Merida bikes here in U.S?

[@davidarthur]

Merida are not available in the US due to a long-standing agreement with Specialized

[@emnico6063]

@@davidarthur Oh... That's Very Sad to hear.

[@oneofthesidemen]

I have the Merida Reacto 400 (aluminum) bc im still not sold on Carbon.

[@digisuboob]

do you mean the scultura? i didnt know they made a aluminum reacto?!

[@mk30b25]

There are aluminum reacto. Really tempted by a 500.

[@velosapien]

0:43 gash in the tyre

[@Gugner]

My Merida Reacto Force 2021 is REALLY fast and confortable. A speed machine!,🙂🙂😀😀🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼🙌🏼

[@cliffcox7643]

How can we get one in the US?

[@martinth2529]

You can't. You need to imported from Europe. Merida owns 40% of Specialized and thus the reason we can't buy the Merida's in the US

[@umutbirey101]

whats wrong with 25 mm tyres?

[@bondy284]

Excellent review👍.Love the Merida brand 🇦🇺

[@drbhushansali]

What do you think about Scott speedster 10? Please reply

[@kristianschmidt3180]

What size du you ride??

[@davidarthur]

Size medium

[@kristianschmidt3180]

Ok. How tall are you?

[@kristianschmidt3180]

Is medium size 54cm?

[@davidarthur]

Depends how you measure it. Merida calls it a 54 but it has a 56cm top tube. As ever, stack and reach are the best numbers for bike fit. I'm 5'11" by the way

[@velolego]

Weight?

[@davidarthur]

8.5kg for this size medium

[@govermentsoundsystemrootik8218]

I have the reacto 4000 disk 2020 where i've swapped out the 105 groupset & installed Ultegra, changed the rim to Owens carbon 40mm rims from Nunhead South London & last but not least changed the saddle from stock to carbon rails Fi'zi:k pressure relief sadle & cant believe how different the bike rides...., 👊🏾

[@darrenleroy]

'It has not failed to disappoint at all'. Hmm...

[@davidarthur]

Yeah my mistake there didn’t pick it up on the edit.

[@lacyleech7798]

Nice bike

[@richardggeorge]

Poor man's Tarmac. (Not a criticism!)

[@paulstevens8741]

I bought a Scultura in preference to a Tarmac, same spec, a lot less money. Very impressed with it too.

[@sifuerik]

My Scultura 4000 105 is as fast if not faster than my Tarmac SL6 Ultegra.

[@lordalfa600]

Specialized is also owned by Merida, so it is almost the same.

[@georgemichaelides4500]

I bought a scultura and a reacto for the price of a tarmac

[@richardggeorge]

@@georgemichaelides4500 How do they compare? e.g. is the Reacto harsh ride quality by comparison etc

[@pawelodz8050]

Love this bike. Hate Shimano R8000 front derailleur TRIMMING 😡 Instead of enjoying of a ride, I have to all the time think: "is it in correct position?" Or "Is my front derailleur rubbing or not". Hope mechanical group sets extinct as fast as possible 😂

[@armchairwanderer1287]

🚴‍♂️🚴‍♂️

[@warezmikk]

its fashion and instagramers , posers bike not for real cyclist.

[@theguyfromne8664]

€2800 isn't affordable in my country

[@robmckinley5475]

Would be even faster and considerably lighter without those pointless disc brakes

[@TwoBlockAnime]

Disk brakes are the future believe in or not. After they get the weight down.

[@robmckinley5475]

@@TwoBlockAnime can't see how something that is heavier, less aero, looks awful, costs a fortune to maintain compared to rim brakes, can cause crashes, possibly damage light weight forks, makes quick wheel changes difficult. Yeah that's the future. I'm gonna buy a rim brake frame next year so I don't get forced into this pointless upgrade that's been purely brought in to make money.

[@channul4887]

@@robmckinley5475 durian is that u?

[@MarkRiddellRacing]

@@channul4887 🤣