The new One-Sixty FR takes inspiration from Merida's enduro "platform" and increases its volume with greater front wheel travel, coil spring rear shocks and construction kits that prioritize strength over weight savings. It can be considered the "aggressive" sister of the traditional One-Sixty, with a predilection for the highest jumps and the most challenging bike park routes.
Source: press release
The rise of bike parks around the world has brought about a big change in the style of many riders, helping them push their limits further than anyone could have imagined just a few years ago. This means that there are many artificial trails with a fair level of difficulty that require a bike with characteristics for which a "simple" proposal downhill she wouldn't be reactive enough to take a leap and really get involved. Bike parks, in fact, often feature jumps that ten years ago would only have been seen in world-class freeride and slopestyle competitions, but which are now common around the world and require a bike capable of landing big hits.
The bike park is the natural habitat of the new One-Sixty FR: the sturdy frame and a design that makes it stable and responsive make it the ideal choice for bikers who continue to ride until the light fades, but remains also an excellent solution for those who want to tackle the most demanding descents without having to use a mountain bike downhill. But the new Merida proposal will also attract those who do not intend to invest the budget of a luxury enduro bike or do not want the compromises that come with a bike designed to race against the clock, whether it is enduro or downhill.
The new One-Sixty FR uses the proven LITE aluminum frame technology from Merida's One-Sixty range, but with some key changes. Increased front travel, coil spring shocks and a mixed “mullet” wheel setup around the rugged aluminum frame and an optimized suspension system mean it's built to last. The One-Sixty FR, in fact, focuses on maximum suspension and brake performance rather than on reducing grams.
The frame features P-FLEX suspension technology, which eliminates the seat post pivot to reduce weight and maintenance. The rear relies on the FAST kinematic suspension which offers 171 mm of soft and controlled travel that forms a perfect pair with the coil rear shock. The switch to a linear coil spring shock, rather than the air shocks fitted to the One-Sixty models, works very well with the FAST linkage in this application: the softer initial travel offers excellent grip over small obstacles, cornering Progressive provides running support for corners and jumps, while the highly progressive running finish resists bottom-out forces.
Furthermore, the One-Sixty LITE frame has been tested in extreme conditions of use after passing tests in the renowned laboratories of the Zelder Institute in Zurich, where the design of the P-FLEX flexible stays passed even the most difficult tests with flying colors of effort. This is why Merida gives the frame a five-year warranty from purchase for the hardest use category, Category 5.
From the point of view of the specifications of the One-Sixty FR, we tried to offer a package of great value, but which prioritizes the quality of the suspension and brake components over the transmission, because these are what make the real difference on the trails. Derailleurs, chains and cassettes will wear out or become damaged, but high-quality brakes and suspension will last the life of the bike and have a huge positive impact on your ride. This means four-piston brakes with a large 220mm rotor up front for powerful, consistent braking, adjustable forks and top-of-the-line coil shocks on all models.
Merida has also ensured that the standard tires are protected from trail hazards, with dual casing Continental tyres/downhill and tubeless ready as standard. The same goes for the wheelset, which comes under fire every time the bike is on the trail.
MAIN FEATURES
• One-Sixty's proven LITE aluminum frame
• 29″ front wheel for tipping performance and 27,5″ rear wheel for agile handling
• 171mm coil sprung rear wheel travel and 180mm front wheel travel
• Pay attention to the quality of suspension and braking components
• FAST kinematic suspension system for greater progression as the frame size increases
• AGILOMETRO sizing that allows cyclists to choose the handling of the frame regardless of leg length
• Four-piston hydraulic brakes
• Long travel dropper struts
• Mounting the ISCG chain guide
• Five-year warranty for the most extreme use in bike parks/downhill of category 5
The new One-Sixty FR from Merida is available in Italy in the One-Sixty FR 400 model, in two color variants - Dark strawberry and Dark silver - at a suggested retail price of 2.990,00 euros.
ONE-SIXTY FR 400:
• SR SUNTOUR DUROLUX 38 fork
• DVO JADE X D3 shock absorber
• Tektro Gemini HD-M535 four-piston brakes
• SHIMANO CUES 1×10 derailleur (10-48 cassette) with MERIDA EXPERT TR crank
• EXPERT TR II swingarm
• CONTINENTAL KRYPTOTAL tyres
• MERIDA COMP TR II rims – tubeless ready
For more information www.merida-bikes.com/it-it
