Merida tells us it would have been easy to make aerodynamic improvements over the previous model, and it explored designs such as combining the deep aero-shaped seatpost and seat tube of the Warp TT bike to make immediate gains, but that became detrimental to the ride quality. The CF4 had no internal cable routing, though (the brake cable routed through exterior guides), so this is a much cleaner design. The new CF5 fork weighs in at a claimed 457g, whereas the old CF4 came in lighter at 398g. The CF3 has the same stiffness and compliance qualities as the range-topping CF5, according to Merida, but with a little more weight. The CF5 frame features on the Team-E, 9000-E, and 8000-E models, while the CF3 frameset features on the 4000, 5000, 6000, 7000-E and Force bikes. The new V4 machine’s flagship CF5 frame drops significantly down under a kilo to 965g. Weight-wise, the previous top-level Reacto CF4 frame tipped the scales at 1,150g for a M/L bike (the equivalent of the V4’s Medium). Merida says the new Reacto is more of an all-rounder than ever before. There are two versions of the new Reacto frame and eight bikes in total across the range, ranging in price from the £2,250 Reacto 4000 model with Shimano 105, all the way up to the Bahrain-McLaren replica Team-E at £9,000 with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. While Merida’s rivals in the peloton – Cannondale (with the SuperSix EVO), Specialized (with the new Tarmac SL7) and Trek (with the Emonda SLR) – have all looked to add aero properties to their all-round race bikes, Merida has flipped this around as it’s looked to lighten and add all-round abilities to its pure aero-race machine. Meridaįor this fourth version of the Reacto, Merida has looked to tip the balance away from pure aerodynamics to create a bike that has all of the DNA of a pure-bred aero machine, but is an “all-rounder with class-leading aerodynamic performance”. I couldn't tell you how much influence either of these two elements has, but I can tell you that the Scultura won't rattle you to pieces over poor surfaces.With the new Reacto, Merida has sought to reduce the weight and improve the comfort of its race-focused aero road bike. This is a layer of organic flax fibre that's designed to filter out high-frequency vibration. Merida says that the lack of a brake bridge between the seatstays – the rear brake being positioned on the underside of the chainstays – allows it to extend the potential flex zone upwards and that the inclusion of its Bio Fiber Damping Compound helps back there too. Stu also praised the Scultura's comfort and I'd agree with him there too. > Too racy? Check out our guide to 24 of the best sportive bikes It's a fast-reacting, well-balanced bike that inspires confidence whether you're negotiating your way through a bunch of riders or pinning it through a tight turn, and it's an absolute joy if you're ever lucky enough to find yourself on a long, flowing, swoopy descent. When our man Stu Kerton reviewed the Merida Scultura 6000 he was super-impressed by the handling, describing it as 'direct and quick but never twitchy'. I find it much easier to get over the top of a low front end and browbeat the bike up a really steep section and, of course, a low position allows you to hunker down and attack on flat sections and descents.
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