Merida eONE-SIXTY 875

About the Merida eONE-SIXTY 875

The eONE-SIXTY 875 lands squarely in the territory where enduro ambition meets all-day stamina. Merida's fourth-generation aluminium frame wraps a 750Wh battery and Shimano's EP801 motor into a package that prioritises descending confidence and climbing grunt in equal measure. With 174 millimetres of rear travel and a RockShox Zeb Select up front, this is a bike that expects rough ground - and rewards you for finding it.

What sets the 875 apart is its refusal to compromise on range. That oversized battery isn't just marketing; it genuinely extends your riding day, whether you're stringing together multiple descents in the bike park or tackling a long alpine loop with friends who pedal acoustic bikes. The Shimano EP801 motor delivers its 85 newton-metres with a natural cadence that doesn't feel like you're wrestling an on-off switch, and the XT Linkglide drivetrain is specced specifically to handle the extra torque without chewing through cassettes every other month.

Merida's drawn heavily on its ONE-SIXTY enduro pedigree here, and it shows in the geometry and suspension tune. The mixed-wheel setup - 29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear - comes standard, offering a blend of front-end stability and rear-end playfulness that suits technical trails. If you prefer the roll-over benefits of dual 29ers, a flip-chip conversion takes minutes. The P-Flex stay design eliminates the traditional Horst link pivot, relying instead on aluminium's natural compliance to deliver the rear travel. Fewer bearings mean less maintenance, though you'll still want to keep an eye on the shock's mounting hardware.

Merida eONE-SIXTY 875 geometry

Reach grows in tidy 20-millimetre increments across the five sizes, from 439 millimetres in XShort to 519 in XLong, giving you genuine choice in how the bike steers rather than forcing you into a single handling character. Stack climbs modestly as you size up, keeping the front end from towering too high even on the longest frame. The head angle sits at 64.4 degrees across the range - not the slackest number you'll see on an enduro e-bike, but it strikes a useful balance between planted descending and responsive steering when the trail tightens or switchbacks.

That slightly steeper head angle means the bike doesn't feel like it's ploughing through corners; you can flick it into tight lines without waiting for the front wheel to catch up. The seat angle is steep enough - 78.3 to 78.5 degrees depending on size - to keep your weight centred over the cranks when you're grinding up technical climbs, and the motor's assistance feels more natural when you're not pitched too far back. Chainstays are locked at 446 millimetres, which keeps the rear end snappy without sacrificing traction on loose climbs.

Wheelbase stretches from 1,241 millimetres in XShort to 1,320 in XLong, giving the bigger sizes a calmer, more planted feel at speed while the smaller frames retain a bit more zip in tight sections. Bottom-bracket drop is consistent at nine millimetres, offering enough clearance for pedalling through rock gardens without hanging up on every ledge. When you're leant into a steep descent, the geometry holds a confident line; when you're threading singletrack, it doesn't feel like you're steering a barge.

Component choices & upgrades

The stock build is already well sorted for the bike's intended use. Shimano's XT four-piston brakes - 220-millimetre rotor up front, 203 at the rear - offer consistent power and modulation even when you're hauling the bike's 26 kilograms down long descents. The Linkglide drivetrain trades some shift crispness for durability, which makes sense when you're dumping motor torque through the cassette ride after ride. Maxxis rubber is a sensible pairing: an Assegai up front in MaxxGrip compound for cornering confidence, and a Minion DHR II at the rear in MaxxTerra for a bit more longevity without giving up too much grip.

If you're chasing marginal gains or your local terrain demands more, there are a few upgrade paths worth considering. Swapping the RockShox Super Deluxe Select rear shock for a model with more sophisticated damping - something with high- and low-speed compression adjustment - will let you fine-tune the suspension for repeated big hits or faster speeds. The RockShox Zeb Select fork is capable, but if you're regularly riding bike parks or genuinely aggressive terrain, a Charger 3 damper upgrade or a step up to a Zeb Ultimate brings noticeably more control.

Tyres are always personal, but if you ride in drier conditions or prefer a bit more speed on hardpack, you might consider a faster-rolling rear tyre - perhaps a Minion DHR II in a lighter casing or even a Dissector. The Merida Expert rims are tubeless-ready with a 30-millimetre internal width, so you've got room to experiment with tyre volume and pressure. The 780-millimetre handlebar with 30-millimetre rise suits most riders, but if you're taller or prefer a more upright position, a bar with a bit more rise can open up the cockpit. The Merida Team dropper post offers up to 230 millimetres of travel (200 on XShort), which is generous; unless you're exceptionally tall, you're unlikely to need more.

Where the Merida eONE-SIXTY 875 excels

This bike is built for riders who want to descend with confidence and climb without suffering, all while covering serious distance. If your typical ride involves long fire-road slogs to access technical descents - or you're stringing together multiple laps in a bike park - the 750Wh battery and capable suspension make the eONE-SIXTY 875 a natural choice. It's equally at home on all-mountain epics where the terrain varies constantly, from rooty climbs to rocky chutes to fast, open sections where you can let the motor push you along.

The mixed-wheel setup shines on trails that demand both stability and manoeuvrability. The 29-inch front wheel rolls over obstacles with composure, while the 27.5-inch rear keeps the bike feeling playful when you're pumping through compressions or snapping into tight corners. If you prefer the roll-over benefits of a full 29er - perhaps you ride faster, more open terrain - the flip-chip conversion is straightforward and doesn't require new wheels.

Where the bike is less ideal is on tight, twisty singletrack that rewards quick direction changes and nimble handling. At 26 kilograms, the eONE-SIXTY 875 isn't slow, but it's not a bike that darts around like a lighter trail e-bike. You'll feel the weight when you're trying to manual over roots or hop the rear wheel up a ledge. It's also more bike than you need if your riding is mostly mellow trails or cross-country loops; the travel and battery capacity are overkill for less demanding terrain, and you'd be better served by something lighter and more efficient.

Merida eONE-SIXTY 875 FAQs

What is the battery capacity of the Merida eONE-SIXTY 875?
The bike comes with a 750Wh battery as standard, which is among the largest capacities available on an e-MTB. Merida also offers an optional 360Wh range extender, bringing total capacity to 1,110Wh if you're planning genuinely epic days. The battery is removable, so you can charge it indoors or swap in a spare.

How much travel does the Merida eONE-SIXTY 875 have?
Rear travel is 174 millimetres, paired with a 170-millimetre RockShox Zeb Select fork. That's proper enduro territory, giving you the suspension to handle rough descents and big hits without bottoming out. The FAST kinematic platform is size-tuned, so progression is optimised for each frame size.

What is the weight of the Merida eONE-SIXTY 875?
Complete bike weight is around 26 kilograms. That's not light, but it's typical for an e-MTB with this much battery capacity and travel. The weight is most noticeable when you're manhandling the bike in tight sections or lifting it over obstacles, but on the trail the motor compensates well.

Can the Merida eONE-SIXTY 875 be converted to a 29er?
Yes, the bike ships with a flip-chip that lets you convert from the standard mullet setup (29-inch front, 27.5-inch rear) to a full 29er. You'll need a 29-inch rear wheel, but the frame and fork have clearance for up to 29x2.6-inch tyres at the rear and 29x2.8-inch up front.

What motor does the Merida eONE-SIXTY 875 use?
It's powered by Shimano's EP801 drive unit, which delivers 85 newton-metres of torque. The motor is known for its natural pedalling feel and smooth power delivery, and it integrates cleanly with the Shimano XT drivetrain. Assistance cuts out at the standard 25 kilometres per hour, as required by UK and EU regulations.

Is the battery on the Merida eONE-SIXTY 875 removable?
Yes, the 750Wh battery is removable, which makes charging more convenient and allows you to carry a spare if you're planning particularly long rides. The optional 360Wh range extender also slots into the frame, giving you flexibility depending on the day's ambitions.

What are the pros and cons of the Merida eONE-SIXTY 875?
The bike excels at descending with confidence, climbs efficiently thanks to the steep seat angle and powerful motor, and offers exceptional range with the 750Wh battery. The Shimano XT components are durable and well-suited to e-bike use. On the downside, the 26-kilogram weight limits agility in tight sections, and the bike is more capable than necessary if your riding is mostly mellow trails.

What type of riding is the Merida eONE-SIXTY 875 best suited for?
It's designed for enduro, all-mountain, and bike-park riding where you want serious suspension travel, long range, and the confidence to tackle technical descents. If your rides involve big elevation changes, rough terrain, and extended time in the saddle, the eONE-SIXTY 875 is in its element. It's less ideal for tight, twisty singletrack or cross-country loops where lighter, more nimble bikes shine.