Merida ONE-FORTY 700

About the Merida ONE-FORTY 700

Merida's ONE-FORTY 700 lands squarely in the modern trail-bike sweet spot - 150mm up front, 143mm out back, and geometry that's steep where it counts and slack where you want it. This is the aluminium workhorse that BikeRadar crowned Trail Bike of the Year in 2023, and the formula hasn't changed: a bike that climbs like it's been stung and descends with the poise of something costing twice as much. The frame is Merida's Lite Aluminium III, shaped around FAST kinematic suspension and dressed with enough frame protection to survive a season of Welsh slate and Scottish rock without looking like it's been through a cheese grater.

What makes the ONE-FORTY 700 compelling isn't just the numbers - it's how Merida's translated them into a ride that feels intuitive from the first pedal stroke. The 80-degree seat angle plants you over the bottom bracket, so even when the gradient kicks up you're driving through the cranks rather than sliding off the back of the saddle. The 65-degree head angle brings calm to fast, rough descents without making the front end feel like a barge on tighter trails. You get SRAM NX Eagle's 10-50-tooth range, four-piston SRAM DB8 brakes, and a Marzocchi Z1 fork that's more composed than its price tag suggests. It's a spec sheet that prioritises function over flash, and it works.

Merida's AGILOMETER sizing system is the wildcard here. Instead of forcing you into a frame based purely on height, you choose reach based on how you ride - shorter for snappy, playful handling or longer for stability and speed. That choice also tweaks suspension progression, so a shorter frame feels livelier through its travel while a longer one ramps up more progressively. It's a clever bit of engineering that lets you tailor the bike's character before you've even turned a pedal, and it's rare to see this level of customisation on an aluminium trail bike at this price point.

Merida ONE-FORTY 700 geometry

The 80-degree seat tube angle is the headline act. It's steep enough to keep your weight centred over the cranks on technical climbs, so you're not constantly shuffling forward to find traction. You'll feel the difference on rooty, off-camber slogs where other bikes have you fighting the geometry - here, you're just riding. The 65-degree head angle balances that steepness with proper descending poise; it's not enduro-slack, but it's calm enough to let you commit through rough, fast sections without the front wheel darting off line.

Reach varies across the AGILOMETER sizes, but the philosophy is consistent: longer frames stretch you out for stability and speed, shorter ones tuck you in for quicker steering and a more playful feel. The chainstays are relatively short for a 29er, which keeps the rear end lively without sacrificing traction. Bottom bracket drop is moderate, so you've got clearance for pedalling through rock gardens without feeling perched too high. The overall package is balanced - nothing feels extreme, but every angle works together to make the bike feel smaller and more manageable than its travel numbers suggest.

When you're threading through tight singletrack, the shorter rear centre and responsive front end let you flick the bike around without drama. On open, fast trails, the longer wheelbase and slack head angle plant the wheels and let you carry speed. It's a geometry that doesn't demand you ride one way; it adapts to the terrain and rewards you for reading the trail ahead.

Component choices & upgrades

The stock build is well sorted. SRAM NX Eagle delivers reliable 12-speed shifting with a 10-50-tooth cassette that covers everything from fireroad slogs to punchy technical climbs. The SRAM DB8 four-piston brakes offer strong, consistent power - more than adequate for trail riding and light enduro days. Marzocchi's Z1 fork is a budget-friendly sibling to the revered Fox 36, sharing the same chassis and damper architecture but with simpler adjustments; it's plush, supportive, and handles repeated hits without packing down. The RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock features a lockout for climbing efficiency, and the FAST kinematic platform keeps it active enough to track rough ground without bobbing through your pedal stroke.

Maxxis Minion DHF up front and Dissector out back are a proven pairing - grippy, predictable, and tough enough for rocky trails. The 29-inch MERIDA EXPERT TR rims are tubeless-ready with a 28mm internal width, which supports those 2.4 - 2.5-inch tyres nicely without adding unnecessary weight. The Race Face Aeffect cranks are stiff and durable, and the MERIDA TEAM TR dropper offers 230mm of travel on larger sizes, which is generous for a trail bike.

If you're chasing marginal gains or riding terrain that demands more, consider a fork upgrade first. A Fox 36 or RockShox Lyrik would add more precise damping control and a touch more stiffness, which you'll appreciate on repeated high-speed descents or if you're a heavier rider. The NX Eagle drivetrain is bombproof, but if you want crisper shifts and lighter weight, SRAM GX or Shimano XT are logical steps up. Tyres are always personal - if you ride drier, hardpack trails, swapping the Minion DHF for a faster-rolling Maxxis Rekon or Dissector up front will reduce drag without sacrificing too much grip. The stock brakes are solid, but if you're a bigger rider or regularly tackle long, steep descents, four-piston Shimano XT or SRAM Code brakes offer more power and better heat management.

That said, the stock kit is more than capable for the vast majority of trail riders. Upgrades should be driven by your specific needs - terrain, riding style, or skill level - rather than a sense that the bike is underspecced. It's not.

Where the Merida ONE-FORTY 700 excels

This bike is outstanding at technical trail riding where you need to climb efficiently and descend with confidence. The steep seat angle and balanced suspension platform mean you can tackle long, steep ascents without feeling like you're fighting the bike, and the 150mm fork and 143mm rear travel give you enough cushion to charge rough descents without getting rattled. It's the bike for riders who want one machine that can handle a full day in the hills - fireroad climbs, rocky singletrack, rooty descents, and everything in between - without needing to swap bikes or compromise.

It also excels at technical, slower-speed trail riding where precision and control matter more than outright speed. The geometry is playful enough to let you pick lines through rock gardens and tight switchbacks, and the suspension is active enough to keep the wheels tracking over roots and off-camber sections. If your local trails are steep, rough, and varied, this bike will feel at home.

Where it's less ideal is pure XC racing or ultra-long endurance rides on smoother terrain. The 16.2kg weight (size XS, without pedals) is noticeable when you're trying to chase down a faster group on flat fireroads, and the 150mm fork is overkill if you're spending most of your time on groomed trails. It's also not an enduro race bike - while it can handle big descents, riders who regularly session bike parks or race enduro will want more travel, a slacker head angle, and burlier components. The ONE-FORTY 700 is a trail bike first, and it's happiest when you're riding varied terrain rather than specialising at either end of the spectrum.

Merida ONE-FORTY 700 FAQs

What is the Merida ONE-FORTY 700 best suited for?

The ONE-FORTY 700 is best suited for aggressive trail riding and all-mountain use, where you need a bike that climbs efficiently and descends with confidence. It's designed for technical terrain - steep climbs, rocky descents, rooty singletrack - and riders who want one versatile machine for varied trails. If your rides mix long ascents with demanding descents, this bike will feel right at home.

How does the AGILOMETER sizing system work on Merida bikes?

AGILOMETER lets you choose frame size based on reach and riding style rather than strict height measurements. A shorter reach frame (e.g., Short) offers quicker, more playful handling, while a longer reach (e.g., Long) provides more stability and speed. Your choice also influences suspension progression - shorter frames feel livelier through their travel, longer frames ramp up more progressively. It's a clever way to tailor the bike's character to how you ride, and Merida provides guidance to help you choose the right size.

What is the travel on the Merida ONE-FORTY 700?

The ONE-FORTY 700 features 150mm of front travel (Marzocchi Z1 fork) and 143mm of rear travel (RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock). That's a balanced trail-bike setup - enough cushion for rough descents and technical terrain without feeling overforked on climbs or smoother trails.

Is the Merida ONE-FORTY 700 good for climbing?

Yes, it's excellent for climbing. The 80-degree seat tube angle keeps your weight centred over the cranks, so you're driving through the pedals rather than sliding off the back of the saddle. The FAST kinematic suspension platform is efficient without feeling harsh, and the wide-range SRAM NX Eagle drivetrain gives you the gears to tackle steep, technical ascents. It's one of the bike's standout strengths.

What are the pros and cons of the Merida ONE-FORTY 700?

Pros include exceptional climbing performance, versatile trail handling, stable descending, modern geometry, and a well-specced build for the price. The durable aluminium frame and long-travel dropper post are also highlights. Cons are the weight - 16.2kg is noticeable compared to carbon rivals - and the headset cable routing, which can make servicing more involved. Some riders might also want more high-speed stability for very fast, open descents, though it's more than adequate for most trail riding.

What size Merida ONE-FORTY 700 should I buy?

Use Merida's AGILOMETER sizing guide as a starting point, but consider your riding style as much as your height. If you prefer quick, playful handling and tighter trails, size down (shorter reach). If you want stability, speed, and confidence on rough descents, size up (longer reach). The system is designed to let you choose based on feel rather than strict measurements, so it's worth testing both options if possible.

How does the Merida ONE-FORTY 700 compare to enduro bikes?

The ONE-FORTY 700 can match many enduro bikes on descents thanks to its modern geometry and capable suspension, but it's lighter, more efficient on climbs, and more versatile across varied terrain. Enduro bikes typically offer more travel (160 - 180mm), slacker head angles, and burlier components, which make them better for bike parks and race stages but less fun on long climbs or all-day trail rides. The ONE-FORTY 700 is the better choice if you want one bike that does everything well rather than specialising in descending.

Can the Merida ONE-FORTY 700 be set up as a mullet bike?

Yes, the frame features a flip chip that allows you to run a 27.5-inch rear wheel with a 29-inch front wheel (mullet configuration). This setup can make the bike feel more playful and easier to manoeuvre in tight terrain, though you'll lose some of the rollover and traction benefits of a full 29er. It's a useful option if you prefer a more agile rear end or if you're transitioning from a 27.5-inch bike.