With the brand-new MISSION, MERIDA add another gravel bike to their line-up. Alongside the adventure-ready MERIDA SILEX and the all-road-focused SCULTURA ENDURANCE, the new MISSION is built for pure speed on gravel. Drawing inspiration from the lively SCULTURA ENDURANCE, MERIDA claim to have created an unbeatable gravel setup with race DNA. And the name says it all: this bike is designed to be fully race-ready, purpose-built for fast-paced UCI gravel events. But how does that actually work in practice, and is the MERIDA MISSION truly fit for modern gravel racing? Read the full review to find out.
Gravel, Cyclocross or All-Road? – The 2026 MERIDA MISSION 10K masters the off-road balancing act
Gravel, cyclocross or all-road? So what exactly is the MERIDA MISSION 10K, and what is it trying to be? According to MERIDA, this new bike is built to be the ultimate all-rounder, whether you’re hammering over fast gravel or cruising a quick stretch of tarmac. With road racing roots and geometry inspired by the SCULTURA, it’s designed to bridge the gap between adventure and all-road riding. Cyclocross, on the other hand, is only present in name, the MISSION inherits its title from MERIDA’s former cyclocross model, but that’s where the connection ends.
But that’s not where the balancing act ends. If you’ve been keeping an eye on the evolution of gravel racing over the past few years, you’ll know that tire width has become a defining issue. MERIDA have gone with a maximum tire clearance of 40 mm. That might sound conservative – and it is – but it’s a deliberate decision. The slimmer profile ensures a sleek and sporty silhouette, without the need for dropped chainstays. On top of that, the MISSION is compatible with standard road groupsets, something you won’t often find on today’s gravel bikes with chunkier tires.
Fair enough, the MERIDA team make a valid point when they question who actually needs 2.1” mountain bike tires on a gravel bike for everyday riding. But even for its intended purpose – as a fast gravel race bike built for UCI events – we’d have liked to see a bit more tire clearance. The jump from 40 to 45 mm might not sound huge, but it brings a significant boost in grip, comfort and control, with only a minimal drop in efficiency.
That leaves the question of its all-round capabilities. And this is exactly where the MERIDA MISSION 10K really shines. Not only does it look sleek and seriously fast, but the hard facts – like the component compatibility and tire clearance – mean you can build your own ideal all-road setup, tailored to your style and terrain.
All-Round down to the Smallest Detail – what is the 2026 MERIDA MISSION 10K capable of?
The new MERIDA MISSION 10K is all about efficiency and speed, but how does it actually achieve the performance it promises? The first step, and something no modern bike can go without, is aero optimisation. In the case of the MISSION, that comes straight from the SCULTURA race bike. It features the new TEAM SL GR1P carbon cockpit, combining an all-round aero look with a fully integrated front end, a slightly deeper fork, a refined head tube and a dropped down tube for improved airflow.
There’s also a first for MERIDA’s drop-bar line-up: the MISSION features an integrated storage compartment in the frame. It opens via a FIDLOCK closure and, on the top-spec MISSION 10K, comes with an internal pouch as standard. MERIDA have also gone with a classic round seatpost, making it easier to swap in a personalised option to suit your fit or comfort needs.
Needless to say, stopping power is crucial with any modern race bike. MERIDA didn’t hold back, equipping the MISSION with their signature cooling fins to boost braking performance and heat management.. In keeping with its race-focused design, the frame is compatible with both 180 mm and 160 mm rotors. And if you’re heading out in wet or muddy conditions, there are mounting points for mudguards, though in that case, tyre clearance drops to a maximum of 35 mm.
The 2026 MERIDA MISSION 10K in Detail
Our test bike, the new MISSION 10K 2026, sits at the very top of the MERIDA range and comes equipped with a SRAM Red XPLR AXS drivetrain. A power meter is included as standard, although it was missing from our test model. MERIDA also spec a Prologo NAGO R4 PAS saddle and the TEAM SL GR1P race cockpit. For grip, control and rolling efficiency, the MISSION rolls on 40 mm Goodyear XPLR Slick tires, mounted on a set of Zipp 303 XPLR SW wheels. In size M, the complete build tips the scales at just 7.76 kg and comes in at € 8,999.
MERIDA also offer two more models running SRAM’s XPLR drivetrain: the MISSION 9000 with SRAM Force XPLR AXS and Zipp 303 XPLR S wheels, and the MISSION 6000, which pairs Rival XPLR AXS with DT Swiss wheels. If you prefer Shimano, you’ve got two more options: the MERIDA MISSION 7000 with a 2×12 Shimano GRX Di2 setup and Reynolds carbon wheels, and the MISSION 4000, fitted with a mechanical Shimano GRX 400 2×12 groupset and Shimano wheels. If nothing else takes your fancy, the MERIDA MISSION 10K frameset at €2,249 is bound to put a smile on your face.
MERIDA MISSION 10K 2026
€ 8,999
Specifications
Seatpost MERIDA TEAM SL 27,2 mm
Brakes SRAM RED AXS 160/160 mm
Drivetrain SRAM RED XPLR AXS 1 x 13
Chainring 44
Stem MERIDA TEAM SL GR1P 125 mm
Handlebar MERIDA TEAM SL GR1P 400 mm
Wheelset Zipp 303 XPLR SW 12 x 100 / 12 x 142
Tires Goodyear XPLR Slick 700 x 40c
Cranks SRAM RED AXS DUB 170 mm
Cassette SRAM RED XPLR XG-1391-E1 10-46
Technical Data
Size XXS XS S M L XL
Weight 7,76 kg
The Geometry of the 2026 MERIDA MISSION 10K
The geometry of the MERIDA MISSION clearly showcases its SCULTURA race DNA. With a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.46, the riding position is sporty and compact, yet still comfortable enough for long distances. A 72° head angle combined with 419 mm chainstays delivers sharp steering and punchy acceleration, while the 1,013 mm wheelbase and 72 mm bottom bracket drop are meant to improve stability at speed. The steep 73.5° effective seat angle places you centrally over the bottom bracket, rounding off the race-focused fit. The result? A sporty all-rounder and gravel racer that tracks confidently at high speeds but still feels nimble enough to attack tight, twisty sections.
| Size | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat Tube | 445 mm | 470 mm | 490 mm | 510 mm | 530 mm | 560 mm |
| Horizontal Top Tube | 522 mm | 532 mm | 543 mm | 560 mm | 571 mm | 586 mm |
| Chainstay Length | 419 mm | 419 mm | 419 mm | 419 mm | 419 mm | 419 mm |
| Head Angle | 70° | 70° | 71° | 72° | 72° | 72.5° |
| Seat Angle | 74° | 74° | 74° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° |
| BB Drop | 72 mm | 72 mm | 72 mm | 72 mm | 72 mm | 72 mm |
| Head Tube | 103 mm | 117 mm | 126 mm | 137 mm | 153 mm | 178 mm |
| Reach | 370 mm | 377 mm | 384 mm | 391 mm | 398 mm | 405 mm |
| Stack | 529 mm | 542 mm | 555 mm | 569 mm | 584 mm | 610 mm |
| Wheelbase | 997 mm | 1009 mm | 1011 mm | 1013 mm | 1024 mm | 1035 mm |
All-Round with pure riding fun – the MERIDA MISSION 10K on review
It’s clear from the very first pedal strokes that the MERIDA MISSION 10K has a different take on gravel racing. The bike’s road racing DNA and aggressive geometry are instantly noticeable – and they’re a real highlight. Unlike some of today’s more laid-back gravel racers, the MISSION 10K is all about agility. The handling feels lively and playful, more like a road bike than a gravel machine, and that suits its character perfectly. It accelerates with ease, and the stiff frame ensures that every watt you put in is immediately turned into forward momentum.
That performance carries over to the climbs too. Tipping the scales at just 7.76 kg with a bottle cage, the MISSION is one of the lightest gravel bikes on the market, and you can really feel it. Paired with the efficient tires, the bike delivers a snappy response when you put the power down, while the deep-section wheels help maintain speed once you’re up to pace. The central riding position, typical of MERIDA, works well here, and the moderate compliance underlines the bike’s all-round, performance-oriented character. What really impressed us, though, was the agile and precise handling. Whether you’re climbing, descending or weaving through tight, technical sections, the MISSION 10K responds instantly and delivers loads of fun on twisty, playful terrain.
Tuning tip: For maximum gravel capability, fit a set of grippy, puncture-resistant gravel tires.
That said, the limits of the setup do become apparent. With 40 mm Goodyear XPLR Slicks mounted on wide Zipp 303 SW rims, the bike is prone to punctures on rough gravel. In fact, several flats occurred during the press launch in Girona. If you stick to all-road territory, though, mixing light gravel with stretches of tarmac, the tested setup really comes into its own. No matter the surface, the MISSION delivers speed, agility and, above all, impressive efficiency.
The new MERIDA MISSION 10K feels most at home on fast terrain, regardless of the surface. Whether you’re riding on tarmac or gravel, its sharp handling and familiar ride feel, reminiscent of the SCULTURA, make it a true all-rounder with the potential to replace (almost) every bike in your garage. The only exception is more demanding gravel tours, where the tested setup starts to reach its limits.
Who should take a closer look at the 2026 MERIDA MISSION 10K?
The MERIDA MISSION 10K is a fast-paced racer that delivers heaps of fun and a real road bike feel. Combined with its sleek, eye-catching design, it’s tailor-made for anyone who simply wants to ride fast. Road and gravel? No problem. On mixed rides and classic gravel loops, the bike shines with its lively, forward-drive character. With the right setup, the MISSION 10K could easily become the only bike you need, a true do-it-all machine for your garage. It’s only when the gravel gets really rough that its conservative tyre clearance starts to hold it back.
Shorts Q36.5 Dottore Pro | Shoes Fizik Vento Proxy
Conclusions about the 2026 MERIDA MISSION 10K
With the MISSION, MERIDA introduced a race-ready gravel road bike that really stands out for its all-round versatility. Fitted with fast-rolling tires, it proves to be a true do-it-all machine for light gravel rides and smooth tarmac alike. It might not be the most extreme or the outright fastest bike in your collection, but thanks to its impressive versatility, solid off-road capability, strong road performance and seriously fun handling, it’s almost guaranteed to become your new favourite.
Tops
- Pure riding fun thanks to sharp handling
- Direct and sporty ride feel
- Sleek and streamlined design
- High-end spec throughout
Flops
- Limited tyre clearance for more demanding gravel routes
More information at merida.com.
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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: MERIDA, Calvin Zajac