While the MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 10K isn’t the freshest face on the market, the spec is clearly aimed at enduro racers and performance enthusiasts – which makes it a fascinating contender in this test. MERIDA have often been ahead of their time, setting trends with technical innovations like their sizing concept and flexstay rear end. The 10K build targets ambitious riders – and hints at its price: € 9,999. In return, you get an electronic FOX NEO coil shock and the latest FOX Podium upside-down fork.
For an overview of the test field head to the comparison test: The best enduro bike of 2026
MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 10K: Specs and Details
Weighing in at exactly 17.0 kg, the 10K build features a top-tier FOX Factory suspension. Up front is the new FOX Podium USD fork with 170 mm travel and a GRIP X2 damper. Thanks to its upside-down design, it generates outstanding traction. At the rear, the electronically controlled FOX DHX Coil NEO shock offers real advantages, especially on steep climbs. Note: spring rates are pre-configured for frame size – riders who fall outside typical weight ranges should consider adjustments.
MERIDA deliberately mix components from various manufacturers to achieve the best possible setup. The new TRP EVO Pro four-piston brakes with 220/200 mm TRP rotors deliver powerful, controlled deceleration. Unfortunately, the headset cable routing is a drawback, complicating maintenance and showing signs of abrasion after just a few rides. The electronic SRAM X0 AXS Transmission drivetrain with direct-mount rear derailleur delivers smooth, precise gear shifts. A small chain guide and integrated bash guard add protection. The chainstay protector isn’t much to look at but keeps things quiet on the trail.
MERIDA’s AGILOMETER sizing concept gives you the freedom to choose based on bike length, as seat tubes remain short across all sizes.
MERIDA’s sizing system revolves around fully-insertable long-travel droppers. The bike is equipped with the new FOX Transfer Factory dropper post offering 240 mm travel, adjustable in 5 mm increments to suit your leg length. It’s paired with a FOX remote offering great ergonomics and light actuation. Thoughtful, but not perfect: the in-house multitool sits beneath the saddle – packed with functions, but often caked in mud and tricky to remove. A robust downtube protector and an integrated fender behind the seat tube round off the frame protection. Although MERIDA don’t yet offer in-frame storage, there’s a practical tool mount on the upper shock linkage.
The cockpit features Race Face ERA carbon handlebars that noticeably improve comfort on long descents. Complementing the setup are DT Swiss FR1500 alloy wheels, which have demonstrated excellent long-term durability in our office testing.The comes equipped with Continental Kryptotal tires: a Kryptotal FR in SuperSoft at the front and a Kryptotal Re in Soft at the rear, both in Continental’s Enduro casing. However, this casing isn’t ideal for intense racing or bike park abuse. As shown in our big tire comparison test, alternative options from other manufacturers, like MAXXIS’ DoubleDown or Schwalbe’s Super Gravity offer significantly more protection. We’d recommend upgrading to Continental’s Downhill casing for better reliability.
Specifications
Fork FOX Podium GRIP X2 170 mm
Rear Shock FOX DHX Factory Live Valve NEO 162 mm
Seatpost FOX Transfer Factory 240 mm
Brakes TRP EVO Pro 220/203 mm
Drivetrain SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission 10-52; 32
Stem MERIDA EXPERT eTRII 40 mm
Handlebar RaceFace Era Carbon 40mm Rise 780 mm
Wheelset DT Swis FR1500 29
Tires Continental Kryptotal FR, Super Soft, Enduro Casing/Continental Kryptotal Re, Soft, Enduro Casing 2.4/2.4
Technical Data
Size XS, S, M, L, XL
Tuning tip: Add extra cable protection
The Geometry of the MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 10K
The ONE-SIXTY is available in five sizes, XS to XL. At MERIDA, the S and L sizes stand for “Short” and “Long,” focusing primarily on reach while keeping seat tubes consistently short – giving riders more flexibility to size based on preference. With a 79° seat tube angle, it’s the steepest in this test, creating a compact, forward-leaning riding position. The 437.5 mm chainstays are among the shortest in the test field – only the gearbox-equipped Instinctiv goes shorter – and they grow with frame size to ensure consistent handling across the range. Additionally, the rear suspension progression increases with frame size to better support heavier riders or more aggressive riding. A flip chip in the shock mount allows you to convert the bike to a mullet setup, maintaining near-identical geometry between 29” and mullet configurations.
| Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 535 mm | 562 mm | 589 mm | 621 mm | 653 mm |
| Seat tube | 400 mm | 410 mm | 425 mm | 445 mm | 470 mm |
| Head tube | 95 mm | 95 mm | 95 mm | 105 mm | 120 mm |
| Head angle | 64° | 64° | 64° | 64° | 64° |
| Seat angle | 79° | 79° | 79° | 79° | 79° |
| Chainstay | 434 mm | 434 mm | 434 mm | 437.5 mm | 437.5 mm |
| BB Drop | 7 mm | 7 mm | 7 mm | 27.5 mm | 27.5 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,188 mm | 1,215 mm | 1,242 mm | 1,275 mm | 1,308 mm |
| Reach | 415 mm | 442 mm | 470 mm | 498 mm | 525 mm |
| Stack | 615 mm | 615 mm | 615 mm | 625 mm | 638 mm |
The MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 10K on the Trail
The riding position is very sporty. The steep seat angle creates a compact position with plenty of pressure on the hands – ideal for steep, technical climbs, though slightly fatiguing on long tours. The electronic suspension shines on the climbs: the NEO shock responds instantly and keeps the rear end highly efficient and pedal-neutral. In fairness, bikes with well-designed mechanical anti-squat systems – like the Pivot Firebird – also climb excellently without electronics.
The NEO shock reads the trail, firms up at just the right moment, and delivers maximum drive – whether you’re climbing or descending.
On the descents, the low front end encourages you to push actively – and those who do are rewarded with serious drive. This makes the MERIDA fast, but not always forgiving. Bikes like the Firebird or LAST offer similar support when pushing but are more forgiving of mistakes or lazier riding. The steep seat angle also places the saddle far forward, even when dropped – something that takes a bit of getting used to but doesn’t pose a problem later on.
On flatter trails, the ONE-SIXTY strikes a nice balance between agility and composure. The Podium fork ensures precise tracking, and yet the bike remains nimble and quick through turns. It’s not the most agile nor the most stable bike in the test field, but it offers a solid compromise and proves to be a strong all-rounder. The suspension – particularly with its electronic componentry – builds up serious speed out of corners while remaining composed and grippy. The Podium fork clings to the ground and pairs beautifully with the coil shock. The NEO shock seizes every opportunity to stiffen appropriately, avoiding energy loss and adding even more forward momentum.
Who should take a closer look at the MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 10K?
The MERIDA is for riders seeking a well-rounded, high-tech package – ambitious racers, frequent riders, or those wanting a smart, ready-to-go build. It rides playfully, pushes well, and reaches serious speeds when handled right. At full throttle, it can feel a little more twitchy than the best bike on test, but it still lands comfortably in the top five. While it doesn’t lead in any one category, it impresses with its overall cohesion.
Conclusions about the MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 10K
The MERIDA ONE-SIXTY 10K might not be the newest bike on the market, but it’s one of the most balanced and thoughtfully-specced in this test. It leverages the strengths of the FOX Podium fork and the NEO coil shock to create a cohesive, refined trail experience. Agile, playful, and wickedly fast with the right technique. Only at top speed does it feel a little less composed than the very best. The package is rounded off with practical components like powerful TRP brakes, a fully insertable 240 mm dropper, and rugged wheels – making it a compelling all-rounder.
Tops
- Strong all-rounder
- Super efficient on climbs
- Robust and well-balanced spec
Flops
- Cable routing could be improved
For more information, visit MERIDA.
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Words & Photos: Peter Walker