Merida Big Seven 20-3X (2022): ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The Merida Big Seven 20-3X (2022) is built on an aggressive and strong TFS Alloy frame. This frame has a slanting top tube which makes the stand over height bigger than most standard hardtail MTB’s. This helps the Bicycle climb and roll over harsh trails without the frame taking a hit at the bottom bracket area. The top tube and bottom tube are fused together at the top near the headset, this makes the frame stronger in that area which might usually experiences a lot of vibration of the surface while riding on trails.

The Suntour XCT30 front suspension fork came with a massive 100mm travel which made sure the bumps on trails were rolled over without any difficulty. The suspension lock-out was easy to use and helped with riding faster on flatter surfaces.

The Bicycle which I test rode came in a full Teal Blue frame with Lime graphics in a gloss paint finish. The full Lime coloured patch on top of the top tube gives a refreshing new outlook to the frame graphics. The colour coded graphics on the rims and saddle make the Bicycle look uniform in design. The bulky treads on the tires add to the much needed rugged look for this MTB.

The Big Seven 20-3X (2022) is equipped with Shimano Tourney at front and Acera at the rear as derailleurs. The mid-level Shimano Tourney/Acera gear setup with a 3x8- Speed range is the perfect combination for fast and efficient trail riding. The 24-Speed drivetrain gave that extra bit of speed for the rider as well as enough range for steep climbs. The ST-EF505 Shimano EZ shifters were easy to operate.

The Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc brakes were powerful and balanced during the test ride. These brakes are one of the best in the industry, which can be found on MTB’s in this price range and makes the Bicycle capable of handling the wettest and roughest of trails.

The Merida CC 690mm handlebar was wide and comfortable to hold on to but like the previous year edition, has a 15mm rise. A fully flat handlebar would have made the riding posture aggressive, aligning with the aggressive frame geometry.

The Merida Big Seven 20-3X rolls on a pair of Merida K1080 27.5” x 2.2” tires. These tires were treaded heavily and perfectly suited for the rough and wet trails. High speed turns and jamming of the brakes were transformed well into a balanced reaction.

The Merida Sport Comfort stock saddle was shaped ergonomically with the perfect length and width. The grip patches on the widest part of the saddle on both sides were useful and made it non-slippery.