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A lightweight and reactive race ready road bicycle with an aesthetic design and a full Shimano 105 groupset.
Merida is a Taiwanese bicycle manufacturer who has been around since 1972. Merida is known for the performance packed, value for money bicycles with cutting edge design. The full 2019 range of Merida was launched in India recently. We got the opportunity to test ride the Merida Scultura 400 (2019) and here is what we thought.
Weight: 9.11 kgs
Usage: Fitness/Racing
Frame, Fit and Comfort
The aluminium frame with carbon forks come in 6 different frame sizes; XS to XL
The Scultura 400 is built on a full aluminium frame. This 6066 Pro-Lite aluminium frame is super light and durable thanks to its triple butting. The Scultura is a road race bicycle in geometry and during the test ride it was evident that this bicycle is an all-rounder, which can both climb as well as ride fast. All this was possible while still having a comfortable ride posture. The hydroformed tubes help maintain the stiffness to weight ratio which helps absorb vibration off the surface making the ride smoother. The rigid fork on this bicycle is made of Merida’s Scultura CF carbon. These bladed forks contribute to smooth steering and keeping the front half of the bicycle light.
Design
This bicycle comes in 2 colour variants, Matte-Dark Silver with Green graphics and Gloss White with Black graphics
Merida’s designs, especially on road bikes are top notch and the result for the Scultura 400 (2019) was the same. This frame comes in a matte-Dark Silver primary colour with Green graphics. The new green design on the top tube was refreshing and enhanced the aesthetics of this bicycle.
Gearing
The Shimano 105, 2x10-Speed derailleurs worked well and had enough depth for acceleration and climbs
The Scultura 400 is equipped with a full Shimano 105 road drivetrain. 105 is Shimano’s entry into full performance drivetrains. It sits beneath Dura-Ace, Ultegra and Di2.During the test ride both at the front and rear, the gears shift cleanly, smoothly and quietly. I never missed a gear or felt the shifter being unresponsive when I needed to change gear quickly. It shifts well under load as well. The 2x10-Speed integrated Shimano 105 shifters were easy to use with feather light pushes to change the gears.
Brakes and Steering
The 105 Road caliper Brakes along with the 105 levers helped brake well in both wet and dry conditions
To make it a complete drivetrain, the Scultura 400 (2019) comes with Shimano 105 Caliper brakes at the front and rear. These lightweight braking components made sure the braking was precise and balanced on both dry and wet tarmacs.
The Merida Expert Compact drop handlebar is perfect in width making them not too wide nor too cramped. Getting off the saddle and accelerating was easier thanks to the great steering response, which this handlebar provided.
Wheels and Saddle
The 700x25C road tires are long lasting and give good traction on tarmacs
The Maxxis Dolomites 700x25C folding tires on the Scultura 400 are race specific tires built to be lightweight but reliable. Maxxis have found the perfect balance in the Dolomites using technology such as their silkworm puncture protection and duel compound tread.
The Merida Sport stock Saddle was not only colour coded, but has a level of support and cushioning that suits the rider on faster rides just as much as those riding a century. The width of the saddle could have been slightly more to help during longer rides. The overall ride quality was fast and comfortable on flat tarmacs with lot of climbs.
Overall Rating
Performance
Design
Features
Value For Money
- Lightweight and comfortable aluminium frame with a carbon fork
- Smooth and precise gear shifting with a Shimano 105 drivetrain
- Aesthetic design and graphics
- Tire treads could have been better
Conclusion
This road bicycle comes with a full Shimano 105 drivetrain and caliper brakes. The lightweight alloy frame with carbon fork kept the overall weight very less at only 9.11 kgs. The design and graphics were aesthetic and the matte finish was smooth and of top-notch quality. Priced at Rs.1,06,490 (as on 30th January 2019) the Merida Scultura 400 (2019) is an ideal choice for anyone looking to buy a bicycle for long road rides and amateur road racing.
Prices are subject to change by the brand, without due notice.
