Merida (Taiwan) - Press Release: When we started riding our first bike and managed to stay upright after countless attempts, we very quickly made our bikes our constant companion on our explorations of the neighbourhood and the local woods. Fast forward to today, and with a long list of other jobs, we expect our bikes to do, we still enjoy the freedom and ability our bikes give us when it comes to exploring. However, sometimes we also look for that little ‘tailwind’ that makes carrying the extra load, climbing the steeper slopes or going the extra mile a little bit easier. With all that in mind, we have created the MERIDA road e-bike range, consisting of the eSCULTURA, eSPEEDER and eSILEX.

While the three bikes are fundamentally different when it comes to their preferred terrain and usage, they also have some essential parts in common. Besides the new eAL700c frame, which is used in all three models, they also introduce the MAHLE X35+ motor, battery and control unit to the MERIDA range. The MAHLE X35+ system keeps the overall weight of the bike extremely low as well as helps to maintain the sleek and stylish silhouette of a non-assisted bike.

The new eAL700c frames feature the 250 Wh internal battery, is able to take 700c or 650B wheels (up to 42 or 47c respectively), has complete cable integration through the new WIRE PORT headset cap and a comfortable yet sporty geometry that makes the bike very versatile, far beyond its intended focus.

To give the bike the desired ‘tailwind’, we have added the MAHLE X35+ rear hub motor, that perfectly combines a neutral support level with almost drag-free pedalling. This is particularly helpful when the motor is either disengaged or when cruising above the 25 km/h maximum support level. While the motor is the same 40 Nm configuration in all three models, the motor set up map (the software that regulates the support from the drive unit) is specifically designed to meet the requirements of the three different bikes.

The motor and battery are controlled from the well placed iWoc button, that informs the rider about the support as well as battery level and makes toggling between the levels straight forward.

While the torque and battery size numbers might sound ‘underpowered’ in today’s race for bigger output and capacity, the MAHLE X35+ is very much seen as a support system that might not be needed all the way through the ride, as the overall weight and riding characteristics of our road e-bikes make pedalling without support a breeze. And if extra capacity should be needed, a 250 Wh range extender can be fitted, instantly doubling the size of the battery.

Besides the specific motor software ‘tuning’, our three bikes differ in specification and choice of fork.

Let us explain…

eSCULTURA:

The ‘classic road bike’ amongst our new road e-bike range. The eSCULTURA comes equipped with a full carbon fork that features a more aero profile while still offering increased comfort and shock absorption. The classic dropper handlebar set up, paired with fast-rolling 32 mm road tyres make the eSCULTURA the perfect road e-bike companion for the road riders out there who like an active riding style. While the eSCULTURA is a dedicated road bike with an impressively low overall weight, its comfortable yet sporty geometry and its ample tyre clearance give it real versatility and day-to-day usability.

eSPEEDER:

If the urban jungle is your playground and you regularly seek out the best ways to get around as well as enjoy the flow your bike gives you around sticky traffic or out on the open cycle tracks, then the new eSPEEDER could be the perfect choice. A flat handlebar set up for ultimate control when weaving through traffic paired with wider 700c tyres for enhanced grip and comfort make the eSPEEDER perfectly suited for commuting, fitness rides and general cycling adventures. The eSPEEDER 400 EQ model comes fully equipped with fenders, rear rack and kickstand.

eSILEX:

If you are often looking for the off-road alternative when you are out on your bike, or you simply enjoy exploring the path unknown, then the eSILEX might be the perfect assisted bike for you. Similarly, to its non-assisted gravel relative, the eSILEX is available in the more rugged 650B or the more fastrolling 700c set up. Both versions come with gravel/off-road tyres for extra grip. A large number of fixing points on the frame, as well as the fork, turn the eSILEX into an adventure and bike packing rig without any fuss. To improve off-road capability, we equip the eSILEX with a flared dropped handlebar which improves control when riding in the drops and during demanding off-road descends. The full carbon fork has a more gravel bike specific profile for improved stability and strength and features multiple mounting points.

For customers who are looking for a lightweight road e-bike that combines a sleek silhouette, stylish looks, versatility and a perfectly matching e-motor assistance then our three options of the eSCULTURA, the eSPEEDER or the eSILEX could be THEIR PERFECT TAILWIND.

All features and additional technical details can be checked in our three fact sheets.