Introducing the new Merida Reacto

Right after the previous Reacto, the UCI changed the rules for aerodynamic road bikes. Merida took this on board, and the new generation Reacto is fully up-to-date. At the end of February, the press got to test the bike, and today the new Reacto is officially unveiled.

Four years of development went into the new Reacto. This was mainly due to the rule change implemented by the UCI just after the previous Reacto was introduced. The new regulations allow for more aerodynamic shapes in the frame. While the Reacto IV couldn’t benefit from the new guidelines, the new Reacto perfectly exploits the aerodynamic limits set by the UCI. A good example is the head tube, which has become significantly longer. This is also seen on the Ridley Noah Fast from UnoX. The down tube has been redesigned to allow a bit more clearance for wider tires with the same airflow and to mount a lighter seatpost.

Partly because of the new regulation, Merida decided to start the development process from scratch and let go of everything that had previously existed—except the intended use. Naturally, aerodynamics had to remain the foundation; after all, the Reacto is Merida’s aero road bike. Merida chose the wind tunnel test from the German magazine Tour as the gold standard. This test measures how many watts a dummy needs to maintain 45 kilometers per hour. The goal was to stay under 200 watts, which was achieved for several variants. This puts the Reacto in the top-3 of aerodynamic bikes.

But beyond that, the aim was to make the Reacto a bike fitting for today’s standards. So not only faster, but also with more tire clearance to accommodate 32mm wide tires. Weight and comfort had to remain at least the same.

There has been some ‘drama’ regarding the matching handlebar developed by Merida. It follows the modern trend: much narrower and in a sleek, modern V-shape. But then the UCI stepped in. The rules were adjusted, imposing a minimum handlebar width, which made Merida’s handlebar illegal in road races under the cycling union’s jurisdiction. However, for riders not bound by these regulations, the handlebar is a comfortable, aerodynamic choice.

The new Reacto clearly continues the family line but also has its own identity. Merida’s design director Martin Stütz explains: “In previous models, design was less important than the bike’s all-round performance. The edges and curves were subtle due to the focus on weight. Now, in the fifth generation, no compromises were made. New production processes allow us to maintain a low weight while developing a modern aerodynamic bike.”

Matej Mohoric
Stütz points to the collaboration with Reynolds. Together, countless tube profile variations were calculated and tested using CFD analysis (computer simulations) to achieve optimal aerodynamic harmony and stiffness balance. A lot of knowledge was gained this way, from which all future models will benefit, says Merida.

And certainly this new Reacto. Stütz: “The very dynamic design of the new model mainly comes from the interplay of large, sail-like surfaces, such as those on the down tube and head tube, which are connected by slender, refined cross-sections. Examples are the top tube and the lower part of the seat tube. This reduces weight in certain spots and simultaneously creates an extremely dynamic, lively object. It somewhat resembles a yacht with masts, rigging, and sails.”

After various tests with rideable prototypes, the new Reacto made its debut at the end of the previous racing season. Only people with a trained eye could spot the new Reacto in the Vuelta and on Matej Mohoric during the Renewi Tour. But the feedback from Bahrain Victorious riders was just incorporated before their contract expired. Now the bike is ready for use by cycling enthusiasts beyond the pros.

Three Reacto variants
The new Reacto is currently available in two frame variants: CF5 and CF3. A third will follow. Both the CF5 and CF3 frames share the same proven race geometry and offer identical aerodynamic performance. The only difference is the carbon construction, with the CF3 being a more affordable alternative to the CF5. Additionally, the bike is available with various groupsets, ranging from a 1x setup with Classified hub (One) to more affordable options like Shimano 105 (4000) and SRAM Rival (7000).

We (Rodrick and his son Leen) rode two versions during the press camp in Benicassim at the end of February. First, the Reacto 10k with SRAM Red groupset. The bike was gold-colored, a version that will not be sold in the Benelux. If you want this groupset, there is a gray-silver variant for you. We also rode the Reacto 9000 with Shimano Ultegra, a bike expected to be a sales spearhead with a retail price of 7499 euros. Both bikes are made from CF5 carbon, which contains a slightly higher amount of hi-mod fibers and is higher quality than the CF3 frames.

In the mountains around Benicassim, the bikes more than met the tests. Naturally, one would say, for a bike of this caliber. The new Reacto, very important for Merida due to the model’s popularity, is, as they say nicely: right up there. Tight on the flats, sharp in the corners, light when climbing. Remarkable is the comfort linked to a bike with primarily aerodynamic DNA: we gladly took the bike out for another lap. And another lap. Much of the comfort comes from the modern tires, which are much wider than any previous version of the Reacto, but the frame development strongly focused on this as well: the bike had to couple aerodynamics with comfort.

“Merida makes bikes that are used in practice, not study models,” product director Benjamin Diemer says. ‘Benni’ is especially proud that his team managed to create a nice range. “Of course, we have the top models with Dura-Ace and Red. But the Reacto 4000, with a mechanical Shimano 105 groupset, achieves nearly the same aerodynamic values so that people with a smaller budget can also benefit from a modern aerodynamic bike.”

Prices
Merida Reacto One Classified € 11,499
Merida Reacto Team Shimano Dura-Ace € 10,999
Merida Reacto 10k SRAM Red € 10,999
Merida Reacto Pro Shimano Dura-Ace € 8,499
Merida Reacto 9000 Shimano Ultegra € 7,499
Merida Reacto 8000 Shimano Ultegra € 5,999
Merida Reacto 7000 SRAM Rival € 5,599
Merida Reacto 6000 Shimano 105 Di2 € 4,699
Merida Reacto 5000 Shimano 105 Di2 € 3,599
Merida Reacto 4000 Shimano 105 mechanical € 2,599

Credits: This article was written by an editor of RIDE Magazine. Merida is a media partner of WielerFlits and RIDE and supports our platform in this way.