SCULTURA SL

A Forward Motion
The BB386 bottom bracket with its integrated transversal rib provides maximum cross sections for the connected tubes. Result: Extraordinary stiffness.

B Natural Role Model
The seat and chain stays’ central layer consists of flax fibres: Perceptibly reduced vibrations on rough surfaces without compromising stiffness.

C Design meets Function
The SCULTURA SL’s elaborate multi-colour design supports the very gracile look of the torsion-resistant carbon frame – pure understatement!

D Always Advancing
Also the full-carbon fork delights with vibration-damping bio flax fibres. The torsion-resistant headtube guarantees premium steering precision.

Long before the trend towards exciting frame designs became accepted in addition to the established classics, our innovative REACTO already demonstrated that MERIDA is able to offer premium products also beyond trails and MTB race courses – meanwhile, the REACTO is considered as one of the market’s most versatile aero racers. For MY 2013, Juergen Falke (MERIDA’s Head of Design) and his R&D team have taken another striking step forward by presenting the SCULTURA SL. Not least, this extremely innovative road machine has specifically been developed for potential utilization within the professional sports circus.

Since the SCULTURA enriches the MERIDA road racer range, riders and bike press are equally delighted by the outstanding triple combination of low weight, propulsion and comfort. After many months of intense development work, MERIDA’s designers and engineers now eclipse anything known before by introducing the next rung on the evolutionary ladder: From 2013, our also visually impressive SCULTURA SL sets new outstanding benchmarks – thanks to a lot of innovative technologies such as “Double Chamber” reinforcement ribs, “Flex Stay” seat stays or special damping in form of bio fibres. Right from the start, the ultra-light frame weight of 830 g (at frame size 57 cm) as well as the stiffness data of 104 N/mm (headset) and 69 N/mm (extra-solid BB386 bottom bracket) catapulted the SCULTURA SL directly to Rank Two of the eternal road racer ranking. The SCULTURA SL also dashes ahead in terms of comfort: 153 N/mm at the rear stay are equally decisive*.

Essential preconditions for this world-class level were the no-compromise approach of MERIDA’s experienced R&D experts and the utilization of many innovative technologies: The frame’s torsional stiffness is increased by the broad connection between left chain stay and bottom bracket as well as by the special reinforcement ribs in the bottom bracket section. At the same time, so far unimagined comfort is provided by the specifically developed Monolink seat post (slim 27.2 mm), the “Flex Stay” rear stay and a cutting-edge carbon mat structure: A central layer of special flax fibres is integrated into the High Modulus (HM) carbon fibres. This reduces vibrations and absorbs road bumps to conserve a SCULTURA pilot’s performance potential effectively. The bio fibres are also part of the light full-carbon fork (330 g) with its “Tapered Steerer” shaft increasing from 1 1/8” (top) to 1.5” (bottom).

Also some other superb features characterize our SCULTURA SL as a no-compromise race bike. Carbon dropouts, a carbon derailleur socket, exclusive compatibility to double drivetrain systems and a maximum tire width of 23 mm make the clear statement: MERIDA pilots cycle in the top flight!

SCULTURA – The name says it all
It’s no matter of chance that MERIDA’s top road machine is called SCULTURA (Italian for “sculpture”): The carbon frame’s flowing shapes have a striking resemblance to the timeless design of antique sculptures. Especially the new 2013 edition SL (“Superlight”) deserves its name even in a double sense: As a first approach, a professional stonemason chiselled the bike’s shape traditionally and “reversely” out of a massive block. Then designers and engineers optimized even the smallest details in ultra-close cooperation and finally perfected the SL shape in full accordance to the designated technological features.

Shifter and brake cable integration with full Di2 compatibility
For protection against moisture and dirt, the SCULTURA delights with internal routing of shifter and brake cables – of course fully compatible to conventional or electric drivetrain versions. Result: Premium performance with clear look!

Geometry for racing
First of all, the sophisticated geometry of our SCULTURA SL is configured for speed – unmistakably represented e. g. by the chain stay length of just 400 mm which provides aggressive and agile handling in every situation.

Confirmed UCI conformity
Since 2012, the UCI (“Union Cycliste International”) demands that all bike frames used for competition purposes have to pass a technical acceptance test called “homologation”. As a matter of course, all MERIDA SCULTURA models come with this official certificate.

*measured by independent surveyors according to “tour” standard