Strategies for development, problem solution and resource utilization paint a precise picture of a company’s philosophy when analyzed in detail. Prime example: MERIDA and the brand-new O.NINE. This sensational hardtail racing machine does not only offer a frame weight below 1 kg – it also represents the current international benchmark with respect to stiffness and comfort.

The O.NINE idea was born in MERIDA’s development center. Afterwards, collection and analysis of load data (i. e. occurring peaks during the uphill/downhill/sprint sections of a real XC race) were supported scientifically by the Institute of Vehicle Technology at Esslingen University (Germany) – a faculty otherwise focusing on automotive engineering.

Moritz Milatz – successful pro member of our MULTIVAN MERIDA BIKING TEAM – acted as test pilot when it came to measurement of real-performance data. His skills defined the limits and set the standards for realizing one of the world’s most exciting bikes.

Finally, the O.NINE was completed by MERIDA’s own Department for Research and Development (R&D) in Germany, which utilized all the extraordinary potential of the best carbon fibres currently available on the international market. Soon after the finished construction plans had been sent to the MERIDA headquarters in East Asia via internet, the first prototypes arrived from Taiwan – where we cooperate with the most renowned manufacturing specialists of the carbon frame sector.

The next stage was characterized by tough practical trials: The MULTIVAN MERIDA BIKING TEAM absolved rugged race courses of the international World Cup series on the O.NINE and put the new bike to the test. Simultaneously, our professional athletes made proposals for improvement and already signalled great appreciation.

After six tough testing months within the challenging racing circus, we proudly introduce the first serial production version of our O.NINE hardtail to the international bike scene now – a direct result of marketing and manufacturing processes being as complex and successful as the underlying cooperation between professional athletes and our R&D department.

But this is the quintessence of MERIDA’s strictly quality-oriented philosophy. Our products always base on the best possible combination of manpower, manufacturing and material – effectively merging highly innovative German engineering with the practical input of our professional MULTIVAN MERIDA BIKING TEAM. Equally important are our international distribution partners and their immense knowledge of regional bike scenes. Together with impeccable Taiwanese manufacturing, all this enables us to provide international MERIDA customers successfully with the unique outcome of our main objective: The most outstanding bikes of our time!

Welcome to MERIDA!