Our design team have reinterpreted the iconic Reacto silhouette to give it a fresher, sharper, and more dynamic presence. The bike should have a stronger identity and be clearly identifiable at first glance as the Merida Reacto, particularly when its silhouette is compared to competitor models. The result is a true tribute to all speed enthusiasts and weight fanatics who demand a unique bike that’s agile, precise and built for one direction only... forward.

To achieve our targets, we ran hundreds of CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) iterations. This involved testing different tube shapes that were considered both individually and in combination. We also tested the complete bikes.

To accelerate and optimise the process, we joined forces with Reynolds who are renowned for their expertise in rim profile aerodynamics and crosswind stability. They played a pivotal role at the start of the project by refining the aerodynamic characteristics of specific tube shapes and overall frame behaviour.

Following a step by step process we focused on testing the most critical areas, such as the cockpit, headtube and fork first, ensuring each individual part was optimised before starting work on the next.

The final seal of approval came from the Zedler Institute, our renowned testing partner, who further support our detailed in house lab testing. Their Road Advanced+ test is one of the industry’s toughest evaluations, incorporating fatigue and overload tests, simulating loads that far exceed standard ISO requirements. Certifying a road bike with a total system weight of 120 kg whilst keeping the frame weight as low as possible creates both engineering and production challenges. Balance is key.

Rideable prototypes enabled our enthusiastic team to feed back and top-level race testing in the 2025 Tour de France and Vuelta helped refine carbon fibre layups and other design details.

Four detailed wind tunnel sessions were undertaken to prove that our CFD findings  optimised the harmony between aerodynamics and stiffness.  
The Tour wind tunnel test sets the standard for real life aerodynamic performance. A pedalling mannequin is exposed to varied wind direction to simulate the conditions a rider faces on the open road and measure the watts required to ride at a constant speed of 45 km/h. Adding realistic pedal motions and changing the wind direction models the behaviour of the bike in side winds, creating a design that performs in real world conditions.  

The Reacto has always been about delivering a complete package, rather than chasing figures at the expense of usability. We’ve refined the frame, seat post and fork to optimise comfort and performance.

Our new Reacto makes full use of the UCI’s profile boundaries. The new Team CW cockpit leads the way in terms of aero improvements, contributing 50% of the overall improvement compared to the previous version (offering a saving of 5 watts compared to standard cockpit options such as the Vision 5D Evo or the Merida Team SL 1P). A bigger cut-out at the head tube enables deeper cockpit integration. Combined with the wing shape, this optimises  airflow from the head tube across the top tube, significantly improving aerodynamic efficiency with a low weight of just 320 g.

In line with the trend for narrowing the front surface area of bikes for riders, we initially  created a narrower cockpit, especially at the drops, allowing a more compact, aerodynamic rider position. Countless iterations demonstrated impressive aerodynamic gains whilst retaining the comfort and control we sought.

Changes to UCI safety regulations from 1st January 2026, resulted in us having to go back to the drawing board. The result - for those seeking UCI approval - is the new Team CW 1P lightweight carbon cockpit, now available on the CF5 framed models (the Reacto 10K, Team and One). This offers an aerodynamically optimised ‘Seagull Wing’ design with a profile that maximises efficiency in all wind conditions, reducing airflow separation and drag. The total drag savings for the bike and rider system exceed the Tour standard. The CW 1P cockpit can be retrofitted to all Reacto V models. 

Weight: +/- 320 g, length and width depending.  

For riders not participating in UCI sanctioned events we offer much narrower cockpit options.