Wideopen gives our ONE-SIXTY 8000 a thumbs up!

Pete from Wideopen was already a fan of the ONE-SIXTY 6000 and was keen to try the next model up. Rather than just looking at the different components, he wanted to see how the ONE-SIXTY 8000 performed with a full 29er setup, as opposed to the mullet version he had tried earlier.

He started his test by taking part in this year's MERIDA EX 3-day enduro event on the ONE-SIXTY 8000 (read the story here), and he was instantly impressed by how well it carried speed and how sure-footed it was right from the outset.

Back on his home trails, he continued testing and came to the same conclusion: the bike is "wicked fast, composed and fun, yet entirely understated".

The change to a full 29er setup gave him even better traction due to the increased contact patch of the rear wheel and meant that “square edges on the ups don't present themselves as much”. He also praised the steep seat tube angle, saying it was “a joy when it comes to really winching up the steep, technical stuff”.

He also found that his findings from the EX were confirmed: the ONE-SIXTY 8000 in the full 29er setup holds speed beautifully, and it feels “a little more surgical when it comes to crossing the ground without losing the fun that comes with the platform”.

The final verdict:
“Beyond the differences in travel and wheelsize, you still get the great ride, banging spec and the intricacies that Merida put in their bikes…,that make them even better than they look on paper. Meridas always ride great and the One-Sixty 8000 is no exception.”

For the full review on Wideopen, please click here.  

For the full specification and frame features of the new ONE-SIXTY 8000, please click the link underneath DISCOVER THE BIKE.

To find out more about the bike, including key features, R&D and design thinking, as well as the intended use, please check the micro page here.

To see the complete 2026 ONE-SIXTY range, please click here.

The bike tested is the 2023 ONE-SIXTY 8000.