THE NEW ONE-FORTY

UNTAMED TRAIL EVOLUTION

THE MOST UNCOMPROMISING, ADJUSTABLE, AND FLAT-OUT TRAIL BIKE WE HAVE EVER CREATED.

 

In a world of constant technical innovation, it’s easy to lose sight of what your bike is supposed to do; deliver those perfect moments when everything disappears beneath you, and all that exists is the trail. Those moments of perfect trail flow are what the new ONE-FORTY is designed for. Our new sizing system frees you to get the handling you want without worrying too much about body height, while our new progressive geometry and suspension platform allows you to tackle the ups, the downs and everything in between - all so you can lose yourself in the now.

No one knows how they want their bike to handle better than you do, which is why our new AGILOMETER sizing allows you to pick your reach - and handling - almost independently from your height, all while still getting the maximum travel possible from our 30-230 mm adjustable dropper post. You decide whether you want to pop and party with a shorter reach or opt for a stretched-out sledgehammer of a bike.

Our new FAST suspension kinematic offers up 143 mm of rear wheel travel and 150 mm at the front, wrapped up with fast-rolling 29” wheels, but with the option of running a mullet setup. Increasing the progression as the reach grows allows harder and heavier riders to get the support they need without short-changing everyone else, while our flexstay design keeps maintenance and weight low but stiffness high. We’ve also added in a whole load of other new features designed to make the bike lower maintenance and more durable, so you can focus on what matters, the trail ahead.

 

WHAT HAVE WE DONE AND WHY?

An all-mountain trail bike needs to be the consummate all-rounder, able to tackle technical big mountain terrain while keeping the rider fresh enough to do it all over again. That’s no easy job, but the true challenge in today’s mountain biking world is how to satisfy the diverging demands of the riders themselves, especially when features that some riders consider ‘must haves’ are hated by others.

For some, the holy grail is improved stability at speed when hitting the trails; for others, the main focus is maximum agility, easy turning and maximum manoeuvrability when weaving through the trees. While sizing up or down so that you get the riding characteristics you are looking for is nothing new, more often than not, it was linked to trade-offs elsewhere. Most of the time, the dropper post travel was compromised, the handlebar was at the wrong height, the suspension was also unable to work at its best, and if you wanted to go for a mullet setup, the geometry was all over the place. 

The new ONE-FORTY incorporates a long list of new technologies and ideas that take those compromises away and delivers maximum trail performance, whatever riding style you have.

NO COMPROMISE ON PERFORMANCE

FAST KINEMATIC

Our all-new Flexstay-Adjustable-Size-Tuned suspension kinematic does what it says on the tin - it’s FAST. The flexstay means we get rid of a pivot point for less maintenance and lower weight, it’s adjustable to work with full 29” wheels or a mixed ‘mullet’ setup without altering the geometry, and it’s size-tuned to deliver more wheel rate progression as you move up the frame lengths, allowing smaller, lighter riders to access all their travel while giving heavier or harder riders the support they need.

FLEXSTAY DESIGN

Using a flexstay design means a back end that’s stiffer in all the right places, plus fewer bearings mean lower weight and less maintenance. That’s on both our carbon and aluminium frames. Both have been tested by the ZEDLER Institute, so they are made to last. And before you worry about the longevity of repeatedly bending metal, the frame design and suspension configuration is based on minimal deflection when going through the travel, making the use of aluminium possible. The ONE-FORTY is tested to the Category 4 all-mountain and enduro standard, and we back that up with a lifetime warranty, despite the demanding usage category.

 

 

WHEEL SIZE ADJUSTABLE

It’s adjustable because you can run full 29” or mixed; it doesn’t matter - the geometry is exactly the same, though we give the little wheels a little helping hand by bumping up the travel to 151 mm from 143 mm. Oh, and we now run 150 mm of travel at the front because that’s what modern trails demand.

SIZE-TUNED SUSPENSION KINEMATIC

We feel the pain of smaller riders that can never access the last bit of travel - we also know what it’s like for the hard and heavy riders that see the bottom-out bumper way more than is healthy. That’s why our size-tuned suspension kinematic delivers more progression as you size up, so heavier or harder trail warriors can keep pushing it harder while everyone else (in particular lighter and smaller riders) can actually use the travel they’ve brought to the party.

NEED MORE IN-DEPTH KNOWLEDGE?

The FAST kinematic suspension system represents a step forwards in every aspect of performance, but we understand if you want to know exactly how and why we’ve achieved that. That’s why we’ve got all the information you need to know about shock progression rates for each frame size, plus how the suspension performance compares when you run different size wheels in the back end. We’ve also got all the information you need to know about anti-squat figures to explain how we’ve boosted pedalling performance without killing small bump performance, plus how our new anti-rise figures impact performance under braking. To geek out to your heart’s content, download the PDF below.

REAR WHEEL FLIP-CHIP

Want to switch from party-mode mullet setup to flying Business Class with a full 29er? It's no problem - and thanks to our flip-chip, it won't create a problem with the geometry either. Usually, moving to a smaller or larger wheel would have a knock-on effect of changing the head angle, bottom bracket height and all sorts of other stuff you don't want to go messing with, but thanks to this neat bit of engineering, you can keep the geometry totally static while switching up your rear wheel size. It's simple too - just a pair of chips in the seat stay pivot that are flipped around to compensate for the change in diameter of the wheel.

NO COMPROMISE ON FIT

AGILOMETER SIZING

The new ONE-FORTY geometry delivers next-level performance with a steep seat tube for efficient climbing and a slack head angle for capable descending. The bit in the middle? Well, that’s up to you. Do you want long reach for a stable, planted feel out on the trail, or rather something agile and playful that makes fast directional changes a breeze? Or, perhaps, you are looking for a more balanced approach that is perfect for all-mountain adventures that have a bit of everything thrown in. You don’t need to argue about what’s right or wrong; you just choose whatever works for you.

While we certainly did not come up with sizing bikes by reach, we believe that our all-holistic AGILOMETER sizing system of including the dropper post travel and the handlebar height gives everybody multiple usable frame and reach options without compromising on finding the perfect contact point height/position. 

Sizing up on a ‘conventional’ frame might be difficult if you’re stuck with a too-long seat tube that restricts the amount of seat drop you can use and a handlebar that is way too high for you. On the other side, sizing down often means that the post doesn’t go far enough, even on full extension, and that the handlebar position is much lower than what you are used to and where you feel comfortable. 

 

TEAM TR DROPPER POST

Having a dropper post that’s too short or too long is no good. We’ve got around this issue by fitting our new MERIDA TEAM TR dropper post. It delivers a whopping 230 mm of travel but is infinitely adjustable down to just 30 mm. We’ve also designed in a low standover and an uninterrupted seat tube on all sizes. Get the right saddle height, get the maximum dropper travel - and all without changing any components. 

The same goes for a front end that’s too low or too high. Short stack heights on all bikes allow the bars to be run low by those that want them slammed, but we offer two different bar rises for different sizes so you can get them back up to where you need them, if you need to. For further fine-tuning of reach and stack, there is the option to run just the right amount of spacers too. The choice is yours.

 

 

NO COMPROMISE ON FEATURES

DETAILS FOR A LONG LASTING RIDING EXPERIENCE

While the frame is clearly the heart and soul of the bike, it is also the smaller things that turn a great ride into a perfect ride. Our R&D team is packed with designers, engineers and product managers that don’t just conceptualise and design the bikes but also test them to breaking point. During those endless days in the saddle, they often get inspiration on what detail and what small change can help to give bikes like the ONE-FORTY the perfect finish. For example, there is our TUBE BASE PLATE to carry a backup tube neatly attached to the frame, and on carbon models, there’s a built-in Fidlock bottle cage mount so even the shortest frame sizes can run a proper 600 ml bottle. Our carbon models have our MSP - the MERIDA SERVICE PORT. It allows plenty of access for easy, sleek and silent internal cable routing in conjunction with our WIRE PORT headset, but there’s also space to stick some emergency supplies in there too.

Besides offering plenty of frame protection to keep your frame looking fresh and to silence your ride, we’ve also got a built-in rear fender to keep the dirt off - and if additional mud and spray protection is needed, we also have a long version in our accessories program. Our almost invisible yet super effective MERIDA ISCG05 chain guide and the NON-SLIP TIGHTENING system in conjunction with larger diameter bearings as well as threaded BB, SRAM UDH hanger, Boost 148 rear wheel spacing round off the ONE-FORTY. 

The new ONE-FORTY is the perfect choice for trail riders that look for maximum performance, know what riding characteristics they are looking for and enjoy long days in the saddle as much as a demanding trail session away from the beaten track.

MERIDA SERVICE PORT

Need some more on-board storage? Carbon models have our MSP - the MERIDA SERVICE PORT. It allows plenty of access for easy, sleek and silent internal cable routing in conjunction with our WIRE PORT headset, but there’s also space to stick some emergency supplies in there too.

INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING

We use easy, sleek and silent internal cable routing in conjunction with our WIRE PORT headset, When we say internal cable routing, that’s internally run and guided from front to rear, on both carbon and aluminium bikes. There are no cables hanging out halfway to get snagged or damaged in the middle of the bike either thanks to our through-pivot routing too.

NON-SLIP TIGHTENING SYSTEM

Our NON-SLIP TIGHTENING system allows you to easily secure suspension pivots with only a single tool, making trailside tweaks easy and regular maintenance a breeze. We’ve also built in durability with larger diameter, tougher bearings in our linkages and pivots.

ESSENTIAL TOOL WRAP

Our MSP allows you easy access to your cables, but on carbon frames, it also allows us a bit of storage space. That’s why we created a neat little roll-up bag that allows you to take a mini pump and some extra emergency bits and pieces, all protected from the elements and ready for when you need them. Don’t use it for your sandwiches though - that’s silly.

BUILT-IN FIDLOCK BOTTLE CAGE

Our carbon-framed bikes have a flush-fitting magnetic Fidlock mount, meaning you can carry and quickly access a water bottle or accessory kit on the bike without the hassle of a cage. Just twist to release and drop to secure - it’s practically magic.

TUBE BASE PLATE

You don’t want to be riding without a tube, but you want to keep your back free of a pack, and your bike free of ugly straps - no problem, as our removable TUBE BASE PLATE means you can carry a tube as well as a CO2 cartridge with ease.

EVEN MORE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

Add in our MERIDA V-Mount Multitool under the saddle and our 4/6 mm Allen key on the removable rear through axle lever, and you’ll be ready to go without needing to pick up a pack.

BUILT-IN FENDER

Our standard small fender helps keep mud and moisture off the main pivot, but if you want to keep your body clean as well, as also offer an optional long fender that hard mounts to the bike. No more poorly zip-tied guard flapping about, catching on tyres or your frame - just neatly integrated protection.

NO PROPRIETARY STANDARDS

We’ve picked standards that work well and are easy to find, even when you’re travelling far from home. That means a 148 mm rear wheel spacing with no odd dishing. A threaded BSA bottom bracket, so finding a replacement will be easy and fitting it will be even easier. SRAM’s Universal Derailleur Hanger, so you don’t need to worry about finding the right part when you’re travelling.

PROTECTION AS STANDARD

There’s plenty more protection as standard too, with an anti-noise 3-D moulded chainstay armour, protection film in key areas like the inner rear triangle and an extended downtube protector to shield the bike from trail debris and transport mishaps. We have our almost invisible yet super effective MERIDA chain guide to keep the chain in check.

ONE-SIXTY OR ONE-FORTY?

WHICH WOULD SUIT YOU BEST?

While our new long travel FAST platform has generated two very different bikes, the ONE-FORTY very much embodies today’s modern, highly versatile and ultra-capable trail bikes. It is the calm and capable friend you want in your riding gang. Unflappable and fast. Long days in the saddle, rough and steep trails, big mountains and perhaps even bike parks and enduro outings are its natural habitat. Compared to the predecessor, the geometry has grown in length, and it can be ridden as a full 29er or with a 27.5" rear wheel (mullet). The full 29er setup makes the bike lightning fast and perfect for chasing your PB or chasing the clock at an enduro outing! And by choosing a smaller wheel size, the ONE-FORTY transforms into a playful bike that loves jump lines and tight berms.

From the ground up, the intention was to create a fit-for-purpose bike that could withstand the tough job of being ridden hard onto today's demanding trails. The ONE-FORTY tested to the Category 4 all-mountain and enduro standard, and we back that up with a lifetime warranty, despite the demanding usage category.

The ONE-FORTY is aimed at riders that equally enjoy a long and demanding all-mountain trail safari, with plenty of ups and downs, while also dabbling in a bit of tricky trail and perhaps enduro action when the opportunity arises. Its balanced geometry with its steep seat angle makes the ONE-FORTY a goat-like climber, while the slack seat angle and long reach give it outstanding descending qualities even on baby-head-littered trails. In addition, the perfectly tuneable riding position makes for a super comfortable ride, and the outstanding durability and serviceability make it a trusted partner on demanding days on your home trails, in the big mountains or even when the race clock is ticking.

The new ONE-SIXTY is a hardcore, long-travel enduro bike. It’s slack, long and super-fast. Rough and steep trails, big mountains and bike parks are its natural habitat. Compared to the predecessor, the geometry has grown in length, and it can be ridden as a full 29er or with a 27.5” wheel (mullet) in the rear. That makes the bike lightning fast and perfect for racing! And by choosing a smaller size, the ONE-SIXTY transforms into a playful bike that loves jump lines and tight berms.

Extensive testing and a fit-for-purpose design have given the ONE-SIXTY the highest possible category approval - category 5 - and with that, an industry-leading five-year warranty for such a demanding usage category. So, it can be ridden and raced on the toughest trails in the bike park without worrying that your warranty might be affected. 

With all this in mind, the ONE-SIXTY is aimed at the most demanding enduro and trail riders and racers out there. You don’t expect any compromises from man or machine, and you are looking for the perfect bike for your preferred terrain and riding style. Over the years, you have learned what you want from your bike, and you appreciate that even subtle differences in geometry, setup and kinematic can make a real difference to your riding experience. While our ONE-SIXTY loves to show its strength between the tapes, its impressive climbing abilities, comfortable riding position and outstanding durability and serviceability make it a trusted partner on demanding days in the big mountains.

When starting the development process of our new long travel platform, it was very much the idea to create two separate bikes that would differ from each other in the amount of travel provided but also in the way they perform.

Both bikes, whether in carbon or aluminium, share the essential ingredients of the AGILOMETER sizing concept, modern geometry and the FAST kinematic suspension.

When it comes to suspension travel, the quantity is the obvious difference between the two bikes. The ONE-FORTY has a 150 mm fork and 143 mm rear wheel travel, while the ONE-SIXTY has a 170 mm fork with 162 mm or 171 mm travel depending on rear wheel size.

More travel offers a greater ability to absorb rough terrain, but it also requires heavier-duty suspension components to control the travel and, in turn, tougher tyres to deal with the rougher terrain and higher impact speeds - all of which has an impact on both weight and pedalling performance.

The key figures for the ONE-SIXTY are the 79° seat angle and 64° head angle. This shifts to a 65° head angle for the ONE-FORTY, due to the shorter travel fork, while the identical 79° effective seat angle is achieved via a 10 mm offset post against the zero-offset post on the ONE-SIXTY. The steeper head angle helps keeps the ONE-FORTY feeling more lively and agile when riding the flatter terrain that an all-mountain bike needs to excel at. 

Conversely, the slacker head angle of the ONE-SIXTY gives more control on steep terrain and at speed on rough ground, the natural habitat of the long-travel enduro bike. 

We feel 79° effective is the perfect seat angle to give excellent climbing performance without putting too much weight on the rider's hands when on flatter terrain.

The ONE-FORTY runs 29” wheels at both ends in all sizes, but Extra Short through to Mid length ONE-SIXTY bikes come with a mixed 27.5” rear and 29” front, Long and Extra Long come with a full 29” setup. While our flip-chip means geometry is maintained regardless of rear wheel size, the travel is affected, moving from 162 mm with a 29” wheel to 171 mm with a 27.5” wheel. 

The smaller rear wheel gives shorter riders extra clearance on the steep terrain a ONE-SIXTY is most at home on, but it also offers up a more agile feel in the turns or in the air. Chainstay length is slightly shorter with the smaller wheel too, helping this sensation.

For reference, it is also possible to run a ONE-FORTY with a mixed wheel setup, and rear travel will change to 153 mm with the smaller wheel.

Rolling stock and suspension are the key differences here. Both bikes use a shock with an eye-to-eye length of 230 mm, but the ONE-SIXTY uses a stroke of 65 mm and the ONE-FORTY has a stroke of 57.5 mm. The longer travel bike also uses piggyback-equipped shocks, which trade a weight penalty off against a higher oil volume that is capable of dealing with higher heat loads before fade becomes an issue.

It is a similar story with the front suspension; the ONE-SIXTY gets 38 mm stanchion forks that have more travel at 170 mm and a more rigid chassis better able to deal with extreme loads, while the ONE-FORTY has shorter travel 150 mm forks with 35-36 mm stanchions that delivery excellent precision for all-mountain use without as much of a weight penalty.

The ONE-SIXTY gets tyres with tougher casings; Assegai MaxxGrip DD in the front, Minion DHR II DD MaxxTerra in the rear. They can take a beating, but they inevitably weigh more - plus the more aggressive tread pattern increases grip but also rolling resistance.

The ONE-FORTY still has a tough rear tyre, with Minion DHF MaxxGrip in Exo casing on the front and a Dissector MaxxTerra with tougher Exo+ casing on the rear. There’s also more of a focus on reducing rolling resistance, especially at the rear, with less prominent tread patterns.

Finally, chain security has been considered with MRP AMG chain guides with bash guards on the ONE-SIXTY 8000 and 10K models and our own MERIDA EXPERT TR upper guide on all other ONE-SIXTY models. On the ONE-FORTY, all CF models get an upper guide, while aluminium models do not.

Without a doubt, there is an overlap between these two machines. While neither of them would be out of place at an enduro race or on a big mountain trail day, if you know what kind of riding you want to do and what terrain you primarily want to hit, then the ONE-SIXTY or the ONE-FORTY offer two very different and highly capable options.

Pick a ONE-SIXTY if:

  • You want a competitive enduro race bike
  • Most of your riding is on steep, very technical and rough terrain
  • Downhill speed is more important than uphill pace
  • You ride at bike parks with large jumps, do uplifts and love sessioning tracks
  • Overall bike weight is secondary to durability and capability 

Pick a ONE-FORTY if:

  • You want a highly capable all-mountain bike
  • Most of your riding is on moderately technical terrain
  • You place equal emphasis on descending fun and uphill ability
  • You ride longer distances and enjoy big loops in the wild as well as technical challenge
  • Overall bike weight is an important factor