Performance Goal
Striving to hit the magic 200-watt barrier as measured according to the Tour Magazine test standard.
Weight & Stiffness
Making the bike as light as possible while getting close to the UCI weight limit of 6.8 kg, without compromising on stiffness and durability targets, and using only reliable, proven equipment.
Comfort & Tyre Clearance
Maintaining the impressive comfort levels set by the outgoing REACTO. Further increasing the tyre clearance for up to 32 mm tyres.
BEYOND AERO
BALANCED PERFORMANCE
While improving aero values alone would be enough of a challenge, unlike most of our competitors, however, we did not simply focus on pushing the bike below the 200-watt Wind Tunnel-certified barrier; we also wanted to continue our quest to create one of the most aerodynamic bikes that maintains its impressive comfort and control attributes, while offering our customers the choice to find the perfect REACTO for their preferred riding and racing style.
ICONIC SHAPE
REFINED IDENTITY
At the same time, our design team has 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 is agile, precise, and built for one direction only… forward.
A new design philosophy for the fifth generation
“With previous models, the design took a back seat in favour of the bike’s all-round performance. The edges and radii were kept subtle due to the focus on weight. Now, in the fifth generation, no compromises have been made! New manufacturing processes enable us to maintain a low weight while speaking a distinctive design language.“
Where aerodynamics meet expressive form
“The highly dynamic design of the new model stems primarily from the interplay of large, sail-like surfaces, such as those on the downtube and head tube, which are connected by slim, delicately designed cross-sections. Examples include the top tube and the lower section of the seat dome. This reduces the weight in certain areas while also creating an extremely dynamic, vibrant object. In a way, it is reminiscent of a yacht with masts, rigging and sails.“
A signature detail that defines the REACTO V
“The recurring 'V' design element that can be found in many details, such as the wheel arch on the fork and the connection of the seat stays, creates a physically uniform overall picture and forms the connecting link in the new REACTOs. Last but not least, the design, with its striking edges, creates an almost prismatic frame, allowing the paintwork to truly shine and make the bike’s colours pop!“
REACTO ONE
The most uncompromising aero configuration
Wind tunnel 196 watts (Tour Magazine wind tunnel test)
Weight 7.4 kg (size M)
Drivetrain 1x drivetrain with Classified hub gearing (full 2x range)
Wheels/Tyres DT SWISS ARC wheels – Continental Aero 111/Grand Prix 5000S TR 29/30 mm tyres
Power Meter Rotor Power Meter
Brakes 160 mm rotors front and rear
REACTO 10K
The ultimate all-round aero performer
Wind tunnel 202 watts (Tour Magazine wind tunnel test)
Weight 7.2 kg (size M)
Aero Balance Most balanced aerodynamic performance (front and side wind)
Stability Excellent stability and crosswind handling
Power Meter SRAM Power Meter
Brakes 160 mm rotors front and rear
REACTO TEAM
The lightest REACTO in the lineup
Wind tunnel 203 watts (down from 211 watts of the REACTO IV TEAM)
Weight 7.1 kg (size M)
Power Meter Shimano Power Meter
Brakes 160 mm rotors front and rear
Optimised for UCI regulations - maximum aero potential
The new REACTO is perfectly adapted to the latest frame and handlebar design boundaries set by the UCI. The TEAM CW 1P cockpit leads the way in this improvement, offering the perfect balance of cutting-edge design, aerodynamic efficiency, and a low weight of just 320 g, with better frame and bar integration that optimises airflow and reduces drag. The combination of this deep integration, the 'Seagull Wing' shaped profile, and a very flat top-bar profile contributes around 50% to the overall drag improvement over our TEAM SL 1P cockpit, already a highly efficient setup.
Front end stiffness and headset bearings
Looking at the front end and specifically at the size of the headset bearings, the previous REACTO model used the large size 1 ½” bearing at the top only to enable the crucial internal cable routing, while focusing on a smaller bearing size at the bottom to reduce the front surface area. Due to the more aerodynamic design of the new REACTO and the desire to increase head tube and fork stiffness, we were able to use long-lasting, large-size upper and lower 1 ½“ bearings without adding drag.
Seat post redesign for comfort and weight saving
A further focus on the overall design was the seat post. For the new REACTO, we moved away from the 15 mm offset post to a zero-offset version, but more importantly, we were able to save 100 g due to a new super slim design (which also has aero benefits), removing of the Di2 battery mounting and changes to the saddle clamp. We were able to do this without sacrificing the REACTO-known horizontal deflection that adds comfort on rougher surfaces. To provide additional visibility, a new rechargeable light can be integrated into the cut-out using a special adapter.
Fork, frame and component integration
Another key area is the fork shape, which now features deeper and thinner fork legs to reduce air drag at the fork/tyre intersection. Updates have also been made to the head tube, especially in terms of integrating the cockpit and stem areas into the frame. The downtube has been positioned further away from the front wheel to improve aerodynamics and reduce weight. Finally, the Di2 battery is now located in the bottom bracket area to lower the centre of gravity and provide easier access. We have also created new disc coolers that are more aerodynamically optimised and lighter, and designed specific aero bottles and bottle cages to further reduce the area where drag can occur.
Tyre clearance and chainstay optimisation
Tyre clearance has been increased from 30 mm to a maximum of 32 mm, still with 5 mm clearance. While we still fit 30 mm tyres, this increased clearance improves airflow at the tyre/frame/fork intersections without losing performance and agility. For that and to fulfil Shimano’s requirements, we have also extended the chain stays from 408 to 410 mm, without any handling disadvantages.
Proven geometry – zero offset seat post
Looking at the geometry, we have retained the key elements of the World Tour proven and race-winning geometry of the previous REACTO. However, our new, much lighter (approx. 100 g weight saving to the predecessor) zero offset seat post has been added to the bike, which brings some impressive weight savings and puts the rider slightly more above the bottom bracket for a more effective pedalling position.
Balancing Comfort and Efficiency
Carbon fibre layup is an art form that requires our engineers to blend the right combination of stiffness and flex. Balancing the contrasting needs of comfort and efficiency is no easy task, but by using knowledge gained over years of carbon fibre manufacture and the efforts of our in-house testers and world-class athletes, we’ve found what we feel is the correct balance in each area of the bike.
Two levels share one geometry
The new REACTO is available in two frame levels (soon there will be three – more details to follow): CF5 and CF3. Both the CF5 and CF3 frames share the same race-proven geometry and offer identical aerodynamic performance. The only difference is in the carbon lay-up, with the CF3 offering a more affordable option than the CF5.
Stiffness Targets Exceeded
Stiffness levels are identical across both, to ensure stable, confident handling. Our CF5-equipped models feature the new TEAM CW cockpit, and this can also be mounted to the CF3 level frame, which will feature other one-piece or two-piece cockpit options. Our stiffness targets for Head tube stiffness and Bottom bracket stiffness for the CF3 and CF5 were 90 and 60, but our design not only met those targets but substantially exceeded them.
Pushing an established design further
Cockpits, particularly one-piece designs, have a significant impact on the aerodynamic performance of a road bike. While our current MERIDA SL 1P cockpit, combined with our fully integrated cable routing, offers outstanding aerodynamics, weight savings and control, we felt that an updated design could further improve the REACTO’s ability to slice through the air.
Optimised for speed and regulations
A lower frontal area of bike and rider can help reduce drag massively, so we created a narrower cockpit design that allowed a more compact and aerodynamic rider position. Our track testing produced impressive aerodynamic gains while delivering the comfort and control our riders wanted, but in January 2026 the UCI introduced new safety regulations. That meant we and our partner VISION had to restart the development process in order to create a compliant cockpit. However, with the design work for the non-compliant bars complete, we can still offer cockpit options for riders not participating in UCI-sanctioned events, giving the option of an even faster, more aerodynamic position.
Aerodynamic precision efficiency
Given the cockpit’s crucial impact on the bike’s overall aerodynamics, we ran countless CFD simulations, testing and retesting the various designs we created. The result is the new TEAM CW 1P cockpit. The TEAM CW 1P features an aerodynamically optimised 'Seagull Wing' design that minimises airflow separation and drag. Its V-shape and foil profile maximise efficiency across all wind conditions, while its ergonomic design ensures comfort even on the most demanding rides. It is made from lightweight carbon (weight: +/- 320 g, length and width depending), and its high vertical and lateral stiffness make it ideal for fast and aggressive riders, as well as sprinters. With the less progressive, UCI-conform version (345/380 mm width), we achieved 197 watts. Using the most progressive sizes (305–380 mm width), which are not UCI-conform, the aerodynamic drag is reduced by a further 1 watts, making it our fastest specification for non-UCI performance racing.
Di2 battery relocated for accessibility and aerodynamics
Modern bikes can sometimes lose sight of the serviceability and maintainability. This is exacerbated on aero bikes, where parts of the bike are increasingly hidden within the frame to reduce drag. While today’s electronic and wireless groupsets have drastically reduced the time needed for potential re-cabling, other factors, such as the use of standardised parts and easy access, can also contribute to the time saved. With this in mind, we have moved the Di2 battery from the seat post to the bottom bracket area, which allows us to create a slimmer, lower-drag seat post, and it also provides slightly easier access, without the need to remove key parts of the bike.
Seat post clamp and power meter integration simplified
The new seat post clamp has been moved to a more accessible position on the back of the seat tube, and the power meter cadence sensor magnet now sits securely and invisibly under the chain suck protector.
Standardised interface
Finally, in terms of the standards used on the bike, we have standard PF86.5 bottom brackets and FSA-ACR style headsets, which are easily accessible and straightforward to fit, as well as standard front and rear hub spacing of 100x12 mm and 142x12 mm, respectively.
The REACTO is a cornerstone of our international portfolio and has been a top performer in global markets for years. Customers worldwide appreciate its uncompromising, straightforward design and the perfect balance of speed, weight and comfort. I am particularly proud that we can offer this exceptional bike at a range of prices, from an affordable entry-level option to the top model proven on the World Tour.
BENJAMIN DIEMER DIRECTOR OF PRODUCT
As an engineer who has competed in road races since childhood, this was truly a dream project for me. To achieve our ambitious performance goals, we invested significant time and effort in refining and reinventing our end-to-end development process and project workflow. Every time I jump on the new REACTO, I can really sense the effort the team has put into this project, and that we got lots of things just right.
ARNE BURKHARDT HEAD ENGINEER
The new REACTO V feels noticeably more efficient and easier to accelerate than its already impressive predecessor. Despite a very direct and sporty ride character, it remains well-balanced, which is noticeable on longer and more demanding rides, when the bike’s comfort and overall balance really come into their own. The sharp head tube area gives the bike a confident, speed-focused appearance that really stands out. The new integrated cockpit blends seamlessly into the overall design, feeling like an essential part of the REACTO V rather than a separate component.
JENS STEINSBERGER PRODUCT MANAGER
