Merida Cyclo Cross 5000

Merida is a massive bike company with much competition-derived road and off-road experience.

£2150 > Low gears, high performance

It may not have the in-your-face presence or shouty marketing of some brands, but the bikes share very European roots, with German design and extensive continental development.

An all-carbon, high-quality frame set with hydraulic discs, 1x drivetrain and purposeful design that’s just under 9kg for just over £2000 is not to be sniffed at in our pre-Brexit economy. In line with the times, there are thru-axles at both ends, universal internal cable routing, and a 1 1/8 -1 1/5in tapered steerer.