Released September 29
Photo Credit: Merida
Builds
3
Price Range
($2,406)–($3,925)
Wheels
29″ Aluminum
Suspension
Full, 130 / 130mm
Frame Material
Aluminum
Does performance have to be complicated or expensive? We think not, and while we know that creating something simple that works impressively well is a real challenge, we committed 100% to this challenge when developing the new ONE-TWENTY. Our intention was to take the 'Alleskönner' essence of the outgoing ONE-TWENTY and set it up for today’s mountain biking challenges. The new bike had to be a strong climber, perfect ground coverer, daredevil descender, fun packed, affordable and with a simple to look after and reliable top performing design – simply a 'mountain bike for mountain biking'.
The highs and lows of this model family
Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.
Wheels | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ | 29″ |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
604 | 609 | 613 | 618 | 622 | |
425 | 445 | 465 | 485 | 505 | |
1.42 | 1.37 | 1.32 | 1.27 | 1.23 | |
548 | 569 | 590 | 611 | 632 | |
400 | 410 | 425 | 445 | 470 | |
78.5 | 78.5 | 78.5 | 78.5 | 78.5 | |
95 | 100 | 105 | 110 | 115 | |
66.0 | 66.0 | 66.0 | 66.0 | 66.0 | |
40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | 40 | |
334 | 334 | 334 | 334 | 334 | |
723 | 745 | 767 | 789 | 811 | |
435 | 435 | 435 | 435 | 435 | |
1,155 | 1,177 | 1,199 | 1,221 | 1,243 | |
42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | 42 | |
121 | 121 | 121 | 121 | 121 | |
748 | 750 | 752 | 754 | 756 |
🐐 Measurements listed in mm and degrees
Sep 29, 2023 · James Watkins
Merida’s 130mm travel One-Twenty (yes, you read that correctly) aims to be the bike of the people, offering an up-to-date, do-it-all platform at a reasonable cost
Competent climber and fun descender
Neutral characteristics for all-around biking
Hassle-free component package
Lifetime frame warranty
A bit heavy
Maxxis Forekaster tires lack bite to push downhill limits
SRAM DB8 brakes a little underwhelming
Sep 29, 2023 · Mick Kirkman
First ride review As a trail all-rounder that targets simplicity and affordability, Merida’s latest One-Twenty model isn’t directly competing with the best downcountry bikes that we’ve tested, like the Scott Spark, Yeti SB-120 or Transition Spur. That’s because, while those bikes tend to be lighter and cost way more cash the One-Twenty has a broader remit targeting a wider range of terrain and user groups. Best full-suspension mountain bikes: reviewed and rated by experts This new version only (currently) comes with an aluminium frame across a range topping out at £3,100 for the top spec 700 model featured here with RockShox suspension and SRAM NX drivetrain. Two other One-Twenty versions offered include a 600 model at £2,500 with a Marzocchi Z2 fork and Deore drivetrain and a 300 model with a Suntour fork XCR fork and Shimano Cues drivetrain for the bargain price of £1,900. Need to know New 130/130mm short-travel aluminium trail bike 29in wheels f/r only Five frame sizes grow in reach and wheelbase, rather than height Size specific dropper seat post, rather than infinitely adjustable to save weight and cost Steeper 78.5° effective seat angle and 66° head angle The One-Twenty is something of a bridge between Merida’s pure XC bikes and the new-school One-Forty/One-Sixty models launched last year that target aggressive trail and full-on enduro riding. The all-new frame also forms the basis of a Ninety-Six Lite model, which replaces the outgoing 120 RC and is a more XC-focussed machine with reduced travel of 110mm at both ends. This Ninety-Six plugs a gap in the market Merida has identified for a more affordable XC/marathon bike across two variants; the XT version with a RockShox SID SL and the 400 model, which has a Suntour fork and Shimano Deore drivetrain. Merida One-Sixty FR first ride review: a bike park bruiser While we’re talking about travel, it’s worth pointing out that despite the name, the new One-Twenty actually has 130mm at both ends. An extra 10mm might be worth shouting about in terms of capability, but Merida was keen to retain the name of what’s been a very successful bike for the brand and is sticking with the original. Short travel trail bikes haven’t got as much attention in recent years as enduro bikes, but with the growth of the downcountry segment and a sense many riders are starting to feel over-gunned on 160 or 170mm travel bikes at many spots, the category is definitely getting livelier. It makes a lot of sense too, as with modern geometry, shorter travel rigs can be plenty capable, especially if local hills don’t justify the extra weight and (potentially) less efficient pedalling and climbing of a longer travel rig. Merida reckons the One-Twenty ascends as well as its XC bikes while combining the confident handling, styling and modern sizing concept from its longer travel trail and enduro bikes. With a slight caveat over weight that I’ll get into later, I’d largely agree. It’s also refreshing (a little like with Specialized’s Status) …Continue reading »
Excellent value across three models. Great balance of efficiency, agility and stability.
Modern shape and sizing.
Heavy for its category.
Internal headset cable routing not the most user-friendly.
Sep 29, 2023 · Seb Stott
It's still called the One-Twenty, but this aluminum trail bike now has 130mm of travel front and rear.
Sep 29, 2023 · Ross Demain
The latest Merida One-Twenty boosts the travel to 130mm and uses P-FLEX suspension system for simple and light performance.