26.8 kg (manufacturer’s claim, size M) | €5,599 | Manufacturer’s website
With the new MERIDA ETMO, the Taiwanese manufacturer is launching its most aggressively priced e-mountain bike to date. A full aluminium frame, 160/160 mm of travel, a mixed wheel setup and, depending on the spec variant, either a Bosch Performance Line CX or PX motor. The aim is simple: make the entry into e-mountain biking as accessible as possible for as many riders as possible.
At its core sits a full-suspension aluminium frame with the following options:
- 160 mm of travel front and rear on the ETMO 700 and 800
- 140 mm up front and 143 mm at the rear on all other models
- Mixed wheel setup across the range with a 29″ front wheel and 27.5″ rear wheel
Prices start at €4,299 for the MERIDA ETMO 500 and tops out at €5,599 for the MERIDA ETMO 800. That puts it on a similar level to bikes like the Canyon Neuron:ON AL or the entry-level Santa Cruz Vala AL.
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 100 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 800 Wh
Display Bosch Purion 400
Fork Marzocchi Bomber Z eMTB 160 mm
Rear Shock Marzocchi Bomber Air 160 mm
Seatpost MERIDA EXPERT TR II 230 mm
Brakes Shimano XT 203/203 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT LinkGlide 1×11
Stem MERIDA EXPERT eTR II 40 mm
Handlebar MERIDA EXPERT eTR 780 mm
Wheelset Reynolds 309 Enduro Comp 29″/27.5″
Tires Continental Kryptotal FR Enduro Soft, Continental Kryptotal RE Enduro Soft 2.4″/2.4″
Technical Data
Size Short Mid Long XLong
Weight 26.8 kg
Perm. total weight 140 kg
In terms of both looks and geometry, the ETMO clearly draws inspiration from the existing eONE-EIGHTY in MERIDA’s range. However, the geometry is a little more approachable. Instead of the 435 mm chainstays on the bigger sibling in size M, the ETMO stretches them to 446 mm and keeps that length consistent across all frame sizes. MERIDA have also revised the seat tube length and standover height, making both shorter and lower for easier mounting and a more accessible feel. The DNA of the eONE-EIGHTY is still there, but in the ETMO it has been interpreted in a more versatile, everyday-friendly way.
Sizing follows MERIDA’s AGILOMETER concept. As the frame size increases, it’s primarily the reach that grows, while the seat tube and head tube lengths remain relatively moderate. This allows you to deliberately size up or down depending on your preference, then fine-tune your riding position with the appropriate dropper post length.
Spec Options of the New MERIDA eTMO
With the new ETMO, the choice is yours. MERIDA offer several spec options, which mainly differ in terms of motor and battery capacity. Suspension-wise, the range starts with SR Suntour on the 500 model and goes all the way up to a Marzocchi Bomber on the top-spec version, with a RockShox Psylo sitting in between.
The ETMO 800, ETMO 700 and ETMO 500 PRO all run the Bosch Performance Line CX. While the 800 and 500 PRO come with an 800 Wh battery, the 700 bucks the trend and opts for a lighter 600 Wh unit. The CX delivers up to 100 Nm of torque and 750 W peak power, offering up to 400 percent. On the 800 and PRO models, the removable 800 Wh battery comes as standard.
The ETMO 500 and ETMO 500 EQ, on the other hand, rely on the more conservatively tuned Bosch Performance Line PX, paired with a 600 Wh battery. Here, you still get up to 90 Nm of torque, 700 W peak power and support of up to 400 percent, but without some of the CX-specific features such as Extended Boost.
With the ETMO, MERIDA are positioning a clearly price-driven Bosch eMTB that takes its cues from the eONE-EIGHTY but is conceived with greater versatility in mind. With either 160 mm or 140/143 mm of travel, a mixed wheel setup and the choice between Performance Line CX and PX motors, it caters for different rider profiles, from the tour-focused trail rider to the ambitious all-rounder. How well the individual builds come together out on the trail is something our upcoming test will reveal.
For more information, visit MERIDA.com
Words: Robin Ulbrich Photos: MERIDA
