Merida Reacto Proven aero racer now even faster!

Product news: The Merida Reacto has been one of the figureheads of the manufacturer from the Stuttgart area since 2011. Even then, this innovative aero bike caused quite a stir. But we didn't rest on our laurels, we continued to develop it over the years in order to become even better. Just in time for the start of the 2020 Tour de France, Merida is now presenting the new Reacto.

The history of the Merida Reacto

With an aero-shaped fork, seat tube, seat post and rear triangle, the first version of the Reacto in 2011 indicated the “trend” towards aero bikes in the peloton and thus brought the first aero features to the bike all cables integrated and a special Di2 version available, all for less air turbulence and a clean look.

Since the initial aero bikes stood out from more classic models due to their speed factor but also due to their relatively poor comfort, a rubber coating was integrated into the S-Flex seat post in 2012, which established a hitherto unknown level of comfort in the aero segment. However, the most significant breakthrough for the Merida Reacto came with the launch of Version II in 2013. This went hand-in-hand with the creation of Team Lampre Merida. As a thoroughbred aero bike, the Reacto II was aimed in particular at sprinters and breakaways. A special feature was that some details were used that were originally intended for the Wrap TT time trial bike. This has taken aero performance to a new level. In addition to first-class aero values, the Merida Reacto was also able to convince with the great rigidity of the head tube and the amazing power transmission. The weight and comfort were also top-notch by the aero bike standards of the time.

For the 2018 season, the Merida Reacto III was revised in many areas and presented at the start of the tour. Once again, the weight could be reduced and the aerodynamics further improved. The range of disc models has been expanded and meticulous care has been taken to ensure that maintenance and servicing of the bike is as simple and uncomplicated as possible. The new Reacto quickly became the first choice of all Merida athletes and also managed to impress the international trade press with its comfort, aerodynamics and driving characteristics.

The new Merida Reacto

With the slogan "Aerodynamics Refined" they want to raise the new Merida Reacto to a new level compared to the older models. Although it is based on the genes of its predecessor, the developers have managed to make significant changes and improvements that make the new Reacto a powerful all-rounder with outstanding aerodynamic performance.

Although the focus was of course on aerodynamics during development, attempts were made not to completely ignore other performance-related properties and to make improvements here. All with the aim of having an aerodynamic and balanced all-rounder. Here it was deliberately ensured that improvements in the areas of comfort and handling were also pursued. Thanks to the carbon layup and the frame as well as the impressive flex of the S-Flex seat post, the new Merida Reacto can shine with first-class comfort values in the relevant areas. Of course, the greater tire clearance of up to 30mm also plays a decisive role here. In addition to improved comfort, better control is one of the nice side effects. By integrating new features and improvements, after countless hours in the wind tunnel and several CFD simulations, the manufacturer describes the MErida Reacto as the most comfortable and fastest aero bike on the market, which impresses with its first-class all-round performance and great versatility.

The cockpit and front complement the bike and feature full cable integration allowing for a 2 watt saving. In addition, the new fork is even better integrated into the frame - a further saving of 2 watts. The adjustment of the seatstay position, the concealed seat post clamp, the integrated thru-axle and the more streamlined and even more cleanly integrated disc cooler all contribute to further reducing air resistance.