Test: The Merida Silex 7000 pleases with its low weight and low price. In terms of character, it seems more tailored to touring use, especially since the manufacturer also offers a bag set - but it's not unsportsmanlike.
Gravel bikes are also on the rise in Merida. There are a total of seven model variants from the Silex; the once impressive cyclocross fleet has meanwhile shrunk to two aluminum models. In addition, the gravel bikes of the sports brand are very different: The Silex+ 6000 comes with Sram 1×11 and 650B tires and thus appeals more to trail riders, the 7000 is designed as a long-distance bike, for the Merida we also have a suitable range of bags in stock has.
Striking frame shapes
The prominent carbon frame of the Merida stands out with its steeply sloping top tube; the angular head tube is solid, the top and bottom tubes are oval with a polygonal cross-section. All cables and lines run bundled into the down tube; There are mounting points for mudguards, accessories and carriers on the frame and fork - for the former there is a veritable "brake bridge", the latter can be attached to the fork, for example. What is surprisingly missing are the Gravel-typical holes for a small top tube pocket. The diameter of the seat post is also unusual at 30,9 mm - this makes you think of a dropper post, which is not intended for any Silex model. A small case is attached to the back of the saddle, in which a mini tool can be hidden.
The 7000 comes with full GRX 810; 48/31 teeth at the front and 11-34 at the rear result in a large range of gear ratios for all conditions. The rear derailleur is elegantly attached to a direct-mount dropout. For the high-quality Shimano group, Merida specifies a simple but extremely light Fulcrum wheelset that can be ridden tubeless like the Maxxis Rambler tires - that makes the bike around 150 grams lighter, with the Silex weighing a good 8,8 kilos anyway weighs quite little.
| Frame | Silex CF2 Carbon |
| Fork | Merida Silex CF2 |
| Wheels | Fulcrum Racing 700 DB |
| Tires | Maxxis Rambler |
| Derailleur | Shimano GRX810 |
| Shifter | Shimano GRX810 |
| Crank | Shimano GRX810 48/31T |
| Front derailleur | Shimano GRX810 |
| Brake | Shimano GRX810 |
| Seatpost | Merida Expert CC Carbon |
| Saddle | Merida Expert CC |
| Stem | Merida Expert CW |
| Handlebar | Merida Expert GR |
Light touring athlete
The low weight speaks for a sporty character, but the sitting position on the Silex is more tailored to long distances. The long top tube speaks for a stretched posture, but a short 80 mm stem is fitted, and the head tube on frame size M is also quite long at 200 mm. So you sit comparatively compact and upright, which speaks more for touring than for sporty rides. The short stem makes for a certain nervousness when handling; when driving slowly, the Silex needs to be steered with a steady hand. We recommend studying the geometry table carefully before making a purchase – even in size S, the Silex is longer (more reach) than some other gravel bikes in L. The Merida feels lively on trails, is easy to turn in and accelerates quickly. The perceived comfort is in the usual range. The slightly angled handlebars, which are oriented towards the driver and are wrapped in non-slip tape, are pleasant.
Merida is asking 3.049 euros for the Silex 7000; In view of the high-quality equipment and the low weight, this is a very attractive offer. Savings were only visible in one place: the brake lines are fitted with coupling pieces under the stem, which simplify bleeding during assembly. After all, you don't see them when you're sitting on the bike...
