Merida Silex 9000 review: This versatile gravel bike has already won a world championship title, but is also well-suited for bikepacking. In its top-of-the-line version with lightweight carbon wheels and the new Shimano GRX Di2 electronic shifting system, this bike continues to impress, even though there is now a more optimized sister model for racing.
The current Merida Silex 9000 is based on a frame that was presented two years ago and immediately made headlines: Less than two weeks before its official launch, Matej Mohorič became Gravel World Champion on the new Silex. However, even back then, the Silex wasn't a purebred race bike: With a head tube angle of less than 70°, a long head tube, and a high-profile fork, the bike is more oriented towards mountain bikes than road bikes and designed for a fairly comfortable riding position. With the Merida Mission, the company recently introduced a true gravel racer, on which Mohorič promptly took third place at the World Championships.
Merida Silex 9000: Up-to-date even without racing ambitions
The Silex, currently available in five carbon and four aluminum versions, has changed only minimally since its debut: The current model features two threaded holes higher up on the downtube, presumably for a small frame bag. Otherwise, the frame, which Merida states weighs around 1.200 grams, remains the same. Typical Silex features include slim tube shapes and a distinctive head tube, a characteristic already present on the current model's predecessor; the integrated seat clamp gives the transition between the chainstays and top tube an unusual shape. While the old Silex had straight chainstays, these are noticeably curved downwards on the new model – allowing for 3 mm more tire width, now 45 mm, which is the width used on the test bike. One particularly interesting detail is the plastic insert on the downtube: This accommodates a Fidlock adapter for the manufacturer's magnetic water bottles, which then sits flush with the frame. The mounting of mudguards is also provided for, and the typical luggage racks can be mounted on the fork.
Fully equipped with the new Shimano GRX Di2
Naturally, all cables are integrated on the Silex; only the modern UDH mount is found on the new Merida Mission. But that's no problem, as the test bike is equipped with the new Shimano GRX Di2, whose rear derailleur, as is well known, is mounted to a conventional derailleur hanger. Besides the derailleur, the electronic groupset consists of only one Di2 shifter, not two as on the familiar 2x12 GRX Di2. Therefore, there aren't too many options for customizing the buttons, although the standard shifting pattern works very well and the two large buttons are easily distinguishable; the gear changes themselves are fast, quiet, and precise.
The robust rear derailleur was taken virtually unchanged from Shimano's MTB range and is now finally wireless thanks to radio transmission and an integrated battery. The derailleur body is very narrow at the front to prevent it from hitting obstacles. It's noticeable that removing and installing the rear wheel is significantly easier than with mechanical Shimano derailleurs. The battery is housed in a compartment within the derailleur; to remove it for charging, a small flap must first be unlocked and pulled off. The 10-51 cassette is a good match for the trail-oriented character of the Merida Silex; in contrast, the 1x versions of the new Merida Mission are all equipped with SRAM groupsets, whose 10-46 cassette offers significantly closer gear ratios in the higher gear range.
Super lightweight aero wheelset
Besides the new Shimano GRX Di2, the Reynolds carbon wheelset is another highlight of the build. The manufacturer specifies a weight of 1.425 grams, which is very low considering the aerodynamic optimization; fully assembled and with tubes, the set weighs just over 3,4 kilograms. The 42 mm deep hookless rims are up to almost 34 mm wide, with an internal width of 25 mm. Reynolds expects the wide rim profile to offer aerodynamic advantages, even with 45 mm wide tires, like those fitted to the Silex 9000. The Maxxis Rambler tires in the 40 mm version already impressed in the Velomotion lab test with their low rolling resistance, and they also offer excellent grip. Of course, those who prefer can convert to tubeless.
The €2.000 wheelset highlights the excellent value for money of the Silex 9000, which is priced at €5.399. Included in the price is even a high-end Easton carbon handlebar with a comfortable flare; as a small extra, there's also a slim multi-tool stored in a case under the saddle. The weight of 8,94 kg is also perfectly acceptable, although half a kilogram lighter is possible in this price range. Custom builds are possible, especially since Merida offers a frameset for €2.249 – however, the cheapest complete bike with Shimano 2x10 costs only €50 more.
While the Merida Silex can no longer be described as a gravel race bike since the introduction of the new Mission model, it hasn't lost any of its positive attributes: it remains efficient and responsive, and its slightly more comfortable riding position is likely to appeal to a wider audience than the more stretched-out position of the new model. Despite its less-than-modern components, the Silex remains a good choice for those who value versatility in their gravel bike.
