Cut ‘n’ paste Press Release time…
The new generation of Merida Carbon hardtail…the O.NINE.
The Multivan Merida Biking Team launch in Majorca showed what the team will ride in 2009 and what consumers will buy in 2010.
At last year’s event, the ground breaking Ninety-Six full suspension bike was launched to outstanding plaudits as one of the fastest, lightest and stiffest bikes available. But the Ninety-Six was not a one off, it is now joined by the brand new 0.Nine carbon hardtail.
The current Merida Carbon FLX hardtail was a very successful base to develop from, winning 5 World and 5 European Championship titles and 15 World Cup victories.
Beating such a benchmark is a challenge, so new methods of development were needed.
Using computer modelling and stress testing usually reserved only for the performance car industry, the 0.Nine was designed by science.
With a frame weight of close to 930g (for 18” with regular BB), the result is a frame 200g lighter and 20% stiffer than the already astonishing Carbon FLX frame. BB30 versions are available with a 35% increase in stiffness and a frame weight of 960g (18”).
The comfort of the Carbon FLX is also surpassed, in addition to the patented Merida flex stays, the 0.Nine gets a tapered seat tube, starting at a massive 40mm cross section at the BB and topping out with a 27.2mm seat post, the seat tube and post can flex more than an oversize post.
This remarkable development is not just a flash in the pan development for pro racers, it is guaranteed for 5 years with a maximum rider weight of 120kg.
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Looks fast standing still!
I rode an FLX 5000 (?) a few times and could not believe just how fast a bike it really was. I pressed gears down the cassette on hills that were far in excess of what I normally pressed and began to understand better what pre-fixing “bike” with the “race” tag actually meant.
Those seat stays really make a difference too as it was very comfortable.
It weighed about 21lbs(?) with full XTR running gear and cost £4k.
Just trying one out really throws into start relief just what you might achieve just by having a race bike between your thighs.
However, I never really found my lap times in some trail centres dropped much as my ability to turn a bike remains my greatest weakness.
Tim
its not standing still, I’ve looked carefully and its not even touching the ground it’s floating!
be-jeez – rated for a rider at 120kg max = 264lbs = 18 stone+….
(approx that is, saves the weight weenies correcting me 🙂 )
…on a frame that weighs 2/3rds of nowt divided by the square root of bugger all….. 🙂
Where do I sign… 🙂
5 year warranty and 120kgs! Wow. I’ll be interested to hear how much it’ll sell for.
I’ll be interested to hear how much it’ll sell for…..
pretty safe bet i have more chance of losing the stone i would like to than affording one…..
Wow – certainly looks fast. How many £s per second saved???
You’d think they’d have lined the rear tyre/rim up properly though wouldn’t you!!!
Tyres must be fixed to the ground to stop it blowing away in the sea breeze.
drool, slobber……
Wow. I wonder how light they could make it if they reduced the rider weight limit from hambeast level?
Giggity…