TESTED | The Merida One-Twenty 8000 Is A Brilliantly Balanced 29er Full Suspension Trail Bike

Wil tests and reviews the 2019 Merida One-Twenty 8000 – a zippy, fun-loving trail bike. Following a 2.5 year gestation period, the Merida One-Twenty arrives on the scene as a brand spanking new trail bike for 2019. Following in the footsteps of the longer travel One-Forty and One-Sixty, the new One-Twenty transitions to a trunnion-mounted rear shock, along with an all-new frame dressed in a contemporary parts package. As the speedy trail bike of the range, the One-Twenty is equipped with 120mm of rear suspension travel, a 130mm travel fork and 29in wheels. Its geometry has been massaged for 2019, bringing it up to speed alongside competitors such as the Scott Spark, Specialized Stumpjumper ST, and Giant Trance 29. Globally, there are eight different models available within the One-Twenty range. Pricing starts at an attractive £,1400 / $1,999 AUD for the entry-level One-Twenty 400. Geometry and the suspension design is mimicked throughout the line, though cheaper models use an alloy frameset, with pricier models getting either a hybrid carbon/alloy or full-carbon frameset. Sizes range from Small through to X-Large, and select models can also be had with 27.5in wheels in the Small and Medium sizes. For the past three months, Wil has been testing this model; the One-Twenty 8000, which sits one rung down from the top-tier 9000. If you'd like to read the full review in all its juicy detail, head to singletrackworld.com Got any questions for Wil about the bike? Ask away in the comments section below, and we'll get them answered as soon as possible!