Merida eONE-SIXTY 875: Aluminum Enduro e-MTB with Shimano EP801 Motor and FA Suspension

The Merida eOne-Sixty 875 is proposed as the top model in the Taiwanese company’s e-mtb range with aluminum frame, designed for high-performance enduro use. The Fast Kinematic suspension system, adapted to each size, combined with the 85 Nm Shimano EP801 motor, gives the bike an efficient and responsive driving balance. Available in five sizes (XShort, Short, Medium, Long, XLong), the version tested is the Medium, ideal for those looking for a good compromise between stability and agility. The list price stands at 6,890 euros.

• Wire Port: an entry system for control cables that allows them to enter the frame through the headset, maintaining a tidy appearance without structural interventions. Depending on the version, the cables are completely internal to the handlebar and stem or semi-integrated under the stem.
• P-Flex: exploits the flexibility of the material and the specific shaping of the tubes to allow a slight flex in the junction area between the saddle and the chainstay. This eliminates the need for a mechanical pivot point, with the benefit of reducing weight and increasing rigidity.

The M size geometries include a head angle (Hta) of 64.4°, a seat tube angle (STA) of 78.4°, a reach of 459 mm and a stack of 633 mm, values ​​that ensure an excellent balance between downhill stability and uphill control. The head tube is of the X-Tapered type, with variable diameter to support tapered forks, increasing rigidity and steering precision. The cockpit is by Merida, with 780 mm Expert eTR handlebars, Expert eTR II stem and Expert EC grips, designed to guarantee ergonomics and solidity. The Merida Team TR II dropper seatpost offers 30 to 230 mm of travel, paired with the Proxim W400 Stn saddle, chosen for comfort on long technical rides.

1Suspensions

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The rear suspension is based on the Fast Kinematic system, which combines the Flexstay with an adjustable rocker link, eliminating the pivot on the seat stays to reduce weight and maintenance and obtain a more direct and sensitive response to stress. The possibility of switching from full 29″ to mullet configuration (29″ front and 27.5″ rear) via a flip chips allows you to adapt the bike to different riding preferences without compromising geometry and dynamic behaviour. The 170 mm RockShox ZEB Select Air fork, with 44 mm offset, ensures stability and precision even in the most extreme situations, while the RockShox Super Deluxe Select shock absorbs impacts and roughness effectively. Each size has a specifically calibrated suspension curve: larger sizes offer greater progression to better support heavier riders or those who ride with an aggressive style.

2Engine and autonomy

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The eOne-Sixty 875 is equipped with the Shimano EP801 engine, one of the most advanced in the Japanese line. This compact and lightweight motor (2.7 kg) delivers a maximum torque of 85 Nm, combining power and smooth delivery. There are three main main support modes available:

• Eco: light and constant support, ideal for maximizing autonomy on long rides.
• Trail: progressive assistance that adapts to the rider’s effort, perfect for variable terrain and daily use.
• Boost: maximum power to tackle steep slopes and technical sections that require immediate thrust.

The integrated and removable 750 Wh battery offers considerable autonomy: on mixed routes and with a balanced use of the modes, it is possible to overcome 1,600–1,800 meters of altitude difference, a very competitive figure for an e-MTB of this type. For those who need greater autonomy, a 360 Wh range extender is available, which brings the total capacity to over 1,100 Wh, making the bike also suitable for multi-day tours without sacrifices. The Shimano app completes the experience by allowing you to customize delivery, monitor battery status, mileage and performance in real time, increasing control over the system.

3Transmission

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The eOne-Sixty 875 is equipped with an 11-speed Shimano XT Linkglide mechanical transmission, appreciated for its precision and reliability even on uneven terrain and extreme conditions. The Linkglide system is designed to keep the chain constantly taut and minimize chain skipping, ensuring smooth, quiet gear changes. The crankset features a 36 tooth body, the ideal size for a good balance between uphill thrust and maximum speed on flat or downhill terrain. The 11-50 cassette significantly expands the range of gears, allowing you to easily tackle steep slopes without giving up fast gears for dynamic relaunches.

The Shimano LG500 chain completes the group, characterized by a robust and wear-resistant construction, essential for the intensive use and stresses typical of enduro e-MTBs. Being a mechanical transmission, the system requires periodic maintenance to maintain efficiency, but offers a direct response and great reliability over time, preferred by many riders for its simplicity and solidity compared to electronic alternatives.

4Wheels and brakes

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The mullet configuration of the eOne-Sixty 875 includes a 29″ front rim and a 27.5″ rear rim, both made of high quality aluminum with the Merida Expert Tr model. These rims are designed to guarantee an excellent balance between lightness and robustness, effectively resisting the impacts typical of the most demanding enduro routes without compromising the smoothness and dynamic response of the bike. The Maxxis tires chosen for this configuration are the Assegai 2.5″ at the front, known for its excellent grip even on slippery and rocky terrain, and the Minion DHR II 2.4″ at the rear, which ensures high traction and durability, ideal for an aggressive and prolonged driving style.

The Shimano Slx braking system with four-piston calipers and 220 mm discs at the front and 203 mm at the rear offers significant braking power and very precise modulation. This combination allows you to effectively dose the braking force, fundamental on technical and fast descents where control is essential. The progressiveness of the system is calibrated to guarantee soft braking and without sudden blocks, making it easier to manage the bike even on uneven terrain and in conditions of high stress. Overall, the wheel and brake setup contributes to a safe and stable riding feeling, capable of tackling any enduro riding situation with confidence.

5How is it going

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The eOne-Sixty 875 stands out for a refined balance between riding precision and ability to absorb bumps, fundamental characteristics for tackling the technical trails typical of enduro. The aluminum frame, rigid but not excessively rigid, faithfully transmits every stress of the terrain, allowing the rider to have precise control in the tightest corners and in the most complex passages, where reactivity is crucial.

The FAST Kinematic suspension system is among the strong points of the bike: the combination of the Flexstay and the adjustable rocker link guarantees a progressive and well-modulated action that adapts perfectly to different types of terrain. The suspension effectively absorbs shocks and vibrations, maintaining rear wheel grip even in the presence of major obstacles. This translates into greater stability and comfort even on the most bumpy sections or during landings from challenging jumps, where the system avoids sudden jolts and maintains the desired trajectory. The choice of the mullet configuration (29″ front wheel and 27.5″ rear wheel) further contributes to the versatility of the bike: the larger front wheel facilitates smoothness and the ability to overcome obstacles, while the smaller rear wheel increases maneuverability, making changes in direction quicker and improving control in tight corners without compromising overall stability.

From the point of view of electric assistance, the Shimano EP801 motor stands out for its extremely smooth and modulated delivery. The intervention of the motor is silent, never invasive or excessive, and integrates perfectly with the rider’s natural pedaling. Thanks to the three assistance modes (Eco, Trail and Boost), the system is able to precisely adapt to the needs of the route and driving style, offering consistent support on the most demanding climbs without penalizing the sensitivity of the control in technical sections or downhill. In summary, the eOne-Sixty 875 manages to balance agility and stability, power and control, resulting in a reliable and versatile e-MTB for those looking for high performance on technical and variable enduro trails.

6Pros and cons

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Below are the pros and cons of the Merida eOne-Sixty 875.

• Pros: lightweight, durable and carefully finished 6061 aluminum frame; Fast Kinematic suspension system; powerful, smooth and well-modulated Shimano EP801 motor; high autonomy with 750 Wh battery and optional range extender; Shimano Xt transmission; balanced mullet configuration for every terrain; powerful and modulated brakes, tires suitable for enduro
• Defects: high overall weight, typical of the category; lack of carbon version for those looking for reduced weight; Basic engine display, without advanced functions.