The Merida One-Sixty FR 400 combines progressive enduro geometry with DVO suspension and mixed 29/27.5in wheels. A coil rear shock, SRAM 4-piston brakes and long-travel dropper post make it a capable choice for bike parks and challenging trails.

Key Features:

• Lite III aluminium frame with FAST suspension, AGILOMETER sizing and progressive geometry
• DVO Onyx 38 Core air fork with 180mm travel
• DVO Jade X Core coil shock with 171mm rear travel
• Shimano CUES U6000 1x10 drivetrain with 32T chainring and 11-48T cassette
• SRAM DB4 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
• Mixed 29/27.5in wheels with 2.4in Continental Kryptotal tyres
• Size-specific dropper post with 150-230mm travel
• Available with 0% APR finance

The Merida One-Sixty FR 400 takes the proven ONE-SIXTY enduro platform and gives it a more gravity-focused specification. With 180mm of front suspension, 171mm at the rear and a mixed-wheel setup, it's designed for riders who spend their time tackling steep descents, technical trails and bike park runs.

Merida has prioritised suspension performance and durability over expensive drivetrain components, creating a bike that focuses on the parts that matter most when riding demanding terrain. The result is a long-travel mountain bike that retains the versatility of an enduro platform while placing greater emphasis on descending.

The Lite III aluminium frame uses Merida's FAST suspension kinematics and Next Generation enduro geometry. Its progressive design combines a long reach with a low riding position and geometry intended to provide stability on steep terrain without making the bike unnecessarily difficult to manoeuvre.

Merida's AGILOMETER sizing system allows riders to choose their preferred reach independently of traditional frame sizing. This means riders can select a shorter frame for a more manoeuvrable feel or a longer frame for additional stability, depending on their riding style.

The suspension also becomes more progressive as frame sizes increase, helping the rear suspension better accommodate the demands of larger and potentially heavier riders.

The frame features internal cable routing, a threaded bottom bracket and Boost axle spacing. Bottle bosses and a trail mount provide useful carrying options, while the generous seatpost insertion depth allows Merida to fit long-travel dropper posts across the size range.

A flip chip also allows the frame to accommodate either a mixed-wheel configuration or a full 29in setup. Merida has designed the system so riders can switch between these arrangements without significantly altering the intended geometry.

Up front, the DVO Onyx 38 Core air fork provides 180mm of suspension travel. Its substantial 38mm chassis is designed for the demands of aggressive riding, while the air spring allows riders to adjust the fork to suit their weight and preferred suspension feel.

The fork uses a tapered steerer and 44mm offset, with clearance for tyres up to 29x2.6in. Its long travel helps absorb larger impacts and maintain front-wheel control through rough sections of trail.

At the rear, a DVO Jade X Core coil shock manages 171mm of suspension travel through Merida's FAST suspension system. The coil spring provides a consistent spring characteristic, helping the rear wheel track uneven terrain and maintain traction over repeated impacts.

Merida specifies different coil spring rates according to frame size, with 300lb on XShort, 350lb on Short, 400lb on Mid, 450lb on Long and 500lb on XLong. Choosing the correct spring rate is important for achieving suitable sag and suspension performance.

Shimano CUES provides the bike's 1x10-speed drivetrain. A CUES U6000 rear derailleur and matching shifter offer straightforward gear changes, while the single-chainring arrangement removes the need for a front derailleur.

A Merida Expert TR II chainset uses a 32T chainring, paired with a Shimano LG300 11-48T cassette and KMC xGlide chain. The wide gear range provides useful lower ratios for climbing between descents, while the simpler drivetrain specification keeps the focus on durability and practical performance.

Merida also uses 165mm cranks across all frame sizes. The shorter crank length can help reduce pedal strikes when riding through rough terrain, particularly on a long-travel bike with a relatively low bottom bracket.

SRAM DB4 hydraulic disc brakes feature four-piston calipers front and rear. This setup provides the braking power and control needed for managing speed on steep descents and technical sections, where consistent braking is particularly important.

The One-Sixty FR 400 uses a mixed-wheel configuration, with a 29in front wheel and smaller 27.5in rear wheel. The larger front wheel helps maintain momentum and roll over obstacles, while the smaller rear wheel provides additional clearance and can make the bike easier to manoeuvre through tight turns and steep sections.

Merida Comp TR II aluminium rims have a 28mm internal width and use Novatec hubs with Boost spacing. The front hub uses a 15x110mm thru-axle, while the rear uses a 12x148mm thru-axle and is compatible with the DT Swiss ratchet system.

The wheels use 32 double-butted stainless steel spokes at each end and are tubeless ready. However, tubeless tape and valves are not included, so additional components will be needed if converting from tubes.

Continental Kryptotal tyres are fitted front and rear, with tread patterns designed for their respective positions. The front uses a 29x2.4in Kryptotal-F, while the rear gets a 27.5x2.4in Kryptotal-R.

Both tyres use Continental's Soft compound and Enduro casing according to the detailed specification. This provides a balance of grip, support and durability for aggressive trail riding, while their tubeless-ready construction allows riders to convert to a compatible tubeless setup.

A Merida Expert TR II dropper post comes fitted as standard, with travel increasing according to frame size. XShort and Short frames receive 150mm, Mid gets 170mm, Long gets 200mm and XLong uses a 230mm dropper.

The generous dropper travel allows riders to lower the saddle for descents, creating more room to move around the bike and maintain control on steep or technical terrain. Merida's long seatpost insertion depth helps accommodate these larger dropper posts.

The cockpit uses a 780mm Merida Comp TR II aluminium handlebar with 35mm rise, paired with a Merida Comp TR stem. The wide bar provides leverage and steering control, while the raised position suits the bike's gravity-focused design.

A Merida Comp SL saddle completes the contact points. It incorporates 25% recycled material and features Merida's V-mount system for compatible accessories.

Overall, the Merida One-Sixty FR 400 is designed for riders who prioritise descending capability and suspension performance. Its 180mm DVO fork, coil-sprung rear suspension, mixed wheels and four-piston brakes make it particularly well suited to bike parks, steep natural trails and demanding enduro riding, while the CUES drivetrain provides the gearing needed to pedal back to the top.

Specification note: The manufacturer description mentions a Downhill casing rear tyre, but the detailed specification lists Enduro casing for both tyres. I've followed the detailed specification and described both as Enduro casing.

Occasionally, without notice, manufacturers change product design and/or specifications.