All Arround MTB

The new One-Forty is chunky on the scales as a complete package and OK rather than outstanding value on paper. Hit the trails, though, and it’s an absolutely addictive max-control playbike that just keeps getting better the harder you ride it. The frame Merida are one of the largest and most advanced frame producers in the world. The One-Forty has a totally new chassis built from their latest ‘Superlite 16’ tubing, which comes in under 3kg (medium) – impressive for alloy, and significantly lighter than some affordable carbon frames. Boost spacing gives plenty of mud room, even around a 2.6in tyre. The rear pivot sits on top of the dropout, so the wheel follows a simple arc. Keeping the bike single-ring only means the chainstays can extend over the top of the press-fit bottom bracket (BB), where they connect with the base of the RockShox Deluxe shock. This creates a ‘floating’ mount that reduces frame stress and gives the suspension a gently progressive ‘bottomless’ feel. Ther...

Wit the bikes swapped over, we head out on the same loop again, this time on the 29in Big Nine 100. Whereas the Big Seven was snappy off the line, the 29er takes a couple more pedal strokes to get up to speed. That said, once it's up there, it's easy to keep the big wheels rolling, allowing us to cover ground with ease. The fire road is at times a little rough, and the bigger wheels roll over the imperfections so we barely notice them.

We've rolled up to our local woods, with a meandering blue trail, some natural wooded tracks and a bit of fire road chucked into the mix to see how the Big Seven 100 tackles trails that entry-level riders are likely to cut their teeth on.