Merida introduced a new gravel model designed specifically for gravel racing at Eurobike this weekend. The new model is the Scultura Endurance GR, which Merida says shares many features with the Scultura Endurance for road use. Time will tell if the new Scultura GR is race-oriented and will be among the best gravel race bikes.
Merida says that with the gravel race scene constantly growing, it is time to add a dedicated gravel race bike to its lineup. The Scultura Endurance GR will sit alongside the Silex, a bike designed for bikepacking and adventure riding, and will be available in two carbon and one aluminum option, ranging from gravel granfondos to high-speed gravel training sessions.
The launch marks the continuation of a busy week for new technology, with Eurobike in full swing, two new bikes from Felt, and an interesting new e-bike driveshaft technology from Driven Technologies, an offshoot of Ceramic Speed.
According to Merida, the Endurance GR is designed to cater to speed-focused riders who want a bike with more aggressive geometry. It is understood that it will feature similar geometry to the Endurance, rather than the more relaxed angles of the adventure-focused Silex. The Endurance GR will also be given a steeper head angle, shorter reach, and shorter wheelbase to promote snappier handling.
There are no other fixing or attachment points other than the bottle bosses, making it clear that this is not a bike for long trips or mounting the best bikepacking bags. However, there is a removable seatstay-mounted mudguard bridge and hidden guard mounts that will open up this bike's potential to those seeking a versatile winter bike that looks a bit different from the racy vibe. Merida also claims a more aerodynamically optimized tube shape and updated cable integration, with cables now entering the frame from under the stem. [According to Merida, the chainstay and seatstay shapes give the bikes a "plate spring-like compliance" that increases comfort and traction on rough terrain. The seat tube is paired with a 27.2mm diameter seatpost, a rarity on performance bikes these days, and is compatible with a dropper post, allowing Merida-sponsored Matej Mohoric to use a dropper if he turns to gravel racing. Tire clearance is claimed to be a maximum of 35 mm, so he would need thinner tires for gravel or cyclocross.
We do not currently have a complete spec breakdown from Merida, but what we do know so far is that the Scultura Endurance GR series will come in three models: two carbon models, the 8000 and 5000, and an aluminum version of the 500 They are.
All three use BB86 press-fit bottom brackets and are equipped with a mixed SRAM and Shimano groupset.
So far we only know the UK prices of three models:
Scultura Engurance GR 8000 - £4,750
Scultura Engurance GR5000 - £2,600
[20 Engurance GR 500 - £1,600We will update this article as soon as we have further spec lists and prices.
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