MERIDA SILEX+ 8000-E in bikepacking review

For our big bikepacking group test, MERIDA sent us their SILEX+ 8000-E to take on the competition. With its successful participation in the Atlas Mountain Race, it’s already proven itself on one of the most demanding adventures around. But how will the Shimano GRX Di2 equipped bike fare in this test?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best bikepacking bike in review

**MERIDA** SILEX+ 8000-E (650B) | 8.87 kg in size M | Manufacturer’s website

All black everything seems to have been the motto for the designers of the MERIDA SILEX+ 8000-E. Seeing the end result, they’ve definitely done a good job. The stealth SILEX+ is infused with mountain bike DNA, furnishing it with useful bikepacking features. The comparatively long reach ensures composed handling and prevents toe overlap while the short stem and long head tube make for a comfortable riding position.

The MERIDA’s carbon frameset offers plenty of space for luggage and has numerous bolt-on points for bottle cages, gear and mudguards. Internal cable routing together with the integrated seat post clamp and Di2 junction box ensure a tidy look. As on most of MERIDA’s new bikes, the SILEX+ features so-called Disc Cooler heat sinks made of aluminium, placed between the brake calipers and the frame. For € 3,999, you get a Shimano GRX RX810 Di2 groupset, Fulcrum Rapid Red 500 wheels and 650 x 45B Kenda Flintridge PRO tires. The frame offers clearance for tires up to 700 x 45C or 650 x 50B. The in-house aluminum cockpit is nothing special but the 30.9 mm MERIDA TEAM CC seat post made a positive impression on our test riders. Despite its zero offset design, the seat post is very compliant. In size M, the MERIDA weighs 8.87 kg.

**Doesn’t give up**
An electronic drivetrain makes perfect sense on a bikepacking bike. The Shimano GRX Di2 can be charged with a power bank while you’re riding.

**Well done**
The MERIDA TEAM CC seat post offers a lot of comfort without feeling spongy. Well designed and built.

**Secure**
The seat post clamp is beautifully integrated and does its job without issues.

**So close**
The MERIDA has a lot of features that make it a great bikepacking bike. Unfortunately, the slow-rolling tires prevented it from claiming the top spot.

MERIDA SILEX+ 8000-E (650B)

€ 3,999

Specifications

Seatpost MERIDA TEAM CC
Brakes Shimano GRX815x 160/160 mm
Drivetrain Shimano GRX RX817 Di2 40 (11-42)
Stem MERIDA EXPERT CW 80 mm
Handlebar MERIDA EXPERT GR 420 mm
Wheelset Fulcrum Rapid Red 500
Tires Kenda Flintridge Pro 45B

Technical Data

Size XS S M L XL
Weight 8.87 kg
Wheelsize 650B

Specific Features

bosses on the fork
available as a 700C or 650B version
electronic Shimano Di2 drivetrail
lots of storage space

**MERIDA**
Lenkertasche TRAVEL (16 l, € 59.909 | Rahmentasche Travel Bag (5.4 l, € 54.95)
Satteltasche Travel Bag (21 l, € 74.95) | 2 x MERIDA Gravelcage inkl. Tasche (5 l, € 34.95)

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	440 mm	470 mm	500 mm	530 mm	560 mm
Top tube	548 mm	564 mm	580 mm	600 mm	620 mm
Head tube	160 mm	180 mm	200 mm	220 mm	240 mm
Head angle	71.0°	71.0°	71.0°	71.0°	71.0°
Seat angle	74.0°	74.0°	74.0°	74.0°	74.0°
BB Drop	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm
Chainstay	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm
Wheelbase	1,027 mm	1,044 mm	1,061 mm	1,082 mm	1,104 mm
Reach	379 mm	390 mm	400 mm	415 mm	430 mm
Stack	588 mm	607 mm	626 mm	645 mm	664 mm

The MERIDA is ready for any bikepacking adventure and Atlas Mountain Race approved! Unfortunately, the Kenda tires hold back this black beauty.

**Helmet** POC Omne SPIN | **Glasses** Oakley Trillbe | **Jersey** GRAN FONDO Crew-Shirt
**Shorts** Rapha Men’s Core Cargo Bib Shorts | **Socks** MB Wear Stelvio
**Shoes** Specialized S-Works Recon

The MERIDA’s acceleration is only average despite its comparatively low weight. It doesn’t carry its speed quite as efficiently as some of its competitors in the test field either. The main reason for this is the high rolling resistance of the Kenda tires, which generate a lot of grip and offer good damping but aren’t fast rolling on any surface. We’re sure that with a better set of tires, this bike would have been much more coherent!

In terms of handling, the MERIDA offers an excellent balance of composure and agility. Despite its excellent straight-line stability and the fact that it never gets unsettled, even on demanding terrain or with heavy loads, it is by no means sluggish. With such confidence-inspiring handling, you’ll easily be able to overlook its slight lack of precision. The good vibration damping, the composed feeling even on rough terrain and the long-distance comfort all add to your feeling of confidence when riding this bike. Contrary to some critics, we can wholeheartedly recommend the electronic Shimano GRX RX810 Di2 groupset for bikepacking due to its easy and comfortable shifting. Should you run low on power after a few days in the saddle, simply connect your power bank to recharge the groupset’s battery while riding – you shouldn’t be riding without a power bank anyway.

Tuning tips: tires with less rolling resistance

Conclusion

With its super composed handling, high level of comfort and generous accommodation for luggage, the MERIDA SILEX+ 8000-E is an excellent bikepacking rig for long expeditions in demanding terrain for all skill levels. While the easy shifting of the electronic Shimano GRX groupset is the bike’s absolute highlight, the Kenda tires are in urgent need of an upgrade. Due to its lack of sprightliness and the slow acceleration, the SILEX+ came just short of our Best Buy.

Tops

balanced handling
high level of comfort
lots of space in the front triangle
easy shifting of the Shimano GRX RX810 Di2 groupset

Flops

slow acceleration
slow rolling tires

For more info head to merida-bikes.com.

The test field