MERIDA SILEX 8000 on Test – In our 2025 Gravel Race Bike Comparison Test

Adventure or race? The MERIDA SILEX 8000 wants both! Originally developed as a comfort-focused adventure gravel bike, it unexpectedly landed on the top step of the podium at the 2022 UCI Gravel World Championships. A bikepacking-ready all-rounder that’s still fast enough between the tapes – how does that work? In our 2025 gravel race bike test we tested it to find out.

The MERIDA SILEX has already proven itself as a gravel bike with race ambitions in our adventure gravel bike test. Now it has to show what it’s really capable of in the 2025 gravel race bike comparison test. To ensure fair conditions in a test field made up of gravel racers, we didn’t test it in the standard spec – instead, we gave it a slimmer cockpit, faster tires, and a more performance-focused setup. But does the compromise between adventure and race pay off? And can the MERIDA hold its own against the thoroughbred gravel race bikes in the test field?

Race-Setup for Mohorič: The MERIDA SILEX 8000 in Detail

Despite its adventure DNA, the MERIDA SILEX 8000 is out to show its sporty side in our comparison test. Back in 2022, the Taiwanese manufacturer proved the SILEX’s race credentials when Matej Mohorič rode it straight to the top step of the podium at the Gravel World Championships. But the gravel racing scene has evolved since then: today’s modern gravel race bikes are lighter, more aerodynamic, and focused uncompromisingly towards performance – all while still offering plenty of tire clearance. So can the SILEXstill keep up with this year’s race elite with its many mounting points, bikepacking-optimised geometry, and few performance upgrades?

With 45 mm tire clearance, the SILEX 8000 fits well into the test field, at least on paper.It comes with an adventure-ready spec straight out of the box – chunky tires and a wide cockpit – built less for racing and more for long-distance exploration, we’ve already tested that version. Riders like Mohorič run the SILEX in a far more aggressive setup. To compare it fairly with the fastest gravel race bikes of 2025, we put it into full race mode.

Adventure bike with racing genes: the spec of the MERIDA SILEX 8000

Turning this versatile adventure bike into a true gravel racer requires a few important tweaks. Our test bike features a two-piece cockpit and an FSA seatpost that is designed to give it a sportier edge. However, with a 100 mm stem and 400 mm handlebars, MERIDA still opt for a fairly traditional road spec – even though the current trend clearly leans toward narrower, more aerodynamic cockpits, as seen on the Parapera Anemos². The SILEX is also one of the few bikes in this comparison test that isn’t compatible with SRAM’s UDH standard, which makes it less future-proof for upcoming SRAM drivetrains.

Even with the race-focused setup, the SILEX 8000 remains the heaviest bike in this test at 8.96 kg in size M. That said, it’s also one of the most affordable competitors – only the Superior XR 9.7 GF with alloy wheels comes in at a lower price.

For speed on hardpack and off-road, MERIDA fit 45 mm MAXXIS Reaver tires on low-profile Easton carbon rims. A major contributor to the heavy system weight is the Shimano GRX drivetrain, which is paired with large 180 mm brake rotors and MERIDA’s distinctive heat-dissipating fins on the fork – all designed to deliver maximum braking performance.

The geometry of the MERIDA SILEX 8000

With a wheelbase of over 108 cm, the SILEX is the longest bike in the entire test field. At 69.5°, it has the slackest head angle, which, in combination with the long chainstays, clearly reflects the bike’s adventure-focused DNA and aim for maximum composure. The long top tube and relatively sporty stack-to-reach ratio of 1.47 underline its purpose: this bike is built for long distances and sustained speed – not for ultra-lightweight design or aero optimisation.

Size	XS	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	440 mm	470 mm	500 mm	530 mm	560 mm
Top tube	550 mm	565 mm	580 mm	600 mm	620 mm
Head tube	130 mm	150 mm	170 mm	190 mm	210 mm
Head angle	69.5°	69.5°	69.5°	69.5°	69.5°
Seat angle	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°
Chainstay	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm	430 mm
BB drop	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm	75 mm
Wheelbase	1048 mm	1065 mm	1082 mm	1104 mm	1126 mm
Reach	392 mm	402 mm	412 mm	426 mm	441 mm
Stack	570 mm	588 mm	607 mm	626 mm	645 mm

Fast enough for the 2025 Gravel World Championships? – The MERIDA SILEX 8000 on test

The MERIDA SILEX 8000 proves to be an intriguing blend of comfort, stability and adventure DNA with racing ambitions – but where does it shine, and where does it fall short? In direct comparison with the thoroughbred gravel race bikes in this test, one thing becomes immediately clear: it’s not among the most explosive competitor. While the ROSE BACKROAD FF sprints aggressively with its stiff, nimble frame, the SILEX takes a moment to get up to speed.

Once it gets rolling, however, it holds its pace reliably – although the heavier wheelset and sluggish tires make it harder to attack, especially on climbs. Where the ultra-light Parapera Anemos² dances uphill with ease, the SILEX’s heavier system weight becomes apparent. The MAXXIS Reaver tires do offer surprisingly good traction on loose terrain, lending the bike a reassuringly planted feel. Agility, however, is not its strong suit: with 430 mm chainstays and a wheelbase over 108 cm, the SILEX feels sluggish in tight corners.

Where the SILEX really shines is in its composure. In our adventure bike test, it was one of the more agile bikes – but in this race-focused test field, it feels almost like a gravel monster truck. The slackest head angle in the test makes for rock-solid handling – you could almost ride it hands-free from Paris to Roubaix. That calmness over rough ground makes it easier to control, and an attractive option for beginners.

But that same composure comes at the cost of playfulness. Bikes like the SCOTT Addict Gravel RC and the Superior XR 9.7 GF deliver a livelier, more engaging ride. Off-road, the SILEX delivers confidence and predictability, but lacks the snap and directness of a purebred gravel racer on smoother racecourses and tarmac. Overall, it feels more like a loyal touring companion than an aggressive race machine.

In terms of comfort and stability, though, the SILEX 8000 performs impressively. Even on rough gravel descents, it holds its line with confidence, which can be a real advantage in long and gruelling gravel races. While the 3T RaceMax Italia feels slightly more composed in very rough terrain, the SILEX is more at home on long, fast gravel tracks with its modern geometry and wide tires.

The riding position suits this character: it’s relatively upright, ensuring plenty of comfort on longer rides. The high front end eases pressure on the arms and back, but also limits the bike’s aero potential – if you’re looking to get low and aggressive over the bars, you’ll feel less racy here than on the Trek Checkmate SLR. It’s a relaxed endurance setup rather than a flat-out race stance.

The 45 mm MAXXIS Reaver tires deliver confidence and grip in technical terrain, though they’re not the fastest in this test – the Schwalbe G-One RS Pro, for instance, roll noticeably faster. Despite their volume, the front end of the SILEX remains relatively firm. The two-piece FSA cockpit lacks compliance, especially in the tops, and transmits more vibration than flexier setups like Canyon’s comfort-optimised cockpit.

The SILEX’s adventure roots also show in its versatility off the race track. With 45 mm tire clearance, multiple mounting points for bikepacking gear and mudguards, it’s ready for much more than just race day. This puts it alongside the Canyon Grail as one of the most adaptable bikes in the entire test field. But while the SILEX excels in straight-line stability, the Grail edges ahead in racing potential thanks to the lower system weight and livelier handling.

Tuning tip: Lighter wheels and faster tires for more speed

What kind of races is the MERIDA SILEX 8000 made for?

The MERIDA SILEX 8000 plays to its strengths on rough courses and ultra-distance gravel races. With its comfortable riding position and exceptional straight-line stability, it’s ideal for riders who spend hours in the saddle and don’t want to wrestle with twitchy handling on technical terrain. If you’re after maximum race performance and a light, playful gravel bike, the ROSE BACKROAD FF is definitely the better choice. But the SILEX’s confidence-inspiring composure and intuitive handling make it a great option for gravel racing newcomers. For those seeking a balance of race performance and comfort, the Canyon Grail offers a quicker, more dynamic alternative.

Conclusions about the MERIDA SILEX 8000

The MERIDA SILEX 8000 remains one of the most versatile and composed gravel bikes in this test. The balanced riding position and excellent tracking stability deliver comfort and control in long, rough gravel races. However, when it comes to punchy sprints and steep climbs, it lacks the snap of true race specialists. The less direct handling also means that it misses out on agility and fun in tight, twisty sections. That said, for gravel newcomers, it’s an easy win with its intuitive handling and natural, confidence-inspiring character straight out of the gate.

More info at merida-bikes.com.

The test field

This bike was tested as part of the 2025 Race Gravel Bike comparison test – you can find an overview of this group test and all other tested race gravel bikes here:

All bikes in review: 3T Extrema Italia | Cannondale SuperX 2 | Canyon Grail CFR XPLR | Falkenjagd Aristos SL | Merida Silex 8000 | Parapera Anemos² | Rose Backroad FF RED XPLR AXS | Scott Addict Gravel RC | Superior XR 9.7 GF | Specialized S-Works Crux | Trek Checkmate SLR 9 AXS | Wilier Rave SLR

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Words: Jan Fock Photos: Jan Richter