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In road.cc, every product has been thoroughly tested, as long as you can correctly understand its working conditions. Our reviewers are experienced cyclists and we believe they are objective. Although we strive to ensure that the opinions expressed are supported by facts, the comments are essentially an informed opinion, not a final ruling. We will not deliberately try to destroy anything (except locks), but we do try to find any weaknesses in the design. The total score is not just the average of the other scores: it reflects the function and value of the product-the value depends on how the product compares with items of similar specifications, quality, and price.
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This new Merida Scultura Team uses the fifth-generation frame, which shares geometry with Merida's Reacto and is also influenced by its aerodynamic design. However, the best quality for me is the comfort of this bike.
As the name suggests, this Scultura model is the top level bike of the Bahrain Victorious ProTour team, so I look forward to sharp handling and a hard-to-demanding bike because it needs to cope with the level of great power introduced by professionals.
Although Scultura shows great tightness in the lower half of the frame, especially the bottom bracket shell, front end and forks, you do get precise steering (more on this), but it is very comfortable.
I am really surprised, it makes Scultura a dream of cycling.
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Even if the 28mm Continental tires are hit firmly, there is very little road buzzing through the contact points. This is undoubtedly not only due to the carbon fiber layup, but also other factors such as the slender seat fork and S-Flex carbon fiber. Something like seatpost.
Not being beaten means you can ride faster and longer, so you can drive long distances on the Scultura because it is a fast bike.
With its clean front end, and since all cables and hoses are completely hidden from sight, Merida does feel like it passes through the air smoothly, especially with the integrated handlebar/stem setting.
Other details, such as teardrop-shaped tubes, sculpted seat tubes to protect the rear wheels, and of course deep-section wheels, which means that once this thing rolls, it doesn’t take a lot of effort to maintain speed; it definitely feels like an aerodynamic. bike.
Outside of a flat field, Scultura Team is a capable climber, partly because our scale has excellent rigidity and a weight of 7.1 kg; unlike the large 6.85 kg S-Works Tarmac SL7 I tested last year That's light, but not far away. Considering the price difference of nearly three times, it is impressive.
This also means that Sculltura can respond to rapid acceleration, so it is an excellent sprint bike.
As you would expect from a bike designed specifically to meet the requirements of a professional race schedule, the Scultura Team has a geometry that has been adjusted to provide performance.
This medium-sized top tube is 560 mm in length, with a very short head tube of only 140 mm, providing 557 mm and 395 mm stacking and reach figures respectively. This gives a ratio of 1.41, which happens to be the extreme of scale-for endurance road bikes, you will usually see around 1.55.
The head tube angle is 73.5 degrees. When matched with a 990mm wheelbase, it provides Scultura Team with a precise and flexible feeling in terms of response to steering input and your body position.
This is a great bike that can quickly pass through bends. A lot of feedback from the rigid frame and the front fork lets you know exactly what is going on, and if you have to correct the line or something, you can instinctively.
The steering feels fast but well balanced. At first, it may feel a little jerky and tense, especially if you come from a bike with a looser geometry, but learn to relax and let the bike continue to work. The rewards are huge.
Some bicycles that are close to the 7 kg weight range will feel a bit floaty on rough roads, etc., especially if they are as stiff as Merida. However, this Scultura feels very stable on the road, with the composure of a heavier machine.
The team uses Merida’s CF5 V full carbon fiber frame (according to Merida, nanoparticles are added to the resin to increase impact protection by 40%) and the CF5 Disc fork, which, as I mentioned, uses some air Kinetic clues. Reacto has also been developed to provide more comfort than previous models.
These statements are always difficult to quantify in the real world, but I will give you figures from Merida:
In terms of aerodynamics, at 45kph, the previous Scultura required 234.3 watts, but clean the front end, such as hiding all cables/hoses, using the integrated cockpit, hiding the seat clip and pulling the seat up and down to meet the seat tube Location, which is equivalent to saving 4.2% of wattage, which is 224.5 watts at 45kph.
Bicycle companies don’t always mention reducing stiffness anywhere on new bikes, but Merida says it has reduced vertical stiffness by 38%, from the bottom bracket shell to the Scultura’s saddle. This is achieved by extending the exposure of the seatpost by 40mm, and by creating a steeper upper tube, providing more room for the seatpost to bend for comfort.
The tire clearance has also been increased to 30 mm, so you can run larger, softer tires.
The seatpost itself is held in place by an extended wedge system inside the tube. The adjustment is carried out by the bolts under the upper tube. Once tightened, there is no problem with sliding.
Many of the latest bicycles we see run a cable system that enters from the top of the headset, or, like Scultura, passes completely through the handlebars, stems, then into the head tube, and then disappears into the rest of the frame or fork. In terms of aesthetics and aerodynamics, this is an ingenious solution. Utilizing Merida’s Wire Port earphones, the two-piece earphone gasket design allows you to add or remove gaskets without affecting the operation of the cable/hose .
On the top of the fork servo, you will also find a Force Diffuser, which is designed to be used in conjunction with the Team SL 1P cockpit. Merida said this is a metal sleeve that evenly distributes the load to protect the front fork steering gear in the valve stem clamping area.
As for everything else, this is almost everything you expect to find on a high-end racing car: flat-mounted disc mounts, front and rear 12mm barrel axles, two bottle cage mounts... and there is no complete installation option for fenders, just in case You want to know.
The front end is a tapered head tube, and the center shaft is a press-in type.
Merida also provides cooling fins, or disc coolers, for many of its bicycles. This is to reduce heat build-up when going downhill for a long time, in which case you may find yourself dragging the mat a long way at a time.
I have touched on the geometry a little bit, but it is also worth mentioning that there are six sizes in total, with the top tube length ranging from 520 mm to 590 mm. In this mid-size, you will get a relatively steep seat angle of 73.5 degrees to match the head tube angle, 501 mm seat tube, 66 mm bottom bracket drop, and 385 mm front fork length. The chainstay length is only 408 mm.
For this kind of money, you will want the top drawer kit. To be honest, it has an impressive construction and is equipped with the latest Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 Di2 12-speed kit.
Except for that extra sprocket, I must admit that I can hardly notice the huge difference from the previous 11-speed version, which is a good thing, because it means that the gear shifting is still as perfect and fast as before.
Merida specified a 52/36T chain set, which also comes with a power meter and an 11-30T flywheel.
I like the feel of Shimano's entire series of hydraulic brake systems. This Dura-Ace setting is the essence of the crop. A lot of power load and a lot of feedback allow you to adjust them easily, even on our test bikes, the brakes, lever stroke load, especially the rear part were not fully set-I'I admit I never completely solved it.
Basically, the whole setup is great; if you want a thorough analysis, please click on the link above to see Liam’s 4.5-star review.
The handlebar part of the carbon fiber SL 1P integrated cockpit is very comfortable, the top is flat, and the droop is shallow, suitable for use when squatting. The stem I found worked for me, but if it doesn’t work for you, that’s the only pain of not being able to replace parts.
According to the size of the bicycle, Merida provides different handlebar widths and effective stem lengths for the cockpit.
The seatpost is Merida's Team SL S-Flex carbon fiber with a diameter of 27.2 mm and a back seat distance of 15 mm. The adjustment is easy, and I find it easy to set up a comfortable Prologo Scratch M5 saddle.
Merida did not skimp on wheels or tires: a set of Vision Metron 45 SL Clincher TL Disc wheels with 45 mm deep carbon fiber rims, tubeless valves and tape. Wrapped around these tires is a set of 28mm Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR tires.
The wheels are great, very suitable for the performance of the Team frame. Their rims have an outer width of 31 mm and are optimized for use with 28 mm tires. The weight is quite impressive, allegedly 1,372 grams.
Considering the time of year, the test period was surprisingly dry and mild, so I didn't really let them finish their pace in typical winter weather, but they seemed absolutely fine in terms of strength and staying true.
Continental’s GP5000 S TR tire is a direct replacement for the GP5000 S TL. TL means tubeless because it has a butyl inner lining to prevent it from being porous and allow air to escape. It is "completely tubeless", which means that if you don't want to, you don't need to run the sealant inside.
TR has lowered this point and the weight of each tire has been reduced by about 50 grams. Now, like most tires on the market, it is "tubeless ready"-when you inflate the sidewall for the first time , A sealant is needed to close all the small holes on the side wall.
Consistent with Jamie's comments, I also found that GP5000s is one of the fastest and strongest tires, and durability does not seem to be an issue.
Another advantage of them is that they are great in all weather conditions. On wet roads, you need to step back a bit, but the compound still seems to bite the surface well.
When you look at the quality of the frame and the overall packaging of the components, I think Merida's asking price of £7,750 is a good price.
The Pro version of Scott's Foil RC is equipped with the same Dura-Ace Di2 kit, integrated carbon fiber cockpit and Zipp 303SE deep-section wheels, priced at £8,199. I am a big fan of the Foil series. As an aerodynamic all-round car, it is very similar to the Scultura Team in terms of performance.
> 25 best and fastest aero road bikes of 2021: faster windproof bikes
Canyon's Ultimate CFR Disc Aero is another similar machine, equipped with Dura-Ace Di2 and DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut wheels and 50 mm deep carbon fiber rims. You can also get Canyon’s integrated cockpit, but at a higher price, at £8,249.
This year, Specialized seems to have embarked on the SRAM route in its Tarmac SL7 series. The most comparable model to Merida is the Pro, which costs £7,500. It is equipped with SRAM Force eTap AXS gear system, SRAM Red brakes and Specialized's own Roval Rapide CL wheels.
Overall, I think the Scultura team is really worth the money, especially when you consider factors such as power meters. As you would expect from a high-end bicycle, there are no shortcomings, and it can support it with its performance and impeccable riding quality. This is a great bike.
Professional performance and excellent comfort, put on all the bling you want at a reasonable price
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Brand and model: Merida Scultura Team
List the components used to assemble the bicycle.
WHEELSET METRON 45 SL Clincher TL Disc
Front tires Continental Grand Prix 5000S TR
Rear tire Continental Grand Prix 5000S TR
Crank size 165 mm-XXS/XS, 170 mm-S, 172.5 mm-M, 175 mm-L/XL
Bottom bracket SM-BB92-41B, press-in type 86.5
Shifting device Shimano Dura Ace Disc Di2
Front derailleur Shimano Dura Ace Di2
Rear derailleur Shimano Dura Ace Di2
Shimano Dura Ace Disc Brake
Stem size 90 mm-XXS/XS, 100 mm-S, 110 mm-M, 120 mm-L/XL
Handlebar set SL 1P integration
Seatpost MERIDA Team SL
Tell us the purpose and target audience of this bicycle. What is the manufacturer's comment on this? How does this compare to how you feel about bicycles?
Merida said: "The Bahrain Victory team allowed the fifth-generation Scultura to complete its pace and even won the Tour de France and the top of the Vuelta a Espana before the bike was launched.
Gen 5 maintains the legendary lightweight, agility and rider comfort of Scultura, and even manages to improve in these two areas.
Scultura now combines Reacto's aerodynamic experience; they now share the same race proof geometry.
Improving weight, comfort, and aerodynamics requires a lot of engineering ingenuity. Round tubes are lighter than pneumatic shaped tubes, and fatter tires are more comfortable, but the aerodynamics are worse. There will always be compromises.
The new Scultura is the most aerodynamic model ever, showing excellent compliance and providing first-class rider comfort. The marketing slogan indicates that this helps to keep the body fresh during the final sprint or ascent. The victories at the top of the mountain and at the tournament stage illustrate this point well! "
I agree: this is a very sturdy and fast bike, but it is very comfortable.
Where is this model within the scope? Simply tell us the cheaper option and the more expensive option
Team is the second model in the carbon fiber Scultura series. The 10K is at the top and comes with a complete Shimano Dura-Ace kit and Zipp 353 NSW wheels. It costs £9,000. The Scultura 4000 with Shimano 105 starts at £2,150.
Tell us the quality and finish of the frame and front fork?
Tell me about the materials used in the frame and fork?
Both the frame and the front fork are made of carbon fiber, and nanoparticles are added to the resin to improve impact resistance.
Tell us the geometry of the frame and fork?
The geometry is very ethnically oriented.
How is the bike in terms of height and range? How does it compare to other bicycles of the same size?
Stack and range numbers are typical characteristics of this style of bicycle.
Is the bike comfortable to ride? Tell us how you feel about the ride quality.
For such a hard bike, the riding quality is very good.
Does the bike feel stiff in the right place? Do you feel any part of the bike is too hard or too flexible?
The lower half of the frame provides a lot of stiffness to reduce power. There is no problem with the stiffness of the front fork.
How does the bicycle transmit power? Do you find it very efficient?
Due to the rigidity of the lower part of the frame, Scultura can transmit power well.
Are there any toe clips overlapping on the front wheels? If so, is this a problem?
How would you describe the turn? Is it lively, neutral or unresponsive? Lively.
Tell us more about the processing. How does the overall feel of the bike? Is it good or bad for certain things?
The handling here is fast and very precise, which makes hard riding on technical corners very interesting.
Which components have the greatest impact (good or bad) on the comfort of the bike? Would you recommend any changes?
I get along well with the saddle, and the handlebar shape is also very flattering.
Which components have the greatest impact (good or bad) on the stiffness of the bike? Would you recommend any changes?
When accelerating hard from the saddle, the rigidity of the Vision wheels left a deep impression on me.
Which components have the greatest impact (good or bad) on the efficiency of the bike? Would you recommend any changes?
These wheels are also very light, which makes the bike feel uncomfortable from the start.
Tell us more about the drive system. Is there anything you particularly like or dislike? Any components that don't work well together?
The new Di2 package still has the excellent crisp shifting of its predecessor, and the 12-speed flywheel provides you with an additional hillside rescue gear.
Tell us more about wheels. Do they work well under the conditions you encounter? Will you change wheels? If it is for what?
A great set of lightweight, deep-section wheels, very suitable for bicycle performance.
Tell us more about tires. Do they work well under the conditions you encounter? Will you change tires? If it is for what?
They are expensive to replace, but I think they are one of the fastest and strongest tires without sacrificing durability.
Tell us more about the control. Are there any particularly good or bad components? How will the controls work for larger or smaller riders?
I am a fan of the whole build. It is of good quality and I am very satisfied with the shape of the shallow water drop on the handlebar.
Do you like to ride a bicycle? Yes
Would you consider buying a bicycle? Yes
Would you recommend this bike to a friend? Yes
How does the price compare to similar bikes on the market (including those tested recently on road.cc)?
Compared to many Peloton-ready racing bikes on the market, Scultura Team is reasonably priced, especially when you consider including power timing.
Use this box to explain your total score
Merida has done a great job of providing such a high-stiffness bike, which can still provide comfort, allowing you to ride at high speeds throughout the day. Considering the excellent handling and price specifications, there is almost nothing to dislike. It's great.
Age: 42 Height: 180cm Weight: 76kg
I usually ride: The test bike of the month. My best bike is: B'Twin Ultra CF with the latest bling test kit
I have been riding: for more than 20 years I have been riding: every day I classify myself as: an expert
I often do the following types of riding: time trial, commuting, club riding, sports, fixed/single speed,
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With 20 years of road bike riding experience and more than 150,000 miles of riding, it is safe to say that regardless of the weather, Stu is the happiest biking. Since writing the first review for road.cc in 2009, he has also worked in the engineering field, including 3D-CAD design and product development, so he is passionate about all the latest technologies appearing in the industry, but at the same time a fool for classics Great steel frame, thin tires, rim brakes and damn excellent paint. His fascination with gravel bikes is also starting to get out of control!
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