Team Bahrain Victorious put the fifth generation Scultura thoroughly through its paces, winning mountain top stages of the Tour de France and the Vuelta a Espana before the bike was even launched.
Gen 5 keeps the Scultura's fabled lightweight, agility and rider comfort focus and even manages to improve on both measures.
The Scultura now incorporates learnings from the Reacto in terms of aerodynamics; they now share the same race proven geometry.
Improving weight, comfort and aerodynamics requires plenty of engineering ingenuity. Round tubes are lighter than aero profiled tubes, fatter tyres are more comfortable but less aerodynamic. There are always compromises to be made.
The new Scultura is the most aerodynamic ever and shows outstanding compliance, providing class-leading rider comfort. The marketing blurb suggests this helps keep the body fresh for the final sprint or ascent. A couple of mountain top, grand tour stage victories underline that point quite well!
X-TAPER HEADTUBE
Steering precision is vital to safe and confident handling, and the X-TAPER HEADTUBE allows us to significantly boost this precision. A larger headset diameter at the bottom paired with a smaller one at the top helps to deal with the strains modern riding and equipment can put on the headtube, all without adding unnecessary weight. It allows tapered forks to be fitted with ease and delivers precise and confidence-inspiring steering.
INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING
On the majority of our frames, we run the gear and brake cables and hoses through the frame. The cables enter and exit the frame through smooth sockets, or we use one of our other systems like SMART ENTRY or WIRE PORT to be routed through. Running the cables inside the frame protects them from the elements, gives a clean and neat look and can offer aerodynamic advantages.
DI2 READY
Shimano's Di2 electronic shifting system offers fast, smooth and reliable shifting. In particular, in the road world, it has proven itself as the primary choice when top performance is at the top of the agenda. With that in mind, we have a broad selection of performance road frames that are Di2 READY and can accommodate the electrical cable, battery and other little tweaks that the system requires.
NANO MATRIX CARBON
NANO MATRIX CARBON is a special kind of carbon fibre where we add extremely tiny, nano-scale particles to the resin that binds the individual carbon fibres together. These then work on a molecular level to protect them from damage. It’s so effective that it can actually increase the finished carbon fibre’s impact resistance by up to 40%, allowing us to build stronger and lighter composite frames that result in a faster and tougher bike.
AWS ANTI WRINKLE SYSTEM
This is a method we use to manufacture our carbon fibre frames. First, the carbon fibre that makes up the frame is laid around special formers. We then use a bladder to compress the layers against the outside of the frame mould, giving a smooth and wrinkle-free internal finish, removing any voids in between the layers of carbon that can cause potential weak points, resulting in a stronger, lighter frame.
NACA FASTBACK PROFILE
This is a special kind of tube shape that helps reduce aerodynamic drag while also helping to reduce weight. It’s based around a teardrop profile that was originally developed in the aeronautical industry, but the rearmost portion of the profile is cut short. This reduces the amount of material needed to make the tube, but air still flows around it just as well, giving all the aerodynamic benefits but at a lower weight.
DISC COOLER
Used on our carbon fibre road and gravel bikes, DISC COOLER is a finned piece of forged aluminium that sits between the brake calliper and frame. The aluminium piece helps to draw heat from the braking system and radiates it away quickly. It reduces the temperatures by up to 35% and helps to keep your brakes working at their best for improved control and performance on long descents and under heavy braking.
INTERNAL CLAMP
When every second counts, the smallest of details can make the difference between winning and losing, so we look at every aspect of our frames to make them as sleek as possible. By using a seat post clamping mechanism that secures the post with a wedge inside the frame itself, we minimise the turbulence and potential drag while keeping post height adjustment simple, giving a frame that is more aerodynamic and also better looking.
WIRE PORT
All control cables like gear, brake and dropper post cable enter the frame through a specifically shaped headset cap, cleaning up the cockpit area while also keeping them out of harm's way. Only the internally routed cable for the rear shock lockout enters the frame directly into the top tube for extra smooth lockout action.
Features:
- Lightweight CF3 Carbon Frame With Full Carbon Tapered Fork
- Shimano 105 Drivetrain
- Shimano 105 Chainset
- Shimano 105 Hydraulic Disc Brakes With Disc Cooler Technology
- Continental Ultra Sport III 28c Tyres
- Carbon Seat Post
Product Code | P401 |
---|---|
Brand | Merida |
Gender | Unisex |
Frame | CF3 carbon, race geometry. Internal cable routing, 12mm through axles, flat mount rear brakes with Disc Cooler, 1 1/2" to 1 1/4" headtube. Max tyre - 30c |
Fork | Scultura CF3 Disc; Material - carbon; Max. tyre size: 700 x 30c; Disc cooler technology |
Shifters | Shimano 105 disc |
Derailleur (Front) | Shimano 105 |
Derailleur (Rear) | Shimano 105; GS |
Brakes | Shimano 105; hydraulic disc brake caliper |
Crankset | Shimano 105 FC-R7100; 50-34 tooth chainset. Crank length: 165mm (XXS,XS), 170mm (S), 172.5mm (M), 175mm (L,XL) |
Cassette | Shimano CS-R7101; 11-34 teeth; 12 speed |
Chain | Shimano CN-M6100-12 |
Hub Front | Joytech D981SB; 100x12mm; 28 spokes; Centerlock with Merida Expert TR axle |
Hub Rear | Joytech D872SB; 142x12mm; 28 spokes; Centerlock with Merida Expert SL axle including removable 6/4mm allen key |
Rims | Merida Expert SL; 17mm inner rim width; 22mm depth; aluminium |
Tyres | Continental Ultra Sport III; 700 x 28C; Kevlar bead, folding |
Handlebar | Merida Expert SLII; aluminium; Width 380mm (XXS), 400mm (XS), 420mm (S,M,L), 440mm (XL) |
Stem | FSA SMR ACR; aluminium; -6 degree rise. Length 90mm (XXS,XS), 100mm (S), 110mm (M) 120mm (L,XL) |
Headset | FSA ACR |
Saddle | Merida Expert SL with V-mount; including Merida minitool |
Seatpost | MERIDA EXPERT CC 27.2mm diameter 15mm setback Carbon |
Pedal | Pedals not included with this bike but can be purchase separately here |
Wheel Size | 700c |
Number of Gears | 24 |
Ready to ride
Every bike from Start Fitness is fully checked & assembled before despatch and will arrive, almost, ready to ride. Each bike is assembled by one of our CyTech accredited mechanics and then packed into one of our custom boxes.
*This process has a lead time of 5-7 working days.
Unfortunately during peak times this may be slightly delayed. We will however, aim to despatch your bike as quickly as possible. Minimal assembly, with basic tools, is required before you can ride. Assembly tools are not usually included.
Making sure you are home
Once fully checked and boxed, we will contact you to arrange a suitable delivery date when you will be home to take delivery. Our bikes are despatched with a premium delivery service which usually delivers next working day (excludes weekends & bank holidays) for mainland UK orders, it may take slightly longer for some areas, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands and outlying Scottish areas. European bike deliveries usually take approximately one week.
Taking Delivery
Any mechanical or cosmetic issues need to be reported to us within one week of the delivery date. If you do not plan on using the bike straight away, we advise that you remove it from the box and check it over ASAP as we cannot be responsible for any reported issues (other than standard warranty issues) later than one week from the date that the bicycle was delivered.
First Service
After a few weeks of riding (we recommend around 6-8 weeks, regardless of how much the bike has been used), a new bike will need a service to make final adjustments and to re-check all nuts and bolts. This is necessary as the bike goes through a ‘bedding in’ phase, after which, final adjustment may be necessary. We recommend that this is carried out by a CyTech qualified mechanic.
It is important to have these checks carried out to prevent any avoidable problems which may not be covered by warranty and to ensure the smooth running of your bicycle. If you’re local to us, we’re able to offer this first service free of charge* at our Newcastle store (NE1 6JE). You’ll just need to call our workshop on 0191 917 3825 to book your service in, and don’t forget to bring your proof of purchase when you drop the bike off with us.
If you’ve had the bike delivered, it will be your responsibility to ensure a first service is carried out at a trusted bike shop local to you, preferably by a Cytech certified mechanic. Start Fitness are unfortunately not able to cover any costs associated with this service if carried out by another store.
*Please note that this complimentary check-over does not include any labour to replace worn parts or to fit new accessories. All bikes should be delivered to us in a clean and serviceable condition, or a £15 cleaning charge will be payable.
Bike Servicing
Bicycles need to be serviced regularly, as a guideline we would advise on at least one full service per year and/or a standard service twice a year. If the bike is used regularly in adverse conditions, more regular servicing may be required.
WE ACCEPT VOUCHERS FROM ALL MAJOR PROVIDERS
Click here to find out more
Request a Quote
Still not sure? Need some advice?
Book a call with one of our experts to get more information on this product.
{formbuilder:56353}
- Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
- Opens in a new window.