Welcome to the second generation of the Merida Silex.
The original was a ground up design that, rather than take a road or cyclocross bike and re-jig the recipe, started with modern MTB inspired geometry; long top and head tubes and a short stem, offering nimble, confidence-inspiring off road handling. It is fair to say that riding wise the original concept was incredibly well received by the press and consumers alike, at launch, it was hailed as the most comfortable and versatile bike Merida had ever made.
Over time gravel has developed and riding has evolved, splitting in to racing and adventure. Silex remains all about the road less travelled, the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.
The Silex retains all of the key qualities that made the original so successful but becomes more off-road capable with a 1.5 degree slacker head angle and bigger volume tyres. All frames have five sets of bottle bosses, the aluminium frame has rack mounting points offering multiple luggage carrying options for any adventure and has the ability to run internal routed dropper posts and even dynamo systems.
A week before its launch, Matej Mohoric rode to victory at the 2023 Gravel World Championships proving it is fairly handy off-road!
If we are absolutely honest, the looks of gen 1 were not to everyone's taste, the long headtube made the front end look awkward. Gen 2 runs a revised fork design meaning you can swap to a suspension fork without affecting the geometry and visually the longer fork and shorter headtube look far more appealing.
To match the new off road capability all Silex models (with the exception of the 200) are equipped with powerful hydraulic disc brakes and 180mm rotors. Calipers are mounted on the chainstay for better dissipation of braking forces using the flat-mount standard for a neat, flush fit. On the carbon models calipers sit on top of CNCd aluminium Disc Cooler fins reducing operating temperatures by up to 35%; particularly important when running fully loaded.
Feautres:
- Merida Aluminium Lite II Frameset
- Merida CF2 II Carbon Fork
- Shimano GRX 1x12spd Drivetrain
- Shimano GRX Hydraulic Brakes
- Easton EA70AX Wheelset
Product Code | Q222 |
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Brand | Merida |
Gender | Unisex |
Frame | Silex Lite II - 6066 triple butted hydroformed and smooth welded aluminium with internal cable routing. Tapered head tube, Inboard disc mounts. Threaded BB, 142 x 12mm axle standard, Max tyre size 700 x 45c (42c with mudguards) |
Fork | Silex CF2 II; Full carbon; tapered steerer, 100 x 12mm axle standard; Max tyre size: 700 x 45c (42c with mudguards) |
Shifters | Shimano GRX820 |
Derailleur (Rear) | Shimano GRX822 |
Brakes | Shimano GRX820 Hydraulic disc brake |
Crankset | Shimano GRX820; 42 tooth chainset; Crank length - 170mm (XS/S), 172.5mm (M), 175mm (L/XL) |
Cassette | Shimano CS-M7100; 10-51 teeth; 12 speed |
Chain | Shimano M7100 |
Tyres | Maxxis Rambler; 700 x 45C; Kevlar bead, folding; TR; EXO |
Handlebar | Merida Expert GRII; aluminium; 400mm (XS-S) , 420mm (M) , 440mm (L/XL) |
Stem | Merida Team CC III; aluminium; 31.8mm diameter; -6 degree rise - Length - 80mm (all sizes) |
Headset | Merida-8158 Semi Integrated HS |
Saddle | Merida Expert SL; V-mount; including Merida minitool |
Seatpost | Merida Expert CC; 27.2mm diameter; 15mm layback; Carbon |
Pedal | Pedals not included with this bike but can be purchased separately here |
Wheel Size | 700c |
Number of Gears | 12 |
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 2-4 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.
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