Bike Check - 2018 Merida Reacto 4000

Seoul Color Park, one of the landmarks of Yeoido, is located under Mapo Bridge. Many cyclists visit here to take pictures or to meet other people.

When designing an aircraft, engineers keep in mind of 4 major forces: lift, weight, thrust, and drag. Frankly, the influence of wind and gravity is considered when engineering any high speed vehicle, and road bikes are no exception.

That is why bicycle manufactures are exploiting themselves to develop a bicycle that is both light and aerodynamic, since lighter and more aerodynamic the bike is, the faster the rider goes.

The Taiwanese bicycle manufacture, Merida, is one of the leading companies that are known to develop high end aero road bikes - in fact, some of the most aerodynamic road bikes in the market today in 2018 resemble the looks of the Merida Reacto. Merida has proved its engineering skills by supporting Team Bahrain in the 2018 Tour de France.

A picture of Team Bahrain. The team uses the all-rounder Merida Scultura, the semi-aero Merida Reacto, and the time trial bike Merida Warp. (picture from https://www.merida.sk/sport/bahrain-merida-pro-cycling-team)

The 2018 Merida Reacto 4000 is a semi-aero bike manufactured by Merida. The company claims that the new Reacto is 5% more aerodynamic than the previous Reacto; they claim that a rider can save 8 watts an hour while riding in the speed of 45km/h (28.125 mi/h). Furthermore, the frame weight has decreased by 17% compared to the previous version due to a new frame design.

Reacto utilizes kamm tail tubings for its frame, which helps decrease turbulence developing thus increasing its aerodynamics.

The new Reacto improved its "S-Flex" seat post system, which is claimed to absorb 10% more shocks from the ground. Moreover, all brake and gear cables are stored in the down tube, which also contributes to maximum aerodynamics.

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>> BIKE CHECK <<

Frame: 2018 Reacto CF2 Direct (Team Bahrain color)

Size: 52mm, SM size

Fork: Reacto Carbon Pro - Direct

Groupset: Shimano 105 5700 (with Shimano 105 Direct mounted brakes)

Handlebar: Merida Expert Aero 31.8

Wheelset: Far Sports 38mm carbon tubeless ready

Tires: Continental Grand Sports Race 25c (front & rear)

Seatpost: Merida Carbon Race (Di2 ready)

Overall weight: mid-8kg