Merida Big Seven Review

The Merida Big Seven is available with four different frame options across the range. The 15, 20, 40 and 80 get a double butted 6061 aluminium alloy frame with a relaxed geometry that is ideal for recreational off-roading. Butting is a process that removes material from low stress areas to reduce weight, while maintaining strength. This means that you are getting a high-performance frame even on the entry level models. The 300, 500 and 600 frames are also made from double butted 6061 alloy but gets a more stable geometry that is ideal for single track riding. These frames also get smooth welds for a clean organic look, internal cable routing and a tapered head tube for improved steering control.

Moving up through the range, the Big Seven Limited gets a 6066 triple butted aluminium frame with a racier geometry for rapid singletrack riding. The 3000 and 6000 both get a lightweight full carbon frame with pure a cross-country race geometry. Both of these frame options feature rear Flex-Stays which work like a flat leaf spring to absorb surface bumps and reduce vibrations for a smoother ride.

Every model in the Merida Big Seven Range gets a suspension fork that offers 100mm of travel to smooth the bumps on the trail. Each bike gets a lockout switch on the fork too. This is ideal for riding more efficiently on smooth surfaces as well as climbing out of the saddle.

The 15, 20, 40 and 80 get a coil sprung SR Suntour fork. You get a lighter air spring as you move up through the range. As it is easy to add air or take some out, these forks offers a wider range of spring rate adjustment for riders of all sizes. The high-end alloy bikes get a Manitou fork with their distinctive reverse crown design for improved lateral stiffness. All the bikes from the 600 upwards get a 15mm thru axle which further improves stiffness for more precise steering control. At the top of the range, the 6000 features the plush suspension control of a Fox 32 fork.

Each bike in the Merida Big Seven range gets a wide range of gears which is ideal for all the ups and downs on the mountain. The 15, 20, 40 and 80 get a triple chainset combined with an eight, nine or ten-speed cassette. Offering easier, more intuitive gear shifting, the 300 and 500 feature a double front chain ring with a wide range 11-36t cassette. All the bikes from the 600 upwards get a one-by drivetrain with just a single front chainring. When combined with an extra wide range 11-50t cassette, one-by systems still offer a very wide gear range.  Shifting is much easier to use you only need one gear shifter for every gear option.

Stopping duties are taken care of by Shimano and you get disc brakes on every model. Disc brakes work consistently well in all weather conditions, so you can ride with confidence whatever the weather. The entry level Big Seven 15-MD gets cable actuated brakes but every other model in the range is fitted with hydraulic disc brakes for improved control.

All the Big Seven bikes roll on 27.5” (650b) wheels. These are the most popular mountain bike wheels as they offer the ideal balance between rapid rolling and nimble handling. This wheel size is especially good for shorter and average size riders. Taller riders may prefer the Merida Big Nine which rolls on 29” wheels and has very similar frame and component options to the Big Seven. The tyres feature a fast rolling tread pattern that is ideal for XC mountain biking.

Merida are one of the biggest bike manufacturers in the world and make bike frames and wheel rims for many other top brands. This enables Merida to offer higher quality wheels at lower prices. All the bikes get Merida’s own brand wheels laced to quality Shimano hubs. As you move up through the range the wheels get lighter for faster acceleration and easier climbing.