Merida REACTO 6000 Review
- Price: $3,009
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c Aluminum
- Gear: 2×12 Electronic
What we like about it: Aerodynamically satisfying frameset that is strong and has good speed performance.
What we don’t like about it: Underweight people may be a little less comfortable with it.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The Merida REACTO series is dedicated to delivering better speed performance through lighter weight and reduced wind resistance.
The Merida REACTO 6000 has seen further improvements compared to its predecessor, boasting a sturdy and efficient frame set with outstanding handling characteristics. Of course, its standout feature is its aerodynamic design.
Now, let’s analyze the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions of the Merida REACTO 6000. In the latter part of this article, we will also compare several top bicycle models. If you want to learn more about bike reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
Compared to regular road bikes, I prefer aerodynamic bikes that align with the design of the Merida REACTO 6000. Due to continuous rainy weather lately, I haven’t had many outdoor activities this month.
Fortunately, shortly after getting my hands on the REACTO 6000, I finally had good weather for a ride. I was eager and honestly felt like I was starting to rust. By the way, it’s essential to book accommodation in advance. And for this trip, I booked through Skyscanner again because I’m familiar with it and it gives me peace of mind.
Competition Riding
I met up with a few friends for a friendly race on Saturday morning and the Merida REACTO 6000 came out and got everyone excited. After riding for a while, I was pleasantly surprised by the excellent handling of the REACTO 6000.
The lightweight body of the REACTO 6000 gives me no extra burden when facing uphill climbs. Additionally, the 2×12 electronic drivetrain provides comfortable and precise shifting. Even on challenging road segments, I can effortlessly handle them.
Riding on the winding and undulating roads, I felt my body and mind being challenged and exercised. Although the road was still a bit slippery, I was reassured by the strong grip provided by the Continental Grand Sport Race tires.
Also, it performed well in fast corners and remained stable at all times even at high speeds. This brings me quite a lot of confidence.
The final sprint section is simply the stage of Merida REACTO 6000, after all, speed is its big advantage. The shape of the Merida Expert CW handlebars also suits me very well and makes it easier for me to maneuver.
Thanks to the excellent performance of the REACTO 6000, I was able to win the race in the end.
Road Riding
The exhilarating experience that the Merida REACTO 6000 brings me makes it a natural choice for my everyday rides. It allows me to enjoy the pleasure of cycling to work. I can effortlessly weave through the crowd, observe the scenery along the road, and feel the ambiance around me.
Every moment is unique. Unfortunately, in congested areas, I can’t fully utilize the speed advantage of the REACTO 6000. However, thanks to the excellent braking performance of the Shimano 105, I can easily avoid pedestrians and vehicles.
The Merida REACTO 6000 makes me feel like I’m not just repeating the same route every day but rather experiencing a sense of freedom that is unique to me.
Another notable aspect is the ample tire clearance and tidy cable routing, which make maintenance and cleaning a breeze. I can confidently ride over muddy surfaces even in inclement weather.
Honestly, I’m growing to love the Merida REACTO 6000 more and more! It performs exceptionally well, meeting all the challenges I throw at it. Whether it’s racing or commuting, the REACTO 6000 is now my top choice.
Specification
As an aero bike, the Merida REACTO 6000 is slightly heavier than some in its price range, but the aerodynamic gains are well represented.
Each travel of the pedal is channeled into forward motion, allowing you to reach higher speeds more easily.
Although the REACTO CF3 frameset has a slight weight loss due to the heavier carbon fiber stack compared to the top-of-the-line REACTO CF5 frameset, it’s similar in terms of performance. And the REACTO 6000 offers significant cost savings as a result.
As someone who is used to riding bikes with steep seatposts and head tube angles, I feel very comfortable with the REACTO. And as we know, most of the aero drag tends to come from the rider himself.
So a geometry like the Merida REACTO 6000 can entice the rider into a more aggressive riding position, resulting in better speed performance.
One more thing that cannot be ignored is that the Merida REACTO 6000 has excellent handling characteristics. It comes with a lot of quality kit and the ride feels very comfortable.
And the Continental Grand Sport Race tires feel better than expected on the road, with a good level of grip. What’s even more surprising is that if you need more comfort, the REACTO 6000 has a maximum of 30mm of tire clearance. This should be enough for any road situation.
Video
Other Versions
The Merida REACTO 6000 is certainly an excellent aero bike. But if you want more options, we’ve surveyed other models as well.
Merida REACTO 6000 Di2
The Merida REACTO 6000 Di2 shares the same geometry design as the Merida REACTO 6000. They both allow speed-seeking riders to maintain a more aggressive riding position. The tire material is also the same; only some adjustments have been made to the front and rear hubs.
The REACTO 6000 Di2 is also equipped with a 2×12 electronic drivetrain. The precise and comfortable shifting experience pleasantly surprised me during uphill sections. Its aerodynamic design also gives it excellent speed performance.
The main differences lie in the groupset. While the Bottom Bracket has changed, there isn’t much difference in terms of the riding experience. Additionally, the REACTO 6000 Di2 adds an aluminum FSA SMR ACR stem, which some riders may prefer.
In my opinion, both bikes belong to the category of excellent bicycles. If you prefer the aluminum stem equipped with FSA SMR ACR, you can choose the Merida REACTO 6000 Di2. If you have a limited budget, then the Merida REACTO 6000 is a better choice.
What do we like about it?
- The smooth ride quality should be welcomed by most people.
- The braking and the excellent handling from the geometry design make your riding experience even better.
- Neat cable routing.
- The simple cockpit adjustment is very friendly to beginner riders.
- The 30mm tire clearance allows for more complex road conditions.
What don’t we like about it?
- Some people may feel a little stiff
FAQ
- What kind of tires does Merida REACTO 6000 use and what is the tire size?
It uses Continental Grand Sport Race 700x25C tires with good grip.
- What is the drive train of the Merida REACTO 6000?
The Shimano 105 Di2 2×12 electronics kit is well equipped to handle a variety of complex roads.
- How do I choose the size of this bike?
Merida REACTO 6000 is friendly to riders of all heights, with six sizes to choose from. The size chart below you can use as a reference, but it is normal if there is an error with your idea. The best way to find the most suitable size is to have a try.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| 148-157cm | XXS |
| 158-167cm | XS |
| 163-172cm | S |
| 168-177cm | M |
| 173-182cm | L |
| >183cm | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | REACTO CF3 IV, material: carbon, 700x30C max. wheelsize, 100×12/ 142x12mm axle standard, BB86,5 bottom bracket standard BB Standard: BB86/BB92, 86mm, Press Fit |
| Fork | REACTO CF3 IV DISC, material: carbon, 700x30C max. wheelsize |
| Bottom Bracket | BB86/BB92, 86mm, press-fit |
| Headset | FSA ACR |
| Handlebar | MERIDA EXPERT CW, material: aluminium, 380mm (XXS), 400mm (XS), 420mm (S/M/L), 440 (XL) |
| Saddle | MERIDA EXPERT SL, V-mount, incl. MERIDA minitool |
| Seatpost | MERIDA Team CW, Aero shape, 15mm setback, Carbon |
| Frame | REACTO CF3 IV, material: carbon, 700x30C max. wheelsize, 100×12/ 142x12mm axle standard, BB86,5 bottom bracket standardBB Standard: BB86/BB92, 86mm, Press Fit |
Wheels
| Rims | MERIDA EXPERT CW, 19mm inner width, 30mm height, material: aluminium, Tubeless ready (tubeless tape and valves not included) |
| Spokes | Double Butted Black stainless steel |
| Front Hub | VP CLK170F, 100x12mm width front hub, 28 spoke holes, Centerlock |
| Rear Hub | VP 270SB, 12-142mm width rear hub, 28 spoke holes, Centerlock |
| Tires | Continental Grand Sport Race, 700x25C, fold |
| Disk Rotors | Shimano RT64, 160mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano 105 Di2 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano 105 Di2 |
| Crank | Shimano 105, FCR7100, 50-34 teeth, 165 mm-XXS, 170 mm-XS, 172.5 mm-S/M, 175 mm-L/XL |
| Shifters | Shimano 105 disc Di2 |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-R7100, 11-34 teeth, 12 speed |
| Chain | Shimano CN-M6100-12 |
| Brakes | Shimano 105, Hydraulic disc |
| Brake Levers | Shimano 105 |
Comparison Table
| Bicycles | Click view | Tires | Drivetrain | Frame material | Groupset |
| Canyon Aeroad CF SL 7 Disc | Click View | Continental Grand Prix 5000, 25 mm | 2 × 11 | Carbon | Shimano 105 R7000 |
| Liv EnviLiv Advanced 2 | Click View | Giant Gavia Course 1, 700x25c | 2 × 11 | Carbonl | Shimano 105 |
| Dolan Ares Disc Carbon Road Bike – Campag Chorus 12×2 HDR | Click View | Continental Ultra Sport III Rigid Clincher 700x25c | 2 × 12 | Carbon | Campag Chorus |
| Look 795 BLADE DISC METALLIC BLUE SILVER GLOSSY | Click View | Hutchinson Epsilon fold 700×25 mm | 2 × 11 | Carbon | Shimano 105 R 7000 |
Merida REACTO 6000 vs Canyon Aeroad CF SL 7 Disc
From my riding experience, the Merida REACTO 6000 with the REACTO CF3 IV frame outperforms the Canyon Aeroad CF SL 7 Disc with the Aeroad CF SL Disc. After all, the REACTO CF3 frame is not far behind its top-tier counterpart, the Reacto CF5.
Surprisingly, the Canyon Aeroad CF SL 7 Disc is equipped with Continental Grand Prix 5000 tires, which offer good grip and comfort. However, considering its nearly $500 higher price compared to the REACTO 6000, such a configuration seems justified.
In terms of components, while the Shimano 105 is beloved by many, it’s evident that the Shimano 105 Di2 on the Merida REACTO 6000 is the superior choice.
Lastly, it must be noted that the 2×11 drivetrain of the Canyon Aeroad CF SL 7 Disc is in a completely different league than the 2×12 electronic drivetrain of the REACTO 6000.
If one seeks precise and comfortable shifting, there is no reason not to choose the Merida REACTO 6000.
Learn More: Is Canyon Aeroad CF SL 7 WMN Disc Worth Buying? [Canyon Aeroad CF SL 7 WMN Disc Review]
Merida REACTO 6000 vs Liv EnviLiv Advanced 2
Liv is a cycling brand specifically designed for women, and Liv EnviLiv always prioritizes women.
Just like its predecessors, the Liv EnviLiv Advanced 2 offers a comfortable riding experience while still maintaining a speed advantage. It performs slightly faster on both uphill and downhill sections.
Furthermore, the Liv Approach saddle is loved by some riders. However, based on my experience, the Merida Expert CC saddle on the REACTO 6000 is also quite good, especially in terms of comfort during short-distance sprints.
If you’re looking to choose a bike specifically designed for women, Liv may be a better choice.
However, for male riders or individuals without specific requirements, the Merida REACTO 6000, which leans more towards a universal design, maybe a better option. Additionally, it offers almost the same price range while allowing you to experience the allure of electronic shifting.
Merida REACTO 6000 vs Dolan Ares Disc Carbon Road Bike – Campag Chorus 12×2 HDR
The Dolan Ares Disc Carbon Road Bike with Campag Chorus 12×2 HDR components is truly impressive. I can effortlessly and efficiently ride it through undulating roads.
However, if you have a limited budget, the Merida REACTO 6000 offers excellent value for money. The low front end and long top tube, as well as its aerodynamic design, make the REACTO 6000 equally impressive in terms of speed.
Furthermore, I prefer the downhill performance of the Merida REACTO 6000. Its sharp and sturdy front end allows me to handle challenges from corners effectively.
The aggressive riding position, combined with a 990mm wheelbase (medium size), provides sufficient length to avoid any unnecessary twitching or tension.
Merida REACTO 6000 vs Look 795 BLADE DISC METALLIC BLUE SILVER GLOSS
The two bikes have some similarities in their geometry design. The similar head tube angles allow us to shift more weight with our hands, amplifying the effect of every steering input made by the rider.
Additionally, you might think that the REACTO 6000 is the type of bike that requires struggling through corners, but once you get accustomed to its responsiveness, you’ll quickly realize it can respond adeptly to the lightest touch.
It must be acknowledged that the Look 795 BLADE DISC METALLIC BLUE SILVER GLOSS offers better speed performance, and the Shimano 105 disc brakes provide safety assurance for high-speed riding.
However, for those seeking a lightweight riding experience, the weight of this bike may give some hesitation.
The handlebars on the Merida REACTO 6000 provide me with a highly comfortable riding experience. Additionally, the lines bent inward at the hoods aid in positioning the rider in a more aerodynamic position. If you appreciate these design elements, then the Merida REACTO 6000 is a good choice.
Summary
Above is our review of the Merida REACTO 6000. In my opinion, it brings a significant impact on the realm of true aerodynamic road bikes. The REACTO 6000’s excellent performance adapts well to the needs of road cycling. If you’re interested in trying out higher-end aerodynamic road bikes, feel free to check out our other evaluations.
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