Merida (Taiwan) – Merida presented their new Silex Gravel Bike range.

Nano Matrix Carbon 2018:
To protect the integrity of carbon frames, the fibres are bonded together with an epoxy resin with added nano particles, increasing impact resistance by up to 40%.

AWS 2018:
When creating the individual carbon elements, an inflatable bladder is used to ensure there are no wrinkles inside the tube as these can add weight and create weakness. This results in a lighter, stiffer and stronger frame.

Carbon Fork 2018:
Carbon forks provide superb vibration damping and precise steering. All road bikes feature a full carbon fork; the steerer and fork blades are all made of carbon.

X-Taper Headtube 2018:
Using a tapered head tube with 1 1/8" bearings in the top and 1 1/4" or 1 1/2" in the bottom creates superb stiffness and precise, confidence inspiring steering.

Internal Cable 2018:
Cables are routed through the frame, entering and exiting through smooth sockets. The bike looks neat, whilst the cables are protected from moisture and dirt.

Smart Entry 2018:
Cables, housings and brake hoses are clamped under tension to prevent rattling when the trail gets rough. All inlets are completely interchangeable to deal with Di2, hydraulic hoses, brake cable and gear cable housings etc.

Disc Cooler 2018:
A forged aluminium component under the front and rear caliper allowing heat to dissipate through CNC-milled cooling fins. Tests show that temperatures are reduced by around 35% and cooling times are shortened, optimising the performance of the brake.

12-142 Thru-Axle 2018:
Selected front forks use a 100 mm wide through axle 12 or 15 mm in diameter to increase lateral stiffness. A 142 mm wide 12 mm rear axle fixed directly into the frame increases rear end stiffness whilst simplifying wheel removal and replacement.

12-100 Thru-Axle 2018:
Selected front forks use a 100 mm wide through axle 12 or 15 mm in diameter to increase lateral stiffness. A 142 mm wide 12 mm rear axle fixed directly into the frame increases rear end stiffness whilst simplifying wheel removal and replacement.

F-Mount 2018:
‘F-Mount’ equipped bikes have integrated fittings for mud guards (some bikes require model specific mud guards), making fitting fast and simple.

C-Mount 2018:
‘C-Mount’ equipped bikes have the fixing points for a rear rack already integrated (some bikes require model specific rear rack), making fitting fast, simple and reliable.

Silex 9000 Specifications:

• Color - Matt UD Carbon (red)
• Frame Sizes - XS(44), S(47), M(50), L(53), XL(56)
• Frame - Silex CF2
• Fork - Full carbon tapered fork with 12mm through axle
• Derailleur Rear - Sram Force one
• Shifters - Sram Force, 11 speed
• Brake Lever - Sram Force one
• Brakes - Sram Rival hydraulic disc brake with 160mm rotors
• Chainwheel - Sram Force 44 teeth
• Chain - KMC X11-1
• Freewheel - Sram XG1150, 11 speed, 10-42 teeth
• Tires - Maxxis Gravel 35c semi slick tyre folding tyre with Maxxis silkworm technology and puncture protection
• Handlebar Stem - Merida Expert, 3d forged, 6061 aluminium, Oversize clamp, -5 degree
• Handlebar - Merida Expert double butted 6061 aluminium compact drop, oversize clamp
• Headset - Silex
• Seat Post - Merida carbon Team S-Flex 30.9mm
• Saddle - Prologo Scratch 2 Tirox, 142mm
• Wheelset - Fulcrum Gravel wheelset with 12mm through axles
• Weight - 8.17 kg

Other Silex Models:

• Silex 7000
• Silex 6000
• Silex 700
• Silex 600
• Silex 400
• Silex 300
• Silex 200