Merida Crossway 40D (2019) - Review

The Merida Crossway 4D (2019) comes with a lightweight Racelite 661 aluminium frame. This frame is built using the Techno Forming System or TFS. This system helps maintain a low weight while still providing good strength. This system also allows for innovative shapes in the frame, which helps keep the geometry required in balance, thanks to the top notch moulding process. The frame geometry is slightly different from the 218 version of the same bicycle. From a full comfort focused geometry this year it has changed to a slightly aggressive design which in turn improves performance and helps ride faster.The SR Suntour NEX HLO front suspension fork comes with a minimal yet smooth 63mm travel.The suspension lockout was easy to use and useful to make the forks rigid for added comfort on flatter roads.

The Crossway 4D (2019) has the same drivetrain as it's 218 model, with Shimano Altus at both the front and rear as derailleurs. These mid-level Shimano hybrid derailleurs worked smoothly during the test ride on urban roads when riding over traffic and on flyovers. Both the front and rear derailleurs shifted quickly and without any lag. The 27-Speed drivetrain gave a wide range for efficient climbs and quick acceleration.

The Crossway 4D that I test rode came in a full white frame with dark grey and black as secondary colours for graphics and text. The slightly curved top tube along with the thin seat and chain stays made the bicycle look aero. The matte finish paint job was top-notch in quality and enhanced the colour shade immensely. Internal cable routing would have enhanced the aesthetics of this bicycle.

Shimano's ST-EF55 hydraulic disc brakes handle the braking performance on the Merida Crossway 4D. These brakes were powerful and had a fast response time when sudden braking in traffic and even on fast turns. Hydraulic Disc brakes from Shimano are considered to be one of the best and were top notch in performance and well up to expectation on a hybrid bicycle at this price.The Merida Comp handlebar was 66m in length and had a slight raise from the middle to give a comfortable riding posture.

The Crossway 4D (2019) comes with Kenda 7x4c with Merida stock Alex rims. This is the same wheelset found on the 218 version as well. These tires have impressive tread patterns to give good traction on urban roads. The wheelset on the whole was lightweight and did contribute to keeping the weight of the bicycle in check. The Cross Sport saddle on this bicycle was ergonomically designed making the sit bones placed on the widest points of the saddle and this making it comfortable during long rides on even bumpy surfaces.