Merida Crossway 5V PL (2018) - Review

The Merida Crossway Crossway 5V PL (2018) is built on the Race Lite 661 Aluminium frame. The frame is double butted to provide extra thickness making it both stiff and lightweight. The top tube is inclined and thus makes for a comfortable riding posture. The Techno Forming System helped process the tubes and mould them in a neat way and make them strong.The SR Suntour NEX front suspension fork comes with a minimal yet smooth 63mm travel. The suspension lockout was easy to use and useful to make the fork rigid for added comfort on flatter roads.

The Crossway 5V PL (2018) has an entry-level drivetrain setup, with Shimano Tourney in the front and rear as derailleurs. These derailleurs were smooth in transmission during the test ride and I did not experience any lags. The quick shifts helped in accelerating with ease. The Shimano Revo Shifters (3x7) 21 speed shifters were old school but were easy to use.

The Crossway 5V PL (2018) that I test rode came in a Matte Anthracite frame colour with White and Black in a few places on the bicycle. The top tube is well designed with a shape which is neither flat nor circular. The superior quality matte finish paint job was shiny and enhanced the colour shade immensely.

The stock V-brakes on this Crossway 5V PL were basic but performed well. During the test ride these brakes were tested with jamming the brakes and also interval braking and they felt safe and balanced.The Merida Comp handlebar was 66mm in length and had a slight raise from the middle to give a comfortable riding posture.

The Merida Crossway 5V PL (2018) rolls on a pair of Kenda 7x4C tires. These tires were well treaded and at the same time the wheelset was lightweight thanks to its Alexa rims. Even on slightly rough non-tar surfaces these tires rolled over without much difficulty. The Crossway Sport saddle was perfect in shape and also had lined patches on the wide part of the saddle to keep it non-slippery.