Merida Matts 10V (2018) - Review

The Merida Matts 1V (2018) is built around a strong aluminium frame. The race lite 661 aluminium frame comes with a Merida typical shotgun type with an ATTS down tube. This system helps keep the size and shape of the down tube aerodynamic while still maintaining the strength of the frame. The geometry of this frame allows for a comfortable riding posture making it easy to ride on both urban roads and trails.The front suspension on this entry level MTB from Merida was the highlight during the test ride. The SR Suntour 26 XCT suspension fork came with a massive 1mm travel, which literally makes it possible for this MTB to get on rough and challenging trails. Such a quality suspension fork on a supposedly entry-level MTB is a big positive.

Being an entry level MTB in the Merida range this bicycle did come with entry-level Shimano MTB components. The Matts 1V comes with Shimano Tourney at the front and Shimano Altus at the rear as derailleurs. These derailleurs were both smooth and quick in operation during the test ride. All it took was 1 or 2 pedal rotations for the gears to fall in place and this was impressive for a budget hardtail MTB.

This hardtail MTB which I test rode came in a full black frame with blue graphics. There wasn’t much change in graphics from last year but looked refreshing enough. The matte finish paint job was smooth and definitely contributed to the good looks of the Matts 1V. The front suspension fork and the saddle were colour coded with a black finish and blue graphics. On the whole this bicycle sure does score well in the design front.

The Merida Matts 1V comes equipped with linear V-brakes at the front and rear. These brakes were the most basic and thus worked enough to handle moderate flat trails. Braking on fast turns and jamming the brakes on muddy terrains weren’t the most balanced and required some level of precision interval braking to control the MTB's speed.The Merida steel handlebar on this MTB is 62mm in length with a 3mm raise. This raise in the handlebar made the riding posture comfortable. The handlebar grips weren’t the best gripping and might require gloves on a hot and sweaty trail ride.

The Merida stock 26“ x 2.1” MTB tires were impressive, these tires were heavily treaded and handled the trails well even during high speed turns. The Merida Sport 5 stock saddle on the Matts 1V was shaped well keep the sit bones in place during the bumpy trail ride. The overall ride quality was comfortable on a mix of flat and bumpy trails.