Merida Reacto 400 (2019) - Review

The Reacto 4 is built on a lightweight 666 triple butted and hydroformed aluminium frame. The geometry is a bit aggressive and this is needed for fast and compact rides. This frame has a tapered head tube, a smoothly welded frame and an integrated seat clamp. The aerodynamic tube profiles from NACA, essentially means that Merida has taken the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics profiles and lopped the back end off, trimming the trailing edges to aid in the smooth reintegration of air. It's the same aero concept that is used on many high-end cars like the Toyota Prius. The Reacto CF carbon fork was bladed and helped with keeping the front of the bicycle light.

The Reacto 4 is equipped with a full Shimano 15 road drivetrain. 15 is Shimano's entry into full performance drivetrains. It sits beneath Dura-Ace, Ultegra and Di2. During the test ride both at the front and rear, the gears shift cleanly, smoothly and quietly. I never missed a gear or felt the shifter being unresponsive when I needed to change gear quickly. The 2x1 speed integrated Shimano 15 shifters were easy to use with feather light pushes to change the gears.

Merida's designs are always a standout and the Reacto's design looks the best with graphics matching the aero frame profile. The bicycle I test rode came in a matte finish Grey frame with Silver and Green graphics. The flat aero tube profiles along with the bladed carbon fork and an integrated seat tube clamp immensely enhanced the aesthetic appeal of this bicycle.

Merida's stock Road Pro and Reacto direct handle the braking power on the Reacto 4 (2019). These stock road caliper brakes are lightweight components and powerful on flat tarmacs.The Merida Expert CW handlebar was compact and not too wide, this made sure the rider can tuck in and get into an aerodynamic position.

The Maxxis Dolomites 7x25C folding tires on the Reacto 4 (2019) are race specific tires built to be lightweight but reliable. Maxxis have found the perfect balance in the Dolomites using technology such as their silkworm puncture protection and duel compound tread. The Merida Sport stock saddle was not only colour coded, but has a level of support and cushioning that suits the rider on faster rides just as much as those riding a century. The integrated seat post clamp was aero shaped and made adjustments easier. The overall ride quality was fast and comfortable on flat tarmacs.