Merida Big Seven 300 (2019) - Review

The Merida Big Seven 3 (2019) is built on a 661 double butted and Techno formed Aluminium frame. This frame comes with a relaxed geometry, which is because of its shorter top tube and higher head tube. This made sure the rider gets better visibility of the trail which in-turn makes the ride safer.The Suntour XCR front suspension fork with a 1mm travel was smooth in functioning during the test ride. The suspension lock out was easy to operate and made the fork fully rigid and helped ride faster on flatter surfaces. At this price a Remote suspension lock out feature was expected.

This Big Seven 3 is a performance focused trail bicycle and is meant for fast paced rides on the dirt. This purpose requires an equally high-end drivetrain. Shimano XT at the rear and Deore at the front as derailleurs were quick and precise in shifting during the test ride. The 2x1 Speed drivetrain had enough range for both accelerations as well as for climbing those steep rocks on trails. The Rapid Fire Deore shifters had easy and fast spring action for smooth gear changes.

The bicycle which I test rode came in a full Red frame colour with Black graphics at various places. The bright gloss paint job was shiny and top notch in quality. The internal cable routing along with clamps for cables, housings and brake hoses prevent rattling on trails and protect them from dirt.

Shimano's MT-2 Hydraulic Disc brakes on the Big Seven 3 were not just powerful but also balanced when used extensively during the test ride. The transfer of action from the brake levers to the brake pads is precise, which gives the rider control over the braking power required.The Merida Expert CC MTB handlebar was 72mm in length which is wide enough for total control over the bicycle on fast and bumpy trails. The handlebar grips could have been better to absorb vibrations of the trails, which would have made it easy on the palms and wrists.

The Merida Big Seven 3 (2019) rolls on a pair of Maxxis Ikon 27.5” x 2.2” MTB tires. The dual compound technologies on these tires make the rubber in the center long-lasting and gripper rubber on the sides for cornering. These tires with spaced out treads make them fast rolling. The Merida Comp CC Saddle is ergonomically designed keeping the trail rider in mind it ensures that the sit bones are placed comfortably to provide comfort on the roughest of trail rides.