Merida Crossway 40D (2020): ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The Merida Crossway 40D (2020) comes with a lightweight 6061 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 geometry has the perfect blend of aggressiveness and comfort.

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 fork rigid for added comfort on flatter roads.

The Crossway 40D which I test rode came in a full Silk Anthracite Grey frame with Black as secondary colour 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 of top notch quality and enhanced the colour shade immensely. Internal cable routing would have enhanced the aesthetics of this bicycle further.

The Crossway 40D (2020) has the same drivetrain as it’s 2019 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 rough Urban roads when riding in 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.

Shimano’s ST-EF505 Hydraulic Disc brakes handle the braking performance on the Merida Crossway 40D. These brakes were powerful and had a fast response time when sudden braking in traffic and even on fast turns. Hydraulic 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 660mm in length and had a slight raise from the middle to give a comfortable riding posture.

The Crossway 40D (2020) from Merida comes with 700x40c tires with Merida stock Alex rims. These are the same wheelset as found on the 2019 version. These tires have an 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 thus making it comfortable during long rides even on bumpy surfaces. The suspension seat post took vibrations of the surface and made the ride smoother on bad roads.