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Cycling Weekly’s review of the fifth-generation Merida Reacto 9000 found it fast, confident on descents and more comfortable than its predecessor. The £6,250 / $8,500 Ultegra Di2 model weighs 7.53kg in the reviewer’s test, but its wide integrated handlebar and limited build customisation raised concerns about fit and value. The supplied review excerpt does not include its full value assessment or a final verdict on whether the bike remains a value leader.
Cycling Weekly has reviewed Merida’s fifth-generation Reacto 9000, finding the aero road bike fast on flat roads and more comfortable over rough surfaces, while questioning whether its standard handlebar suits its aerodynamic design. The Ultegra Di2-equipped model costs £6,250 / $8,500; the review’s supplied excerpt does not contain the full price comparison or final verdict on whether it remains a value-for-money leader.
The reviewer spent the summer riding the Reacto 9000 on the mixed roads of South Wales, following an earlier test of the new generation at its launch in Spain. The tested bike weighed 7.53kg on the reviewer’s scales. Cycling Weekly described it as laterally stiff and easy to ride out of the saddle on climbs, with handling that remains familiar from the previous Reacto.
Merida’s updated frame has a more pronounced rear wheel cutout and a cutout in its S-Flex carbon seatpost. The review says those features are intended to allow vertical movement over rough roads while preserving lateral stiffness. The reviewer found the bike more comfortable than the previous generation and said its descending felt confident. The frame accepts tyres up to 32mm, though the test bike was fitted with 28mm Continental GP5000s TR tyres.
The tested build includes Shimano Ultegra R8100 Di2, a 52/36T crankset, an 11/30T cassette, 60mm-deep Reynolds BL60 wheels and an integrated Vision Metron 5D cockpit. The reviewer questioned the cassette’s limited range for varied amateur rides and said the cockpit’s 40cm width at the tops, flaring to about 42cm at the drops, felt wide for a bike with aero ambitions. Merida does not offer build customisation at checkout, according to the review.
The Aero Bike’s Fit Trade-Off
The review points to a practical issue for buyers of high-performance road bikes: fit and component choice can affect real-world speed and comfort, even when the frame and wheels are designed for aerodynamics. The reviewer said a narrower handlebar might have made the Reacto faster on the flats, but changing an integrated cockpit can be costly.
That concern matters because the Reacto 9000 is priced at £6,250 / $8,500. At that level, riders may expect the option to choose components that suit their position and riding style. The review says an accommodating Merida dealer may be able to swap the bar, but does not establish whether such a change is available everywhere or at what cost.
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What Changed on the Fifth Generation
The Reacto has built a reputation over roughly a decade as an aero bike offering competitive performance for its price, according to Cycling Weekly. The model is positioned against bikes such as the Specialized Tarmac, Trek Madone and Cervelo S5, while the review also compares its ride qualities with the Tarmac SL8 and latest Canyon Aeroad.
Merida says the new CF5 V frame weighs a claimed 950g; that is a manufacturer figure, separate from the reviewer’s 7.53kg measurement for the complete test bike. The Reacto 9000 is the least expensive model in the range to use that top-spec frame, according to the review. The supplied article also mentions speculation about a Merida return to WorldTour racing in 2027, but does not confirm that as an announced plan.
“The Reacto is undoubtedly an impressive bike to ride no matter the parcours.”
— Cycling Weekly reviewer
The Value Verdict Is Incomplete
The supplied review material ends during its value section, before giving the reviewer’s full comparison of the Reacto 9000 with rival bikes or stating whether it remains a value-for-money leader. It does not provide a detailed assessment of the bike’s price against competing builds, nor confirm the cost or availability of a cockpit replacement.
The frame’s 950g weight is a claimed figure, while 7.53kg is the reviewer’s measured weight for the complete test bike. The excerpt also does not establish Merida’s plans for WorldTour racing in 2027; it describes those plans only as the subject of rumours.
Check Fit and Full Pricing
Riders considering the Reacto 9000 can compare the complete specification and price with competing aero bikes, then check handlebar dimensions and fit before buying. The reviewer suggests asking a Merida dealer about swapping the integrated bar, since custom builds are not offered at checkout according to the review.
A final judgment on whether the Reacto still leads on value depends on the full review’s price comparisons, which are not present in the supplied excerpt. Buyers should also confirm the current specification and local pricing with Merida or an authorised retailer.
Key Questions
How much does the Merida Reacto 9000 cost?
The reviewed model is listed at £6,250 / $8,500. The supplied material does not specify regional price differences or whether that price has changed since publication.
How much does the test bike weigh?
The Cycling Weekly reviewer measured the complete bike at 7.53kg. Merida separately claims the CF5 V frame weighs 950g; the two figures refer to different things.
What is the reviewer’s main criticism?
The reviewer felt the integrated handlebar was too wide for the bike’s aero focus and said buyers cannot customise the build at checkout. The reviewer also questioned the 11/30T cassette’s gear range for varied amateur riding.
Does the review confirm that the Reacto is still the best-value aero bike?
No. The supplied excerpt cuts off during the value section, so it does not include the full comparison or the reviewer’s final verdict on the Reacto’s value.
Source: rss
