There’s a recent trend for manufacturers to push the traditional race bike towards aerodynamic efficiency by incorporating full-aero tubing and deeper section wheels. In terms of straight-line speed there are huge advantages with this approach but – unsurprisingly – drawbacks too like additional weight and the loss of some compliance and comfort.
Merida meanwhile has resisted the urge to jump on the trendy bandwagon, instead taking a more traditional and balanced approach with the race-orientated Scultura. While it claims to be the “most aerodynamic ever” it’s designed to optimise compliance and minimise weight delivering its rider fresh to power over the finish line. It’s an approach that seems to work if wins for the World Tour Team Bahrain Victorious are anything to go by.
