Slim, light and affordable: Merida’s new eSpeeder e-bikes

With the new bikes in the eSPEEDER series, Merida is now also launching slim and lightweight e-bikes for urban use. Like numerous competitors, the X35 drive from Mahle is used, consisting of a hub motor in the rear wheel with 40 Nm of torque and a compact battery in the down tube with 250 Wh capacity.

The bike is controlled via the iWoc One button on the top tube, which also provides information about the speed level and battery status. A display is not part of the bike’s concept, but the free smartphone app can be used to display additional information. Unfortunately, Merida seems to do without the additional iWoc Trio handlebar button for the eSpeeders, which would have increased the comfort significantly.

Regardless of this, this drive system has now proven itself in many bikes and is (not only) very well suited for use in the urban environment — especially since this slim system not only allows for unobtrusive integration in the frame, but also ensures a low overall weight. Thus, the “naked” eSpeeder 200 is said to weigh only 13.9 kg and the fully equipped eSPEEDER 400 EQ still very light 15.5 kg.

Which brings us to the models of the eSpeeder series: here Merida offers the choice between the two variants, which are each available with a diamond frame (a comfort frame for lower entry is not available). The frame itself is made of aluminum, while the fork is made of even lighter carbon. All bikes roll on 40 mm wide Contact Urban tires from Continental, while the hydraulic disc brakes are from Shimano (MT-200 model). Remarkable is also here — as with some other new bikes of the 2021 model year — the integrated cable routing on the cockpit: below the handlebars all cables disappear in the stem and passed inside the frame. A nice detail, which also protects the cables from damage from the outside.

The differences between the eSpeeder models can be found in their equipment:

• The eSpeeder 200 comes without mudguards, rack and lighting system. The shifting comes from Shimano’s Alivio series and offers 9 gears (11-36 cassette). The weight is 13.9 kg, as a color is only Glossy Black available.
  
  
• The eSpeeder 400 EQ offers the full Commuter equipment including mudguards, rack and StVZO-compliant lighting system from Lezyne. In addition, the shifting here is slightly higher quality with Shimano’s Deore series and offers 10 gears (11-46 cassette). The weight is logically a little higher at 15.5 kg, as colors are available in addition to the Glossy Black also the eye-catching Silk Green.

With prices of €2,249 for the eSpeeder 200 and €2,499 for the fully equipped eSpeeder 400 EQ, both models are among the most affordable bikes with Mahles X35 drive system. An interesting option for all those who are looking for a slim and comparatively inexpensive e-bike for the 2021 season.

All further information on both models is available on Merida’s website.