Experience with Merida?
 

I am now looking for a new bike and have a good deal on Merida Scultura Team now.
It seems that Merida makes S-Works, so quailty may not be a problem.
Since I am going to have chance for test riding, I want to know how the bike feels from people.

[QUOTE=Streetfield;23271105]I am now looking for a new bike and have a good deal on Merida Scultura Team now.
It seems that Merida makes S-Works, so quailty may not be a problem.
Since I am going to have chance for test riding, I want to know how the bike feels from people.[/QUOTE

Fantastic bike! I have it for a year now and every time I ride it it puts a smile in my face.. Couldn't be more happy with my purchase. Everything you read in the reviews for this bike is 100% true. Stiff, yet extremely compliant, it rides smoothly and launches like a rocket when out of saddle. Just make sure you get the CF5 frame and Merida Team SL integrated cockpit (on high configs - DuraAce) as there is also a team version with the older carbon material and 2 piece stem + handlebar for Ultegra. The only thing not to my liking was the Merida seat post ( a tad hard) that I changed to an FSA k-force 25 carbon seat post (as the team Bahrain Victorious has) and it rides like magic.. The Vision Metron 45SL coupled with Contis 5000 28 clinchers and TPU tubes are outstanding. Superlight, yet ultra stiff for a compliant ride with extremely agile reaction when pushed hard.. You will not regret it. This is the most understated super bike in the market today.. Go for it!

Thank you for the input. I am also looking at the same bike, and will take your suggestions in mind.
I actually collected some test data and it is a super stiff bike, which matches your description.
By the way, how does Merida Team SL integrated cockpit feel?

The Merida Team SL cockpit is just fine! Not too stiff and very compliant with the rest of the top parts of the frame ( head tube, top tube, seat post). The stiff parts that you can count on when pushing forward and out of the saddle are at the bottom (BB, Chain stays, seat stays) Don't get tempted to buy the Vision Metron 5D cockpit, in my opinion it serves nothing on the Scultura. It's made for the Reacto and serves aero purposes as this frame is made for. The Merida Team SL integrated cockpit is a top match for the Scultura (.. and the same as the pro team uses, despite the FSA or Vision stickers on it!) Just make sure you order the right dimension. (I have the S size frame and opted for the 90x400mm cockpit for a perfect bike fit.)

That sounds great.
I did think of Vision Metron 5D once, but the price is 2x of the Merida cockpit!
I am going to pick the CF5-grade frameset, so I will have to ask whether they could get the right cockpit for me. I am short and will ride XXS and 400x120!

Regarding sizes, better check with the geometry. My size S is toptube effective 54.5, so biger than a 54 (size M) for a classic. I recomend you the velogicfit site that calculates X,Y values, where you actually place your hands on the handlebar. The Merida Team SL cockpit has a -7 degrees slope and the max spacers you can put are 25mm. You enter these values along with the size you choose and it gives you the exact coordinates of your hands on the handlebar. Enter also your current bike data so you can see where you sit today and play with the new bike’s options (size and stem length) to check how close you will be. As far as the frame alone it comes with lots of goodies, such as a Shimano and a Sram bottom bracket included.

Thanks for your suggestions. I actually did exactly the same things before determing my bike fit. Unfortunately, my LBS said Merida didn't sell the team bar in my country, so I guess it's going to be a Vision Metron 5D though Black Inc bar is also an option.

Me too, I had the same issue sourcing the Merida bar. I finally got it from this shop in Hollad… rullensfietsen(nl). He can source you any dimension you like from the main distributor in Germany.