MERIDA EONE-SIXTY VS SPECIALIZED TURBO LEVO £ 10k E-BIKES

When did it become normal for top-end mountain bikes to cost £10k? It’s been commonplace in the road bike market for quite some time, which is somewhat surprising given that most road bikes don’t have complicated suspension designs and all of the latest road tech, like hydraulic disc brakes, hookless rims and tubeless tyres. were first developed for mountain bikes then adapted for road use.

But, like ageing or gaining weight, it’s the gradual creep that catches you unaware of the underlying changes. Expensive carbon components and increased reliance on electronics, both in shifters and dropper posts, make it relatively easy for mountain bike brands to up-spec a bike and hit a five-figure price tag. The Kona Process 134 Supreme on page 76 of this issue is a perfect example. OK, so it’s one pound shy of £10k, but you get the drift.

For e-bikes it’s even easier to break through that glass ceiling. Factor in all of the additional costs associated with the motor, battery and display, not to mention the development costs that need to be recouped, and it’s easy to see why the prices are on a rapid upward trajectory.

And seeing as weight is the primary enemy of handling and range, manufacturers have taken to throwing everything at pedal-assisted bikes to keep the weight in check. Two shining examples of the no-holds barred approach are the top-end Merida eOne-Sixty 10K at £9,000 and the mid-range Specialized Turbo Levo Pro at £10,750. That’s right, Specialized also has the Levo S-Works at a staggering