Second generation of the Merida Silex.

The original was a ground up design that rather than take a road or cyclocross bike and re-jig the recipe, started with modern MTB inspired geometry; long top and head tubes and a short stem, offering nimble, confidence-inspiring off road handling. It is fair to say that riding wise the original concept was incredibly well received by the press and consumers alike, at launch, it was hailed as the most comfortable and versatile bike Merida had ever made.

Over time gravel has developed and riding has evolved, splitting in to racing and adventure. Silex remains all about the road less travelled, the spirit of adventure and camaraderie.

The Silex retains all of the key qualities that made the original so successful but becomes more off-road capable with a 1.5 degree slacker head angle and bigger volume tyres. All frames have five sets of bottle bosses, the aluminium frame has rack mounting points offering multiple luggage carrying options for any adventure and has the ability to run internal routed dropper posts and even dynamo systems.

A week before its launch, Matej Mohoric rode to victory at the 2023 Gravel World Championships proving it is fairly handy off-road!

The Gen 2 runs a revised fork design meaning you can swap to a suspension fork without affecting the geometry and visually the longer fork and shorter headtube look far more appealing.

To match the new off road capability all Silex models (with the exception of the 200) are equipped with powerful hydraulic disc brakes and 180mm rotors. Calipers are mounted on the chainstay for better dissipation of braking forces using the flat-mount standard for a neat, flush fit. On the carbon models calipers sit on top of CNCd aluminium Disc Cooler fins reducing operating temperatures by up to 35%; particularly important when running fully loaded.

Features:

• MTB Inspired gravel geometry
• Carbon fork with tapered steerer
• Shimano GRX820 groupset
• Hydraulic disc brakes
• 12mm bolt through axles
• Aluminium gravel bike with Shimano’s excellent GRX820 groupset, Easton EA70 wheelset and hydraulic disc brakes

Specifications::Silex 700 2025

• Discipline: Gravel

• Frame: Aluminium

• Front Travel: Rigid

• Fork: Carbon

• Wheel Size: 700c

• Warranty: Lifetime (frame)

FRAME– Lite II – 6066 triple butted hydroformed and smooth welded aluminium with internal cable routing. Tapered head tube, Inboard disc mounts. Threaded BB, 142 x 12mm axle standard, Max tyre size 700 x 45c (42c with mudguards)FORK – Silex CF2 II; Full carbon; tapered steerer, 100 x12mm axle standard; Max tyre size: 700 x 45c (42c with mudguards)GEARS – 12SHIFTERS– Shimano GRX820REAR DERAILLEUR – Shimano GRX822BOTTOM BRACKET – Shimano SM-BBR60CHAIN– Shimano M7100CHAINSET– Shimano GRX820; 42 tooth chainset; Crank length – 170mm (XS/S), 172.5mm (M), 175mm (L/XL)CASSETTE– Shimano CS-M7100; 10-51; 12 speedBRAKE LEVER – Shimano GRX820FRONT BRAKE – Shimano GRX820; Hydraulic disc brake caliper with Shimano RT64; 180mm rotorREAR BRAKE – Shimano GRX820; Hydraulic disc brake caliper with Shimano RT64; 160mm rotor
GRIP – Merida ExpertHANDLEBAR -Merida Expert GRII; aluminium; 400mm (XS-S) , 420mm (M) , 440mm (L/XL)STEM – Merida Team CC III; aluminium; 31.8mm diameter; -6 degree rise – Length – 80mm (all sizes)HEADSET – 320.52.631SADDLE – Merida Expert SL; V-mount; including Merida minitoolSEATPOST – Merida Expert CC; 27.2mm diameter; 15mm layback; CarbonWHEEL SIZE – 700cWHEEL SIZE – 700cRIMS – Part of wheelset – Easton EA70 AX; 24mm inner rim width; 20mm rim depth; aluminiumSPOKES –Part of wheelsetFRONT HUB – Part of wheelset – Easton EA70 AX; 100 x 12mm; CenterlockREAR HUB – Part of wheelset – Easton EA70 AX; 142 x 12mm; CenterlockFRONT TYRE – Maxxis Rambler; 700 x 45C; Kevlar bead; TR; EXOREAR TYRE – Maxxis Rambler; 700 x 45C; Kevlar bead; TR; EXO