2014 Merida Cyclocross 5 video - initial look

[Blackrock]

Basic & unscripted video of my initial look at the 2014 Merida cyclocross 5.
More video's from rides to come.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cFdUlSp1 ... e=youtu.be

[jasonc]

things i like discussed in a bike review

bike weight
geometry

other things worth discussing:
power transfer - how does it feel get the power down
how does the frame handle bumps

[Blackrock]

Thanks Jason. Good feedback and I'll look to include some of your suggestions in my next vid.

To give you some kind of response; the weight is a shade under 10kg owing to the bulked up cx frame and rims. At the moment I've got conti contact 2's fitted and they're around 500g each. The conti cross race (folding) that came stock weigh much less.
The geometry is essentially between a road bike and flat bar, with a compact feel about it (IMO). It steers pretty well, with my size 11's getting close to the wheels when transitioning around tighter corners. In the next review, I'll have noticed a lot more about the bike so can comment on riding specifics.
With the conti cross 35's the power transfer is damped and the bike has a softer feel when out on the tarmac. I'll let you know how the new contact 2's go as far as power improvement.
I was impressed by the bikes ability to race over hard-packed dirt and grass. I took the bike down some hills that had plenty of ruts and corrugations and the Merida ate up the ground. It felt smooth and gave me the confidence to push it harder. If I wasn't looking at using this primarily as a commuter, I'd definitely get another wheelset and be looking for MTB trails each weekend!! It is so much fun. Not sure I could afford to maintain the ultegra if it was caked in mud each week.
Happy to take any more feedback!!