New Merida Speeder: from urban bike to a versatile flat handlebar gravel bike

The Merida Speeder is renewed for 2027 with a significant change in its approach. The bike that traditionally occupied the space mainly oriented towards urban commuting and fitness now adopts numerous solutions from gravel. The goal remains to offer a fast, simple, and practical bike for everyday use, but capable of performing much better when the pavement ends.

The Merida Speeder 2027 approaches gravel

The new generation increases the tire clearance to 50 mm, features a more stable geometry, incorporates numerous mounting points, and will be available with two different frame designs. Merida thus significantly expands the action radius of the Speeder, which can now be used for commuting, training, riding gravel paths, or even tackling small bikepacking adventures.

The most evident change is in the tires. The new Speeder accommodates tires up to 50 mm and comes standard with 45 mm fast-rolling gravel tires. This is a considerably larger size than what is traditionally found on this type of fitness bike and clearly reflects the new orientation of the model.

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Merida explains that the larger volume improves comfort, grip, and puncture protection when riding on deteriorated surfaces. Additionally, using the standard 45 mm tires still leaves enough space to install fenders.

The Speeder continues to use a rigid fork instead of suspension. The brand aims to maintain a simple, lightweight bike with low maintenance, allowing the large-volume tires to primarily absorb irregularities.

New geometry for increased comfort and stability

The frame has also changed. The top tube now has a greater slope, which not only modifies the aesthetics but also leaves more exposed seat post length. Merida combines this solution with a 27.2 mm seat post, whose smaller diameter allows for greater flex and helps filter vibrations and impacts.

The head angle has also been slightly relaxed to achieve more stable handling when encountering paths, roads, or poor asphalt. The head angle is set at 70.5° for size XS and 71° for sizes S, M, L, and XL.

All use 28" wheels, 447 mm chainstays, and a bottom bracket with a 70 mm drop. The reach ranges from 385 mm in XS to 415 mm in XL, while the wheelbase increases from 1,051 to 1,103 mm.

It does not aim to become a sporty gravel bike, but its geometry and ability to fit wide tires allow it to tackle considerably more varied terrains than the previous generation.

More mounts to turn it into an all-purpose bike

Versatility is another pillar of the new Speeder. The frame incorporates mounting points for fenders, racks, and frame locks, allowing the bike to be easily adapted to different needs.

Merida will also offer a Speeder EQ kit with fenders and a rear rack. This way, the same bike can be kept in a lightweight configuration for training or routes, turned into an urban bike ready for year-round use, or equipped with cargo capacity for commuting and travel.

It is precisely this last aspect that best explains the repositioning of the model. Merida no longer only considers the user who uses the Speeder to commute to work and log miles on the weekend. The brand expects it to also be used for occasional gravel routes and even multi-day bikepacking trips.

Two aluminum frames and a low-access version

The range is divided into two frame levels called AL-A and AL-C, both made of aluminum.

The AL-A is reserved for the Speeder 500, the top model. In this case, the welds receive a treatment that provides the frame with a much cleaner and continuous surface, with an aesthetic that Merida compares to that of a carbon frame. This version also features a carbon fork.

The Speeder 300, 200, and 100 use the AL-C frame. The structure maintains the approach of the new generation but receives fewer cosmetic treatments to keep the price down. These models also use a rigid aluminum fork.

Another important novelty is that Merida will offer two frame shapes across all models. Alongside the conventional version, there will be an alternative with a much lower top tube to facilitate getting on and off the bike.

Simple drivetrains and reduced maintenance

Merida has also aimed to maintain the mechanical simplicity characteristic of the Speeder. Most models use single-chainring drivetrains with wide-range cassettes, reducing the number of components and eliminating the front derailleur.

The combination of 1x drivetrain, rigid fork, and relatively simple components responds to the intention of creating a bike that requires little maintenance and can be used daily.

That does not mean that Merida has treated the Speeder solely as an urban bike. The brand assures that the new model undergoes the same testing protocol used in its specific gravel and gravel racing bikes, also exceeding the usual industry standards.

Merida Speeder 2027 range

The new range will consist of four main levels:

• Merida Speeder 500: AL-A aluminum frame with smoothed welds and carbon fork.
• Merida Speeder 300: AL-C aluminum frame and aluminum fork.
• Merida Speeder 200: AL-C aluminum frame and aluminum fork.
• Merida Speeder 100: AL-C aluminum frame and aluminum fork.

All will be available in both conventional frame and the new low-access alternative. 

With this renewal, the Speeder maintains its position as a practical and fast flat-bar bike, but significantly expands its possibilities.