2021 Merida Reacto Disc Force Edition Road Bike - Bronze Black

Our Reacto has always been a class-leading aero bike, combining state of the art aerodynamics and comfort. The 4th generation Reacto is more slippery and beautiful than ever, incorporating wider tyres and much neater cockpit cable integration. With its predecessor delivering almost unrivalled aerodynamic performance, we had to look at the smallest incremental improvements.

Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations modelled performance in a virtual wind tunnel to optimise aerodynamics guiding the changes which gave most aerodynamic benefit: New fork design, smoothly integrated into the frame, significant 2 Watt improvement New handlebar design completely integrating the cables, saves about 2 watts per cable Increased gap between the tyre and seat stays and between the tyre and fork crown and blades optimises airflow in those key areas.

A lower junction between the seat stays and seat tube further reduces drag. Further small details such as integrating the front disc cooler behind the fork and the rear in the rear triangle and creating new through axles with the thread integrated into the fork dropout also minimise drag and improve aerodynamic performance. All these improvements enable us to over-compensate the aerodynamic compromises made to give the bike bigger tyres. The result: the perfect package of comfort, aerodynamic, lightweight and style.

Prototypes were wind tunnel tested following the German TOUR magazine standard, including the ‘moving leg dummy’ test. The new Reacto needs just 209 watts effort for 45 km/h speed, 1 watt faster than its predecessor, and in the leading group of aero road bikes ever tested by TOUR magazine. The bronze colour of the Force Edition set off by the black of the Reynolds carbon wheels makes it a real eye-catcher. As the name suggests, it is fitted with the Sram Force eTap groupset.