Merida Speeder 200 (2016)

Versatile city bike with great looks

Pros

- reliable build package
- sweet paint job
- inherent versatility

Cons

- shifting a little less than crisp

Review

The 2016 Merida Speeder 200 combines road bike speed and maneuverability with an upright riding position for better handling and visibility on urban roads. Whether you’re a commuter or just like to get out and explore on the weekends, the Speeder hybrid sports bike can do it all.

More nimble and lighter than a mountain bike (weighing in at just 10.9kg) but stronger and more robust that the typical road bike, the Speeder 200 is the perfect all-rounder. It’s agile enough to dodge a pothole, but strong enough to handle it if you don’t dodge quick enough!

The flat Merida 600 Comp handlebars are great on rough roads, as well as allowing for a comfortable upright riding position and adding to your visibility on the road.

The triple-butted aluminum frame is sturdy but relatively light with a chunky X-Tapered headtube which adds to the bike’s sleek appearance, and the clever internal cabling means that all cables are protected from grease, dirt and water. The smooth welds and high-quality paint job add to the overall appearance, making it a much more attractive bike than most other sub-$1500 rides.

A Shimano Sora 9-speed groupset delivers exactly what you’d expect: decent, reliable shifting on a budget. Obviously you won’t get the precision and accuracy of a more costly high-end groupset, but Shimano equipment is built to last, and for a commuter bike durability is a valuable quality indeed.

Stopping quickly every time is one of the most important attributes a bike must have when tackling city traffic: the Speeder’s Tektro hydraulic disc brakes are powerful, reliable and consistent in all conditions so you can ride in confidence year round.

It may come within the lower end of the price range, but the Speeder feels solid and responsive to ride, and with the choice of six different frame sizes it’s easy to ensure a perfect fit. Less important, but still a consideration, the blacked-out “stealth” spokes and sweet paint job make this machine look the part. A very nice commuter bike indeed.