Ive got my hands on the latest Assos Mille GT jersey and bib shorts, and I cant believe how comfortable the ensemble is. Comfort is always subjective, but consider the context. Im a wide-built, 188cm-tall 36-year-old, who weighs close to 87kg. Most kit I wear is compromised in some way, with spare fabric here and there, where Ive had to go up a size to accommodate my broad-for-a-cyclist chest and shoulders. Likewise, when I stick to a size for desirable compression levels, I might find its a bit snug. But the latest Mille GT kit has some refined features geared towards making it more comfortable for endurance riding, with an accommodating cut suitable for more than just racing whippets. Bearing in mind a reasonable total price tag of 250, dont dismiss it on Assos premium-price reputation alone. For the longest days: Assos Mille GT jersey SQUIRREL_TEXT_13821002 The Mille GT jersey features a lightweight and breathable main fabric. Scott Windsor / Our Media Up top, the Mille GT jersey makes use of Assos lightweight AirCell fabric. Its hexagonal structure is engineered to promote airflow while remaining stretchy. This helps it feel light and breathable, while avoiding the tell-tale flap of excess material or an overly tight feel. The sleeves have been reworked using a new lightweight Eclipse fabric and finished with a raw-cut hem. Even with my broader shoulders, the sleeves settle naturally around the mid-point of my arm without digging in or pulling on the neckline. Its a subtle update, but one I suspect will prove comfortable on the long rides this kit is designed for. The sleeves are raw-cut, which should increase comfort. Scott Windsor / Our Media Round the back, Assos familiar Triple Ramp pockets are designed to help prevent sagging when youve packed in the supplies for an all-day ride. Fully loaded, Ive found the jersey doesnt feel too weighed down. The overall cut is excellent, though, with generous enough proportions that it will accommodate riders like me who dont conform to the snake-thin cycling stereotype, but still manage to flatter. Read more: Best cycling jerseys | 6 of the best summer jerseys for men tried and tested SQUIRREL_13821002 Tried-and-tested and eco-friendly SQUIRREL_TEXT_13820988 The shorts feel like remarkably good value at 135, including a version of Assos' excellent S11 chamois. Scott Windsor / Our Media The matching Mille GT Bib Shorts S11 retain Assos slightly awkward naming convention, but the focus on endurance riding is clear. Assos says the slightly longer leg offers a modern silhouette, and while Im not a fan of shorts that extend right down to the back of the knee, this design seems to strike a happy medium. The legs are made from Assos Quartz fabric, which is said to be permanently odour-free (ideal if you wanted to use the shorts on a light bikepacking trip). Assos has prioritised a low-profile pad design, cutting away unnecessary cushioning. Scott Windsor / Our Media 80 per cent of the material is made from recycled polyamide, a welcome move for the eco-conscious, yet it feels tough-wearing and compressive. Assos says the fabric is engineered to remain a deep black even when stretched, saving potential blushes and retaining a premium look. The GT chamois is based on highly regarded S11 tech shared with the brands top-level shorts, and is 12mm thick but designed to be as minimalist and breathable as possible to avoid the dreaded hot puffy-pillow sensation. Assos Rollbar bib-strap design is said to keep the insert securely in place during hard efforts, by anchoring lower down the backside. Its this that gives a real supportive, locked-in sensation when riding. The updated Assos Mille GT kit seems to offer an enticing blend of premium performance and a mid-range price tag. Scott Windsor / Our Media The brands Golden Gate 2.0 tech, whereby the pad is only partially stitched in, enables it to settle into the optimum position more easily before the bib-strap design does its work to hold everything in place. Im also a fan of the leg grippers, which use a textured design that I find slightly reminiscent of the first-generation Rapha Pro team bib shorts, offering a definitive feel to the end of the shorts. These are less tight-feeling, though, which helps to mitigate a sausage-leg look or unsightly marks on the skin. The Assos Mille GT kit is available now, priced at 115 for the jersey and 135 for the bib shorts, both in multiple colourways. Read more: Best cycling shorts for men 2026: 19 pairs of bib shorts tried and tested SQUIRREL_13820988

It's set to be more open, all the stars are there, and there are some mouthwatering head-to-heads lined up

With the new REACTO, Merida present the latest iteration of their popular and highly successful aero road bike. And as you might expect, this fifth generation is not only noticeably faster but also lighter. So is it simply a better bike all round? We had the MERIDA REACTO TEAM on test ahead of its official launch and tell you whether it is worth the investment.MERIDA REACTO TEAM | 7.05 kg in Size M | 10,299 | Manufacturers-WebsiteFaster. Lighter. Better. You know the drill. And of course MERIDA dug deep into that marketing trick box as well. But with the REACTO, those claims might actually hit the mark. Compared with many other manufacturers, MERIDA have made some substantial changes to the REACTO. Whether its the distinctive angular look, the slim cockpit or the new seat post, the fifth generation of this aero road bike is immediately recognisable as an all-new machine. But does the bike live up to the high expectations? We already had the MERIDA REACTO TEAM in for an in-depth test and tell you what this aero road bike is really capable of, and where the marketing promises go a little too far.How to build the perfect (Aero) Road Bike All Updates on the 2026 MERIDA REACTO With the REACTO, MERIDA traditionally put aerodynamic optimisation at the top of the agenda, and the latest generation is no exception. The thinking behind it is simple: as races continue to get faster, bikes have to keep up. The equation is straightforward and the solution obvious. Any new road bike that wants to live up to its name has to become more aerodynamic and lighter. Thats exactly the target MERIDA set for the REACTO, defining a clear benchmark: in the wind tunnel, the bike is meant to require less than 200 W. But MERIDA also know that outright speed and a few saved watts alone dont make the perfect road bike. The REACTO therefore had to shed weight too. Ambitious goals, without a doubt. Yet when you take a closer look, it is the individual approaches MERIDA use to achieve their vision of the perfect aero racer that really spark curiosity.Sharp-edged yet fluid, MERIDA placed particular emphasis on a smooth transition between the fork and the frame when designing the REACTO.The classically wide-set seatstays have become something of a trademark of the MERIDA REACTO and are an essential feature on the new model.In terms of design language, the bike combines the current aero trend of deep, broad, aerodynamically-optimised tube profiles at the front with a slim, lightweight rear end. One particularly striking feature is the narrow downtube. Traditionally, manufacturers opt for a wider tube profile here to tuck the bottles in the frame triangle into the slipstream. A design oversight during development? Not at all. MERIDA made this decision deliberately and are already promoting matching aero bottles that, according to them, are close to market launch and are set to make the REACTO even faster.Another defining feature, deeply rooted in the REACTOs DNA, are the widely offset seat stays that merge into the slim seat tube at a right angle. New, however, is the extremely generous cut-out around the rear wheel, which saves weight while retaining the aerodynamic advantage of the deep seat tube design. If that still sounds a little conventional, the new angular styling will likely win you over. In a segment dominated by overly rounded aero bikes, the MERIDA REACTO brings a breath of fresh air to the peloton, proving that modern bikes can combine low weight, aerodynamic efficiency and a distinctive design. The seatpost on the new MERIDA REACTO 2026 is secured with two bolts.Braking too hard? With the MERIDA REACTO 2026, overheated brakes should be a thing of the past.Aerodynamics and race bike optimisation now typically come as a complete package. Even though MERIDA dont use in-house wheels, the REACTO still gets its own dedicated cockpit. It features a subtle V-shape and reflects the current trend towards narrower and slightly taller cockpit setups. According to MERIDA, this also helps achieve the target figure of under 200 W. On our test bike, however, the in-house cockpit is missing, as this particular build focuses on weight optimisation. More on that later.And because this is a MERIDA, one detail simply cannot be left out: the brands iconic cooling fins on the brakes. They are designed to ensure the REACTO can still be brought safely to a stop, even on the steepest descents and under heavy braking. That leaves tire clearance, which, much like on the gravel racer MERIDA MISSION 10K, sits slightly below the current market average. Officially, the REACTO allows tyres up to 32 mm wide. If you want to go bigger, MERIDA say you should still be safe up to 35 mm, though this figure comes without any guarantee and falls outside ISO standards.Thats it? With a maximum tire clearance of 32 mm, the MERIDA REACTO 2026 can take fairly wide tires, but it still cannot match the clearance offered by most bikes from the competition.The 2026 MERIDA REACTO TEAM in DetailTrue to its name, our MERIDA REACTO TEAM test model comes equipped with components straight out of the pro peloton. The Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 groupset, complete with power meter, an 1130 cassette and 52/36 chainrings, ensures efficient acceleration for sprints while still leaving a small reserve for the climbs. MERIDA also follow the current trend towards shorter crank arms, opting for a length of 170 mm. Whats genuinely disappointing, however, is the lack of the UDH standard. With current road groupsets this is not an issue, but if you are looking for a future-proof road bike and might consider switching to SRAM XPLR groupsets down the line, you wont find that option here.If that doesnt bother you, the Vision Metron 5D Aero cockpit with a width of 400 mm at the drops and the Vision Metron RS 60 wheelset are all the more convincing. The bike rolls on Continental GP 5000 S TR tires in 28c, which measured 30.5 mm wide on our test bike. In size M, our MERIDA REACTO TEAM tips the scales at 7.05 kg and retails for 10,299. MERIDA REACTO TEAM 2026 10,299SpecificationsSeatpost D-ShapedBrakes Shimano DURA-ACE BR-R9200 160/160 mmDrivetrain Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 R9200 2 x 12Chainring 52/36 TStem Vision Metron 5D Aero 110 mmHandlebar Vision Metron 5D Aero 400 mmWheelset Vision Metron RS 60 12 x 100 / 12 x 142Tires Continental GP 5000 S TR 700 x 28cCranks Shimano DURA-ACE FC-R9200 170 mmCassette Shimano DURA-ACE CS-R9200 1130TTechnical DataSize XXXS XXS XS S M L XLWeight 7,05 kgSpecific FeaturesCockpit and wheelset from VisionBrake adaptor with cooling finsSeatpost with integrated lightOur test bike isnt just the REACTO TEAM it also happens to be the lightest REACTO in the entire range.. Alongside the model we tested, MERIDA also offer two more top-tier spec variants. One is the uncompromisingly aero-focused REACTO ONE. It features a Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 groupset with a 1x drivetrain and a Classified hub gear system, ROTOR crankset, DT SWISS ARC wheels and MERIDAs in-house cockpit. This version retails at 10,999.The high-end all-round option, the REACTO 10K, also comes with the MERIDA cockpit, paired with a SRAM RED AXS groupset and Reynolds wheels, and retails for 10,199. These are expensive bikes and certainly no bargains, even if some competing high-end models cost up to 4,000 more. That said, the entry-level end of the REACTO range also offers some appealing options. The most affordable MERIDA REACTO starts at 2,599 and comes with a mechanical Shimano 105 groupset. Theres also a version, currently available only in Germany, equipped with Shimano 105 Di2, a power meter, a carbon wheelset and a MERIDA carbon cockpit for 4,299. However, this model uses the slightly heavier CF3 frame rather than the lighter and more expensive CF5 version.Race Genes without Mutation: the Geometry of the MERIDA REACTO 2026Despite all the sharp-edged shapes and individual design concepts, the MERIDA REACTO also shows a more conventional side, particularly when it comes to geometry. Its clearly geared towards racing but follows fairly classic principles. With a reach of 395 mm and a stack of 557 mm, the riding position is moderately low without being too extreme. The stack-to-reach ratio of 1.41 also points to a sporty, aerodynamically focused position on the bike. The 73.5 head angle, combined with a 45 mm fork offset, promises direct and precise handling at high speeds, exactly what you would expect from a modern aero race bike. Short 410 mm chainstays keep the rear end tight and eager to accelerate, while the 992 mm wheelbase adds stability for race situations.Size3XSXXSXSSMLXLTop tube506 mm521 mm535 mm545 mm560 mm575 mm590 mmSeat tube440 mm470 mm500 mm520 mm540 mm560 mm590 mmHead tube100 mm105 mm112 mm128 mm140 mm155 mm175 mmHead angle70.570.57272.573.573.574Seat angle75.574.5747473.57373Chainstay410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mm410 mmBottom bracket drop70 mm70 mm70 mm66 mm66 mm66 mm66 mmWheelbase981 mm987 mm984 mm992 mm992 mm1,002 mm1,011 mmReach373 mm377 mm384 mm390 mm395 mm400 mm409 mmStack512 mm517 mm529 mm542 mm557 mm571 mm593 mmNearly perfect The 2026 MERIDA REACTO TEAM on ReviewWhere better to test a road bike in January than Girona? The Catalan road cycling mecca and adopted home of many pros combines mild temperatures with pristine asphalt and quiet roads. In short, the perfect testing ground for modern aero all-rounders. Thats exactly where we put the REACTO through its paces, also as part of our current aero group test. And to give you the headline straight away: MERIDA have delivered a seriously strong bike here. But lets take it step by step.The first thing you notice is the stiffness. Combined with the Vision Metron RS 60 wheels, complete with carbon spokes, and the fast Continental GP5000 S TR tyres, the bike delivers outstanding efficiency. What stands out even more, though, is its punchy acceleration. Whether climbing or launching into a sprint, the REACTO TEAM seems to surge forward almost effortlessly. Its lively character also makes it huge fun on rolling terrain, a feeling that is only amplified by the bikes impressive efficiency and the sense of gliding along with very little effort.Complemented by perfectly balanced handling, with a stiff fork and a rigid head tube area, the MERIDA REACTO TEAM can be steered with outstanding precision. For us, it strikes the ideal balance between agility and composure. At high speeds and with normal weight distribution, the bike remains stable and confidence-inspiring. But when the road gets more demanding and your weight shifts forward, the REACTO becomes sharp and incredibly direct. It is a combination that blends a high level of riding confidence with genuine riding fun, something only very few bikes manage to achieve. Tuning tip: A narrower cockpit for greater aero gains.A road bike that truly lives up to its name, whether you are climbing or accelerating out of corners.Of course, even with all this performance, a few compromises remain. When it comes to compliance, MERIDA promote the new REACTO as impressively comfortable and on par with its predecessor. We did not have the chance to ride the two bikes back to back, but describing the comfort of the new MERIDA REACTO TEAM as impressive feels a little exaggerated. Instead, the bike stands out for its direct feedback, creating a strong sense of connection between rider and bike. For us, and for the intended purpose of the bike, that actually feels spot on and for a race bike it works extremely well.All in all, the fast MERIDA REACTO TEAM proves convincing across the board. What particularly won us over is the well thought-out design and the balanced handling paired with its lively character.Who is the 2026 MERIDA REACTO TEAM for?The new MERIDA REACTO TEAM is aimed at anyone looking for a bike that focuses on aerodynamic speed without losing sight of weight. That makes it an ideal choice if you want an aero all-rounder that is not just optimised for a final sprint at over 60 km/h. It will appeal to riders who like to keep their route options open and are not put off by long, twisting climbs. If you are happy to accept a slightly lower bling factor and prefer Shimano over SRAM anyway, the new MERIDA REACTO TEAM is an excellent choice.Helmet Fizik Kudo Aero | Glasses Oakley Encoder 24K | Jersey PAS NORMAL STUDIOS Solitude | Bibs PAS NORMAL STUDIOS Solitude | Shoes Shimano S-Phyre | Socks Pas Normal Studios RaceConclusion on the 2026 MERIDA REACTO TEAMWith the new REACTO TEAM, MERIDA present a strong aero all-rounder with outstanding riding characteristics. The road bike impresses above all with its high stiffness and lively character. It is complemented by a well thought-out spec featuring Vision components, bringing the TEAM version impressively close to the UCI weight limit. If you are willing to accept minor compromises in maximum tyre clearance and groupset compatibility, 10,299 gets you an excellent aero road bike that delivers huge riding enjoyment.Topsintuitive and confidence-inspiring handlingunique, stylish designhigh efficiencylow weightFlopsno UDHMore information at merida.com.Der Beitrag New 2026 MERIDA REACTO TEAM on Review Faster, lighter, but how much better? erschien zuerst auf GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine.

Getting kids into sport is about instilling a love of the activity, not about dreams of future glory

With the last major Reacto update happening way back in 2020, Meridas flagship aero road bike returns, claiming big aerodynamic gains, lighter weights and room for wider tyres

Dylan Groenewegen spent a decade riding for Jumbo-Visma and Team Jayco AlUla before signing with Unibet Rose Rockets for two seasons. In 2026, he started his campaign with a victory in his first race of the year in Spain, beating Paul Magnier in the sprint at the Clssica Comunitat Valenciana (1.1)...

This new 5th-gen Merida Reacto is the brands fastest-ever aero road bike. In fact, its also one of the worlds fastest bikes, topping every single bike so far in a popular cycling industry GST wind tunnel comparison. But the new aero bike does much more than simply going fast.It also puts a lot of value on all-conditions versatility with room for up to 32mm tires. And it delivers remarkable comfort with smart vibration-damping designs. Plus, it delivers surprising affordability, too. Sure, it does have three top-tier models that cost over 11K. But there is a complete bike that sells for literally <25% of that top-tier model, and yet has exactly the same aero frameset performance!2026 Merida Reacto 5 comfortable carbon aero road bikefrom 2800 for the Reacto 4000 to 11,500 for the Reacto OneMeridas road racing Reacto has been around for 15 years. But it feels like the last two generations since 2018 & 2021 really took it to the next level with deeper tube shapes and sleek integration. In fact, the outgoing Reacto 4 still looks and feels fast compared to modern race bikes. But in large part thanks to both newer UCI frame regulations and Meridas own improved carbon manufacturing, they were able to go back to the drawing board to build a faster AND more versatile road race bike.New performance goals(Photos/Cory Benson)For the new Reacto 5, Merida set four key goals and then delivered on all of them.break the 200W barrier, based on the TOUR Magazine test in the GST wind tunnellose weight to achieve a real 6.8kg race-ready weight, without compromising stiffnessmaintain or improve rider comfort over rough roadsincrease tire clearance to 32mm<200W in the GST wind tunnelThe German TOUR Magazine benchmark aerodynamics test calculates weighted drag, measured in the GST wind tunnel from -20 to +20 yaw angles with a lower body dummy pedaling at 45km/hr. So far, only two bikes tested have come in under 200W the 2022 Simplon Pride II at 199W and the 2025 Storck Aerfast.5 Pro 1x at 198W. Some others havent yet been tested, like the latest Factor that is likely to come under 200W, as well.Now, the new Merida Reacto One hits 196W with a virtual 2x build with a Classified rear hub. But even the all-rounder Reacto 10K build and lighter Reacto Team spec still come in at just 202W & 203W with 2x groupsets, respectively. Even the most affordable Reacto 4000 at only 2800 measured just 215W, with low-profile alloy wheels, a conventional cockpit & mechanical 105 2x. Not bad considering the top of the outgoing Reacto 4 measured 210W.How did it get more aero?Newer UCI rules gave Meridas engineers more freedom to deepen tube sections. But instead of just making thinner, deeper airfoils, Merida spent the past few years looking at where aero shaping mattered the most. And to solve their aerodynamics problem, they tapped the specialists at Reynolds to step up the CFD capabilities. And to study frame shaping in detail, in 2D sections, in 3D models, and then repeatedly in the wind tunnel over 4 years.The result, the new bike actually gives more room to the front & rear wheels to allow for smoother airflow. And the same, pulling the downtube back away from the fork crown. Tighter frame-to-wheel spacing only sometimes lowered drag, but even varying tires created more problems. Instead, more space meant smoother airflow.Merida found a similar outcome with integrating bottles. Instead, they are working on a solution (likely ready by the end of the year) that will have a special aero bottle cage designed for an aero bottle in the fastest solution, but also compatible with a standard bottle, too.Team CW 1P aero cockpitAs for cockpit, they reduced drag with a new 1-piece bar & stem. But didnt sink the stem deep into the frame, which added weight without much aero benefit.The new Merida Team CW 1P aero cockpit is an interesting story. Merida spent a few years developing an ultra-narrow integrated carbon bar, only to have new UCI 2026 regulations make its two narrower sizes illegal for pro racing. Most Reacto buyers could still happily run the narrower bars. But Merida went back to the drawing board to add a fourth size that will be UCI approved. And only the top two bike builds come with the current UCI-approved bar that is 305mm at the hoods, flared generously at 17.5 to 400mm at the drops.Weight saving dietMerida says they reduced weight by over 100g vs. the outgoing frame. Just 11g of that is from the new top-level CF5 carbon frame at 950g, paired to an incrementally heavier 475g fork. Most of the weight savings comes from the totally redesigned super narrow & deep aero seatpost. As well, from its much-improved 2-bolt expander seatpost clamp that is now more accessible from the flat back of the seattube.Again, theres a lower spec CF3 frame and fork (1185g & 519g, respectively) that adds weight with a more affordable carbon material, but matches the CF5 on all stiffness measures. Even the lower cost frame shares identical shaping, so if hits the exact same aero performance numbers, too.As comfy as everThe previous Reacto was already surprisingly comfortable, and the new Merida Reacto 5 carries that over. One real signature comfort feature is the big S-flex cutout at the top of the deep aero seatpost, putting a halt to the inherent ride stiffness of an aero post, tech that has been in every Reacto post since 2011. This new version goes to zero-offset, with a more secure 2-bolt head and a new soft rubber cover that makes it easier to adjust the saddle. Plus, theres a new optional rechargeable Lezyne taillight that can securely fit into the S-flex cover for improved on-road visibility.Another big boost in rider comfort comes from the unique riser shape of the new Team CW 1P integrated cockpit. The lower stem design helps smooth airflow, but those angled ramps up to the flats & tops of the bar do a great job of filtering out road buzz while retaining handling stiffness, even with narrower bars.And lets not forget, 32mm tire clearance is always a good way to add more comfort on those cobbled classics days, even if most riders will stick to 28-30mm tires for most riding.MY2027 Merida Reacto 5 Pricing, options & availabilityThe new Merida Reacto 5 comes in 7 sizes in 10 different complete bike build options, spreading across a huge price range, depending on your market. Interestingly, there are even three completely different flagship builds created, so the top-tier rider gets the most out of a bike specific to how they ride. Reacto One for the aero obsessed. Reacto Team for the weight weenie. And the classic Reacto 10K for the all-rounder in-between.Top-tier CF5 builds2026 Merida Reacto OneAt 10k / 11,500, the Reacto One is the most aerodynamic and the most expensive, combining a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 build, a 1x Rotor power meter crankset, a Classified Powershift rear hub inside a set of 66mm deep DT Swiss ARC wheels, and the new Team CW 1P cockpit (7.4kg, M claimed).As more of a super fancy road all-rounder, the 9500 / 11k Reacto 10K gets SRAM Red 2x with a power meter, 60mm Reynolds Blacklabel wheels, and the new Merida cockpit (7.2kg, M claimed).Lastly at the top, for the same 9500 / 11k price, you could also pick the lightest build with Dura-Ace Di2 2x, carbon-spoked Vision Metron RS 60 wheels, and a lighter Vision Metron 5D EVO integrated cockpit (7.1kg, M claimed).Next up is a solid value at 7500 / 8750 Reacto Pro that still gets Dura-Ace Di2 and cheaper 4iiii power meter, integrated Vision cockpit & more affordable spec aero DT Swiss ARC 65mm carbon wheels.The last to share the same top lightest CF5 frameset as those four, theres also the Reacto 9000 for 6250 / 7250 with Ultegra Di2, a power meter & Reynolds Blacklabel 60 carbon wheels.More affordable CF3 bike builds2026 Merida Reacto 4000Then prices start to get more affordable with the CF3 frameset. The Reacto 8000 for 5000 / 5750 gets Ultegra Di2, Reynolds AR 60 carbon wheels, and the Metron 5D EVO cockpit, but no powermeter. Then, the Reacto 7000 for 4750 / 5500 gets a SRAM Rival AXS 2x build, 2-piece Merida Team SL bar & stem, and Vision SC 60 carbon wheels. The Reacto 6000 for 3800 / 4400 gets 105 Di2 and the entry-level aero Vision SC 60 carbon wheels. Next up, the Reacto 5000 for 3000 / 3500 gets 105 Di2 and mid-profile alloy Vision Team 35 wheels.And lastly, the Reacto 4000 for 2400 / 2800 gets mechanical 105 & alloy Merida wheels.The new Reacto is available now globally, pretty much everywhere except the USA.Merida-bikes.comThe post <200W Merida Reacto 5 Aero Road Bike is One of Worlds Fastest; Versatile & Affordable, Too! appeared first on Bikerumor.