Carbon wheels are the change most riders feel first, and that is the argument for the 6000. Vision SC 45 Disc rims are 45mm deep with a 23mm inner rim width, so the bike holds speed better on the flat, spins up faster out of corners and gives 28c tyres a proper supportive profile.

They sit on the fifth-generation Scultura platform, a CF3 V carbon frame with a Scultura CF3 Disc carbon fork. The shaping takes its cues from the Reacto aero bike, but the brief was low weight, quick handling and enough give in the frame and seat post to keep you fresh late in a ride. The fit is World Tour race, proven at the Tour and the Vuelta, and the frame carries internal cable routing, a 1 1/2 to 1 1/4 tapered head tube, a 142 x 12mm rear axle, a Pressfit 86.5 bottom bracket and a flat mount rear brake with Disc Cooler.

Shifting is Shimano 105 Di2 front and rear, 12-speed, with a 50-34 R7100 chainset and an 11-34 cassette, so the gearing suits big days in hilly country as much as a fast Sunday group. Shimano 105 hydraulic discs handle the stopping, and Continental Grand Prix TR 28c tubeless ready tyres come fitted, with the rims taped ready if you want to drop the tubes.

The cockpit stays aluminium with a Merida Expert SL bar and an FSA SMR-II stem, paired with the brand's Expert SL 27.2mm in-line carbon post. Frame clearance runs to 30c if you want a little more cushion for rougher roads.

Features

• Vision SC 45 Disc carbon wheelset, 45mm deep, 23mm inner rim width, Centerlock
• Shimano 105 Di2 electronic shifting, 12-speed, 50-34 chainset with an 11-34 cassette
• CF3 V carbon frame with Scultura CF3 Disc carbon fork
• Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes with Disc Cooler flat mount rear
• Continental Grand Prix TR 700x28C tubeless ready tyres on tubeless taped rims
• Internal cable routing and a 1 1/2 to 1 1/4 tapered head tube
• 142 x 12mm rear axle, Pressfit 86.5 bottom bracket, tyre clearance up to 30c
• Merida Expert SL in-line carbon seat post, 27.2mm