The New Fifth-Generation MERIDA REACTO: Specs and Ride Impressions of a World-Beating Aero Bike
The biggest shock about the new MERIDA REACTO is the figure it posted in TOUR magazine's wind tunnel test:196 W. That is 15 W less than the previous model, breaking through the 200 W barrier.
1. Specs and weights by model
The new REACTO comes with two carbon frames: the pro-level CF5 and the great-value CF3. The aero shape is the same across every model, so even the entry-level bike gets world-class aerodynamics.
Model | Frame | Groupset | Bike weight (approx.) | Price in Japan (incl. tax) |
CF5 | Dura-Ace Di2 | approx. 7.1 kg | ¥1,705,000 | |
CF5 | Ultegra Di2 | approx. 7.8 kg | from ¥1,100,000 | |
CF3 | 105 Di2 | approx. 8.5 kg | from ¥514,800 | |
CF3 | 105 (mechanical) | approx. 8.9 kg | ¥396,000 |
CF5 vs CF3: The shape is identical, but the different materials mean a frame-only difference of about 235 g (CF5: 950 g / CF3: 1,185 g). Stiffness is designed to the same level, though, so the sharp handling is shared.
What's new: More than 100 g lighter than the previous model, plus a redesigned seatpost clamp.
Maintenance and clamping force are much improved.
2. Against its rivals for the title of world's fastest
Putting together reviews and wind-tunnel data from around the world, the positions of the big three become clear.
Cervélo S5 (2026): "The lowest drag"
Its trademark V-shaped stem channels the air around the rider most smoothly. Data shows it beating its rivals by 1–3 W at 40 km/h and above, and with its integrated design withReserve 52/63 wheels, it is still the front-runner for fastest on the straights.
Colnago Y1Rs: "An accelerator built to win"
The bike behind Tadej Pogačar's winning run. It cuts frontal area by 19%, whilethe CC.Y1 handlebaris 16% stiffer than competitors'.
Nothing beats it for explosive sprints and light-footed climbing out of the saddle.
New MERIDA REACTO: "The ultimate realistic speed"
While the S5 and Y1Rs approach ¥2 million,the REACTO 5000gets you sub-200 W aerodynamics for about ¥500,000. On top of that,
the Disc Coolerand clearance for 32 mm tyres mean it outdoes its rivals for reducing fatigue over long distances and for stability on descents.
My impressions
I was able to test-ride the REACTO TEAM and REACTO 9000 for about an hour,
and the speed, responsiveness and ability to hold pace were beyond criticism; it didn't feel at all sluggish on climbs the way aero bikes can.
On the flat it went from low speed to 40 km/h in about eight seconds, by far the best of any bike I have ridden.
For comfort, the test bikes had clincher tyres
and VISION carbon-spoked METRON 60 RSwheels, so they felt a little firm,
but I think running tubeless-ready tyres would solve that.
Track-bike-like responsiveness is rare among aero road bikes,
so with this one bike I think you'd be fine for any race, anywhere.
It was a shame I couldn't try a bike fitted with the TEAM CW 1P handlebar, which isn't UCI-legal,
but maybe next time...
Either way, it was frighteningly fast; it made me wonder whether there's any bike faster than this.
Summary
The new REACTO takes world-class aero performance that used to be out of reach
and puts it in a package almost anyone can afford.
For riders who want one bike for everything, from weekend long rides to all-out criteriums, there is no better
"right answer"than this.
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