MeridaREACTO CF5

Aero road20275th generation (REACTO V) ↗Disc brakes

The fifth-generation REACTO is Merida's dedicated aero race bike. It was redesigned from scratch with hundreds of CFD iterations and four wind-tunnel sessions, gains 32 mm tyre clearance, a slimmer zero-offset S-FLEX seatpost and 1.5-inch bearings top and bottom, and keeps the geometry of the REACTO IV. The CF5 frame (about 950 g) carries the top models: the low-drag ONE, the all-round 10K and the light TEAM, plus the PRO and 9000.

From: —
Builds: 5
Sizes: 7
Frame weight: 950 g33.5 oz

Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo

Our verdict

No overall score: there's no complete-bike price to rate

A dedicated aero race bike with published TOUR wind-tunnel numbers, a one-piece cockpit and a light CF5 frame, sold in builds that favour low drag, balance or weight. Standard press-fit bottom bracket, headset and axles keep servicing simple, but stock bar widths are fixed by size and the narrow ones aren't UCI-legal.

Scored Oct 2026

+ Light
+ Aero-first design
+ Top-tier build kit

AI-drafted from the specs on this page and reviewed before publishing. Scores are relative to every bike in the catalog when they were given, so they drop as newer bikes and parts raise the bar.

Aero: 92/100
Frame: 86/100
Components: 90/100
Fit: 78/100
Practicality: 74/100
Weight: 94/100

How each category is scored

Bike duel

Reviews

3 independent reviews of the Merida REACTO CF5.

WrittenAug 2026
BikeRadar
Merida Reacto 10k review: a lightweight, aerodynamic superbike, but it has one flaw you can’t afford to ignore
Warren RossiterTested: 10K4/5
WrittenMar 2026
GRAN FONDO Cycling Magazine
New 2026 MERIDA REACTO TEAM on Review – Faster, lighter, but how much better?
Calvin ZajacTested: TEAM
WrittenMar 2026
Bikeboard
Merida Reacto V 2027
Tested: ONE

Frame & platform

Frame & fork

Frame material: Carbon (CF5)
Fork material: Carbon (MERIDA REACTO CF5 V DISC)
Frame weight: 950 g33.5 oz
Weight measured on: Approx., size M (Merida)
Max system weight: 120 kg264.6 lb
Frame sizes: 3XS, XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
Colours: Halo Green/UD, Slate Grey/Black, Black/Mineral Gold, Passion Red/Slate Grey, Vanilla/Passion Red, Effect Silver/UD (depending on build)
Also available as: REACTO CF3 V: same geometry, aero performance and stiffness with a cheaper carbon lay-up (approx. 1,185 g frame in size M)

Compatibility & standards

Brake type: Disc
Wheel size: 700c
Max tire width: 32 mm
Bottom bracket standard: PF86.5 (BB86.5 press-fit)
Front axle: 12x100 thru-axle
Rear axle: 12x142 thru-axle
1x compatible: Yes
Front derailleur mount: Removable front derailleur mount
Cable routing: Internal
Electronic battery location: Bottom bracket area

Bottles & storage

Bottle mounts: 2

Fit & adjustability

Cockpit: One-piece bar and stem: MERIDA TEAM CW 1P (10K, ONE), Vision Metron 5D ACR EVO (TEAM, 9000) or MERIDA TEAM SL 1P (PRO)
Seatpost type: MERIDA REACTO V S-FLEX carbon aero post, 0 mm setback, with a flex cut-out; clamp at the back of the seat tube
Fit notes: Stock bar width is 380 mm (3XS-S), 400 mm (M-L) or 420 mm (XL), with stems from 90 to 120 mm by size; the TEAM CW 1P is sold in 380, 400 and 420 mm widths with 90-140 mm stems. Its widths are measured centre to centre in the drops; at the hoods they are 305, 325 and 345 mm, and only the 420 (345/420) and a newer 345/380 option (10° flare instead of 17°) meet the UCI cockpit rules in force since 2026. The frame also takes other MERIDA and FSA ACR cockpits.

Aerodynamics

Manufacturer aero claims: TOUR magazine wind-tunnel standard (45 km/h, pedalling mannequin, varying yaw): 196 W for the REACTO ONE (197 W with the UCI-compliant cockpit), 202 W for the 10K and 203 W for the TEAM, versus 211 W for the REACTO IV TEAM
Testing method: Hundreds of CFD iterations, four wind-tunnel sessions, in-house and Zedler Institute lab testing, and a velodrome test to settle the handlebar shape and rider position
Tube profile: Large sail-like surfaces on the head tube and down tube joined by slim sections; deeper, thinner fork legs; the down tube sits further from the front wheel

Travel, maintenance & warranty

Headset bearings: 1.5 in upper and lower bearings, FSA ACR
Derailleur hanger: Proprietary (Merida DH-067 for Shimano direct mount, DH-068 for other road derailleurs)
Maintenance: Standard PF86.5 bottom bracket, FSA ACR headset and 12 mm thru-axles. The Di2 battery sits in the bottom bracket area, reachable without removing major parts. The seatpost clamp is at the back of the seat tube, and the power meter cadence magnet sits under the chain-suck protector.
Proprietary parts: S-FLEX seatpost and clamp, one-piece cockpit, derailleur hanger, disc coolers
Sold via: Through Merida dealers

Photos

Merida REACTO TEAM (Gen V) in Halo Green/UD with Shimano Dura-Ace and Vision wheels, drive side — © Merida Bikes

Merida REACTO 10K (Gen V) in Black/Mineral Gold with SRAM Red, drive side — © Merida Bikes

Design sketches

Design sketch of the Merida REACTO CF5, side view — Side view · Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo

Design sketch of the Merida REACTO CF5, three-quarter view — Three-quarter view · Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo

Design sketch of the Merida REACTO CF5, front view — Front view · Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo

Builds & components

Highlighted rows differ between builds. Green marks the best value.

Only show differences

Merida REACTO CF5 builds
	REACTO TEAM	REACTO 10K	REACTO ONE	REACTO PRO	REACTO 9000
Overview
Weight	7.1 kg15.7 lb	7.2 kg15.9 lb	7.4 kg16.3 lb	—	—
Weight measured on size	M	M	M	—	—
Type	Complete bike	Complete bike	Complete bike	Complete bike	Complete bike
Notes	Merida calls the TEAM the lightest REACTO V: 203 W in the TOUR wind-tunnel test (211 W for the REACTO IV TEAM) and 7.1 kg in size M. Colours: Halo Green/UD or Slate Grey/Black. Merida's site lists the brakes as 'Sram Red AXS / Shimano Dura Ace'.	Merida's all-round pick of the three top models: 202 W in the TOUR wind-tunnel test and 7.2 kg in size M with power meter and 160 mm rotors. Colours: Black/Mineral Gold or Slate Grey/Black.	Merida's lowest-drag REACTO: 196 W in the TOUR wind-tunnel test (197 W with the UCI-compliant 345/380 cockpit) and 7.4 kg in size M. Single 52T chainring with a Classified Powershift hub. Colours: Passion Red/Slate Grey or Slate Grey/Black.	Dura-Ace Di2 on the CF5 frame with the older TEAM SL 1P one-piece cockpit and DT Swiss ARC 1600 wheels. Colour: Vanilla/Passion Red.	Ultegra Di2 on the CF5 frame, with a left-arm power meter. Colour: Effect Silver/UD.
Drivetrain
Groupset	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200	SRAM Red AXS	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200	Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100
Launched	2021 · current generation	—	2021 · current generation	2021 · current generation	2021 · current generation
Speeds	12-speed	12-speed	12-speed	12-speed	12-speed
Electronic	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Wireless	—	Yes	—	—	—
Drivetrain	2x	2x	1x	2x	2x
Notes	—	—	Dura-Ace Di2 rear derailleur and shifters with a Classified Powershift hub that gives a 2x gear range	—	—
Shifters	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2	SRAM Red AXS HRD	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2	Shimano Ultegra Di2
Crankset	Shimano Dura-Ace R9200-P (power meter)	SRAM Red AXS Power Meter	Rotor Aldhu Carbon	Shimano Dura-Ace R9200	Shimano Ultegra R8100
Chainrings	52/36	50/37	52	52/36	52/36
Crank lengths available	160 mm (3XS), 165 mm (XXS-XS), 170 mm (S-M), 172.5 mm (L-XL)	160 mm (3XS), 165 mm (XXS-XS), 170 mm (S-M), 172.5 mm (L-XL)	155 mm (3XS), 170 mm (XXS-M), 172.5 mm (L-XL)	160 mm (3XS), 165 mm (XXS-XS), 170 mm (S-M), 172.5 mm (L-XL)	160 mm (3XS), 165 mm (XXS-XS), 170 mm (S-M), 172.5 mm (L-XL)
Material	—	—	Carbon	—	—
Notes	—	—	—	Left arm with 4iiii power meter	Left arm with 4iiii power meter
Power meter	Shimano Dura-Ace R9200-P	SRAM Red AXS Power Meter	Rotor INspider	4iiii Left-arm power meter	4iiii Left-arm power meter
Launched	2021 · current generation	—	—	—	—
Type	—	—	—	Crank arm	Crank arm
Measurement	Dual-sided	Dual-sided	—	Left only	Left only
Bottom bracket	Shimano SM-BB92-41B	SRAM DUB PressFit Road	FSA BB386 EVO BB86 Adapter	Shimano SM-BB71-41B	Shimano SM-BB71-41B
Standard	Pressfit 86.5	Pressfit 86.5	PF86	Pressfit 86.5	Pressfit 86.5
Front derailleur	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2	SRAM Red AXS	—	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2	Shimano Ultegra Di2
Rear derailleur	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2	SRAM Red AXS	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2	Shimano Dura-Ace Di2	Shimano Ultegra Di2
Cassette	Shimano Dura-Ace R9200	SRAM Red XG-1290	Classified 12 Speed Cassette	Shimano Dura-Ace R9200	Shimano Ultegra R8101
Range	11-30	10-36	11-34	11-30	11-30
Speeds	12-speed	12-speed	12-speed	12-speed	12-speed
Chain	Shimano CN-M9100	SRAM Red E1	Shimano CN-M9100	Shimano CN-M9100	Shimano CN-M6100
Notes	—	Flattop	—	—	—
Brakes
Brake levers	Shimano Dura-Ace	SRAM Red AXS HRD	Shimano Dura-Ace	Shimano Dura-Ace	Shimano Ultegra
Brake calipers	—	—	Shimano Dura-Ace	Shimano Dura-Ace	Shimano Ultegra
Type	—	—	Hydraulic, 2-piston	Hydraulic, 2-piston	Hydraulic, 2-piston
Rotors	Shimano RT-CL900	SRAM Paceline X	Shimano RT-CL900	Shimano RT-CL900	Shimano RT-CL800
Front rotor	160 mm	160 mm	160 mm	160 mm	160 mm
Rear rotor	160 mm	160 mm	160 mm	160 mm	160 mm
Mount	Center Lock	—	Center Lock	Center Lock	Center Lock
Wheels & tires
Wheelset	Vision Metron 60 RS	Reynolds BL 60 Pro	DT Swiss ARC 1100 Dicut DB 65 Classified	DT Swiss ARC 1600 Spline	Reynolds BL 60 Expert DB
Front rim depth	60 mm	60 mm	65 mm	65 mm	60 mm
Rear rim depth	60 mm	60 mm	65 mm	65 mm	60 mm
Internal rim width	23 mm	21 mm	—	22 mm	21 mm
Material	Carbon	Carbon	Carbon	Carbon	Carbon
Tubeless ready	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hubs	—	—	Classified Powershift rear hub	—	—
Freehub options	—	SRAM XDR	—	Shimano HG	Shimano HG
Notes	Tubeless tape and valves not included	Center Lock; tubeless tape and valves included	Tubeless tape included	—	Center Lock; tubeless tape and valves included
Tires	Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR	Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR	Continental Aero 111 (front) / Grand Prix 5000 S TR (rear)	Continental Grand Prix TR	Continental Grand Prix 5000 S TR
Tire width	28 mm	28 mm	—	28 mm	28 mm
Front tire width	—	—	29 mm	—	—
Rear tire width	—	—	30 mm	—	—
Type	Tubeless ready, folding	Tubeless ready, folding	Tubeless ready, folding	Tubeless ready, folding	Tubeless ready, folding
Cockpit
Handlebar	Vision Metron 5D ACR EVO	Merida TEAM CW 1P	Merida TEAM CW 1P	Merida TEAM SL 1P	Vision Metron 5D ACR EVO
Type	One-piece bar and stem	One-piece bar and stem	One-piece bar and stem	One-piece bar and stem	One-piece bar and stem
Integrated stem	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Widths available	380 mm (3XS-S), 400 mm (M-L), 420 mm (XL)	380 mm (3XS-S), 400 mm (M-L), 420 mm (XL)	380 mm (3XS-S), 400 mm (M-L), 420 mm (XL)	380 mm (3XS-S), 400 mm (M-L), 420 mm (XL)	380 mm (3XS-S), 400 mm (M-L), 420 mm (XL)
Material	Carbon	Carbon	Carbon	Carbon	Carbon
Notes	Stem length by size: 90 mm (3XS-XS), 100 mm (S), 110 mm (M-L), 120 mm (XL)	Stem length by size: 90 mm (3XS-XS), 100 mm (S), 110 mm (M-L), 120 mm (XL)	Stem length by size: 90 mm (3XS-XS), 100 mm (S), 110 mm (M-L), 120 mm (XL)	Stem length by size: 90 mm (3XS-XS), 100 mm (S), 110 mm (M-L), 120 mm (XL)	Stem length by size: 90 mm (3XS-XS), 100 mm (S), 110 mm (M-L), 120 mm (XL)
Headset	FSA No.55R ACR	FSA No.55R ACR	FSA No.55R ACR	Merida TEAM SL	FSA No.55R ACR
Saddle & seatpost
Saddle	Prologo Nago R4 PAS Nack	Prologo Nago R4 PAS Nack	Prologo Nago R4 PAS Nack	Prologo Scratch M5	Prologo Nago R4 PAS Nack
Seatpost	Merida REACTO V S-FLEX	Merida REACTO V S-FLEX	Merida REACTO V S-FLEX	Merida REACTO V S-FLEX	Merida REACTO V S-FLEX
Offset / setback	0 mm setback	0 mm setback	0 mm setback	0 mm setback	0 mm setback
Material	Carbon	Carbon	Carbon	Carbon	Carbon
Bar tape	One-Touch	Merida Road Expert	Merida Road Expert	Merida Road Expert	Merida Road Expert

Aero tests

Tests that measured the REACTO CF5 against other bikes under the same conditions. Lower is faster.

Record-breaking test: Four aero road bikes compared by wattage

TOUR, 2026-04 (this year) · GST wind tunnel, Immenstaad, Germany · 45 km/h · yaw -20° to +20° swept continuously, weighted for a 10 km/h mean wind

Record-breaking test: Four aero road bikes compared by wattage: Power to overcome drag by bike, fastest first
#	Bike	Power to overcome drag	Gap to fastest
1	Stromm RakttSRAM Red AXS 1x12, Zipp 454 NSW	196.4 W	fastest
2	Merida Reacto OneREACTO ONE build: Dura-Ace Di2, DT Swiss ARC 1100, aero front tyre	197.4 W	+1 W
3	Factor ONEDura-Ace Di2, Black Inc Sixty Two, Conti GP5000 TT 28 mm	202.3 W	+5.9 W
3	Ridley Noah Fast1x SRAM, DT Swiss ARC 1400 (65 mm), Conti Aero 111	202.3 W	+5.9 W

Ownership checklist

1 of 3 known checks pass, 1 not published by Merida. Why these checks

✕
Threaded bottom bracket
PF86.5 (BB86.5 press-fit)
✕
UDH derailleur hanger
Proprietary (Merida DH-067 for Shimano direct mount, DH-068 for other road derailleurs)
✓
Standard 12×142 mm rear axle
12x142 thru-axle
?
Works with mechanical shifting

REACTO CF5 geometry

Merida REACTO CF5 geometry
	3XS	XXS	XS	S	M	L	XL
Stack	512 mm20.2″	517 mm20.4″	529 mm20.8″	542 mm21.3″	557 mm21.9″	571 mm22.5″	593 mm23.3″
Reach	373 mm14.7″	377 mm14.8″	384 mm15.1″	390 mm15.4″	395 mm15.6″	400 mm15.7″	409 mm16.1″
Seat tube angle	75.5°	74.5°	74°	74°	73.5°	73°	73°
Head tube angle	70.5°	70.5°	72°	72.5°	73.5°	73.5°	74°
Head tube length	100 mm3.9″	105 mm4.1″	112 mm4.4″	128 mm5″	140 mm5.5″	155 mm6.1″	175 mm6.9″
Effective top tube	506 mm19.9″	521 mm20.5″	535 mm21.1″	545 mm21.5″	560 mm22″	575 mm22.6″	590 mm23.2″
Seat tube length	440 mm17.3″	470 mm18.5″	500 mm19.7″	520 mm20.5″	540 mm21.3″	560 mm22″	590 mm23.2″
Chainstay	410 mm16.1″	410 mm16.1″	410 mm16.1″	410 mm16.1″	410 mm16.1″	410 mm16.1″	410 mm16.1″
Wheelbase	981 mm38.6″	987 mm38.9″	984 mm38.7″	992 mm39.1″	992 mm39.1″	1,002 mm39.4″	1,011 mm39.8″
BB drop	70 mm2.8″	70 mm2.8″	70 mm2.8″	66 mm2.6″	66 mm2.6″	66 mm2.6″	66 mm2.6″
Fork length	385 mm15.2″	385 mm15.2″	385 mm15.2″	385 mm15.2″	385 mm15.2″	385 mm15.2″	385 mm15.2″
Fork offset	45 mm1.8″	45 mm1.8″	45 mm1.8″	45 mm1.8″	45 mm1.8″	45 mm1.8″	45 mm1.8″
Standover	727 mm28.6″	746 mm29.4″	771 mm30.4″	792 mm31.2″	810 mm31.9″	826 mm32.5″	853 mm33.6″
Stem length	90 mm3.5″	90 mm3.5″	90 mm3.5″	100 mm3.9″	110 mm4.3″	110 mm4.3″	120 mm4.7″
Handlebar width	380 mm15″	380 mm15″	380 mm15″	380 mm15″	400 mm15.7″	400 mm15.7″	420 mm16.5″

Side view

Merida REACTO CF5

Drawn to scale (how to read it).

Merida REACTO CF5 · S

How the geometry rides

The REACTO CF5 in size S against the middle size of 65 other bikes: tendencies from geometry, not a ride review (how to read this).

Wheelbase992 mm39.1″
shortestlonger than 83% of 65 bikeslongest
Long wheelbase: tends to track straight and feel calm at speed.
Chainstay410 mm16.1″
shortestlonger than 63% of 73 bikeslongest

Compare on the stack & reach chart

Good to know

Design
The new zero-offset S-FLEX seatpost is about 100 g lighter than the old 15 mm offset post but keeps its flex for comfort. An optional rechargeable light can be fitted in its cut-out with an adapter.
Source
Fit
Merida's narrowest TEAM CW 1P widths (305/380 and 325/400 mm) are not UCI-compliant after the 2026 cockpit rule change, so it added a 345/380 mm version with less flare for UCI racing.
Source
Integration
Merida developed its own aero bottle and cage for the REACTO. It says the fastest setup is one aero bottle in the lower position, and that two of its aero bottles are still faster than one conventional bottle.
Source
Compatibility
Tyre clearance grew from 30 mm to 32 mm (with 5 mm to spare), and the chainstays grew from 408 to 410 mm to meet Shimano's requirements.
Source
History
Merida introduced the first REACTO in 2011-2012 as its first aero road bike. This fifth generation was in development from May 2022 and was race-tested at the 2025 Tour de France and Vuelta before its launch in early 2026.
Source
Versions
Merida offers three top models on the CF5 frame with different priorities: the ONE for the lowest drag, the 10K for all-round aero balance and crosswind stability, and the TEAM for the lowest weight. CF5 and CF3 frames share geometry and aero performance.
Source

REACTO CF5 FAQ

How much does the Merida REACTO CF5 weigh?+

The lightest complete build listed (REACTO TEAM) weighs 7.1 kg (15.7 lb) in size M. The frame weighs 950 g (33.5 oz) (Approx., size M (Merida)).

What sizes does the Merida REACTO CF5 come in?+

7 sizes: 3XS, XXS, XS, S, M, L and XL.

What is the tire clearance of the Merida REACTO CF5?+

Up to 32 mm tires on 700c wheels.

Which groupsets are compatible with the Merida REACTO CF5?+

1x drivetrains are supported. Bottom bracket: PF86.5 (BB86.5 press-fit).

What builds of the Merida REACTO CF5 are available?+

REACTO TEAM: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200; REACTO 10K: SRAM Red AXS; REACTO ONE: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200; REACTO PRO: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200; REACTO 9000: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100.

Is the Merida REACTO CF5 aerodynamic?+

TOUR magazine wind-tunnel standard (45 km/h, pedalling mannequin, varying yaw): 196 W for the REACTO ONE (197 W with the UCI-compliant cockpit), 202 W for the 10K and 203 W for the TEAM, versus 211 W for the REACTO IV TEAM (Hundreds of CFD iterations, four wind-tunnel sessions, in-house and Zedler Institute lab testing, and a velodrome test to settle the handlebar shape and rider position)

Sources

Merida REACTO CF5 data last updated 2026-10-06 · How the data is checked ·