The NINETY-SIX 7000 is the Taiwanese answer to the current down-county trend. With 120 mm at the front of the fork, the otherwise thoroughly sporty chassis wants to make it possible to take a trip on light trails. We really liked the jaw-dropping weight of the complete bike. With 11,8 kg, the Downcountry-Bike von Merida is a real lightweight. With its geometry, the Downcountry-Bike von Merida is right in the middle between playfulness and high speed stability. The seating position is sporty. If you want to hunt Strava-KOMs uphill, the NINETY-SIX 7000 is probably not the right bike for you. The Merida shows what its capable of in the downhill. With 25 years the warranty is another neat feature.