Merida Scultura RIM 400 – the Best Entry-Level Road Bike with Awesome Performance

The Merida Scultura RIM 400 stands out as one of the best entry-level road bikes available. I’m sharing this review after covering approximately 1,200 km, including short swift rides, long century rides, a few races, and even triathlons. Styled with a distinctive red color, it was love at first sight for me. I named it ‘Red Fury’.

First Impressions:

• Feels ridiculously lightweight, even lighter than its actual weight.
• Offers a 100% pure Shimano 105 experience, covering the entire drivetrain, shifters, and brakes.
• Quite a looker with its distinctive red, black, and grey colorway.
• Rides comfortably and stably with excellent control at all speeds.
• Features a solid sports geometry well-suited for beginner to intermediate road bike riders.

Frame & Fit:

I have a M-L size frame, weighing just around 9 kg. It features a lightweight 6066 triple-butted aluminum frame (the best in the Merida stable) with a full carbon tapered fork. I found the front side of the bike insanely lightweight, making the bike feel even lighter than 9 kg. Merida designed the frame to be more comfortable and less overly aggressive, making it perfect for first-time road bike riders. However, the design packs enough performance to be fit for racing too. Very few entry-level road bikes get this combination right. The bike negotiates climbs, flats, as well as downhills with flying colors. I experienced this first-hand during Goa IM 70.3, which features quite a few hills in its treacherous bike leg loop.

Shifting and Brakes:

This is one of the highlights of the Scultura 400. It offers a pure Shimano 105 experience – the performance range of Shimano that sits right below the Ultegra and DuraAce series. Shimano 105 2X11 derailleurs combine like a dream with 105 drivetrain and 105 shifters, delivering a power-packed ride. Gear shifts function like a breeze and rarely miss any gear. There is enough range available for killer climbs and steep descents. Add to this a well-integrated and lightweight 105 RIM brake setup, which punches much above its weight in delivering precise braking. You will never feel out of control on the ride!

Tires and Saddle:

The bike features 700x25C fold Maxxis Pursuer tires. Externally, these race tires may feel low on grip due to minimal treads. But looks can be deceptive. These tires deliver exceptional grip on the road, and I found equal comfort on dry and wet roads. I ride my bike with good care, and I have been fortunate enough to not have a single puncture yet (touch wood!). The bike comes with a Merida Comp SL saddle (entry-level racing saddle) mounted on a Merida Expert CC post. This is perfect for folks transitioning to the world of road biking with the right combination of performance and comfort. Pair it with good quality padded shorts, and you will not struggle with dreaded saddle sores.

Ride Comfort:

Merida chose a more relaxed geometry over the more aggressive and race-proven geometry in the Scultura 400. This means a more upright and comfortable riding position. When getting into my first road bike, I had solid apprehensions about tackling the aggressive ride position and its impact on the back and shoulders. But I was positively surprised at the comfort of the rides on my Red Fury. I had a great initiation into road biking, and within a span of 5-6 rides of various distances (30K to 100K) across different terrains, I found myself as comfortable as a fish in water. My transition was fast and easy. Within just 2 months, I felt ready for a 70.3 triathlon.

Verdict:

It’s been a little under 1 year and 1200 km, and I have already become a fanboy of the Merida Scultura 400. I have ridden several more bikes from other brands but never felt as comfortable as my Red Fury. The highlight of the bike is its pure Shimano 105 setup with a cleverly designed frame and super affordable price point. The Merida Scultura 400 is a formidable all-rounder that delivers maximum bang for the bucks. Add to this the great looking red, black, and grey color scheme. Merida has delivered a winner with this bike. I would highly recommend it to folks keen to get into the awesome world of road biking.