The Reacto has always been a class leading aero bike, combining state of the art aerodynamics with rider comfort.
With its predecessor delivering almost unrivalled aerodynamic performance the Merida R&D team had to look at the smallest incremental improvements.
The 4th generation Reacto is more slippery and beautiful than ever, incorporating wider tyres and much neater cockpit cable integration.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) calculations modelled performance in a virtual wind tunnel to optimise aerodynamics guiding the changes which gave most aerodynamic benefit:
New fork design, smoothly integrated into the frame, significant improvement
New handlebar design integrating the cables inside, saves about 2 watts per cable
Increased gap between the tyre and seat stays and between tyre and fork crown and blades optimises airflow
A lower junction between the seat stays and seat tube reduces drag further.
In the world of Pro-Tour racing no area can be ignored, Many small details such as integrating the front disc cooler behind the fork and the rear disc caliper in the rear triangle and creating new bolt through axles with the thread integrated into the fork dropout also minimise drag and improve aerodynamic performance.
All these improvements over-compensate for the aerodynamic compromises made to give the Reacto bigger tyres. The result: the perfect package of comfort, aerodynamic, lightweight and style.
Prototypes were wind tunnel tested following the German TOUR magazine standard, including the ‘moving leg dummy’ test. The Reacto CF5 needs just 209 watts effort for 45 km/h speed, 1 watt faster than its predecessor, and in the leading group of aero road bikes ever tested by TOUR magazine.
All Reacto come with powerful hydraulic disc brakes. Calipers are mounted on the chainstay for better dissipation of braking forces using the flat mount standard for a neat, flush fit. Calipers sit on top of CNC'd aluminium Disc Cooler fins which reduce operating temperatures by up to 35%.