Merlin GX-01 Shimano 105 R7000 Carbon Gravel Bike 2020

Packed full of technical features the GX-01 has been designed from the ground up to excel on a wide variety of terrain.

From fast, smooth tarmac to demanding gravel tracks and trails this bike feels equally capable and handles brilliantly regardless of what you throw at it.

Key features of the Merlin GX-01 carbon gravel bike includes considerable tyre-clearance in the rear of the frame; thanks to its bridgeless seatstays and chainstays the GX-01 will easily accommodate up to a 40mm gravel-specific tyre allowing you to run lower tyre-pressures and providing you with more comfort and enhanced traction when you're negotiating lose gravel surfaces. Up front the full-carbon GX-01 fork offers the same amount of tyre-clearance while front & rear thru-axles help to ensure that your wheels are always secure, brake rotors are perfectly aligned with the calipers every time and there is no annoying brake rub. The GX-01 thru axles also add stiffness between wheel hub and frame with a noticeable increase in steering precision from the fork.

The Merlin GX-01 carbon frame and fork features internal cable routing throughout, keeping the silhouette of the bike simple and clutter-free while protecting gear cables from getting fouled up with grit and grime. We've specced the GX-01 with a threaded bottom bracket shell to allow you to quickly and conveniently change the bearings without the need for expensive press-fit bearing tools. Slim seatstays provide a little bit of extra compliance keeping you comfortable on rough surfaces and a large bottom bracket area creates a super-stiff pedaling platform, allowing you to transfer all your power to the rear wheel during fast road sections and super-steep, lose gravel surfaces climbs off-road.

Featuring: The Merlin GX-01 carbon gravel bike features Shimano's excellent new 105 R7020 11-speed hydraulic disc brake groupset which features a new Shadow Technology rear derailleur that gives a lower profile and increased protection from crash damage as well as a great looking chainset evolved from the Ultegra R8000 version which is even stiffer and provides more power transfer than its predecessor. With a wide range of gears available you'll be able to ride more economically regardless of the terrain, leaving your legs feeling fresher for longer. The addition of safe, easily-modulated Shimano BR-7070 flat-mount hydraulic disc brakes will have you descending with new-found confidence.

A choice of finishing components lets you customise the finer details of this great handling carbon gravel bike before our Merlin workshop technicians custom build your bike to your own spec. Choose your preferred wheelset, tyre choice, stem-length, handlebar profile, the gear ratios of your cassette and chainrings options and more to tailor your dream carbon gravel bike specifically for you.

Scores 4/5 on Road.CC Read the Review Here Frame: 70% 24 Tons Intermediate Modulus Carbon 25% 30 Tons High Modulus Carbon 5% High-Impact Strength Liquid Crystal Polymer Carbon 12mm x 142mm Thru Axle Rear.

Fork: High Modulus Full Carbon - 12mm Thru Axle.