How To Pick A Future-Proof Mountain Bike | Modern MTB Tech And Sizing Explained

Are you looking to buy a new mountain bike? If so, it is important to select a bike that is the correct size, but if you are unsure which size to go for you can pick a bike that allows you to size up for a more stable ride, or size down for something more agile. It is also important to know what features to look for so that you can buy a bike that is 'future-proof' for your riding. We've teamed up with Merida and a couple of their One 60 Enduro bikes to demonstrate!

⏱️ Timestamps 👇
00:00 - Intro
02:44 - Sizing
06:42 - Suspension
08:45 - Wheel Size
10:09 - User-Friendly Tech

Useful Links:

Is there a feature that you look for when picking out a bike that is 'future-proof' for you?

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[benjy]

This video wasn't about future proofing, it was an advert for merida.

[limeyjoe]

My thinking is get the bike with the best quality frame you can afford (obviously that fits). Pretty much everything else can be upgraded, and a great frame will always be a great frame even if all the tech is a little out of date.

[michaelsturgeon]

Nice merida advert 👍 but with all those features and functionality they didnt talk about the elephant in the room, the dreaded cable routed headset which is surprising since one of the things doddy mentioned was ease of home serviceability 😮

[Zzyyxx]

There’s no such thing as future proof in the bike industry. Standards change too quickly.

[rustler]

The MTB world is not one that you can buy into and call future-proofing. Too many random companies out there with only profit on the mind, always trying to make some new bogus standard, realizing they don't like it, then going to the next. Look at the different standards for bottom brackets. Look at the rear axle spacing and how we have multiple "standards" that shouldn't really make a difference. Look at how many different seat post sizes we have to deal with.

The best you can probably do is buy a bike with boost spacing, a tapered headset, a 34.9mm seat post, threaded bottom bracket, 29" wheels, and pray to god that no one decides to fuck with the standards more.

[KevinT]

Good info; gorgeous location, filming, and editing. Thanks team!

[danbuckman]

I’m riding a future proof bike. My old Specialised S Works hard tail M5 26” wheels. Years and years and years old and still works perfectly with regular maintenance. That’s what I call future proof…

[GrahamStorr]

I don't think there's such a thing the industry will always find another product or design too over charge us for

[andrewince]

Tapered head tube, standard shock mounts (eyelets), boost rear spacing, UDH and a 30.6 or whatever seatpost minimum. That's all you need to be future-proof within reason. Any new components will work and let's be fair, comfort and fit are the most important thing.

[chrisashton]

What a well thought out bike! That dropper 😍

[jordanlove]

7:45 I see what you did there, cheeky cameraman 😅

[bobothericefarmer]

Thanks for the info I was looking to buy a new bike this helps a lot

[dorudragomir]

Am I the only one that loves their outfit? Great video guys, keep up the good work. Greetings from Brașov 😘

[steveharper]

Vitus also use the same frame for the Escarpe and Sommet. I love modern geometry it is a much better way of sizing a bike to you and the performance is much improved. I think if you buy a bike now it will be pretty much future proof.

[stevebennett]

👌nice bikes, i suppose if possible its best to get a rig thats easy to get parts for, love those new dropper post, frame manufacterers need to keep with straight seat tubes and not interupted ones👌so that you can run longer droppers👍great video

[ilanpi]

Future proof means hardtail, as rear suspension linkages are continually progressing.

[tim__sadler]

I was literally just talking about Merida with my local bike shop mechanic this morning - 2023 specs at 2015 prices - that is one way to be future proof! (and they just got a EDR gold...)

[FrankensteinAce]

Loved the new line of 140 and 160 bikes when Merida first launched them. Glad to see the same enthusiasm shared by Anna and Doddy in this video and the Eurobike coverage. Definitely on my shortlist of bikes to get!

[Shawn-in-da-Canyon]

What Merida dropper post is that? It look interesting. Thanks!

[sportmedtech]

Merida is one of the big three along with Kinesis and Giant. Glad to see some exposure on Merida as in the states it is not well known at all.