First look: Merlin Cycles unveil new X2.0 cyclocross bike

Retailer Merlin Cycles have just unveiled their brand new, and first ever, cyclocross bike, designed in Britain and made in Belgium. Called the X2.0, the bike features a 7005 double butted aluminium frame with a carbon fork designed specifically for disc brakes, and is complete with mudguard and rear rack mounts increasing the versatility on offer. It's offered in four builds priced from £799.

Cyclocross bikes are increasingly popular, both for racing and also for other duties such as commuting to work and general larking about on in the woods, and in the winter are a good training bike option. Merlin says it created a geometry that gives the X2.0 a do-anything appeal with the sort of responsive handling a cyclocross racer needs, but ideal if racing isn’t on your radar and you simply want a fun bike for exploring local byways, bridleways and off-road paths.

Showing that it has been designed for UK cyclists and conditions, Merlin have opted for a traditional 68mm threaded external bottom bracket so it can easily be service by any home mechanic with basic tools. Cables are externally routed as well, running along the top of the top tube. The carbon fibre fork features an aluminium 1 1/8in non-taper steerer tube and both it and the frame offer buckets of mud and tyre clearance.

The Merlin X2.0 will be offered in two regular cyclocross builds, Shimano 105 costing £999 and Shimano Sora for £799. The 105 bike is fitted with Fulcrum Racing Sport Disc wheels with Challenge Grifo 32mm Pro tyres, FSA Gossamer 46/36t chainset and 4ZA handlebars, stem, seatpost and saddle. Claimed weight for the lightest model is a respectable 9.76kg (21.51lb). If the green is a bit bold for your tastes, fear not, a more sedate black and white colour is also available.

The Sora model uses a Sora 46/36t chainset with the same Griffo tyres on 4ZA CX disc rims laced to Shimano hubs.

Demonstrating the versatility of the bike, the X2.0 will also be offered in two commuter friendly builds, complete with Continental Cyclocross Speed 35mm and Merlin Cross City Fenders. There are two models, the X2.0 Sora Commuter at £820 and the 105 Commuter at £1,019.

Each of the four models will use predominantly Shimano groupsets, and all will use the same Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes, with a 160/140mm front/rear disc rotors.

The Merlin X2.0 105 is available in five sizes (XS through to XL), the Merlin X2.0 Sora in five sizes, and the two commuter bikes in four sizes (Small to XL).”

Check out the four bikes at http://bikes.merlincycles.com/