While Merida and dirt jumping might not be the first thing that comes to mind, those with longer memories might remember the United Merida Freeriders from the early noughties.
Merida UK: “With the success of our current gravity-oriented mountain bikes and e-MTBs such as the ONE-SIXTY FR and eONE-EIGHTY, we’ve been keen to bolster our current lineup with a highly affordable and fun machine for pumptracks, dirt jumps and general messing around. We’ve also been conscious of catering for the next generation of MERIDA riders with a high-quality, durable and affordable bike that’s good for going to school on, as well as heading to the trails afterwards.
“The DIRT uses our know-how in aluminium frame design to deliver a deceptively simple and sleek 26” wheel machine that’s designed as a singlespeed only, helping keep the potential for damage – and costs – down while the performance and reliability high.”
Press Release…
THE NEW MERIDA DIRT RANGE – SERIOUS PLAYTIME
We are very pleased to announce the launch of the all-new MERIDA DIRT, our new dirt jumping, pumptrack and play bike, helping to spread the fun to a new group of riders.
Building on the success and positive reputation of our gravity-focussed mountain bikes and e-MTBs, the DIRT is designed to offer maximum fun for the money, wrapped up in a simple but tough package. That means a robust 6061 aluminium frame with dialled-in geometry, a simple singlespeed gearing setup and de rigueur 26” wheels, all backed up by a five-year Category 5 DH and Freeride warranty.
Despite simplicity being a key goal, we’ve packed in the features where they count, with the ability to run a gyro, extra-long rear brake hoses as standard and a bottle cage mount that adds in versatility for urban riding. With two sizes on offer, riders can choose between a super agile setup for tricks or a longer, more stable setup for taller riders or pumptrack fans.
We’ve kept the range simple with two models; the DIRT 700 is ideal for serious dirt jump and slopestyle riders, with top-spec equipment such as DT Swiss D1900 wheels and a RockShox Pike DJ fork. On the other hand, the DIRT 500 is ideal for young guns starting out, with an air-sprung Manitou Circus DJ fork, Alex rims and Kenda tyres delivering excellent control at a very aggressive price point.
If there’s ever a type of bike with a bigger gap between WANT vs NEED for me, a dirt jump / pump track bike is it. Looks bloody awesome but I’d just embarrass/break myself on one.
Love the bike but at 70 odd I am to old to do it justice
Dirt Jump bikes are the best looking bikes – by far.
@Bruce – if Doug can do it so can you –
I have to agree with this. I started riding a DJ bike about 4 years ago, I have an Airdrop Fade, at the age of 53’ish. I don’t do much jumping but I do use it for a bit of street-trials and general skills development. I can now track-stand, fakey, wheelie, hop, front and rear wheel pivot – and it’s made me a happier person :o)
The press release mentions the ability to ride it to school. I can’t see a front brake in the pictures?
The Dirt 500, which appears to be aimed more at the kids, does:
They look like brilliant bikes. Fair play.
I know the expensive one gets a Pike DJ instead of the Circus, but do DJ bikes even need fancy forks? Mine still has an old Dirt Jumper 1 from around 2010(ish), it pops when I go up and squishes when I land, absorbing the impact, that’s pretty all they need to do. They also need to be tough AF for all the shonky landings
PS – more jump bikes for sale is a great thing. Just what young kids need. Bring back the Calibre Astronut.