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The second largest bicycle manufacturer in the world with more than two million units produced each year, MERIDA was nonetheless founded almost by chance in 1972 in the Yuanlin region (Taiwan), considered the Silicon Valley of the cycling industry.
It all began in 1970. During a trip to the United States, Ike Tseng, a mechanical engineer by profession, was struck by a sign in the window of a bike shop warning that the store did not repair bicycles made in Taiwan due to their poor quality. Stung into action and confident in his own skills and those of his compatriots, he went on to found MERIDA, whose three syllables (Me-Ri-Da) mean in Chinese "beautiful, of great quality and very pleasant to use".
Initially a subcontractor/frame manufacturer for other brands, the company decided to step up a gear in 1988 by creating its own brand and building its distribution network. Present in more than 80 countries, it offers a comprehensive range covering all disciplines (Road, Cyclocross, Cross-Country MTB, Enduro, Urban, Electric).
Today recognised worldwide for its quality, innovation and technology, MERIDA designs all its bikes in Germany, more precisely in Stuttgart where its Research & Development centre is based. It also draws on the feedback of the greatest champions, including XC riders José Hermida and Gunn-Rita Dahle, the UCI World Tour Team Lampre Merida from 2013 to 2016 and Team Bahrain Merida since 2017.
Production is carried out in Taiwan at the brand's factories, which boast more than four decades of expertise. The company was notably the first to use robots to weld aluminium frames and has extensive mastery of composite fibres in order to offer ultra-high-performance carbon bikes. An expertise that enables it to offer all its customers a lifetime warranty on its frames.
Mastering the entire chain, from design to assembly including manufacturing, finishing and build, MERIDA bikes bring together all the qualities expected of a bicycle — comfort, control, stability, durability, performance — whether you are a competitive rider chasing results or a leisure cyclist heading out for the occasional ride. Convinced? Then come and discover them without delay at Probikeshop.
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