Rui Costa’s Merida Reacto Evo
Rui Costa’s Merida Reacto Evo
Having started the year as world champion, Merida welcomed Portuguese ace Rui Costa to the Lampre-Merida team with a custom-painted Reacto Evo.
In fact, the whole squad rode the Merida Reacto Evo after team research suggested aerodynamics trump low weight in the pursuit of marginal gains. The frame adopts a series of aero tube profiles dubbed ‘Fastback’ by Merida, with direct-mount brakes (including a rear brake hidden behind the bottom bracket) also contribute to its wind-cheating prowess.
Meanwhile, flax fibres in the seatstays and seat post are designed to ensure the push for greater aero performance does not compromise comfort.
Costa’s Evo – which was replaced at the Tour de France in favour of the lightweight Merida Reacto KOM – was equipped with Rotor’s non-round Q-rings, Shimano Dura-Ace Di2, a Prologo saddle and Fulcrum Racing Speed XLR wheels.
And – as you would expect for a bike built specially for the world champion – there was no shortage of rainbow stripes on either the Evo or the KOM, until Michal Kwiatkowski succeeded Costa as world champion last month.
The Merida Reacto Evo features in the RCUK100 – RoadCyclingUK’s definitive guide to the 100 best products for 2015. Coming soon.