Neat cable routing to the Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 rear derailleur(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Updated seat stays on the new Reacto improve ride comfort(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Key design features of the Reacto remain(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Colbrelli runs Fulcrum's Speed 55T wheels for the flatter stages of the Tour(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Most teams are still getting use out of their Dura-Ace 9000 pedals before they switch over to the latest 9100 series pedals(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Another update on the Reacto is an improved S-Flex carbon seatpost(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Bahrain-Merida and Astana have their team colours on the Prologo saddles(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
The S-Flex seatpost features a silicone rubber insert, similar to Specialized's Zertz inserts(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
The new Reacto is available in disc or caliper versions, with two geometry types for each(Image credit: Josh Evans / Immediate Media)
Sonny Colbrelli has achieved three top 10s so far, with one stage remaining, in his debut Tour de France, equalling his best showing among his six Grand Tour appearances.
The 27-year-old Italian joined Bahrain-Merida for the 2017 season, which is his first at WorldTour level.
In a distinctive vinyl wrap, Colbrelli debuted the 2018 Merida Reacto at the Critérium du Dauphiné in June. Released officially a few days before the Grand Depart in Düsseldorf, the 2018 Merida Reacto sees a raft of changes from its predecessor.
Riding on Reacto CF4 geometry, Colbrelli unsurprisingly opts for the more aggressive geometry option of the model. The two geometry options are available in both disc and caliper versions, with all four models of the frame approved by the UCI.
Updated seatstays to the rear of the frame are reduced in size and feature a sharper angle to the rear dropouts, resulting in greater comfort and claimed aero improvements.
The front end of the bike sees more aero optimisation. The head cluster of the bike is designed to be paired with Vision's Metron 5D integrated handlebar and stem cockpit, although Colbrelli runs an updated version of the Metron 5D, the 6D.
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While the Metron 5D system runs a 10-degree forward curve on the bars for a more ergonomic fit, the Metron 6D runs at zero degrees, a straight system that reduces frontal surface area.
Merida has the Metron 6D exclusively until April 2018, when the handlebar system will become available to buy as a standalone product.
Bahrain-Merida's bikes are paired with Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 groupsets, and power meter equipped cranksets provided by SRM.
