Merida eSpresso 300 SE EQ

If you like to push yourself and your bike, don't buy the Merida eSpresso! – Bought the bike at the 99 Bikes, half price sale, June 2024. A nice light bike, easy to pedal even without assist but a month later, just under 300km.s, it was slipping when I changed into gears 5 through 9 so I took it for it in for an adjustment. A couple of weeks and almost 100km.s later, it was still slipping in 9 and getting worse, so I… Read more

took it in again. Turned out I needed a new cassette!!! Not even 3 months, under 400kms and I've worn out the cassette?!!! I've been riding touring bikes for 40years and never worn out a cassette in less than 7 years!!! I put over a 2000ks on a 2nd hand Leitner Electric mountain bike and had no problem with slipping!! I like to pedal, usually moving at 23 - 26kph which means I'm pushing past the e assist and they're saying the cassette can't take the emotor torque? (Yes I gear down when slowing or stopping. No, it hasn't been exposed to mud, dust or sand.) I know the bike frame is aluminum and it seems even the cassette must be a very soft metal. Also note - the assist is next to useless on large/steep hills. They say clean the chain every ride - who are they kidding?! Only a competition rider might do that. I am extremely disappointed in the quality and the lack of power.