2_4_DiscoverBenelux_13_Januar_2014_MADS_Scan Magazine 1 17/12/2014 15:22 Page 44
Discover Benelux | Special Theme | Cycling
Merida More bike, more fun! TEXT: EMMIE COLLINGE | PHOTOS: MERIDA
Merida, the long-established Taiwanese bicycle producer, has stood for decades at the top of its game – and podiums too. Synonymous with the world’s best value mountain bikes, its focus has widened to incorporate ultra-lightweight, high performance aero road bikes, coveted carbon frames, a streamlined women’s range and its own World Tour team. When the eminent mountain bike manufacturer announced its intention to develop road bikes, cyclists of the world listened. Known for its innovation and proficiency, with over three decades of experience contained within some of the world’s most advanced bicycle production facilities, we were sure Merina would create something special.
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we caught up with head of Benelux, Peter Koperdraad, whose outspoken love for the sport is contagious. “More people than ever are out cycling and the beauty of the sport is that there are no constraints, no time boundaries or limitations,” explains Koperdraad. “There’s a freedom associated with cycling that is worth discovering.” A complete line-up of MTB and Racing bikes is available for ladies, an often overlooked market.
Launching its first complete road bike collection in 2010 was a huge undertaking but one which the world’s second largest bicycle manufacturer relished. Now with the Reacto, Scultura and Ride series, each out performing more established road brands, Merida is rightly proud. From the Benelux headquarters in Apeldoorn,
With the research and development headquarters in Germany and the manufacturing Hq in Yuanlin, Taiwan, Merida’s expertise is unmatched. “We’ve got the best of both worlds. The production facilities in Taiwan are so clean you could eat off the floors – even entering the paint line requires entrance through high pressure cabins to remove dust particles,” he says incredulously.