REACTO

AERODYNAMICS REFINED

The king is dead, long live the king! According to this motto, our test and award-winning aero bike, the 'old' REACTO is history. However, fear not, we have not just abolished our aero machine but have completely redesigned it for the 2021 season, allowing the latest REACTO to take its place on the throne and to be once again one of the leading bikes in its class.

Based on the DNA of the previous model, which was highly praised by the press for having 'very good aerodynamics', being 'comfortable for an aero bike' and offering 'stable riding characteristics', for what added up to a super impressive 1.5 score in the TOUR (3-2019) magazine test, we have created our current REACTO. In its latest version, we have combined these class-leading characteristics and have combined them with the latest innovations and trends to take it once again to the front of the peloton. 

The result of our work was quickly noticed by the international cycling press, which awarded our REACTO with multiple 'Best in Test', 'Editor's Choice' and 'Gear of the Year' accolades.  

INTENDED USE

From serious racer via enthusiast to the ambitious road rider, the REACTO is a great bike for many people. Its outstanding aerodynamic performance, reduced weight, sharp handling and super quick acceleration makes it the perfect bike for criterium racers and sprinters. At the same time, the further improved class-leading comfort gives it the ability to play out its aerodynamic advantage also on the cobblestones – or the idyllic but potholed littered lanes of your favourite training ride.

With a clean design, optimised aerodynamics, cockpit cable integration, tyre clearance for up to 30 mm wide tyres, the well-proven MERIDA S-Flex seat post for maximum comfort and for an aero road bike very lightweight frame, it offers everything a modern aero bike needs to bring to the table.

KEY COMPONENTS

DISC COOLER

The 2nd generation disc coolers are further integrated into the frame and fork to minimise aerodynamic drag while reducing the risk of the disc brakes overheating on long and demanding descents. The forged aluminium part under the front and rear disc brake caliper draw heat away through CNC-milled cooling fins, giving 35% less heat build-up and faster temperature reduction for stable braking performance.

TYRE CLEARANCE

The fork and frame allow tyres of up to 30 mm to be fitted, which besides the well-proven S-Flex seat post, further improve the comfort as well as the road grip of the REACTO.

CABLE INTEGRATION

One of the key elements of the REACTO that further improves the already impressive aerodynamic performance of its predecessor is the complete cable integration, hiding all cables from view and wind exposure and generating a 2 Watts saving.

ONE-PIECE

The one-piece handlebar-stem combination offers outstanding aerodynamics and weight savings while giving the rider plenty of control. All cables run through the carbon cockpit for a sleek and unclutters look and aerodynamic efficiency.

DIRECT MOUNT

The direct mount gear hanger reduces moving parts at the derailleur end and improves shifting accuracy as well as aids fast wheel changes.

SEAT POST CLAMP

A hidden seat post clamp helps to keep lines smooth and uninterrupted as well as reduce turbulence around crucial parts of the bike.

INTEGRATED THROUGH AXLE

The latest standard front through-axle with an into the fork leg integrated tread reduces turbulence and drag while providing a super sleek appearance.

S-FLEX SEATPOST

The well-proven S-Flex seat post provides the REACTO with outstanding comfort. While being an integral part of the overall aerodynamic concept of the REACTO, its 'thinning' gives it compliance which is comparable with a 27.2 mm round carbon post. So, it combines comfort with class-leading aerodynamics.

REMOVABLE THROUGH AXLE LEAVER

The REACTO features 12 mm bolt through axles for greater wheel stiffness and precise disc alignment when replacing wheels. The leaver (when inserted into the axle) allows easy loosening and tightening of the axle with its 6 mm Allen key. When removed, it works as a 4 mm Alley key, perfect for tightening, for example, the seat clamp or the stem bolt.

R&D FOCUS

Improving aerodynamics was the main target in the development process of the latest REACTO. With its predecessor, the 2018 launched REACTO III, delivering almost unrivalled aerodynamic performance, this was one of the most difficult jobs in the overall development process of the REACTO IV. But being at the sharp end of bicycle development, even the most incremental improvements of certain aspects can deliver real progress when looking at the end result.

For developing the current REACTO, aerodynamic performance was for sure one of the key points. But during the development process, we never lost sight of its overall performance. So the goal was not just to make it even more effective in the fight against the wind, but to increase its overall performance and to make it a faster bike in every situation. Stiffness, lightweight, comfort – these demands don't always go hand in hand with achieving aerodynamic perfection – so the challenge was to find the perfect compromise amongst all these possibilities.

With the 4th generation REACTO, we created a great performing all-rounder – with class-leading aerodynamic performance.