There's a particular kind of ride that gravel cyclists chase: long, varied, a bit lumpy, the sort of route where you're not quite sure how you'll feel by the last 20 miles. The eSilex+ 600 is built for exactly that, with a motor on board to take the edge off when you want it to.
This is a Merida e-gravel bike done properly. The MAHLE ebikemotion system keeps the whole setup light and unobtrusive, so when you're not using the assistance, the bike still rides like a gravel bike should, responsive, lively, and not weighed down by bulky motor hardware.
The rear hub motor produces 40Nm of torque, enough to help you sustain pace over long climbs or into a headwind without it ever feeling like you're cheating the terrain.
The motor and battery
The 250Wh battery sits fully integrated inside the downtube, which keeps the frame profile clean and protects it from the knocks and muck that come with gravel riding.
Because the system weight is kept low overall, paired with a carbon fork and a well-designed aluminium frame, the eSilex+ 600 doesn't feel like a heavy electric bike with a gravel skin on it. It feels like a gravel bike that happens to have a motor.
There's almost no drag from the motor when it's switched off, which is a genuine plus if you're the kind of rider who likes to spin without assistance on flatter sections and only dip into support when the gradient bites.
Controls and connectivity
Support levels are managed through an iWoc button, easy to reach and simple to use on the move. For those who want more control, the companion app lets you adjust how the assistance feels and reviews ride data afterwards. Useful if you're tracking fitness or planning future routes based on where the battery worked hardest.
Frame details worth knowing
The frame is set up for practical riding, with mounts for mudguards and a rack, so it works as well on a loaded weekend trip as it does on a fast Saturday morning loop. There's also a hidden kickstand mount built in, a small detail that makes a real difference if you're stopping regularly on a commute or touring route.
Cable routing runs internally through the frame, entering via a specific headset cap that keeps the cockpit looking tidy. It's the kind of considered design that Merida bikes tend to do well.
Wheel size options
The eSilex+ 600 can run either 700c or 650b wheels, which gives you genuine flexibility. Stick with 700c for speed and rolling efficiency on smoother surfaces, or drop to 650b to run wider tyres with more grip and cushioning on rougher gravel or mixed terrain. Both setups work with the frame geometry and motor system.
Who this suits
If you're looking at a Merida electric bike because you want to cover more ground, extend your weekend rides, or take on hillier routes without arriving completely cooked, the eSilex+ 600 makes a strong case. It's also worth considering if you're riding regularly in the UK, where the weather and terrain often call for something a bit more capable than a standard gravel bike.
It's less suited to pure road riding or anyone who wants a full-power mountain bike motor. This is a gravel-first machine, and the motor is there to support that, not define it.