Merida Mission CX 8000

SURE, THAT MIGHT BE ONE OF the true definitions and stereotypes of CX, but these days the sport—and the specialist bikes used in the short-course, obstacle-riddled pursuit—have diversified. Case in point, Merida’s latest high-end offering in this niche market segment: the Mission CX 8000.

LINES BLURRED

While the lines might be increasingly blurred in terms of the technical differences between a gravel and true cyclocross bike, this eye-catching Merida is unmistakably the latter. That said, don't be tricked into thinking this slick-looking green machine