Merida Silex 400 vs Genesis Croix De Fer 20 725
Both are gravel bikes at a similar price. Here is what actually separates them.
The short answer
For a typical all-round rider the Genesis Croix De Fer 20 725 comes out ahead (65% against 62%). That is not a universal verdict — change the terrain or the priority and the order can flip.
What actually separates them
- Price
- The Merida Silex 400 is £50 cheaper — £1,650 against £1,700.
- Weight
- The Merida Silex 400 is 0.9kg lighter, which you notice on long climbs more than anywhere else.
- Riding position
- The Genesis Croix De Fer 20 725 sits you more upright (1.53 stack-to-reach against 1.47). The Merida Silex 400 is the more aggressive of the two — quicker if you can hold it, harder work if you cannot.
- Tyre clearance
- The Genesis Croix De Fer 20 725 takes 47mm tyres against 45mm — the single most common thing buyers wish they had more of.
Side by side
| Spec | Silex 400 | Croix De Fer 20 725 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | £1,650 | £1,700 |
| Weight | 11.1 kg | 12.0 kg |
| Frame | alloy | steel |
| Groupset | Shimano GRX 400 2x10 mechanical | Shimano CUES U3000/U6000 2x10 mechanical |
| Stack / reach | 1.47 | 1.53 |
| Tyre clearance | 45 mm | 47 mm |
| Lowest gear | 23 in | 22 in |
| Mudguard mounts | Yes | Yes |
| Comfort | 65 | 81 |
| Speed | 17 | 10 |
| Climbing | 44 | 45 |
| Value | 12 | 10 |
Neither might be the right answer
This page assumes an average rider. Tell us how you actually ride and we will rank these two against everything else at the price.
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