Yukiya Arashiro's 2018 Merida Reacto - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
These are the first SRM Origin cranksets we've seen with Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 chainrings - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
Despite the updated chainrings, Arashiro is still running Dura-Ace 9000 series pedals - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
The Di2 cable for the Shimano Dura-Ace R9150 rear derailleur exits directly out of the back of the chainstay - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
Bahrain-Merida's bikes are running Dura-Ace chains - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
The 2018 Merida Reacto sees smaller seatstays than its predecessor - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
Colour-coordinated Elite Custom Race Plus bottle-cages for Bahrain-Merida - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
A closer look at the SRM Origin crankset - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
Arashiro opts for satellite shifter buttons on the drops of his handlebars - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
The custom-finished gold SRM PC-8 headunit wasn't available to be shot with the bike - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
The internal cable routing of the frame runs through the downtube - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
The top tube on the Reacto features a central peak - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
Bahran-Merida are equipped with team edition Prologo saddles - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
Arashiro opts for Vision Metron integrated handlebars - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
A quick-release barrel adjuster allows the rear brake to be released - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
The Fulcrum Speed 55T wheels are paired with Continental tubulars - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
A look at Arashiro's cockpit - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
For 2018, Bahrain-Merida have switched to a black base colour on their bikes as opposed to the dark metallic blue from last season - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
A look at the rear brake, which is positioned underneath the bottom bracket - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
The Merida Reacto seatpost features a rubber insert that helps dampen road vibrations, increasing comfort and reducing fatigue - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
The brake position on the bike results in a neat rear end - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
A look at the carbon-shelled Fulcrum hubs - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
As with other aero bikes, the seat clamp in a wedge-style system located in the top tube and seat-tube junction - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
Arashiro runs an 11-28 cassette - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
The SRM power meter is paired with a SRM speed sensor, which is located on the fork arm - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
Several WorldTour teams run Continental Competition ALX 25mm tubular tyres - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
A number 1 sticker marks Arashiro's race bike over the spare bike - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
In his 11th season as a professional, Japanese rider Yukiya Arashiro begins his 2018 campaign as he did in the previous season at the Tour Down Under.
While the updated 2018 Merida Reacto was first seen back in June at the Criterium du Dauphine, Arashiro receives an updated paintjob and new chainrings on a bike that is otherwise very similar to last season.
Bahrain-Merida used SRM Origin cranksets in their debut season and the German power-meter company has updated the crankset for 2018 with Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 series chainrings, resulting in a high-end black and raw carbon unit.
These are the first SRM Origin cranksets we've seen with Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 chainrings - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
During 2017, Bahrain-Merida finished their Merida framesets in a red, gold, but predominantly metallic blue base-colour design. For 2018, the team switches the metallic blue base colour for a more contrasting black, which not only matches the crankset but the Dura-Ace groupset and Fulcrum Speed raw carbon wheels and allows the additional colours to pop out on the bike.
Arashiro chooses to pair his aero frameset with the equally wind-cheating Vision Metron 5D integrated handlebar and stem combination, which is only wrapped with tape on the drops and left bare on the tops for maximum aerodynamic performance.
A look at Arashiro's cockpit - Colin Levitch/Immediate Media
Italian saddle specialists Prologo provide Bahrain-Merida with saddles, customised with bands of team colours on the rear of the saddle.
Merida Reacto CF4 full specification
Frame: Merida Reacto CF4
Fork: Merida Reacto Superlite full carbon tapered fork
Saddle height, from bottom bracket (c-t): 705mm
Tip of saddle nose to handlebars (c): 525mm
Total bicycle weight: 7.26kg
Brakes: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100
Brake/shift levers: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150
Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150
Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace R9150
Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100, 11-28
Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace R9100
Crankset: SRM Origin with integrated power meter, 172.5mm cranks, 53/39 Shimano Dura-Ace R9100 chainrings
