Quiver

2020 Merida BIG.NINE vs 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset

The S is the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset size closest to your S Merida BIG.NINE. We match frame stack and reach. This is a geometry comparison, not a fit recommendation; stem, spacers, handlebars and saddle setup also affect your riding position.

What changes on the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset

Compared with the Merida BIG.NINE in S, the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset in S places the top of the head tube 20 mm lower and 5 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 64 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
−20 mm
Lower front end
Frame reach
+5 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
−64 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
+2.8°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
−30 mm
Shorter: livelier

The two frames

2020 Merida BIG.NINE (S) and 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset (S), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Merida BIG.NINE is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset is the colored outline on top.J 1137

Merida BIG.NINE, SSpecialized Epic Hardtail Frameset, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementMerida BIG.NINE SSpecialized Epic Hardtail Frameset SDifference
Reach390395mm+5 mm
Stack619599mm−20 mm
Head tube angle6769.8°+2.8°
Seat tube angle7474°±0.0°
Effective top tube559568mm+9 mm
Chainstay length460430mm−30 mm
Wheelbase11371073mm−64 mm
BB drop5361mm+8 mm
Standover694760mm+66 mm
Seat tube length370400mm+30 mm
Fork length535496mm−39 mm
Head tube length10095mm−5 mm
BB heightnot listed309mm

Differences are the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset minus the Merida BIG.NINE. Full charts: 2020 Merida BIG.NINE, 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset.

Where each sits in its class

Merida BIG.NINESpecialized Epic Hardtail Frameset

AggressivePositionUpright
CalmSteeringQuick
PlayfulBalancePlanted

Each bike is ranked against the other XC bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.

What each ships with

The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.

PartMerida BIG.NINE100Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset
FrameMerida BIG.NINE TFSnot listed
ForkSR Suntour XCM-HLOnot listed
ShifterShimano Altusnot listed
DerailleurShimano Acera M3000, Shimano Alivionot listed
CassetteShimano HG200not listed
ChainKMC M99not listed
Bottom bracketShimano UN100 BSAnot listed
PedalsVPE-891not listed
TireMaxxis Ikonnot listed
HubShimano TX505not listed
RimMerida COMP CCnot listed
BrakeShimano MT200not listed
RotorShimano SM-RT10not listed
HandlebarMerida EXPERT CCnot listed
StemMerida COMP CCnot listed
GripsMerida COMP ECnot listed
HeadsetMerida M2345not listed
SeatpostMerida COMP CCnot listed
SaddleMerida COMP CCnot listed

Know what is on every bike.

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