Quiver

2021 Merida BIG.NINE vs 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset

The L is the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset size closest to your L 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 L, the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset in L places the top of the head tube 9 mm lower and 3 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 7 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
−9 mm
Lower front end
Frame reach
+3 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+7 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
−0.2°
About the same head angle
Chainstays
−3 mm
Shorter: livelier

The two frames

2021 Merida BIG.NINE (L) and 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset (L), 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 1121

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

Geometry side by side

MeasurementMerida BIG.NINE LSpecialized Epic Hardtail Frameset LDifference
Reach438441mm+3 mm
Stack631622mm−9 mm
Head tube angle7069.8°−0.2°
Seat tube angle73.574°+0.5°
Effective top tube625623mm−2 mm
Chainstay length433430mm−3 mm
Wheelbase11211128mm+7 mm
BB drop6561mm−4 mm
Standover778814mm+36 mm
Seat tube length483470mm−13 mm
Fork length506506mm±0 mm
Head tube length110110mm±0 mm
BB heightnot listed309mm

Differences are the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset minus the Merida BIG.NINE. Full charts: 2021 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.NINE15Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset
FrameMerida BIG.NINE SPEEDnot listed
ForkSR Suntour XCT30not listed
ShifterShimano ST-EF505not listed
DerailleurShimano FD-TY700, Shimano Acera M310not listed
CassetteSunRace CSM668not listed
ChainSunRace M84not listed
Bottom bracketFSA TH-7420ST-Wnot listed
PedalsVPE-891not listed
TireMerida K1080not listed
HubShimano TX505not listed
RimMerida CCnot listed
BrakeShimano ST-EF505not listed
RotorShimano SM-RT10not listed
HandlebarMerida CCnot listed
StemMerida CCnot listed
GripsMerida ECnot listed
HeadsetFSA No.10not listed
SeatpostMerida CCnot listed

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