Quiver

2025 Specialized Chisel Comp Shimano vs 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX

The Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your M (High) is the SHORT. Compare the SHORT instead

What changes on the Merida NINETY-SIX

Compared with the Specialized Chisel Comp Shimano in M (High), the Merida NINETY-SIX in MID places the top of the head tube at about the same height and 30 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 16 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
−1 mm
About the same height
Frame reach
+30 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+16 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
±0.0°
About the same head angle
Chainstays
−2 mm
About the same

The two frames

2025 Specialized Chisel Comp Shimano (M (High)) and 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX (MID), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Chisel Comp Shimano is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida NINETY-SIX is the colored outline on top.J 1177

Specialized Chisel Comp Shimano, M (High)Merida NINETY-SIX, MIDDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Chisel Comp Shimano M (High)Merida NINETY-SIX MIDDifference
Reach445mm475+30 mm
Stack606mm605−1 mm
Head tube angle67°67±0.0°
Seat tube angle75.5°79.5+4.0°
Effective top tube602mmnot listed
Chainstay length437mm435−2 mm
Wheelbase1177mm1193+16 mm
BB dropnot listed47
BB height342mmnot listed
Standover777mm745−32 mm
Seat tube length410mm425+15 mm
Fork length530mm520−10 mm
Head tube length110mm105−5 mm

Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX minus the Specialized Chisel Comp Shimano. Full charts: 2025 Specialized Chisel Comp Shimano, 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Chisel Comp ShimanoMerida NINETY-SIX

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.

PartSpecialized Chisel Comp ShimanoComp ShimanoMerida NINETY-SIX400
FrameSpecialized D'Aluisio Smartweld M5Merida NINETY-SIX LITE V
ForkRockShox SIDSR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR
Rear shockRockShox Deluxe Select+SR Suntour Edge LOR
ShifterShimano SLXShimano Deore M6100
DerailleurShimano SLX M7100Shimano Deore M6100
CassetteShimano Deore M6100Shimano Deore M6100
ChainShimano Deore M6100KMC X12
CranksetShimano MT511Shimano Deore MT512
Bottom bracketShimano MT501Shimano MT501
TireSpecialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast TrakMaxxis Rekon Race
HubShimano MT410-Bnot listed
BrakeShimano Deore M6100Shimano MT200
SeatpostTranzX Dropper postMerida EXPERT TR II
SaddleSpecialized Power Sportnot listed
Rimnot listedMerida COMP CC II
Rotornot listedShimano SM-RT10
Handlebarnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Stemnot listedMerida TEAM CC III
Gripsnot listedMerida COMP EC
Headsetnot listedAcros ICR EXTERNAL neck

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