2026 Specialized Chisel Base vs 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX
The Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your M is the SHORT. Compare the SHORT instead
What changes on the Merida NINETY-SIX
Compared with the Specialized Chisel Base in M, the Merida NINETY-SIX in S places the top of the head tube 11 mm lower and 25 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 41 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −11 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- −25 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −41 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −2 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Specialized Chisel Base, MMerida NINETY-SIX, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Chisel Base M | Merida NINETY-SIX S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 445 | 420 | −25 mm |
| Stack | 606 | 595 | −11 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5 | 67 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.5 | 75 | −0.5° |
| Effective top tube | 602 | 581 | −21 mm |
| Chainstay length | 437 | 435 | −2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1177 | 1136 | −41 mm |
| BB drop | 36 | 36 | ±0 mm |
| BB height | 336 | not listed | |
| Standover | 777 | 740 | −37 mm |
| Seat tube length | 410 | 400 | −10 mm |
| Fork length | 530 | 530 | ±0 mm |
| Head tube length | 110 | 95 | −15 mm |
Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX minus the Specialized Chisel Base. Full charts: 2026 Specialized Chisel Base, 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Chisel BaseMerida NINETY-SIX
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.
| Part | Specialized Chisel Base | Merida NINETY-SIX400 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | not listed | Merida NINETY-SIX LITE V |
| Fork | not listed | SR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR |
| Rear shock | not listed | SR Suntour Edge LOR |
| Shifter | not listed | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Derailleur | not listed | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | not listed | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | not listed | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | not listed | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Bottom bracket | not listed | Shimano MT501 |
| Tire | not listed | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Rim | not listed | Merida COMP CC II |
| Brake | not listed | Shimano MT200 |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Handlebar | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Stem | not listed | Merida TEAM CC III |
| Grips | not listed | Merida COMP EC |
| Headset | not listed | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck |
| Seatpost | not listed | Merida EXPERT TR II |
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