Quiver

2017 Specialized Epic Hardtail Alloy 29 vs 2019 Merida BIG.NINE TEAM

The Merida BIG.NINE TEAM size closest to your M is the S. Compare the S instead

What changes on the Merida BIG.NINE TEAM

Compared with the Specialized Epic Hardtail Alloy 29 in M, the Merida BIG.NINE TEAM in XXL places the top of the head tube 54 mm higher and 54 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 85 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+54 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+54 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+85 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
−1.0°
Slacker: calmer steering
Chainstays
+3 mm
Longer: more planted

The two frames

2017 Specialized Epic Hardtail Alloy 29 (M) and 2019 Merida BIG.NINE TEAM (XXL), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic Hardtail Alloy 29 is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida BIG.NINE TEAM is the colored outline on top.J 1078

Specialized Epic Hardtail Alloy 29, MMerida BIG.NINE TEAM, XXLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic Hardtail Alloy 29 MMerida BIG.NINE TEAM XXLDifference
Reach414mm468+54 mm
Stack610mm664+54 mm
Head tube angle71°70−1.0°
Seat tube angle73.5°73.5±0.0°
Effective top tube593mm665+72 mm
Chainstay length430mm433+3 mm
Wheelbase1078mm1163+85 mm
BB drop61mm65+4 mm
BB height310mmnot listed
Standover799mm842+43 mm
Seat tube length434mm584+150 mm
Fork length496mm506+10 mm
Head tube length100mm145+45 mm

Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE TEAM minus the Specialized Epic Hardtail Alloy 29. Full charts: 2017 Specialized Epic Hardtail Alloy 29, 2019 Merida BIG.NINE TEAM.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Epic Hardtail Alloy 29Merida BIG.NINE TEAM

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 Epic Hardtail Alloy 29Merida BIG.NINE TEAMTEAM
Framenot listedMerida BIG.NINE CF5
Forknot listedRockShox SID World Cup
Derailleurnot listedSRAM XX1 Eagle
Cassettenot listedSRAM XX1 Eagle
Chainnot listedSRAM XX1 Eagle
Bottom bracketnot listedSRAM BB DUB PF MTB 92
Wheelsetnot listedFulcrum Red Passion 3
Tirenot listedMaxxis Ikon
Hubnot listedattached
Brakenot listedSRAM Level Ultimate
Rotornot listedSRAM Centerline X
Handlebarnot listedMerida TEAM CC
Stemnot listedMerida Team CC
Gripsnot listedMerida TEAM CC
Seatpostnot listedMerida TEAM CC
Saddlenot listedPrologo Scratch 2

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