Quiver

2022 Specialized Epic EVO RS vs 2024 Merida NINETY-SIX

The Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your M is the XSHORT. Compare the XSHORT instead

What changes on the Merida NINETY-SIX

Compared with the Specialized Epic EVO RS in M, the Merida NINETY-SIX in SHORT places the top of the head tube 4 mm higher and 19 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 7 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+4 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+19 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+7 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
+0.5°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
−3 mm
Shorter: livelier

The two frames

2022 Specialized Epic EVO RS (M) and 2024 Merida NINETY-SIX (SHORT), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic EVO RS is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida NINETY-SIX is the colored outline on top.J 1164

Specialized Epic EVO RS, MMerida NINETY-SIX, SHORTDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic EVO RS MMerida NINETY-SIX SHORTDifference
Reach436mm455+19 mm
Stack597mm601+4 mm
Head tube angle66.5°67+0.5°
Seat tube angle74.5°79.5+5.0°
Chainstay length438mm435−3 mm
Wheelbase1164mm1171+7 mm
BB drop36mm47+11 mm
BB height336mmnot listed
Standover781mm743−38 mm
Seat tube length430mm410−20 mm
Fork length530mm520−10 mm
Head tube length100mm100±0 mm
Effective top tubenot listednot listed

Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX minus the Specialized Epic EVO RS. Full charts: 2022 Specialized Epic EVO RS, 2024 Merida NINETY-SIX.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Epic EVO RSMerida 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 Epic EVO RSS-Works EVO RSMerida NINETY-SIX400
ForkRockShox SID UltimateSR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR
Rear shockRockShox SIDLuxe UltimateSR Suntour Edge Plus 2CR
ShifterSRAM AXS Rocker Paddlenot listed
DerailleurSRAM XX1 Eagle AXSShimano Deore M6100
CassetteSRAM XX1 EagleShimano Deore M6100
ChainSRAM XX1 EagleKMC X12
CranksetSRAM XX1 EagleShimano Deore MT512
Bottom bracketSRAM DUBShimano MT501
WheelsetRoval Control SLnot listed
TireSpecialized Ground ControlMaxxis Rekon Race
BrakeSRAM G2 UltimateShimano MT200
HandlebarRoval Control SLMerida EXPERT CC
StemTruVativ Descendant 35Merida TEAM CC III
SeatpostRockShox Reverb AXSMerida EXPERT TR II
SaddleSpecialized S-Works Powernot listed
Framenot listedMerida NINETY-SIX LITE V
Rimnot listedMerida COMP CC II
Rotornot listedShimano SM-RT10
Gripsnot listedMerida COMP EC
Headsetnot listedAcros ICR EXTERNAL neck

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