2023 Specialized Epic EVO Expert vs 2025 Merida Ninety-Six
The XL is the Merida Ninety-Six size closest to your XL Specialized Epic EVO Expert. 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 Merida Ninety-Six
Compared with the Specialized Epic EVO Expert in XL, the Merida Ninety-Six in XL places the top of the head tube 15 mm lower and 5 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 24 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −15 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- −5 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −24 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −3 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Specialized Epic EVO Expert, XLMerida Ninety-Six, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic EVO Expert XL | Merida Ninety-Six XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 485mm | 480 | −5 mm |
| Stack | 629mm | 614 | −15 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 67 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 74.5° | 74.5 | ±0.0° |
| Chainstay length | 438mm | 435 | −3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1227mm | 1203 | −24 mm |
| BB drop | 36mm | 36 | ±0 mm |
| BB height | 336mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 804mm | 749 | −55 mm |
| Seat tube length | 520mm | 500 | −20 mm |
| Fork length | 530mm | 530 | ±0 mm |
| Head tube length | 135mm | 115 | −20 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 648 |
Differences are the Merida Ninety-Six minus the Specialized Epic EVO Expert. Full charts: 2023 Specialized Epic EVO Expert, 2025 Merida Ninety-Six.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic EVO ExpertMerida 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 Epic EVO ExpertEVO Expert | Merida Ninety-Six400 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID Select+ | SR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR |
| Rear shock | RockShox SID LUXE Select+ | SR Suntour Edge LOR |
| Shifter | SRAM GX Eagle AXS Controller | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle AXS | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | SRAM GX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | SRAM GX Eagle | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | Shimano MT501 |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Hub | DT Swiss 350 | not listed |
| Rim | Roval Control | Merida COMP CC II |
| Brake | SRAM G2 RS | Shimano MT200 |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic | Merida EXPERT TR II |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Sport | Merida Comp SL |
| Frame | not listed | Merida NINETY-SIX LITE V |
| Chainring | not listed | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Wheelset | not listed | Shimano TC500-B/TC500-MS-B |
| 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 |
| Dropper post | not listed | Merida Expert TR II |
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