Quiver

2025 Specialized Epic World Cup Expert vs 2026 Merida BIG.NINE TR 700

The S is the Merida BIG.NINE TR 700 size closest to your S Specialized Epic World Cup 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 BIG.NINE TR 700

Compared with the Specialized Epic World Cup Expert in S, the Merida BIG.NINE TR 700 in S places the top of the head tube 14 mm higher and 5 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 8 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+14 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+5 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+8 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
+0.4°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
±0 mm
About the same

The two frames

2025 Specialized Epic World Cup Expert (S) and 2026 Merida BIG.NINE TR 700 (S), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic World Cup Expert is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida BIG.NINE TR 700 is the colored outline on top.J 1124

Specialized Epic World Cup Expert, SMerida BIG.NINE TR 700, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic World Cup Expert SMerida BIG.NINE TR 700 SDifference
Reach415420+5 mm
Stack600614+14 mm
Head tube angle66.566.9+0.4°
Seat tube angle74.574.2−0.3°
Effective top tube581594+13 mm
Chainstay length430430±0 mm
Wheelbase11241132+8 mm
BB drop5857−1 mm
BB height313not listed
Standover761712−49 mm
Seat tube length395380−15 mm
Fork length516mm530+14 mm
Head tube length9395+2 mm

Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE TR 700 minus the Specialized Epic World Cup Expert. Full charts: 2025 Specialized Epic World Cup Expert, 2026 Merida BIG.NINE TR 700.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Epic World Cup ExpertMerida BIG.NINE TR 700

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 World Cup ExpertExpertMerida BIG.NINE TR 700700
FrameSpecialized FACT 11mMerida BIG.NINE TR LITE III
ForkRockShox Sid SL Select+Manitou Machete Comp
Rear shockRockShox SIDLuxe WCID Ultimatenot listed
ShifterSRAM XS-1275not listed
DerailleurSRAM GX Eagle TransmissionShimano Deore M6100
CassetteSRAM POD ControllerShimano Deore M6100
ChainSRAM GX Eagle TransmissionKMC X12
CranksetSRAM GX EagleShimano Deore MT512
ChainringSRAM Eagle AXSnot listed
Bottom bracketSRAM DUBShimano MT501
WheelsetRoval Controlnot listed
TireSpecialized Fast Trak, Specialized RenegadeMaxxis Rekon
HubDT Swiss 350not listed
RimRoval ControlMerida COMP CC II
BrakeSRAM Level Bronze, SRAM Level Ultimate StealthShimano MT200
HandlebarSpecialized Mini RiseMerida EXPERT CC
StemSpecialized XCMerida TEAM CC III
GripsSRAM SlipMerida Comp TR
SeatpostSpecialized AlloyMerida COMP TR
SaddleSpecialized Power Sportnot listed
Rotornot listedShimano SM-RT10
Headsetnot listedAcros ICR EXTERNAL neck

Know what is on every bike.

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