2025 Giant Talon vs 2026 Merida BIG.NINE
The XL is the Merida BIG.NINE size closest to your XL (29") Giant Talon. 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
Compared with the Giant Talon in XL (29"), the Merida BIG.NINE in XL places the top of the head tube 15 mm lower and 16 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 18 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −15 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +16 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −18 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −16 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Giant Talon, XL (29")Merida BIG.NINE, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Giant Talon XL (29") | Merida BIG.NINE XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 476 | 492 | +16 mm |
| Stack | 639 | 624 | −15 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67.5° | 68 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 74.5° | 75.3 | +0.8° |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 655 | |
| Chainstay length | 455 | 439 | −16 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1217 | 1199 | −18 mm |
| BB drop | 55 | 65 | +10 mm |
| Standover | 710 | 731 | +21 mm |
| Seat tube length | 480 | 470 | −10 mm |
| Head tube length | 140 | 115 | −25 mm |
| Fork length | not listed | 506 |
Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE minus the Giant Talon. Full charts: 2025 Giant Talon, 2026 Merida BIG.NINE.
Where each sits in its class
Giant TalonMerida BIG.NINE
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 | Giant Talon0 | Merida BIG.NINE15 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Giant ALUXX | Merida BIG.NINE TFS V |
| Fork | Giant SXC32-2 RCL | SR Suntour XCE 28 |
| Shifter | Shimano Deore M6100 | not listed |
| Derailleur | Shimano Deore M6100 | Shimano Acera M315, Shimano Tourney TY300 |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M6100 | Shimano CS-HG210-7 |
| Chain | KMC X-12 | KMC Z7 |
| Crankset | Prowheel MPX | Shimano Acera M315 |
| Chainring | Prowheel MPX | not listed |
| Pedals | MTB caged | VPE-891 |
| Wheelset | Giant GX03V | not listed |
| Tire | Maxxis Rekon, Maxxis Rekon Race | Kenda K1080 |
| Rim | Giant GX03V | Merida CC |
| Brake | Shimano MT200 | Shimano Acera M375 |
| Rotor | Shimano RT-10 | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Handlebar | Giant Connect Trail | Merida CC |
| Stem | Giant Sport | Merida COMP CC |
| Grips | Giant Sole-O | Merida EC |
| Dropper post | Giant Contact Switch Core | not listed |
| Saddle | Giant ErgoContact Trail | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | not listed | FSA TH 7420ST |
| Hub | not listed | Shimano TX505 |
| Seatpost | not listed | Merida CC |
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