2025 Giant Talon vs 2026 Merida BIG.NINE
The Merida BIG.NINE size closest to your S-29 is the S. Compare the S instead
What changes on the Merida BIG.NINE
Compared with the Giant Talon in S-29, the Merida BIG.NINE in L places the top of the head tube 18 mm higher and 57 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 34 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +18 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- +57 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +34 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −19 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Giant Talon, S-29Merida BIG.NINE, LDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Giant Talon S-29 | Merida BIG.NINE L | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 415 | 472 | +57 mm |
| Stack | 597 | 615 | +18 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67.5 | 68 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 74.5 | 75.3 | +0.8° |
| Effective top tube | 581 | 633 | +52 mm |
| Chainstay length | 455 | 436 | −19 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1139 | 1173 | +34 mm |
| BB drop | 55 | 65 | +10 mm |
| Standover | not listed | 710 | |
| Seat tube length | 380 | 440 | +60 mm |
| Head tube length | 95 | 105 | +10 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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