Quiver

2019 Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED vs 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset

The XL is the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset size closest to your XXL Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED. 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 Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset

Compared with the Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED in XXL, the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset in XL places the top of the head tube 24 mm lower and 7 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 9 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
−24 mm
Lower front end
Frame reach
−7 mm
Shorter frame reach
Wheelbase
−9 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
−0.2°
About the same head angle
Chainstays
−3 mm
Shorter: livelier

The two frames

2019 Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED (XXL) and 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset (XL), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset is the colored outline on top.J 1163

Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED, XXLSpecialized Epic Hardtail Frameset, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementMerida BIG.NINE LIMITED XXLSpecialized Epic Hardtail Frameset XLDifference
Reach469462mm−7 mm
Stack661637mm−24 mm
Head tube angle7069.8°−0.2°
Seat tube angle73.574°+0.5°
Effective top tube665649mm−16 mm
Chainstay length433430mm−3 mm
Wheelbase11631154mm−9 mm
BB drop6561mm−4 mm
Standover859845mm−14 mm
Seat tube length584520mm−64 mm
Fork length506506mm±0 mm
Head tube length145125mm−20 mm
BB heightnot listed309mm

Differences are the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset minus the Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED. Full charts: 2019 Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED, 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset.

Where each sits in its class

Merida BIG.NINE LIMITEDSpecialized Epic Hardtail Frameset

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.

PartMerida BIG.NINE LIMITEDLIMITEDSpecialized Epic Hardtail Frameset
FrameMerida BIG.NINE LITEnot listed
ForkManitou Markhor Compnot listed
DerailleurShimano SLX Shadow+not listed
CassetteSunRace CSMX8not listed
ChainKMC X11not listed
Bottom bracketFSA BB-92 pressfitnot listed
TireMaxxis Ikonnot listed
HubShimano MT400-Bnot listed
RimMerida COMP CCnot listed
BrakeShimano MT200not listed
RotorShimano SM-RT10not listed
HandlebarMerida EXPERT CCnot listed
StemMerida EXPERT CCnot listed
GripsMerida COMP ECnot listed
HeadsetMerida M2331not listed
SeatpostMerida COMP CCnot listed
SaddleMerida COMP CCnot listed

Know what is on every bike.

Add your bike to Quiver. Keep its parts, setup, and service history together, then share your build.

Explore the app
A Transition Relay build sheet: frame, fork, shock and drivetrainThe Relay’s ride photo galleryThe Relay’s ride spectrum and 2D frame geometryThe garage: five bikes and 99 recorded partsA Specialized Tarmac SL8 road build sheet