Quiver

2021 Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED vs 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset

The Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset size closest to your L is the L. Compare the L instead

What changes on the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset

Compared with the Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED in L, the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset in XL places the top of the head tube 9 mm higher and 23 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 33 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+9 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+23 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+33 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
−0.2°
About the same head angle
Chainstays
−3 mm
Shorter: livelier

The two frames

2021 Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED (L) 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 1121

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

Geometry side by side

MeasurementMerida BIG.NINE LIMITED LSpecialized Epic Hardtail Frameset XLDifference
Reach439462mm+23 mm
Stack628637mm+9 mm
Head tube angle7069.8°−0.2°
Seat tube angle73.574°+0.5°
Effective top tube625649mm+24 mm
Chainstay length433430mm−3 mm
Wheelbase11211154mm+33 mm
BB drop6561mm−4 mm
Standover771845mm+74 mm
Seat tube length483520mm+37 mm
Fork length506506mm±0 mm
Head tube length110125mm+15 mm
BB heightnot listed309mm

Differences are the Specialized Epic Hardtail Frameset minus the Merida BIG.NINE LIMITED. Full charts: 2021 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
ShifterShimano Deore M5100not listed
DerailleurShimano Deore M5100 Shadow+not listed
CassetteShimano Deore M5100not listed
ChainKMC X12not listed
Bottom bracketShimano MT500-PA pressfitnot listed
TireMaxxis Ikonnot listed
HubShimano MT400-Bnot listed
RimMerida COMP CCnot listed
BrakeTektro M275not 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

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