2026 Merida BIG.NINE vs 2026 Specialized Rockhopper Sport
The XL-29 is the Specialized Rockhopper Sport size closest to your L Merida BIG.NINE. 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 Rockhopper Sport
Compared with the Merida BIG.NINE in L, the Specialized Rockhopper Sport in XL-29 places the top of the head tube 25 mm higher and 7 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 5 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +25 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- −7 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +5 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- n/a
- One of the bikes has no number for this
The two frames
Only the Merida BIG.NINE is drawn. The Specialized Rockhopper Sport numbers we have for size XL-29 are missing the chainstay length.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Merida BIG.NINE L | Specialized Rockhopper Sport XL-29 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 472 | 465 | −7 mm |
| Stack | 615 | 640 | +25 mm |
| Head tube angle | 68 | 68.5 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.3 | 73.5 | −1.8° |
| Effective top tube | 633 | not listed | |
| Chainstay length | 436 | not listed | |
| Wheelbase | 1173 | 1178 | +5 mm |
| BB drop | 65 | 62 | −3 mm |
| Standover | 710 | 820 | +110 mm |
| Seat tube length | 440 | 500 | +60 mm |
| Fork length | 506 | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 105 | 120 | +15 mm |
| BB height | not listed | 310 |
Differences are the Specialized Rockhopper Sport minus the Merida BIG.NINE. Full charts: 2026 Merida BIG.NINE, 2026 Specialized Rockhopper Sport.
Where each sits in its class
Merida BIG.NINESpecialized Rockhopper Sport
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 | Merida BIG.NINE15 | Specialized Rockhopper SportSport |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Merida BIG.NINE TFS V | Specialized Rockhopper |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCE 28 | SR Suntour XCM |
| Derailleur | Shimano Acera M315, Shimano Tourney TY300 | Shimano CUES |
| Cassette | Shimano CS-HG210-7 | Shimano CUES |
| Chain | KMC Z7 | KMC eGlide |
| Crankset | Shimano Acera M315 | Specialized Stout Pro |
| Bottom bracket | FSA TH 7420ST | not listed |
| Pedals | VPE-891 | not listed |
| Tire | Kenda K1080 | Specialized Ground Control 2BR |
| Hub | Shimano TX505 | not listed |
| Rim | Merida CC | not listed |
| Brake | Shimano Acera M375 | Shimano MT200 |
| Rotor | Shimano SM-RT10 | not listed |
| Handlebar | Merida CC | Specialized Mini Rise |
| Stem | Merida COMP CC | Specialized Stout |
| Grips | Merida EC | Specialized Trail |
| Seatpost | Merida CC | Alloy, 2-bolt clamp, 30.9mm |
| Shifter | not listed | Shimano CUES |
| Wheelset | not listed | Specialized alloy, disc only, double-wall, 25mm inner width, 32h |
| Saddle | not listed | Specialized Bridge Sport |
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