2026 Merida BIG.NINE vs 2026 Specialized Rockhopper Sport
The Specialized Rockhopper Sport size closest to your L is the XL-29. Compare the XL-29 instead
What changes on the Specialized Rockhopper Sport
Compared with the Merida BIG.NINE in L, the Specialized Rockhopper Sport in L-29 places the top of the head tube 11 mm higher and 27 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 21 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- +11 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- −27 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −21 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- 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 L-29 are missing the chainstay length.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Merida BIG.NINE L | Specialized Rockhopper Sport L-29 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 472 | 445 | −27 mm |
| Stack | 615 | 626 | +11 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 | 1152 | −21 mm |
| BB drop | 65 | 62 | −3 mm |
| Standover | 710 | 781 | +71 mm |
| Seat tube length | 440 | 450 | +10 mm |
| Fork length | 506 | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 105 | 105 | ±0 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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