2025 Merida Big Trail vs 2026 Forbidden Heathen Framekit
The S1 is the Forbidden Heathen Framekit size closest to your XSHORT Merida Big Trail. 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 Forbidden Heathen Framekit
Compared with the Merida Big Trail in XSHORT, the Forbidden Heathen Framekit in S1 places the top of the head tube 6 mm lower and 20 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 10 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −6 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +20 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −10 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- ±0.0°
- About the same head angle
- Chainstays
- n/a
- One of the bikes has no number for this
The two frames
Only the Merida Big Trail is drawn. The Forbidden Heathen Framekit numbers we have for size S1 are missing the chainstay length.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Merida Big Trail XSHORT | Forbidden Heathen Framekit S1 | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 415 | 435 | +20 mm |
| Stack | 627 | 621 | −6 mm |
| Head tube angle | 64 | 64 | ±0.0° |
| Seat tube angle | 76.5 | 76 | −0.5° |
| Effective top tube | 559 | 590 | +31 mm |
| Chainstay length | 435 | not listed | |
| Wheelbase | 1165 | 1155.4 | −10 mm |
| BB drop | 70 | not listed | |
| Standover | 715 | 716 | +1 mm |
| Seat tube length | 385 | 400 | +15 mm |
| Fork length | 551 | 541 | −10 mm |
| Head tube length | 90 | 90 | ±0 mm |
| Stack-to-reach | not listed | not listed | |
| BB height | not listed | 301 |
Differences are the Forbidden Heathen Framekit minus the Merida Big Trail. Full charts: 2025 Merida Big Trail, 2026 Forbidden Heathen Framekit.
Where each sits in its class
Merida Big TrailForbidden Heathen Framekit
Each bike is ranked against the other trail 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 Trail300 | Forbidden Heathen Framekit |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Merida BIG.TRAIL TFS II | not listed |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCR34 2CR | not listed |
| Shifter | Shimano CUES U4000 | not listed |
| Derailleur | Shimano CUES U4000 | not listed |
| Cassette | Shimano LG300 | not listed |
| Chain | KMC XGlide | not listed |
| Crankset | Shimano CUES U4000 | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | FSA BB-7420ST 127.5mm | not listed |
| Wheelset | Merida Comp CC II | not listed |
| Tire | Kenda Regolith | not listed |
| Rim | Merida COMP CC II | not listed |
| Brake | Shimano MT200 | not listed |
| Rotor | Shimano SM-RT10 | not listed |
| Handlebar | Merida Comp TR | not listed |
| Stem | Merida Comp TR | not listed |
| Grips | Merida COMP EC | not listed |
| Headset | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck | not listed |
| Dropper post | dropper | not listed |
| Seatpost | Merida COMP TR II | not listed |
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