2026 Merida Big Trail vs 2027 Santa Cruz Tallboy FA
We can't match sizes for these two: one of them has no stack and reach for the sizes shown.
What changes on the Santa Cruz Tallboy FA
- Frame stack
- n/a
- One of the bikes has no number for this
- Frame reach
- n/a
- One of the bikes has no number for this
- Wheelbase
- n/a
- One of the bikes has no number for this
- Head angle
- +0.8°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- +1 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Only the Merida Big Trail is drawn. The Santa Cruz Tallboy FA numbers we have for size M are missing the reach, stack and wheelbase.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Merida Big Trail XSHORT | Santa Cruz Tallboy FA M | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 415 | not listed | |
| Stack | 627 | not listed | |
| Head tube angle | 64 | 64.8 | +0.8° |
| Seat tube angle | 76.5 | 77 | +0.5° |
| Effective top tube | 559 | 596 | +37 mm |
| Chainstay length | 435 | 435.5 | +1 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1165 | not listed | |
| BB drop | 70 | not listed | |
| Standover | 715 | not listed | |
| Seat tube length | 385 | not listed | |
| Fork length | 551 | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 90 | 115 | +25 mm |
Differences are the Santa Cruz Tallboy FA minus the Merida Big Trail. Full charts: 2026 Merida Big Trail, 2027 Santa Cruz Tallboy FA.
Where each sits in its class
Merida Big TrailSanta Cruz Tallboy FA
AggressivePositionUpright
CalmSteeringQuick
PlayfulBalancePlanted
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 | Santa Cruz Tallboy FAXX AXS FA RSV |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Merida Big Trail TFS II | not listed |
| Fork | SR Suntour XCR34 2CR | RockShox Pike Flight Attendant Ultimate |
| Shifter | Shimano CUES U4000 | SRAM Pod Rocker Controller |
| Derailleur | Shimano CUES U4000 | SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission |
| Cassette | SunRace U9 | SRAM XX SL 1299 Eagle Transmission |
| Chain | KMC XGlide | SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission |
| Crankset | Shimano CUES UT-400-1 | SRAM XX SL Eagle Power Meter Transmission |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano BB-UN101 | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB |
| Wheelset | Merida Comp CC II | not listed |
| Tire | Kenda Regolith | Maxxis Dissector |
| Hub | Shimano TC500-B, Shimano TC500-HM-B | not listed |
| Rim | Merida COMP CC II | Reserve 30|SL Carbon |
| Brake | Shimano MT200 | SRAM Maven Carbon Ultimate |
| Rotor | Shimano SM-RT10 | SRAM HS2 |
| Handlebar | Merida Comp TR II | not listed |
| Stem | Merida Comp TR | Industry Nine A35 |
| Grips | Merida Comp TR | not listed |
| Headset | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck | Chris King DropSet 3 50th Anniversary Integrated Headset |
| Dropper post | Merida COMP TR II | OneUp Components Dropper Post |
| Seatpost | Merida COMP TR II | not listed |
| Saddle | Merida Comp SL | WTB Silverado Medium Fusion |
| Rear shock | not listed | RockShox Super Deluxe Flight Attendant Ultimate |
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