Quiver

2021 Merida NINETY-SIX vs 2023 Specialized Epic EVO Comp

The Specialized Epic EVO Comp size closest to your M is the M. Compare the M instead

What changes on the Specialized Epic EVO Comp

Compared with the Merida NINETY-SIX in M, the Specialized Epic EVO Comp in S places the top of the head tube at about the same height and 34 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 24 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
−2 mm
About the same height
Frame reach
−34 mm
Shorter frame reach
Wheelbase
−24 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
−0.5°
Slacker: calmer steering
Chainstays
+3 mm
Longer: more planted

The two frames

2021 Merida NINETY-SIX (M) and 2023 Specialized Epic EVO Comp (S), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Merida NINETY-SIX is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Specialized Epic EVO Comp is the colored outline on top.J 1156

Merida NINETY-SIX, MSpecialized Epic EVO Comp, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementMerida NINETY-SIX MSpecialized Epic EVO Comp SDifference
Reach440406mm−34 mm
Stack595593mm−2 mm
Head tube angle6766.5°−0.5°
Seat tube angle7574.8°−0.2°
Effective top tube601not listed
Chainstay length435438mm+3 mm
Wheelbase11561132mm−24 mm
BB drop3636mm±0 mm
Standover741779mm+38 mm
Seat tube length440400mm−40 mm
Fork length530530mm±0 mm
Head tube length9595mm±0 mm
BB heightnot listed336mm

Differences are the Specialized Epic EVO Comp minus the Merida NINETY-SIX. Full charts: 2021 Merida NINETY-SIX, 2023 Specialized Epic EVO Comp.

Where each sits in its class

Merida NINETY-SIXSpecialized Epic EVO Comp

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 NINETY-SIX8000Specialized Epic EVO CompEVO Comp
FrameMerida NINETY-SIX CF4 IIInot listed
ForkRockShox SID UltimateRockShox SID Select
Rear shockRock SIDLuxe UltimateRockShox Deluxe Select+
DerailleurSRAM GX EagleSRAM GX Eagle
CassetteSRAM XX1 EagleSRAM GX Eagle
ChainSRAM XX1 EagleSRAM NX Eagle
Crankset175mm-M upnot listed
Bottom bracketBB DUB BSA 73 MTBSRAM DUB
WheelsetReynolds TR309not listed
TireMaxxis Minion DHR IISpecialized Ground Control
RotorShimano RT-MT900not listed
HandlebarMerida TEAM CCnot listed
StemMerida TEAM CC IInot listed
SeatpostMerida EXPERT TRX-Fusion Manic
SaddleScratch M5 PASSpecialized Power Sport
Shifternot listedSRAM GX
Brakenot listedSRAM G2 RS

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