2025 Merida Ninety-Six vs 2023 Specialized Epic EVO Comp
The M is the Specialized Epic EVO Comp size closest to your XSHORT Merida Ninety-Six. 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 Epic EVO Comp
Compared with the Merida Ninety-Six in XSHORT, the Specialized Epic EVO Comp in M places the top of the head tube at about the same height and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 15 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +1 mm
- About the same height
- Frame reach
- +1 mm
- About the same reach
- Wheelbase
- +15 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- −0.5°
- Slacker: calmer steering
- Chainstays
- +3 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Merida Ninety-Six, XSHORTSpecialized Epic EVO Comp, MDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Merida Ninety-Six XSHORT | Specialized Epic EVO Comp M | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 435 | 436mm | +1 mm |
| Stack | 596 | 597mm | +1 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67 | 66.5° | −0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 79.5 | 74.5° | −5.0° |
| Effective top tube | not listed | not listed | |
| Chainstay length | 435 | 438mm | +3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1149 | 1164mm | +15 mm |
| BB drop | 47 | 36mm | −11 mm |
| Standover | 741 | 781mm | +40 mm |
| Seat tube length | 400 | 430mm | +30 mm |
| Fork length | 520 | 530mm | +10 mm |
| Head tube length | 95 | 100mm | +5 mm |
| BB height | not listed | 336mm |
Differences are the Specialized Epic EVO Comp minus the Merida Ninety-Six. Full charts: 2025 Merida Ninety-Six, 2023 Specialized Epic EVO Comp.
Where each sits in its class
Merida Ninety-SixSpecialized Epic EVO Comp
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 Ninety-Six400 | Specialized Epic EVO CompEVO Comp |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Merida NINETY-SIX LITE V | not listed |
| Fork | SR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR | RockShox SID Select |
| Rear shock | SR Suntour Edge LOR | RockShox Deluxe Select+ |
| Shifter | Shimano Deore M6100 | SRAM GX |
| Derailleur | Shimano Deore M6100 | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M6100 | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Chain | KMC X12 | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Crankset | Shimano Deore MT512 | not listed |
| Chainring | Shimano Deore MT512 | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano MT501 | SRAM DUB |
| Wheelset | Shimano TC500-B/TC500-MS-B | not listed |
| Tire | Maxxis Rekon Race | Specialized Ground Control |
| Rim | Merida COMP CC II | not listed |
| Brake | Shimano MT200 | SRAM G2 RS |
| Rotor | Shimano SM-RT10 | not listed |
| Handlebar | Merida EXPERT CC | not listed |
| Stem | Merida TEAM CC III | not listed |
| Grips | Merida COMP EC | not listed |
| Headset | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck | not listed |
| Dropper post | Merida Expert TR II | not listed |
| Seatpost | Merida EXPERT TR II | X-Fusion Manic |
| Saddle | Merida Comp SL | Specialized Power Sport |
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