2025 Merida Ninety-Six vs 2023 Specialized Epic EVO Comp
The Specialized Epic EVO Comp size closest to your XSHORT is the M. Compare the M instead
What changes on the Specialized Epic EVO Comp
Compared with the Merida Ninety-Six in XSHORT, the Specialized Epic EVO Comp in S places the top of the head tube 3 mm lower and 29 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 17 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −3 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- −29 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −17 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- −0.5°
- Slacker: calmer steering
- Chainstays
- +3 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Merida Ninety-Six, XSHORTSpecialized Epic EVO Comp, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Merida Ninety-Six XSHORT | Specialized Epic EVO Comp S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 435 | 406mm | −29 mm |
| Stack | 596 | 593mm | −3 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67 | 66.5° | −0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 79.5 | 74.8° | −4.7° |
| Effective top tube | not listed | not listed | |
| Chainstay length | 435 | 438mm | +3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1149 | 1132mm | −17 mm |
| BB drop | 47 | 36mm | −11 mm |
| Standover | 741 | 779mm | +38 mm |
| Seat tube length | 400 | 400mm | ±0 mm |
| Fork length | 520 | 530mm | +10 mm |
| Head tube length | 95 | 95mm | ±0 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-Six | Specialized Epic EVO CompEVO Comp |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | not listed | RockShox SID Select |
| Rear shock | not listed | RockShox Deluxe Select+ |
| Shifter | not listed | SRAM GX |
| Derailleur | not listed | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Cassette | not listed | SRAM GX Eagle |
| Chain | not listed | SRAM NX Eagle |
| Bottom bracket | not listed | SRAM DUB |
| Tire | not listed | Specialized Ground Control |
| Brake | not listed | SRAM G2 RS |
| Seatpost | not listed | X-Fusion Manic |
| Saddle | not listed | Specialized Power Sport |
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