Quiver

2021 Merida NINETY-SIX RC vs 2023 Specialized Epic Pro

The L is the Specialized Epic Pro size closest to your L Merida NINETY-SIX RC. 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 Pro

Compared with the Merida NINETY-SIX RC in L, the Specialized Epic Pro in L places the top of the head tube 10 mm higher and 3 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 10 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+10 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
−3 mm
Shorter frame reach
Wheelbase
+10 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
−1.0°
Slacker: calmer steering
Chainstays
−2 mm
About the same

The two frames

2021 Merida NINETY-SIX RC (L) and 2023 Specialized Epic Pro (L), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Merida NINETY-SIX RC is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Specialized Epic Pro is the colored outline on top.J 1169

Merida NINETY-SIX RC, LSpecialized Epic Pro, LDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementMerida NINETY-SIX RC LSpecialized Epic Pro LDifference
Reach473470−3 mm
Stack595605+10 mm
Head tube angle68.567.5−1.0°
Seat tube angle7675.5−0.5°
Effective top tube619not listed
Chainstay length435433−2 mm
Wheelbase11691179+10 mm
BB drop4548+3 mm
Standover736not listed
Seat tube length470not listed
Fork length503not listed
Head tube length105not listed
BB heightnot listed324

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

Where each sits in its class

Merida NINETY-SIX RCSpecialized Epic Pro

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-SIX RC5000Specialized Epic ProPro
FrameMerida NINETY-SIX RC CF4 IIISpecialized Epic
ForkRockShox Reba RLRockShox SID SL BRAIN
Rear shockRock SIDluxe Select+RockShox BRAIN
DerailleurShimano XT M8100 Shadow+SRAM X01 Eagle AXS
CassetteShimano Deore M6100SRAM X01 Eagle
ChainKMC X12Specialized SRAX X01 Eagle
Crankset175mm-M upSRAM X1 Eagle
Bottom bracketShimano SM-BB52SRAM DUB
TireMaxxis Rekon RaceSpecialized Fast Trak, Specialized Renegade
RimMerida EXPERT CCRoval Control
RotorShimano SM-RT54not listed
HandlebarMerida EXPERT CCS Works Carbon XC Mini Rise
StemMerida TEAM CC IISpecialized Pro SL
SeatpostMerida EXPERT TR LIGHTSpecialized Bike Yoke Divine SL
SaddleMerida COMP CCSpecialized Power Expert
Shifternot listedSRAM Eagle AXS Rocker Paddle
Wheelsetnot listedRoval Control
Hubnot listedDT Swiss 350
Brakenot listedSRAM TLM

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