2023 Santa Cruz Highball vs 2025 Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED
The M is the Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED size closest to your M Santa Cruz Highball. 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 Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED
Compared with the Santa Cruz Highball in M, the Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED in M places the top of the head tube 9 mm higher and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 7 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +9 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- ±0 mm
- About the same reach
- Wheelbase
- +7 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- −0.1°
- About the same head angle
- Chainstays
- +4 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Santa Cruz Highball, MMerida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED, MDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Santa Cruz Highball M | Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED M | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 440 | 440 | ±0 mm |
| Stack | 605 | 614 | +9 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67 | 66.9 | −0.1° |
| Seat tube angle | 73.5 | 74.2 | +0.7° |
| Effective top tube | 619 | 614 | −5 mm |
| Chainstay length | 426 | 430 | +4 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1145 | 1152 | +7 mm |
| BB drop | 60 | 57 | −3 mm |
| BB height | 313 | not listed | |
| Standover | 704 | 713 | +9 mm |
| Seat tube length | 430 | 410 | −20 mm |
| Head tube length | 105 | 95 | −10 mm |
| Fork length | not listed | 530 |
Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED minus the Santa Cruz Highball. Full charts: 2023 Santa Cruz Highball, 2025 Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED.
Where each sits in its class
Santa Cruz HighballMerida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED
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 | Santa Cruz HighballGX AXS | Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITEDLIMITED |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Sid SL Select+ | Manitou Machete Comp |
| Derailleur | SRAM GX AXS Eagle | Shimano XT |
| Cassette | SRAM GX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB | Shimano MT501 |
| Tire | Maxxis Rekon Race | Maxxis Rekon |
| Hub | Industry Nine 1/1 | not listed |
| Rim | Race Face ARC Offset 27 | Merida COMP CC II |
| Brake | SRAM Level TL | not listed |
| Rotor | Avid Centerline Centerlock | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Stem | SRAM Atmos 6k Stem | Merida TEAM CC III |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck |
| Seatpost | Race Face Next | Merida EXPERT TR |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium CroMo | not listed |
| Frame | not listed | Merida BIG.NINE TR LITE III |
| Shifter | not listed | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Handlebar | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Grips | not listed | Merida COMP EC |
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