2023 Santa Cruz Highball S vs 2025 Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED
The Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED size closest to your M is the M. Compare the M instead
What changes on the Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED
Compared with the Santa Cruz Highball S in M, the Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED in L places the top of the head tube 19 mm higher and 20 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 31 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +19 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- +20 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +31 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 S, MMerida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED, LDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Santa Cruz Highball S M | Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED L | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 440 | 460 | +20 mm |
| Stack | 605 | 624 | +19 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67 | 66.9 | −0.1° |
| Seat tube angle | 73.5 | 74.2 | +0.7° |
| Effective top tube | 619 | 637 | +18 mm |
| Chainstay length | 426 | 430 | +4 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1145 | 1176 | +31 mm |
| BB drop | 60 | 57 | −3 mm |
| BB height | 313 | not listed | |
| Standover | 704 | 715 | +11 mm |
| Seat tube length | 430 | 440 | +10 mm |
| Head tube length | 105 | 105 | ±0 mm |
| Fork length | not listed | 530 |
Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED minus the Santa Cruz Highball S. Full charts: 2023 Santa Cruz Highball S, 2025 Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITED.
Where each sits in its class
Santa Cruz Highball SMerida 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 Highball SS | Merida BIG.NINE TR LIMITEDLIMITED |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Sid SL Select+ | Manitou Machete Comp |
| Shifter | SRAM GX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Derailleur | SRAM GX 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 | DT Swiss 370 | not listed |
| Rim | Race Face AR Offset 27 | Merida COMP CC II |
| Brake | SRAM Level TL | not listed |
| Rotor | Avid Centerline | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Handlebar | SRAM Atmos Flat Bar | Merida EXPERT CC |
| 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 |
| Grips | not listed | Merida COMP EC |
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