2025 Specialized Chisel vs 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX
The SHORT is the Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your M Specialized Chisel. 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 NINETY-SIX
Compared with the Specialized Chisel in M, the Merida NINETY-SIX in SHORT places the top of the head tube 5 mm lower and 10 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 6 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −5 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +10 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −6 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- ±0.0°
- About the same head angle
- Chainstays
- −2 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Specialized Chisel, MMerida NINETY-SIX, SHORTDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Chisel M | Merida NINETY-SIX SHORT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 445mm | 455 | +10 mm |
| Stack | 606mm | 601 | −5 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67° | 67 | ±0.0° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.5° | 79.5 | +4.0° |
| Effective top tube | not listed | not listed | |
| Chainstay length | 437mm | 435 | −2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1177mm | 1171 | −6 mm |
| BB drop | 36mm | 47 | +11 mm |
| BB height | 336mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 777mm | 743 | −34 mm |
| Seat tube length | 410mm | 410 | ±0 mm |
| Fork length | 530mm | 520 | −10 mm |
| Head tube length | 110mm | 100 | −10 mm |
Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX minus the Specialized Chisel. Full charts: 2025 Specialized Chisel, 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized ChiselMerida NINETY-SIX
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 | Specialized ChiselChisel | Merida NINETY-SIX |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Specialized D'Aluisio Smartweld M5 | not listed |
| Fork | RockShox Recon | not listed |
| Rear shock | X-Fusion PRO-02 | not listed |
| Shifter | SRAM SX Eagle | not listed |
| Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle | not listed |
| Cassette | SRAM SX Eagle | not listed |
| Chain | SRAM SX Eagle | not listed |
| Crankset | SRAM SX Eagle | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM PowerSpline | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast Trak | not listed |
| Brake | SRAM Level T | not listed |
| Dropper post | TranzX Dropper | not listed |
| Seatpost | TranzX Dropper | not listed |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Sport | not listed |
Know what is on every bike.
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