2025 Specialized Chisel vs 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX
The S is the Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your XS (Low) 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 XS (Low), the Merida NINETY-SIX in S places the top of the head tube 7 mm lower and 30 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 21 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- −7 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +30 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +21 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −2 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Specialized Chisel, XS (Low)Merida NINETY-SIX, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Chisel XS (Low) | Merida NINETY-SIX S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 390mm | 420 | +30 mm |
| Stack | 602.3mm | 595 | −7 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 67 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.5° | 75 | −0.5° |
| Effective top tube | 527mm | 581 | +54 mm |
| Chainstay length | 437mm | 435 | −2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1115mm | 1136 | +21 mm |
| BB drop | 46mm | 36 | −10 mm |
| BB height | 326mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 756mm | 740 | −16 mm |
| Seat tube length | 375mm | 400 | +25 mm |
| Fork length | 530mm | 530 | ±0 mm |
| Head tube length | 95mm | 95 | ±0 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-SIX400 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Specialized D'Aluisio Smartweld M5 | Merida NINETY-SIX LITE V |
| Fork | RockShox Recon | SR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR |
| Rear shock | X-Fusion PRO-02 | SR Suntour Edge LOR |
| Shifter | SRAM SX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | SRAM SX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | SRAM SX Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | SRAM SX Eagle | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM PowerSpline | Shimano MT501 |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Brake | SRAM Level T | Shimano MT200 |
| Dropper post | TranzX Dropper | not listed |
| Seatpost | TranzX Dropper | Merida Expert TR II |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Sport | not listed |
| Rim | not listed | Merida COMP CC II |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Handlebar | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Stem | not listed | Merida TEAM CC III |
| Grips | not listed | Merida COMP EC |
| Headset | not listed | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck |
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