2025 Specialized Chisel Comp vs 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX
The XL is the Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your L (Low) Specialized Chisel Comp. 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 Comp in L (Low), the Merida NINETY-SIX in XL places the top of the head tube 6 mm lower and 10 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 5 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −6 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +10 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −5 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −2 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Specialized Chisel Comp, L (Low)Merida NINETY-SIX, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Chisel Comp L (Low) | Merida NINETY-SIX XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 470mm | 480 | +10 mm |
| Stack | 620mm | 614 | −6 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 67 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.5° | 74.5 | −1.0° |
| Effective top tube | 634mm | 648 | +14 mm |
| Chainstay length | 437mm | 435 | −2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1208mm | 1203 | −5 mm |
| BB drop | 36mm | 36 | ±0 mm |
| BB height | 336mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 787mm | 749 | −38 mm |
| Seat tube length | 450mm | 500 | +50 mm |
| Fork length | 530mm | 530 | ±0 mm |
| Head tube length | 125mm | 115 | −10 mm |
Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX minus the Specialized Chisel Comp. Full charts: 2025 Specialized Chisel Comp, 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Chisel CompMerida 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 Chisel CompComp | Merida NINETY-SIX400 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Specialized Smartweld | Merida NINETY-SIX LITE V |
| Fork | RockShox SID | SR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR |
| Rear shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+ | SR Suntour Edge LOR |
| Shifter | SRAM GX | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | SRAM NX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | SRAM SX Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | SRAM X1000 Eagle | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | Shimano MT501 |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Brake | SRAM Level T | Shimano MT200 |
| Handlebar | Specialized XC Minirise | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Dropper post | TranzX Dropper | not listed |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Sport | not listed |
| Rim | not listed | Merida COMP CC II |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Stem | not listed | Merida TEAM CC III |
| Grips | not listed | Merida COMP EC |
| Headset | not listed | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck |
| Seatpost | not listed | Merida Expert TR II |
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