2025 Specialized Chisel Shimano vs 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX
The XL is the Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your L (High) Specialized Chisel Shimano. 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 Shimano in L (High), 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
- ±0.0°
- About the same head angle
- Chainstays
- −2 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Specialized Chisel Shimano, L (High)Merida NINETY-SIX, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Chisel Shimano L (High) | Merida NINETY-SIX XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 470mm | 480 | +10 mm |
| Stack | 620mm | 614 | −6 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67° | 67 | ±0.0° |
| 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 | not listed | 36 | |
| BB height | 342mm | 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 Shimano. Full charts: 2025 Specialized Chisel Shimano, 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Chisel ShimanoMerida 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 ShimanoShimano | 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 | Shimano Deore | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Derailleur | Shimano Deore | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M6100 | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | KMC X12EPT | KMC X12 |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Hub | Shimano MT410-B | not listed |
| Brake | Shimano Deore M4100 | Shimano MT200 |
| Dropper post | TranzX Dropper | not listed |
| Seatpost | TranzX Dropper | Merida Expert TR II |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Sport | not listed |
| Crankset | not listed | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Bottom bracket | not listed | Shimano MT501 |
| 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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