2026 Specialized Chisel vs 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX
The S is the Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your S (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 S (Low), the Merida NINETY-SIX in S places the top of the head tube at about the same height and 5 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 5 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- +2 mm
- About the same height
- Frame reach
- +5 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, S (Low)Merida NINETY-SIX, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Chisel S (Low) | Merida NINETY-SIX S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 415mm | 420 | +5 mm |
| Stack | 593mm | 595 | +2 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 67 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.5° | 75 | −0.5° |
| Effective top tube | 565mm | 581 | +16 mm |
| Chainstay length | 437mm | 435 | −2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1141mm | 1136 | −5 mm |
| BB drop | 36mm | 36 | ±0 mm |
| BB height | 336mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 777mm | 740 | −37 mm |
| Seat tube length | 392mm | 400 | +8 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: 2026 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 SL NX Eagle | not listed |
| Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle | not listed |
| Cassette | SRAM NX Eagle | not listed |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle | not listed |
| Crankset | SRAM NX Eagle | not listed |
| Chainring | SRAM NX Eagle | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM PowerSpline | not listed |
| Wheelset | Specialized Alloy | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast Trak | not listed |
| Brake | SRAM DB6 | not listed |
| Rotor | SRAM DB6 | not listed |
| Handlebar | Specialized alloy | not listed |
| Stem | Specialized 3D-forged | not listed |
| Grips | Specialized Trail Grips | not listed |
| Headset | Specialized Standard 1.1/8"-1.5" | not listed |
| Dropper post | TranzX Dropper | not listed |
| Seatpost | TranzX Dropper | not listed |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Sport | not listed |
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