2026 Specialized Chisel vs 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX
The Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your M (High) is the SHORT. Compare the SHORT instead
What changes on the Merida NINETY-SIX
Compared with the Specialized Chisel in M (High), the Merida NINETY-SIX in XSHORT places the top of the head tube 10 mm lower and 10 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 28 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −10 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- −10 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −28 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, M (High)Merida NINETY-SIX, XSHORTDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Chisel M (High) | Merida NINETY-SIX XSHORT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 445mm | 435 | −10 mm |
| Stack | 606mm | 596 | −10 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67° | 67 | ±0.0° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.5° | 79.5 | +4.0° |
| Effective top tube | 602mm | not listed | |
| Chainstay length | 437mm | 435 | −2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1177mm | 1149 | −28 mm |
| BB drop | not listed | 47 | |
| BB height | 342mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 777mm | 741 | −36 mm |
| Seat tube length | 410mm | 400 | −10 mm |
| Fork length | 530mm | 520 | −10 mm |
| Head tube length | 110mm | 95 | −15 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-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 SL NX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | SRAM NX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | SRAM NX Eagle | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Chainring | SRAM NX Eagle | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM PowerSpline | Shimano MT501 |
| Wheelset | Specialized Alloy | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Brake | SRAM DB6 | Shimano MT200 |
| Rotor | SRAM DB6 | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Handlebar | Specialized alloy | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Stem | Specialized 3D-forged | Merida TEAM CC III |
| Grips | Specialized Trail Grips | Merida COMP EC |
| Headset | Specialized Standard 1.1/8"-1.5" | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck |
| 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 |
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