2026 Specialized Chisel Comp vs 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX
The SHORT is the Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your M 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 M, the Merida NINETY-SIX in SHORT places the top of the head tube 5 mm lower and 10 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 6 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −5 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +10 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −6 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, MMerida NINETY-SIX, SHORTDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Chisel Comp M | Merida NINETY-SIX SHORT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 445 | 455 | +10 mm |
| Stack | 606 | 601 | −5 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5 | 67 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.5 | 79.5 | +4.0° |
| Chainstay length | 437 | 435 | −2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1177 | 1171 | −6 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | not listed | |
| BB drop | not listed | 47 | |
| Standover | not listed | 743 | |
| Seat tube length | not listed | 410 | |
| Fork length | not listed | 520 | |
| Head tube length | not listed | 100 |
Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX minus the Specialized Chisel Comp. Full charts: 2026 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 CompChisel Comp | Merida NINETY-SIX400 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Specialized D'Aluisio Smartweld M5 Alloy | Merida NINETY-SIX LITE V |
| Fork | RockShox SID Select+ 3P | SR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR |
| Rear shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+ | SR Suntour Edge LOR |
| Shifter | SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Derailleur | SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | SRAM X1000 Eagle | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Chainring | SRAM Eagle AXS | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB GX | Shimano MT501 |
| Wheelset | Specialized Alloy | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Brake | SRAM DB6 | Shimano MT200 |
| Rotor | SRAM CenterLine | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Handlebar | Specialized alloy | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Stem | Specialized 3D-forged alloy | Merida TEAM CC III |
| Grips | Specialized Trail | Merida COMP EC |
| Dropper post | TranzX dropper internal routing | not listed |
| Seatpost | TranzX 30.9mm | Merida EXPERT TR II |
| Saddle | Specialized Body Geometry Power Sport | not listed |
| Rim | not listed | Merida COMP CC II |
| Headset | not listed | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck |
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