Quiver

2026 Specialized Chisel Comp vs 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX

The Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your M is the SHORT. Compare the SHORT instead

What changes on the Merida NINETY-SIX

Compared with the Specialized Chisel Comp in M, the Merida NINETY-SIX in XL places the top of the head tube 8 mm higher and 35 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 26 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+8 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+35 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+26 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
+0.5°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
−2 mm
About the same

The two frames

2026 Specialized Chisel Comp (M) and 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX (XL), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Chisel Comp is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida NINETY-SIX is the colored outline on top.J 1177

Specialized Chisel Comp, MMerida NINETY-SIX, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Chisel Comp MMerida NINETY-SIX XLDifference
Reach445480+35 mm
Stack606614+8 mm
Head tube angle66.567+0.5°
Seat tube angle75.574.5−1.0°
Chainstay length437435−2 mm
Wheelbase11771203+26 mm
Effective top tubenot listed648
BB dropnot listed36
Standovernot listed749
Seat tube lengthnot listed500
Fork lengthnot listed530
Head tube lengthnot listed115

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

AggressivePositionUpright
CalmSteeringQuick
PlayfulBalancePlanted

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.

PartSpecialized Chisel CompChisel CompMerida NINETY-SIX400
FrameSpecialized D'Aluisio Smartweld M5 AlloyMerida NINETY-SIX LITE V
ForkRockShox SID Select+ 3PSR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR
Rear shockRockShox Deluxe Select+SR Suntour Edge LOR
ShifterSRAM Eagle 70 TransmissionShimano Deore M6100
DerailleurSRAM Eagle 70 TransmissionShimano Deore M6100
CassetteSRAM Eagle 70 TransmissionShimano Deore M6100
ChainSRAM Eagle 70 TransmissionKMC X12
CranksetSRAM X1000 EagleShimano Deore MT512
ChainringSRAM Eagle AXSnot listed
Bottom bracketSRAM DUB GXShimano MT501
WheelsetSpecialized Alloynot listed
TireSpecialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast TrakMaxxis Rekon Race
BrakeSRAM DB6Shimano MT200
RotorSRAM CenterLineShimano SM-RT10
HandlebarSpecialized alloyMerida EXPERT CC
StemSpecialized 3D-forged alloyMerida TEAM CC III
GripsSpecialized TrailMerida COMP EC
Dropper postTranzX dropper internal routingnot listed
SeatpostTranzX 30.9mmMerida Expert TR II
SaddleSpecialized Body Geometry Power Sportnot listed
Rimnot listedMerida COMP CC II
Headsetnot listedAcros ICR EXTERNAL neck

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