Quiver

2027 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 LONG places the top of the head tube 4 mm higher and 50 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 38 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+4 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+50 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+38 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
±0.0°
About the same head angle
Chainstays
−2 mm
About the same

The two frames

2027 Specialized Chisel (M (High)) and 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX (LONG), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Chisel is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida NINETY-SIX is the colored outline on top.J 1177

Specialized Chisel, M (High)Merida NINETY-SIX, LONGDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Chisel M (High)Merida NINETY-SIX LONGDifference
Reach445mm495+50 mm
Stack606mm610+4 mm
Head tube angle67°67±0.0°
Seat tube angle75.5°79.5+4.0°
Effective top tube602mmnot listed
Chainstay length437mm435−2 mm
Wheelbase1177mm1215+38 mm
BB dropnot listed47
BB height342mmnot listed
Standover777mm747−30 mm
Seat tube length410mm445+35 mm
Fork length530mm520−10 mm
Head tube length110mm110±0 mm

Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX minus the Specialized Chisel. Full charts: 2027 Specialized Chisel, 2026 Merida NINETY-SIX.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized ChiselMerida 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 ChiselChiselMerida NINETY-SIX
FrameSpecialized D''Aluisio Smartweld M5not listed
ForkRockShox Reconnot listed
Rear shockX-Fusion PRO-02not listed
ShifterSRAM SL S100 Shiftnot listed
DerailleurSRAM S200 Eaglenot listed
CassetteSRAM SX Eaglenot listed
ChainSRAM S100not listed
CranksetSRAM S100not listed
Bottom bracketSRAM PowerSplinenot listed
TireSpecialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast Traknot listed
BrakeSRAM DB4not listed
Dropper postTranzX Droppernot listed
SaddleSpecialized Power Sportnot listed

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