Quiver

2017 Specialized Epic Hardtail vs 2019 Merida BIG.NINE TEAM

The S is the Merida BIG.NINE TEAM size closest to your S Specialized Epic Hardtail. 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 BIG.NINE TEAM

Compared with the Specialized Epic Hardtail in S, the Merida BIG.NINE TEAM in S places the top of the head tube 25 mm higher and 12 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 33 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+25 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+12 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+33 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
−1.0°
Slacker: calmer steering
Chainstays
+3 mm
Longer: more planted

The two frames

2017 Specialized Epic Hardtail (S) and 2019 Merida BIG.NINE TEAM (S), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic Hardtail is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida BIG.NINE TEAM is the colored outline on top.J 1047

Specialized Epic Hardtail, SMerida BIG.NINE TEAM, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic Hardtail SMerida BIG.NINE TEAM SDifference
Reach390mm402+12 mm
Stack592mm617+25 mm
Head tube angle71°70−1.0°
Seat tube angle73.5°73.5±0.0°
Effective top tube565mm585+20 mm
Chainstay length430mm433+3 mm
Wheelbase1047mm1080+33 mm
BB drop61mm65+4 mm
BB height310mmnot listed
Standover760mm681−79 mm
Seat tube length394mm380−14 mm
Fork length486mm506+20 mm
Head tube length90mm95+5 mm

Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE TEAM minus the Specialized Epic Hardtail. Full charts: 2017 Specialized Epic Hardtail, 2019 Merida BIG.NINE TEAM.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Epic HardtailMerida BIG.NINE TEAM

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 Epic HardtailHardtailMerida BIG.NINE TEAMTEAM
ForkRockShox Reba RLRockShox SID World Cup
ShifterShimano SLX M7000not listed
DerailleurShimano SLX M7025, Shimano XT M8000SRAM XX1 Eagle
CassetteSRAM PG-1130SRAM XX1 Eagle
ChainSRAM PC-1110SRAM XX1 Eagle
CranksetRace Face Aeffectnot listed
TireSpecialized Fast TrakMaxxis Ikon
RimSpecialized Stoutnot listed
BrakeShimano Deore M506SRAM Level Ultimate
HandlebarSpecialized Stout XCMerida TEAM CC
GripsSpecialized Sip GripMerida TEAM CC
SaddleSpecialized Phenom CompPrologo Scratch 2
Framenot listedMerida BIG.NINE CF5
Bottom bracketnot listedSRAM BB DUB PF MTB 92
Wheelsetnot listedFulcrum Red Passion 3
Hubnot listedattached
Rotornot listedSRAM Centerline X
Stemnot listedMerida Team CC
Seatpostnot listedMerida TEAM CC

Know what is on every bike.

Add your bike to Quiver. Keep its parts, setup, and service history together, then share your build.

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