Quiver

2017 Specialized Epic Hardtail vs 2019 Merida BIG.NINE TEAM

The Merida BIG.NINE TEAM size closest to your M is the S. Compare the S instead

What changes on the Merida BIG.NINE TEAM

Compared with the Specialized Epic Hardtail in M, the Merida BIG.NINE TEAM in XL places the top of the head tube 35 mm higher and 40 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 64 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+35 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+40 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+64 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 (M) and 2019 Merida BIG.NINE TEAM (XL), 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 1078

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

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic Hardtail MMerida BIG.NINE TEAM XLDifference
Reach414mm454+40 mm
Stack610mm645+35 mm
Head tube angle71°70−1.0°
Seat tube angle73.5°73.5±0.0°
Effective top tube593mm645+52 mm
Chainstay length430mm433+3 mm
Wheelbase1078mm1142+64 mm
BB drop61mm65+4 mm
BB height310mmnot listed
Standover799mm819+20 mm
Seat tube length434mm532+98 mm
Fork length496mm506+10 mm
Head tube length100mm125+25 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.

Explore the app
A Transition Relay build sheet: frame, fork, shock and drivetrainThe Relay’s ride photo galleryThe Relay’s ride spectrum and 2D frame geometryThe garage: five bikes and 99 recorded partsA Specialized Tarmac SL8 road build sheet