Quiver

2018 Specialized Epic Men's Comp vs 2020 Merida NINETY-SIX 9.

The M is the Merida NINETY-SIX 9. size closest to your M Specialized Epic Men's 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 9.

Compared with the Specialized Epic Men's Comp in M, the Merida NINETY-SIX 9. in M places the top of the head tube 13 mm lower and 4 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 7 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
−13 mm
Lower front end
Frame reach
−4 mm
Shorter frame reach
Wheelbase
−7 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
+0.5°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
−2 mm
About the same

The two frames

2018 Specialized Epic Men's Comp (M) and 2020 Merida NINETY-SIX 9. (M), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic Men's Comp is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida NINETY-SIX 9. is the colored outline on top.J 1125

Specialized Epic Men's Comp, MMerida NINETY-SIX 9., MDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic Men's Comp MMerida NINETY-SIX 9. MDifference
Reach433mm429−4 mm
Stack602mm589−13 mm
Head tube angle69.5°70+0.5°
Seat tube angle74.75°74.5−0.3°
Effective top tube597mm590−7 mm
Chainstay length438.7mm437−2 mm
Wheelbase1125mm1118−7 mm
BB drop38.9mm40+1 mm
BB height332.6mmnot listed
Standover768mm768±0 mm
Seat tube length434mm460+26 mm
Fork length506mm503−3 mm
Head tube length125mm100−25 mm

Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX 9. minus the Specialized Epic Men's Comp. Full charts: 2018 Specialized Epic Men's Comp, 2020 Merida NINETY-SIX 9..

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Epic Men's CompMerida NINETY-SIX 9.

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 Men's CompMen's CompMerida NINETY-SIX 9.9. 3000
ForkRockShox Reba RL 29RockShox Reba RL
Rear shockRockShox Brain shockRockShox Monarch RL
ShifterSRAM GXSRAM SX Eagle
DerailleurSRAM GXSRAM SX Eagle
CassetteSRAM XG-1150SRAM SX Eagle
ChainKMC X-11SRAM SX Eagle
CranksetRace Face Aeffect175mm-M up
TireSpecialized Fast TrakMaxxis Ikon
RimRoval Control 29Merida EXPERT CC
BrakeSRAM Level TLShimano MT500
GripsSpecialized Sip GripMerida EXPERT EC
SaddleSpecialized Phenom CompMerida COMP CC
Framenot listedMerida NINETY-SIX CFA
Bottom bracketnot listedSRAM BB DUB PF MTB 92
Hubnot listedShimano MT400-B
Rotornot listedShimano SM-RT10
Handlebarnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Stemnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Headsetnot listedFSA NO.55E
Seatpostnot listedMerida EXPERT 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