2018 Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail Expert vs 2020 Merida BIG.NINE 700
The L is the Merida BIG.NINE 700 size closest to your L Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail Expert. 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 700
Compared with the Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail Expert in L, the Merida BIG.NINE 700 in L places the top of the head tube 6 mm higher and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 7 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- +6 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- −2 mm
- About the same reach
- Wheelbase
- −7 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- +0.2°
- About the same head angle
- Chainstays
- +3 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail Expert, LMerida BIG.NINE 700, LDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail Expert L | Merida BIG.NINE 700 L | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 441mm | 439 | −2 mm |
| Stack | 622mm | 628 | +6 mm |
| Head tube angle | 69.8° | 70 | +0.2° |
| Seat tube angle | 74° | 73.5 | −0.5° |
| Effective top tube | 623mm | 625 | +2 mm |
| Chainstay length | 430mm | 433 | +3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1128mm | 1121 | −7 mm |
| BB drop | 61mm | 65 | +4 mm |
| BB height | 309mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 814mm | 771 | −43 mm |
| Seat tube length | 470mm | 483 | +13 mm |
| Fork length | 506mm | 506 | ±0 mm |
| Head tube length | 110mm | 110 | ±0 mm |
Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE 700 minus the Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail Expert. Full charts: 2018 Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail Expert, 2020 Merida BIG.NINE 700.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail ExpertMerida BIG.NINE 700
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.
| Part | Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail ExpertMen's Hardtail Expert | Merida BIG.NINE 700700 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID Brain 29 | Manitou Markhor Comp |
| Shifter | SRAM GX Eagle | Shimano XT |
| Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle | Shimano XT, Shimano XT M8120 Shadow+ |
| Cassette | SRAM GX Eagle | Shimano SLX M7100 |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle | Shimano SLX |
| Crankset | TruVativ Stylo | not listed |
| Chainring | SRAM Eagle | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Ikon |
| Rim | Roval Control | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Brake | SRAM Level TL | Shimano XT |
| Grips | Specialized Sip Grip | Merida COMP EC |
| Saddle | Specialized Phenom Comp | Merida COMP CC |
| Frame | not listed | Merida BIG.NINE LITE |
| Bottom bracket | not listed | Shimano BB71-41A pressfit |
| Hub | not listed | Shimano SLX |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT54 |
| Handlebar | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Stem | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Headset | not listed | Merida M2331 |
| Seatpost | not listed | Merida COMP CC |
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