Quiver

2018 Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail vs 2020 Merida BIG.NINE 700

The M is the Merida BIG.NINE 700 size closest to your M Specialized Epic Men's 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 700

Compared with the Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail in M, the Merida BIG.NINE 700 in M places the top of the head tube 11 mm higher and 4 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket.

Frame stack
+11 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+4 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+1 mm
About the same
Head angle
+0.2°
About the same head angle
Chainstays
+3 mm
Longer: more planted

The two frames

2018 Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail (M) and 2020 Merida BIG.NINE 700 (M), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida BIG.NINE 700 is the colored outline on top.J 1099

Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail, MMerida BIG.NINE 700, MDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic Men's Hardtail MMerida BIG.NINE 700 MDifference
Reach418mm422+4 mm
Stack608mm619+11 mm
Head tube angle69.8°70+0.2°
Seat tube angle74°73.5−0.5°
Effective top tube595mm605+10 mm
Chainstay length430mm433+3 mm
Wheelbase1099mm1100+1 mm
BB drop61mm65+4 mm
BB height309mmnot listed
Standover790mm740−50 mm
Seat tube length430mm444+14 mm
Fork length506mm506±0 mm
Head tube length95mm100+5 mm

Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE 700 minus the Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail. Full charts: 2018 Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail, 2020 Merida BIG.NINE 700.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Epic Men's HardtailMerida BIG.NINE 700

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 HardtailMerida BIG.NINE 700700
Framenot listedMerida BIG.NINE LITE
Forknot listedManitou Markhor Comp
Shifternot listedShimano XT
Derailleurnot listedShimano XT, Shimano XT M8120 Shadow+
Cassettenot listedShimano SLX M7100
Chainnot listedShimano SLX
Bottom bracketnot listedShimano BB71-41A pressfit
Tirenot listedMaxxis Ikon
Hubnot listedShimano SLX
Rimnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Brakenot listedShimano XT
Rotornot listedShimano SM-RT54
Handlebarnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Stemnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Gripsnot listedMerida COMP EC
Headsetnot listedMerida M2331
Seatpostnot listedMerida COMP CC
Saddlenot listedMerida COMP 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