2018 Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail vs 2020 Merida BIG.NINE 700
The XL is the Merida BIG.NINE 700 size closest to your XL 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 XL, the Merida BIG.NINE 700 in XL places the top of the head tube 5 mm higher and 7 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 12 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- +5 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- −7 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −12 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, XLMerida BIG.NINE 700, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic Men's Hardtail XL | Merida BIG.NINE 700 XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 462mm | 455 | −7 mm |
| Stack | 637mm | 642 | +5 mm |
| Head tube angle | 69.8° | 70 | +0.2° |
| Seat tube angle | 74° | 73.5 | −0.5° |
| Effective top tube | 649mm | 645 | −4 mm |
| Chainstay length | 430mm | 433 | +3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1154mm | 1142 | −12 mm |
| BB drop | 61mm | 65 | +4 mm |
| BB height | 309mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 845mm | 816 | −29 mm |
| Seat tube length | 520mm | 532 | +12 mm |
| Fork length | 506mm | 506 | ±0 mm |
| Head tube length | 125mm | 125 | ±0 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
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 | Merida BIG.NINE 700700 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | not listed | Merida BIG.NINE LITE |
| Fork | not listed | Manitou Markhor Comp |
| Shifter | not listed | Shimano XT |
| Derailleur | not listed | Shimano XT, Shimano XT M8120 Shadow+ |
| Cassette | not listed | Shimano SLX M7100 |
| Chain | not listed | Shimano SLX |
| Bottom bracket | not listed | Shimano BB71-41A pressfit |
| Tire | not listed | Maxxis Ikon |
| Hub | not listed | Shimano SLX |
| Rim | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Brake | not listed | Shimano XT |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT54 |
| Handlebar | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Stem | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Grips | not listed | Merida COMP EC |
| Headset | not listed | Merida M2331 |
| Seatpost | not listed | Merida COMP CC |
| Saddle | not listed | Merida COMP CC |
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