2019 Specialized Epic Expert EVO vs 2020 Merida NINETY-SIX 9.
The XL is the Merida NINETY-SIX 9. size closest to your XL Specialized Epic Expert EVO. 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 Expert EVO in XL, the Merida NINETY-SIX 9. in XL places the top of the head tube 21 mm lower and 3 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 18 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −21 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +3 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −18 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- +1.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −1 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Specialized Epic Expert EVO, XLMerida NINETY-SIX 9., XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic Expert EVO XL | Merida NINETY-SIX 9. XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 465mm | 468 | +3 mm |
| Stack | 638mm | 617 | −21 mm |
| Head tube angle | 68.5° | 70 | +1.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 73.8° | 74.5 | +0.7° |
| Effective top tube | 650mm | 640 | −10 mm |
| Chainstay length | 438mm | 437 | −1 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1186mm | 1168 | −18 mm |
| BB drop | 32mm | 40 | +8 mm |
| BB height | 340mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 804mm | 776 | −28 mm |
| Seat tube length | 520mm | 560 | +40 mm |
| Fork length | 526mm | 503 | −23 mm |
| Head tube length | 140mm | 130 | −10 mm |
Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX 9. minus the Specialized Epic Expert EVO. Full charts: 2019 Specialized Epic Expert EVO, 2020 Merida NINETY-SIX 9..
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic Expert EVOMerida NINETY-SIX 9.
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 Expert EVOExpert EVO | Merida NINETY-SIX 9.9. 3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | Fox Performance | RockShox Reba RL |
| Rear shock | RockShox Brain shock | RockShox Monarch RL |
| Shifter | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Cassette | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Crankset | TruVativ Stylo | 175mm-M up |
| Chainring | SRAM Eagle | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | SRAM BB DUB PF MTB 92 |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Ikon |
| Rim | Roval Control | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Brake | SRAM Level TL | Shimano MT500 |
| Handlebar | Specialized Mini Rise | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Grips | Specialized Sip Grip | Merida EXPERT EC |
| Dropper post | X-Fusion Manic | not listed |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Saddle | Specialized Phenom Comp | Merida COMP CC |
| Frame | not listed | Merida NINETY-SIX CFA |
| Hub | not listed | Shimano MT400-B |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Stem | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Headset | not listed | FSA NO.55E |
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