2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert vs 2021 Merida BIG.NINE 700
The Merida BIG.NINE 700 size closest to your M is the M. Compare the M instead
What changes on the Merida BIG.NINE 700
Compared with the Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert in M, the Merida BIG.NINE 700 in XXL places the top of the head tube 53 mm higher and 51 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 64 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +53 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- +51 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +64 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +0.2°
- About the same head angle
- Chainstays
- +3 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert, MMerida BIG.NINE 700, XXLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert M | Merida BIG.NINE 700 XXL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 418mm | 469 | +51 mm |
| Stack | 608mm | 661 | +53 mm |
| Head tube angle | 69.8° | 70 | +0.2° |
| Seat tube angle | 74° | 73.5 | −0.5° |
| Effective top tube | 595mm | 665 | +70 mm |
| Chainstay length | 430mm | 433 | +3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1099mm | 1163 | +64 mm |
| BB drop | 61mm | 65 | +4 mm |
| BB height | 309mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 790mm | 859 | +69 mm |
| Seat tube length | 430mm | 584 | +154 mm |
| Fork length | 506mm | 506 | ±0 mm |
| Head tube length | 95mm | 145 | +50 mm |
Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE 700 minus the Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert. Full charts: 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert, 2021 Merida BIG.NINE 700.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic 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 Hardtail ExpertHardtail Expert | Merida BIG.NINE 700700 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID 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 |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | TruVativ Stylo | not listed |
| Chainring | SRAM Eagle | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | Shimano MT500-PA pressfit |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Ikon |
| Rim | Roval Control | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Brake | SRAM Level TL | Shimano XT |
| Handlebar | Specialized Mini Rise | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Grips | Specialized Sip Grip | Merida COMP EC |
| Saddle | Specialized Phenom Comp | Merida COMP CC |
| Frame | not listed | Merida BIG.NINE LITE |
| Hub | not listed | Shimano SLX |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT54 |
| Stem | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Headset | not listed | Merida M2331 |
| Seatpost | not listed | Merida COMP CC |
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