2019 Specialized Epic Men's Expert vs 2020 Merida NINETY-SIX 9.
The M is the Merida NINETY-SIX 9. size closest to your S Specialized Epic Men's 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 NINETY-SIX 9.
Compared with the Specialized Epic Men's Expert in S, the Merida NINETY-SIX 9. in M places the top of the head tube at about the same height and 21 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 24 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +1 mm
- About the same height
- Frame reach
- +21 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +24 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −1 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Specialized Epic Men's Expert, SMerida NINETY-SIX 9., MDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic Men's Expert S | Merida NINETY-SIX 9. M | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 408mm | 429 | +21 mm |
| Stack | 588mm | 589 | +1 mm |
| Head tube angle | 69.5° | 70 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 74.75° | 74.5 | −0.3° |
| Effective top tube | 568mm | 590 | +22 mm |
| Chainstay length | 438mm | 437 | −1 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1094mm | 1118 | +24 mm |
| BB drop | 38.9mm | 40 | +1 mm |
| BB height | 332mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 764mm | 768 | +4 mm |
| Seat tube length | 400mm | 460 | +60 mm |
| Fork length | 506mm | 503 | −3 mm |
| Head tube length | 95mm | 100 | +5 mm |
Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX 9. minus the Specialized Epic Men's Expert. Full charts: 2019 Specialized Epic Men's Expert, 2020 Merida NINETY-SIX 9..
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic Men's ExpertMerida 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 Men's ExpertMen's Expert | Merida NINETY-SIX 9.9. 3000 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID Brain 29 | 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 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 |
| 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 |
| Seatpost | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
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