2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail vs 2021 Merida BIG.NINE 700
The XL is the Merida BIG.NINE 700 size closest to your XL Specialized Epic 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 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 Hardtail, XLMerida BIG.NINE 700, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic 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 Hardtail. Full charts: 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail, 2021 Merida BIG.NINE 700.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic 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 HardtailS-Works Hardtail | Merida BIG.NINE 700700 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID World | Manitou Markhor Comp |
| Shifter | SRAM XX1 Eagle | Shimano XT |
| Derailleur | SRAM XX1 Eagle | Shimano XT, Shimano XT M8120 Shadow+ |
| Cassette | SRAM X01 Eagle | Shimano SLX |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | SRAM XX1 Eagle | not listed |
| Chainring | SRAM Eagle | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | Shimano MT500-PA pressfit |
| Wheelset | Roval Control SL | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Ikon |
| Brake | SRAM Level Ultimate | Shimano XT |
| Grips | Specialized Sip Grip | Merida COMP EC |
| Saddle | Specialized Phenom Pro | Merida COMP CC |
| Frame | not listed | Merida BIG.NINE LITE |
| Hub | not listed | Shimano SLX |
| Rim | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT54 |
| Handlebar | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Stem | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Headset | not listed | Merida M2331 |
| Seatpost | not listed | Merida COMP CC |
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