Quiver

2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail LTD 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 LTD in M, the Merida BIG.NINE 700 in S places the top of the head tube 6 mm higher and 15 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 19 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
+6 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
−15 mm
Shorter frame reach
Wheelbase
−19 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
+0.2°
About the same head angle
Chainstays
+3 mm
Longer: more planted

The two frames

2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail LTD (M) and 2021 Merida BIG.NINE 700 (S), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic Hardtail LTD is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida BIG.NINE 700 is the colored outline on top.J 1099

Specialized Epic Hardtail LTD, MMerida BIG.NINE 700, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic Hardtail LTD MMerida BIG.NINE 700 SDifference
Reach418mm403−15 mm
Stack608mm614+6 mm
Head tube angle69.8°70+0.2°
Seat tube angle74°73.5−0.5°
Effective top tube595mm585−10 mm
Chainstay length430mm433+3 mm
Wheelbase1099mm1080−19 mm
BB drop61mm65+4 mm
BB height309mmnot listed
Standover790mm688−102 mm
Seat tube length430mm382−48 mm
Fork length506mm506±0 mm
Head tube length95mm95±0 mm

Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE 700 minus the Specialized Epic Hardtail LTD. Full charts: 2019 Specialized Epic Hardtail LTD, 2021 Merida BIG.NINE 700.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Epic Hardtail LTDMerida BIG.NINE 700

AggressivePositionUpright
CalmSteeringQuick
PlayfulBalancePlanted

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.

PartSpecialized Epic Hardtail LTDMerida BIG.NINE 700700
Framenot listedMerida BIG.NINE LITE
Forknot listedManitou Markhor Comp
Shifternot listedShimano XT
Derailleurnot listedShimano XT, Shimano XT M8120 Shadow+
Cassettenot listedShimano SLX
Chainnot listedKMC X12
Bottom bracketnot listedShimano MT500-PA pressfit
Tirenot listedMaxxis Ikon
Hubnot listedShimano SLX
Rimnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Brakenot listedShimano XT
Rotornot listedShimano SM-RT54
Handlebarnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Stemnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Gripsnot listedMerida COMP EC
Headsetnot listedMerida M2331
Seatpostnot listedMerida COMP CC
Saddlenot listedMerida COMP CC

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