Quiver

2020 Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert vs 2022 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 S places the top of the head tube 6 mm higher and 27 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 36 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
+6 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
−27 mm
Shorter frame reach
Wheelbase
−36 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
+1.5°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
+3 mm
Longer: more planted

The two frames

2020 Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert (M) and 2022 Merida BIG.NINE 700 (S), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida BIG.NINE 700 is the colored outline on top.J 1116

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

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic Hardtail Expert MMerida BIG.NINE 700 SDifference
Reach430mm403−27 mm
Stack608mm614+6 mm
Head tube angle68.5°70+1.5°
Seat tube angle74°73.5−0.5°
Chainstay length430mm433+3 mm
Wheelbase1116mm1080−36 mm
BB drop63mm65+2 mm
BB height309mmnot listed
Standover792mm688−104 mm
Seat tube length430mm382−48 mm
Fork length506mm506±0 mm
Head tube length95mm95±0 mm
Effective top tubenot listed585

Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE 700 minus the Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert. Full charts: 2020 Specialized Epic Hardtail Expert, 2022 Merida BIG.NINE 700.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Epic Hardtail ExpertMerida 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 ExpertMerida 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
Cranksetnot listedShimano XT
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

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