2021 Specialized Epic vs 2022 Merida NINETY-SIX RC
The S is the Merida NINETY-SIX RC size closest to your XS Specialized Epic. 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 RC
Compared with the Specialized Epic in XS, the Merida NINETY-SIX RC in S places the top of the head tube 11 mm lower and 43 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 36 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- −11 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +43 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +36 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +1.0°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- +2 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Specialized Epic, XSMerida NINETY-SIX RC, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic XS | Merida NINETY-SIX RC S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 390mm | 433 | +43 mm |
| Stack | 596mm | 585 | −11 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67.5° | 68.5 | +1.0° |
| Seat tube angle | 76.5° | 76.5 | ±0.0° |
| Chainstay length | 433mm | 435 | +2 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1090mm | 1126 | +36 mm |
| BB drop | 58mm | 45 | −13 mm |
| BB height | 314mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 740mm | 730 | −10 mm |
| Seat tube length | 375mm | 400 | +25 mm |
| Fork length | 505mm | 503 | −2 mm |
| Head tube length | 95mm | 95 | ±0 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 576 |
Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX RC minus the Specialized Epic. Full charts: 2021 Specialized Epic, 2022 Merida NINETY-SIX RC.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized EpicMerida NINETY-SIX RC
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 EpicS-Works | Merida NINETY-SIX RC5000 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID SL BRAIN | RockShox Reba RL |
| Rear shock | RockShox BRAIN | Rock SIDluxe Select+ |
| Shifter | SRAM AXS Eagle Controller | not listed |
| Derailleur | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS | Shimano XT M8100 Shadow+ |
| Cassette | SRAM XX1 Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | Quarq XX1 Eagle Power Meter | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | Shimano SM-BB52 |
| Wheelset | Roval Control SL | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Brake | SRAM Ultimate | not listed |
| Saddle | Specialized S-Works Power | not listed |
| Frame | not listed | Merida NINETY-SIX RC CF4 III |
| Rim | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT54 |
| Handlebar | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Stem | not listed | Merida TEAM CC II |
| Seatpost | not listed | Merida EXPERT TR LIGHT |
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