Quiver

2021 Specialized Epic vs 2022 Merida NINETY-SIX RC

The Merida NINETY-SIX RC size closest to your M is the M. Compare the M instead

What changes on the Merida NINETY-SIX RC

Compared with the Specialized Epic in M, the Merida NINETY-SIX RC in S places the top of the head tube 6 mm lower and 12 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 22 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
−6 mm
Lower front end
Frame reach
−12 mm
Shorter frame reach
Wheelbase
−22 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
+1.0°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
+2 mm
About the same

The two frames

2021 Specialized Epic (M) and 2022 Merida NINETY-SIX RC (S), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida NINETY-SIX RC is the colored outline on top.J 1148

Specialized Epic, MMerida NINETY-SIX RC, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic MMerida NINETY-SIX RC SDifference
Reach445mm433−12 mm
Stack591mm585−6 mm
Head tube angle67.5°68.5+1.0°
Seat tube angle75.5°76.5+1.0°
Chainstay length433mm435+2 mm
Wheelbase1148mm1126−22 mm
BB drop48mm45−3 mm
BB height324mmnot listed
Standover766mm730−36 mm
Seat tube length430mm400−30 mm
Fork length505mm503−2 mm
Head tube length100mm95−5 mm
Effective top tubenot listed576

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

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 EpicS-WorksMerida NINETY-SIX RC5000
ForkRockShox SID SL BRAINRockShox Reba RL
Rear shockRockShox BRAINRock SIDluxe Select+
ShifterSRAM AXS Eagle Controllernot listed
DerailleurSRAM XX1 Eagle AXSShimano XT M8100 Shadow+
CassetteSRAM XX1 EagleShimano Deore M6100
ChainSRAM XX1 EagleKMC X12
CranksetQuarq XX1 Eagle Power MeterShimano Deore M6100
Bottom bracketSRAM DUBShimano SM-BB52
WheelsetRoval Control SLnot listed
TireSpecialized Fast TrakMaxxis Rekon Race
BrakeSRAM Ultimatenot listed
SaddleSpecialized S-Works Powernot listed
Framenot listedMerida NINETY-SIX RC CF4 III
Rimnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Rotornot listedShimano SM-RT54
Handlebarnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Stemnot listedMerida TEAM CC II
Seatpostnot listedMerida EXPERT TR LIGHT

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