Quiver

2021 Specialized Epic EVO Comp vs 2022 Merida Ninety-Six

The L is the Merida Ninety-Six size closest to your L Specialized Epic EVO Comp. 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

Compared with the Specialized Epic EVO Comp in L, the Merida Ninety-Six in L places the top of the head tube 6 mm lower and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 14 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
−6 mm
Lower front end
Frame reach
±0 mm
About the same reach
Wheelbase
−14 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
+0.5°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
−3 mm
Shorter: livelier

The two frames

2021 Specialized Epic EVO Comp (L) and 2022 Merida Ninety-Six (L), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic EVO Comp is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida Ninety-Six is the colored outline on top.J 1194

Specialized Epic EVO Comp, LMerida Ninety-Six, LDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic EVO Comp LMerida Ninety-Six LDifference
Reach460mm460±0 mm
Stack611mm605−6 mm
Head tube angle66.5°67+0.5°
Seat tube angle74.5°75+0.5°
Chainstay length438mm435−3 mm
Wheelbase1194mm1180−14 mm
BB drop36mm36±0 mm
BB height336mmnot listed
Standover793mm747−46 mm
Seat tube length470mm470±0 mm
Fork length530mm530±0 mm
Head tube length115mm105−10 mm
Effective top tubenot listed624

Differences are the Merida Ninety-Six minus the Specialized Epic EVO Comp. Full charts: 2021 Specialized Epic EVO Comp, 2022 Merida Ninety-Six.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Epic EVO CompMerida Ninety-Six

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 EVO CompEVO CompMerida Ninety-Six6000
ForkRockShox SID SelectRockShox SID
Rear shockRockShox Deluxe Select+Fox DPS Performance Elite
ShifterShimano SLXnot listed
DerailleurShimano SLX M7100Shimano SLX M7100 Shadow+
CassetteShimano SLXShimano Deore M6100
ChainShimano SLXKMC X12
CranksetShimano SLX M7100Race Face Aeffect
Bottom bracketShimano BB52not listed
TireSpecialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast TrakMaxxis Minion DHR II
HubShimano MT400-B, Shimano MT510-BShimano SLX
BrakeShimano SLX M7120not listed
HandlebarSpecialized Mini RiseMerida EXPERT CC
SeatpostX-Fusion ManicMerida COMP TR
SaddleSpecialized Powernot listed
Framenot listedMerida NINETY-SIX CF4 III
Rimnot listedMerida EXPERT TR
Rotornot listedShimano SM-RT54
Stemnot listedMerida TEAM CC II

Know what is on every bike.

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