2021 Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp vs 2022 Merida BIG.NINE 700
The XL is the Merida BIG.NINE 700 size closest to your XL Specialized Epic Hardtail 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 BIG.NINE 700
Compared with the Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp in XL, the Merida BIG.NINE 700 in XL places the top of the head tube 6 mm higher and 25 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
- −25 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
Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp, XLMerida BIG.NINE 700, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp XL | Merida BIG.NINE 700 XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 480mm | 455 | −25 mm |
| Stack | 636mm | 642 | +6 mm |
| Head tube angle | 68.5° | 70 | +1.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 74° | 73.5 | −0.5° |
| Chainstay length | 430mm | 433 | +3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1178mm | 1142 | −36 mm |
| BB drop | 63mm | 65 | +2 mm |
| BB height | 309mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 847mm | 816 | −31 mm |
| Seat tube length | 520mm | 532 | +12 mm |
| Fork length | 506mm | 506 | ±0 mm |
| Head tube length | 125mm | 125 | ±0 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 645 |
Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE 700 minus the Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp. Full charts: 2021 Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp, 2022 Merida BIG.NINE 700.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic Hardtail CompMerida BIG.NINE 700
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 Epic Hardtail CompHardtail Comp | Merida BIG.NINE 700700 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Reba RL | Manitou Markhor Comp |
| Shifter | Shimano SLX | Shimano XT |
| Derailleur | Shimano SLX M7100 | Shimano XT, Shimano XT M8120 Shadow+ |
| Chain | Shimano SLX | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | Shimano SLX M7100 | Shimano XT |
| Hub | Shimano MT400-B, Shimano MT510-B | Shimano SLX |
| Brake | Shimano SLX M7100 | Shimano XT |
| Handlebar | Specialized Mini Rise | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Sport | not listed |
| Frame | not listed | Merida BIG.NINE LITE |
| Cassette | not listed | Shimano SLX |
| Bottom bracket | not listed | Shimano MT500-PA pressfit |
| Tire | not listed | Maxxis Ikon |
| Rim | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT54 |
| Stem | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Grips | not listed | Merida COMP EC |
| Headset | not listed | Merida M2331 |
| Seatpost | not listed | Merida COMP CC |
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