Quiver

2021 Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp 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 Comp 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 37 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.

Frame stack
+6 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
−27 mm
Shorter frame reach
Wheelbase
−37 mm
Shorter: quicker to change direction
Head angle
+1.5°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
+3 mm
Longer: more planted

The two frames

2021 Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp (M) and 2022 Merida BIG.NINE 700 (S), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida BIG.NINE 700 is the colored outline on top.J 1117

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

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic Hardtail Comp 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
Wheelbase1117mm1080−37 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 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

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 CompHardtail CompMerida BIG.NINE 700700
ForkRockShox Reba RLManitou Markhor Comp
ShifterShimano SLXShimano XT
DerailleurShimano SLX M7100Shimano XT, Shimano XT M8120 Shadow+
ChainShimano SLXKMC X12
CranksetShimano SLX M7100Shimano XT
HubShimano MT400-B, Shimano MT510-BShimano SLX
BrakeShimano SLX M7100Shimano XT
HandlebarSpecialized Mini RiseMerida EXPERT CC
SaddleSpecialized Power Sportnot listed
Framenot listedMerida BIG.NINE LITE
Cassettenot listedShimano SLX
Bottom bracketnot listedShimano MT500-PA pressfit
Tirenot listedMaxxis Ikon
Rimnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Rotornot listedShimano SM-RT54
Stemnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Gripsnot listedMerida COMP EC
Headsetnot listedMerida M2331
Seatpostnot listedMerida COMP CC

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