2021 Specialized Epic EVO vs 2022 Merida Ninety-Six
The M is the Merida Ninety-Six size closest to your M Specialized Epic EVO. 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 in M, the Merida Ninety-Six in M places the top of the head tube at about the same height and 4 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 8 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −2 mm
- About the same height
- Frame reach
- +4 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −8 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −3 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Specialized Epic EVO, MMerida Ninety-Six, MDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic EVO M | Merida Ninety-Six M | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 436mm | 440 | +4 mm |
| Stack | 597mm | 595 | −2 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 67 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 74.5° | 75 | +0.5° |
| Chainstay length | 438mm | 435 | −3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1164mm | 1156 | −8 mm |
| BB drop | 36mm | 36 | ±0 mm |
| BB height | 336mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 781mm | 741 | −40 mm |
| Seat tube length | 430mm | 440 | +10 mm |
| Fork length | 530mm | 530 | ±0 mm |
| Head tube length | 100mm | 95 | −5 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 601 |
Differences are the Merida Ninety-Six minus the Specialized Epic EVO. Full charts: 2021 Specialized Epic EVO, 2022 Merida Ninety-Six.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic EVOMerida Ninety-Six
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 EVOEVO | Merida Ninety-Six6000 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Reba RL | RockShox SID |
| Rear shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+ | Fox DPS Performance Elite |
| Shifter | Shimano SLX | not listed |
| Derailleur | Shimano SLX M7100 | Shimano SLX M7100 Shadow+ |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore M6100 | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | Shimano Deore M6100 | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | Shimano MT511 | Race Face Aeffect |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano BB52 | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Minion DHR II |
| Hub | Shimano MT400-B, Shimano MT510-B | Shimano SLX |
| Rim | Specialized Stout XC 29 | Merida EXPERT TR |
| Brake | Shimano Deore M6100 | not listed |
| Handlebar | Specialized Mini Rise | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Seatpost | TranzX Dropper | Merida COMP TR |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Sport | not listed |
| Frame | not listed | Merida NINETY-SIX CF4 III |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT54 |
| Stem | not listed | Merida TEAM CC II |
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