2021 Specialized Epic EVO Expert vs 2022 Merida Ninety-Six
The S is the Merida Ninety-Six size closest to your XS Specialized Epic EVO Expert. 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 Expert in XS, the Merida Ninety-Six in S places the top of the head tube 8 mm lower and 40 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 30 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- −8 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- +40 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +30 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −3 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Specialized Epic EVO Expert, XSMerida Ninety-Six, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic EVO Expert XS | Merida Ninety-Six S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 380mm | 420 | +40 mm |
| Stack | 603mm | 595 | −8 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 67 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.5° | 75 | −0.5° |
| Chainstay length | 438mm | 435 | −3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1106mm | 1136 | +30 mm |
| BB drop | 46mm | 36 | −10 mm |
| BB height | 326mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 760mm | 740 | −20 mm |
| Seat tube length | 375mm | 400 | +25 mm |
| Fork length | 530mm | 530 | ±0 mm |
| Head tube length | 95mm | 95 | ±0 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 581 |
Differences are the Merida Ninety-Six minus the Specialized Epic EVO Expert. Full charts: 2021 Specialized Epic EVO Expert, 2022 Merida Ninety-Six.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic EVO ExpertMerida 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 EVO ExpertEVO Expert | Merida Ninety-Six6000 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID Select+ | RockShox SID |
| Rear shock | RockShox SID LUXE Select+ | Fox DPS Performance Elite |
| Shifter | SRAM X01 Eagle | not listed |
| Derailleur | SRAM X01 Eagle | Shimano SLX M7100 Shadow+ |
| Cassette | SRAM GX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | SRAM X1 Eagle | Race Face Aeffect |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control, Specialized Fast Trak | Maxxis Minion DHR II |
| Hub | DT Swiss 350 | Shimano SLX |
| Rim | Roval Control | Merida EXPERT TR |
| Brake | SRAM G2 RS | not listed |
| Handlebar | Specialized Mini Rise | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic | Merida COMP TR |
| Saddle | Specialized Power | 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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