Quiver

2022 Specialized Epic EVO vs 2024 Merida NINETY-SIX

The Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your M is the XSHORT. Compare the XSHORT instead

What changes on the Merida NINETY-SIX

Compared with the Specialized Epic EVO in M, the Merida NINETY-SIX in LONG places the top of the head tube 13 mm higher and 59 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 51 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+13 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+59 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+51 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
+0.5°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
−3 mm
Shorter: livelier

The two frames

2022 Specialized Epic EVO (M) and 2024 Merida NINETY-SIX (LONG), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Epic EVO is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida NINETY-SIX is the colored outline on top.J 1164

Specialized Epic EVO, MMerida NINETY-SIX, LONGDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic EVO MMerida NINETY-SIX LONGDifference
Reach436mm495+59 mm
Stack597mm610+13 mm
Head tube angle66.5°67+0.5°
Seat tube angle74.5°79.5+5.0°
Chainstay length438mm435−3 mm
Wheelbase1164mm1215+51 mm
BB drop36mm47+11 mm
BB height336mmnot listed
Standover781mm747−34 mm
Seat tube length430mm445+15 mm
Fork length530mm520−10 mm
Head tube length100mm110+10 mm
Effective top tubenot listednot listed

Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX minus the Specialized Epic EVO. Full charts: 2022 Specialized Epic EVO, 2024 Merida NINETY-SIX.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Epic EVOMerida 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 EVOEVOMerida NINETY-SIX400
ForkRockShox Reba RLSR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR
Rear shockRockShox Deluxe Select+SR Suntour Edge Plus 2CR
ShifterSRAM NX Eaglenot listed
DerailleurSRAM NX EagleShimano Deore M6100
CassetteSRAM NX EagleShimano Deore M6100
ChainSRAM SX EagleKMC X12
CranksetSRAM X1000 EagleShimano Deore MT512
Bottom bracketSRAM DUBShimano MT501
TireSpecialized Ground ControlMaxxis Rekon Race
BrakeSRAM TShimano MT200
SeatpostTranzX DropperMerida Expert TR II
SaddleSpecialized Power Sportnot listed
Framenot listedMerida NINETY-SIX LITE V
Rimnot listedMerida COMP CC II
Rotornot listedShimano SM-RT10
Handlebarnot listedMerida EXPERT CC
Stemnot listedMerida TEAM CC III
Gripsnot listedMerida COMP EC
Headsetnot listedAcros ICR EXTERNAL neck

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