2022 Specialized Epic EVO RS vs 2024 Merida NINETY-SIX
The XL is the Merida NINETY-SIX size closest to your XL Specialized Epic EVO RS. 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 RS in XL, the Merida NINETY-SIX in XL places the top of the head tube 15 mm lower and 5 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 24 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −15 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- −5 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −24 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −3 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Specialized Epic EVO RS, XLMerida NINETY-SIX, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic EVO RS XL | Merida NINETY-SIX XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 485mm | 480 | −5 mm |
| Stack | 629mm | 614 | −15 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 67 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 74.5° | 74.5 | ±0.0° |
| Chainstay length | 438mm | 435 | −3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1227mm | 1203 | −24 mm |
| BB drop | 36mm | 36 | ±0 mm |
| BB height | 336mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 804mm | 749 | −55 mm |
| Seat tube length | 520mm | 500 | −20 mm |
| Fork length | 530mm | 530 | ±0 mm |
| Head tube length | 135mm | 115 | −20 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 648 |
Differences are the Merida NINETY-SIX minus the Specialized Epic EVO RS. Full charts: 2022 Specialized Epic EVO RS, 2024 Merida NINETY-SIX.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic EVO RSMerida 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 RSS-Works EVO RS | Merida NINETY-SIX400 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID Ultimate | SR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR |
| Rear shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate | SR Suntour Edge Plus 2CR |
| Shifter | SRAM AXS Rocker Paddle | not listed |
| Derailleur | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | SRAM XX1 Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | SRAM XX1 Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | SRAM XX1 Eagle | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | Shimano MT501 |
| Wheelset | Roval Control SL | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Brake | SRAM G2 Ultimate | Shimano MT200 |
| Handlebar | Roval Control SL | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Stem | TruVativ Descendant 35 | Merida TEAM CC III |
| Seatpost | RockShox Reverb AXS | Merida Expert TR II |
| Saddle | Specialized S-Works Power | not listed |
| Frame | not listed | Merida NINETY-SIX LITE V |
| Rim | not listed | Merida COMP CC II |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Grips | not listed | Merida COMP EC |
| Headset | not listed | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck |
Know what is on every bike.
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