Quiver

2022 Specialized Epic EVO RS 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 RS in M, the Merida NINETY-SIX in MID places the top of the head tube 8 mm higher and 39 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 29 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+8 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+39 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+29 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
+0.5°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
−3 mm
Shorter: livelier

The two frames

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

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

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Epic EVO RS MMerida NINETY-SIX MIDDifference
Reach436mm475+39 mm
Stack597mm605+8 mm
Head tube angle66.5°67+0.5°
Seat tube angle74.5°79.5+5.0°
Chainstay length438mm435−3 mm
Wheelbase1164mm1193+29 mm
BB drop36mm47+11 mm
BB height336mmnot listed
Standover781mm745−36 mm
Seat tube length430mm425−5 mm
Fork length530mm520−10 mm
Head tube length100mm105+5 mm
Effective top tubenot listednot listed

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

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 EVO RSS-Works EVO RSMerida NINETY-SIX
ForkRockShox SID Ultimatenot listed
Rear shockRockShox SIDLuxe Ultimatenot listed
ShifterSRAM AXS Rocker Paddlenot listed
DerailleurSRAM XX1 Eagle AXSnot listed
CassetteSRAM XX1 Eaglenot listed
ChainSRAM XX1 Eaglenot listed
CranksetSRAM XX1 Eaglenot listed
Bottom bracketSRAM DUBnot listed
WheelsetRoval Control SLnot listed
TireSpecialized Ground Controlnot listed
BrakeSRAM G2 Ultimatenot listed
HandlebarRoval Control SLnot listed
StemTruVativ Descendant 35not listed
SeatpostRockShox Reverb AXSnot listed
SaddleSpecialized S-Works Powernot listed

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