2023 Specialized Epic EVO vs 2025 Merida Ninety-Six
The XSHORT 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 XSHORT places the top of the head tube at about the same height and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 15 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −1 mm
- About the same height
- Frame reach
- −1 mm
- About the same reach
- Wheelbase
- −15 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, XSHORTDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic EVO M | Merida Ninety-Six XSHORT | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 436mm | 435 | −1 mm |
| Stack | 597mm | 596 | −1 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 67 | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 74.5° | 79.5 | +5.0° |
| Chainstay length | 438mm | 435 | −3 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1164mm | 1149 | −15 mm |
| BB drop | 36mm | 47 | +11 mm |
| BB height | 336mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 781mm | 741 | −40 mm |
| Seat tube length | 430mm | 400 | −30 mm |
| Fork length | 530mm | 520 | −10 mm |
| Head tube length | 100mm | 95 | −5 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | not listed |
Differences are the Merida Ninety-Six minus the Specialized Epic EVO. Full charts: 2023 Specialized Epic EVO, 2025 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-Six400 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Reba RL | SR Suntour Raidon34 R-2CR |
| Rear shock | RockShox Deluxe Select+ | SR Suntour Edge LOR |
| Shifter | SRAM NX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | SRAM NX Eagle | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | SRAM SX Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | SRAM X1000 Eagle | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | Shimano MT501 |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Brake | SRAM T | Shimano MT200 |
| Seatpost | TranzX Dropper | not listed |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Sport | Merida Comp SL |
| Frame | not listed | Merida NINETY-SIX LITE V |
| Chainring | not listed | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Wheelset | not listed | Shimano TC500-B/TC500-MS-B |
| Rim | not listed | Merida COMP CC II |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Handlebar | not listed | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Stem | not listed | Merida TEAM CC III |
| Grips | not listed | Merida COMP EC |
| Headset | not listed | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck |
| Dropper post | not listed | Merida Expert TR II |
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