2023 Specialized Epic EVO LTD vs 2025 Merida Ninety-Six
The XL is the Merida Ninety-Six size closest to your XL Specialized Epic EVO LTD. 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 LTD 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 LTD, XLMerida Ninety-Six, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic EVO LTD 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 LTD. Full charts: 2023 Specialized Epic EVO LTD, 2025 Merida Ninety-Six.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic EVO LTDMerida 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 LTDS-Works EVO LTD | Merida Ninety-Six |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID Ultimate | not listed |
| Rear shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate | not listed |
| Shifter | SRAM Pod Controller | not listed |
| Derailleur | SRAM XX SL Eagle | not listed |
| Cassette | SRAM XX Eagle SL | not listed |
| Chain | SRAM XX SL Eagle | not listed |
| Crankset | SRAM XX SL Eagle | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | not listed |
| Wheelset | Roval Control SL | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control | not listed |
| Brake | SRAM Stealth Bronze | not listed |
| Handlebar | Roval Control | not listed |
| Stem | TruVativ Descendant 35 | not listed |
| Seatpost | RockShox Reverb AXS | not listed |
| Saddle | Specialized S-Works Power | not listed |
Know what is on every bike.
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