2023 Specialized Epic EVO Pro vs 2025 Merida Ninety-Six
The XSHORT is the Merida Ninety-Six size closest to your M Specialized Epic EVO Pro. 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 Pro 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 Pro, MMerida Ninety-Six, XSHORTDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic EVO Pro 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 Pro. Full charts: 2023 Specialized Epic EVO Pro, 2025 Merida Ninety-Six.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic EVO ProMerida 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 ProEVO Pro | Merida Ninety-Six |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | Fox FLOAT 34 Factory | not listed |
| Rear shock | Fox FLOAT DPS Factory | not listed |
| Shifter | SRAM Eagle AXS Rocker Paddle | not listed |
| Derailleur | SRAM X01 Eagle AXS | not listed |
| Cassette | SRAM X01 Eagle | not listed |
| Chain | Specialized SRAX X01 Eagle | not listed |
| Crankset | SRAM X1 | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Ground Control | not listed |
| Hub | DT Swiss 350 | not listed |
| Rim | Roval Control | not listed |
| Brake | SRAM G2 Ultimate | not listed |
| Handlebar | Roval Control | not listed |
| Stem | Race Face Turbine | not listed |
| Seatpost | Fox Transfer | not listed |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Expert | not listed |
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