2025 Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection vs 2026 Merida BIG.NINE TR 700
The XL is the Merida BIG.NINE TR 700 size closest to your XL Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection. 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 BIG.NINE TR 700
Compared with the Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection in XL, the Merida BIG.NINE TR 700 in XL places the top of the head tube 5 mm higher and 10 mm further back, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 13 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- +5 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- −10 mm
- Shorter frame reach
- Wheelbase
- −13 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- +0.4°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- ±0 mm
- About the same
The two frames
Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection, XLMerida BIG.NINE TR 700, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection XL | Merida BIG.NINE TR 700 XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 490mm | 480 | −10 mm |
| Stack | 628mm | 633 | +5 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 66.9 | +0.4° |
| Seat tube angle | 74.5° | 74.2 | −0.3° |
| Effective top tube | 670mm | 659 | −11 mm |
| Chainstay length | 430mm | 430 | ±0 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1212mm | 1199 | −13 mm |
| BB drop | 57mm | 57 | ±0 mm |
| BB height | 313mm | not listed | |
| Standover | 786mm | 723 | −63 mm |
| Seat tube length | 500mm | 470 | −30 mm |
| Fork length | 516mm | 530 | +14 mm |
| Head tube length | 125mm | 115 | −10 mm |
Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE TR 700 minus the Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection. Full charts: 2025 Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection, 2026 Merida BIG.NINE TR 700.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward CollectionMerida BIG.NINE TR 700
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 World Cup LTD Forward CollectionS-Works LTD Forward 50 Collection | Merida BIG.NINE TR 700700 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Sid SL Ultimate | Manitou Machete Comp |
| Rear shock | RockShox SIDLuxe WCID Ultimate | not listed |
| Shifter | SRAM Pod Controller Ultimate | not listed |
| Derailleur | SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Cassette | SRAM CS-1299 | Shimano Deore M6100 |
| Chain | SRAM XX Eagle | KMC X12 |
| Crankset | Quarq XX SL power meter | Shimano Deore MT512 |
| Bottom bracket | CeramicSpeed DUB | Shimano MT501 |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak, Specialized Renegade | Maxxis Rekon |
| Hub | Roval Control SL Team, Roval Control SL | not listed |
| Rim | Specialized Control SL 29 | Merida COMP CC II |
| Brake | SRAM Level Ultimate | Shimano MT200 |
| Handlebar | Roval Control SL | Merida EXPERT CC |
| Grips | SRAM Loc | Merida Comp TR |
| Seatpost | Roval Control SL | Merida COMP TR |
| Saddle | Specialized S-Works Power Mirror | not listed |
| Frame | not listed | Merida BIG.NINE TR LITE III |
| Rotor | not listed | Shimano SM-RT10 |
| Stem | not listed | Merida TEAM CC III |
| Headset | not listed | Acros ICR EXTERNAL neck |
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