Quiver

2021 Specialized Rockhopper Expert vs 2020 Merida BIG.NINE 20-D

The Merida BIG.NINE 20-D size closest to your XS is the S. Compare the S instead

What changes on the Merida BIG.NINE 20-D

Compared with the Specialized Rockhopper Expert in XS, the Merida BIG.NINE 20-D in L places the top of the head tube 83 mm higher and 39 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 48 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.

Frame stack
+83 mm
Higher front end
Frame reach
+39 mm
Longer frame reach
Wheelbase
+48 mm
Longer: steadier at speed
Head angle
+2.0°
Steeper: sharper steering
Chainstays
+5 mm
Longer: more planted

The two frames

2021 Specialized Rockhopper Expert (XS) and 2020 Merida BIG.NINE 20-D (L), lined up at the bottom bracketBoth frames drawn to scale. The Specialized Rockhopper Expert is drawn in full with its measurements, and the Merida BIG.NINE 20-D is the colored outline on top.J 1067

Specialized Rockhopper Expert, XSMerida BIG.NINE 20-D, LDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.

Geometry side by side

MeasurementSpecialized Rockhopper Expert XSMerida BIG.NINE 20-D LDifference
Reach375mm414+39 mm
Stack559mm642+83 mm
Head tube angle68°70+2.0°
Seat tube angle73.5°73−0.5°
Chainstay length440mm445+5 mm
Wheelbase1067mm1115+48 mm
Standover658mm775+117 mm
Seat tube length310mm470+160 mm
Fork length475mm506+31 mm
Head tube length95mm130+35 mm
Effective top tubenot listed610
BB dropnot listed60

Differences are the Merida BIG.NINE 20-D minus the Specialized Rockhopper Expert. Full charts: 2021 Specialized Rockhopper Expert, 2020 Merida BIG.NINE 20-D.

Where each sits in its class

Specialized Rockhopper ExpertMerida BIG.NINE 20-D

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 Rockhopper ExpertExpertMerida BIG.NINE 20-D20-D
FrameSpecialized A1 premium buttedMerida BIG.NINE SPEED N
ForkRockShox JudySR Suntour XCM-HLO
ShifterSRAM SX EagleShimano ST-EF505
DerailleurSRAM SX EagleShimano FD-TY700, Shimano Acera M360
CassetteSRAM SX EagleSunRace CSM668
ChainSRAM SX EagleKMC M700
CranksetSRAM SX Eaglenot listed
Bottom bracketSRAM PowerSplineFSA TH-7420ST-W
Wheelsete*thirteen SLnot listed
TireSpecialized Ground ControlMerida K1080
HubShimano HB-RM35, Shimano FH-RM35Shimano TX505
RimSpecialized hooklessMerida CC
BrakeShimano MT200Shimano ST-EF505
RotorShimano MT200Shimano SM-RT10
HandlebarSpecialized alloyMerida CC
StemSpecialized StoutMerida CC
GripsSpecialized TrailMerida EC
SaddleSpecialized Bridge Sportnot listed
Pedalsnot listedVPE-891
Headsetnot listedFSA No.10
Seatpostnot listedMerida CC

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