Merida Big.Nine Hardtail 2024 Review
09.08.23 07:16 1042023-08-09T07:16:00+02:00Text: NoPain (translated by AI)Photos: MeridaLonger, flatter, deeper: The revised hardtail classic Big.Nine from Merida is available in two variants and two color options each, and is designed to appeal to both hobby riders and professionals alike.09.08.23 07:16 1282023-08-09T07:16:00+02:00Merida Big.Nine Hardtail 2024 Review
09.08.23 07:16 1282023-08-09T07:16:00+02:00 NoPain (translated by AI) MeridaLonger, flatter, deeper: The revised hardtail classic Big.Nine from Merida is available in two variants and two color options each, and is designed to appeal to both hobby riders and professionals alike.09.08.23 07:16 1282023-08-09T07:16:00+02:00
Mountainbike hardtails have always formed the core of Merida's performance-oriented product portfolio. The range extends from World Cup-inspired carbon racers to a comprehensive selection of high-quality aluminum bikes suitable for every budget.
In keeping with the motto "Back to the Roots," Merida recently unveiled the fundamentally revised Big.Nine Carbon Hardtail. To adapt the bike for the demands of modern cross-country tracks without neglecting the requirements of the trail bike community, the geometry was primarily updated to improve downhill and climbing characteristics.
The lightweight, race-oriented Big.Nine comes with "classic" 100 mm of travel. In addition, all frame sizes accommodate tires up to a size of 29x2.4" to generate more grip and traction.
Geometry & Ergonomics
In order not to lose sight of the essentials when biking - we're talking about the "perfect flow" - the focus of the developers was primarily on a new, progressive geometry and suspension platform. The so-called "Agilometer" size system is now intended to offer future Big.Nine buyers the best possible freedom to choose their preferred riding behavior based on the length of the reach: longer for stability, shorter for agility, or in between for a balance of both.
No matter if a bike with a long reach for leaning over is required or one with lively agility and a short wheelbase: Thanks to Merida's radical geometry, every bike can be exemplarily adjusted to meet individual needs.
This is combined with a steep seat angle for enduring climbing performance, a slack head angle for stable riding behavior, and a shorter head tube in all sizes to improve the position of the cockpit.
For increased comfort, a significantly shorter seat tube is used, which allows a larger portion of the seat post to extend outside of the frame, providing more flex. Additionally, depending on the frame size, the short seat tube enables a greater standover height of 40 to 90 mm, which boosts the confidence of MTB newcomers and offers everyone the opportunity to use a dropper seat post with a long travel.
To further improve handling, size-specific chainstay lengths have been introduced in the new carbon models. The remaining geometry data remained the same.
On a cross-country bike, the rider must often remain seated for maximum efficiency. If the chainstay length grows proportionally to the reach, it means that the finely-tuned weight balance between the front and rear wheels is maintained while seated over a larger range of rider sizes. According to Merida, this leads to excellent climbing and cornering characteristics, especially in flat singletrack turns.
Geometry Big.Nine CF3/CF5 III
| S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
| Wheel size | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" | 29" |
| Seat tube (mm) | 380 | 410 | 440 | 470 | 500 |
| Top tube (mm) | 591 | 611 | 633 | 655 | 678 |
| Chainstay (mm) | 430 | 433 | 436 | 439 | 442 |
| Head tube angle | 68° | 68° | 68° | 68° | 68° |
| Seat tube angle | 75.3° | 75.3° | 75.3° | 75.3° | 75.3° |
| Bottom bracket drop (mm) | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 95 | 95 | 105 | 115 | 125 |
| Reach (mm) | 432 | 452 | 472 | 492 | 512 |
| Stack (mm) | 606 | 606 | 615 | 624 | 634 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 1123 | 1146 | 1173 | 1199 | 1226 |
| Standover height (mm) | 704 | 704 | 710 | 731 | 752 |
Agilometer Sizing
The individually optimal geometry for the perfect flow on the trail
Big.Nine 10K 2024
The Big.Nine top model features Merida's highest-quality CF5 carbon frame, which is supposed to weigh just 880 grams in size Medium. Since it is designed for racing, it does not have mounting options for a kickstand, fenders, or a luggage carrier. However, there is the possibility to use a chain guide with BB mounting.
Frame features include:
+ BSA bottom bracket
+ 30.9 mm seat post
+ Integrated headset
+ 148x12 mm Boost
+ Max. 29x2.4" tire clearance
+ Sram UDH mount
+ Flat mount rear brake, 160 mm standard (180 mm with adapter)
+ 1x setup with 55 mm chainline
+ Mounts for two bottle cages + spare tube/tools
Big.Nine 10K Specifications
| Frame | Big.Nine CF5 III, Carbon, max. 29x2.4", 148x12mm thru-axles, BSA bottom bracket | Fork | Rock Shox SID SL Ultimate Air, 100 mm, 2 Position Remote Lockout, 44mm Offset |
| Frame Sizes | S, M, L, XL | Weight* | 9.3 kg (Medium) |
| Bottom Bracket | Sram DUB BSA 73 MTB | Headset | Acros ICR Merida Integrated, IPS |
| Crankset | Sram XX SL Eagle Transmission 34 teeth, incl. Powermeter, 170 mm-S, 175 mm-M/L/XL | Cassette | Sram XX Eagle SL Transmission, 10-52, 12-speed |
| Axles | Merida Expert TR thru-axles with removable lever | Chain | Sram XX Eagle SL Transmission Flattop |
| Brakes | Sram Level Ultimate Stealth, 2 pistons, Sram CenterLine X, 180 mm/160 mm | Tires | Maxxis Rekon Race 29x2.4" WT, TLR, 3C MaxxTerra EXO |
| Handlebars | Merida Team CC II, Carbon, 760 mm, 12.5 mm Rise | Wheels | Reynolds Blacklabel 309/289 XC, Carbon, TLR |
| Stem | Merida Team CC III Alu, 31.8 mm, -6°, incl. Merida Smart Mount, S, M: 60 mm, L, XL: 70 mm, XXL: 80 mm | Seatpost | FSA SL-K, Carbon, 30.9 mm, 0 mm setback, 400 mm-S/M, 450 mm-L/XL |
| Grips | Merida Team CC | Saddle | Prologo Scratch M5 PAS NACK inkl. Merida Minitool |
| Shift Levers | Sram AXS POD Ultimate Controller | Rear Derailleur | Sram XX Eagle SL Transmission AXS, T-Type |
* Manufacturer's specification
Photo Gallery 10K Golden Bronze/Ocean Blue
Photo gallery 10K Cool Grey
Features
MODERN CROSS-COUNTRY SUSPENSION FORKS
All bikes feature suspension forks with a short 44-mm offset, which ensures a comfortable and stable ride without making the bike sluggish in corners. This is also the reason why a longer reach combined with a shorter stem has been used for all frame sizes.MODERN CROSS-COUNTRY SUSPENSION FORKS
All bikes feature suspension forks with a short 44-mm offset, which ensures a comfortable and stable ride without making the bike sluggish in corners. This is also the reason why a longer reach combined with a shorter stem has been used for all frame sizes.
IMPROVED TIRE CLEARANCE
Comfort and grip are two key elements of a modern mountain bike. To enhance these two points, the tire clearance has been significantly increased. This allows for the installation of tires up to 2.4" wide. Wider tires also contribute to better puncture protection and increased traction.IMPROVED TIRE CLEARANCE
Comfort and grip are two key elements of a modern mountain bike. To enhance these two points, the tire clearance has been significantly increased. This allows for the installation of tires up to 2.4" wide. Wider tires also contribute to better puncture protection and increased traction.
WIRE PORT
The Acros headset system developed by Merida allows all control cables to be routed through the headset into the frame, creating a clean and tidy look. At the same time, cable noise and potential scratches on the frame are reduced.WIRE PORT
The Acros headset system developed by Merida allows all control cables to be routed through the headset into the frame, creating a clean and tidy look. At the same time, cable noise and potential scratches on the frame are reduced.
BSA BOTTOM BRACKET AND UDH DERAILLEUR HANGER
A BSA threaded bottom bracket makes replacement and maintenance a breeze. The Sram UDH derailleur hanger is widely used and ensures the best compatibility with the latest drive systems.BSA BOTTOM BRACKET AND UDH DERAILLEUR HANGER
A BSA threaded bottom bracket makes replacement and maintenance a breeze. The Sram UDH derailleur hanger is widely used and ensures the best compatibility with the latest drive systems.
VERSATILE MOUNTING OPTIONS
To maximize the options for carrying water and tools, the Big.Nine is equipped with two mounting options for bottle cages (two 750-ml bottles) on the down tube, as well as a Trail Mount bracket on the lower top tube. In addition, both carbon models come with the V-Mount multitool on the saddle and the 4/6 mm hex key on the rear axle.VERSATILE MOUNTING OPTIONS
To maximize the options for carrying water and tools, the Big.Nine is equipped with two mounting options for bottle cages (two 750-ml bottles) on the down tube, as well as a Trail Mount bracket on the lower top tube. In addition, both carbon models come with the V-Mount multitool on the saddle and the 4/6 mm hex key on the rear axle.
TEAM CC II STEM WITH SMART-MOUNT
Lightweight aluminum stem that works perfectly with Merida's Wire Post cable integration and is equipped with a forward-facing Smart Mount bracket. This allows for the attachment of various bike computers directly in the pilot's field of vision. Accessories such as a front light can be attached to the underside of the bracket.TEAM CC II STEM WITH SMART-MOUNT
Lightweight aluminum stem that works perfectly with Merida's Wire Post cable integration and is equipped with a forward-facing Smart Mount bracket. This allows for the attachment of various bike computers directly in the pilot's field of vision. Accessories such as a front light can be attached to the underside of the bracket.
Big.Nine XT 2024
The entry-level model essentially has the same frame features as the top model, but is made from the less expensive CF3 carbon fibers. The frame weight is said to be 1,100 grams in size Medium (which is 220 grams more).
Big.Nine XT Specs
| Rahmen | Big.Nine CF3 III, Carbon, max. 29x2.4", 148x12mm Steckachsen, BSA Tretlager | Gabel | Rock Shox SID SL Air, 100mm, 2 position remote lockout, 44 mm Offset |
| Rahmengrößen | S, M, L, XL, XXL | Gewicht* | 10,2 kg (Medium) |
| Innenlager | Shimano BB-MT-801 24mm | Steuerlager | Acros ICR Merida Integrated, IPS |
| Kurbel | Shimano XT, 34Z, 170 mm-S, 175 mm-M/L/XL/XXL | Kassette | Shimano XT, 10-51, 12-fach |
| Achsen | Merida Expert TR Steckachsen mit abnehmbarem Hebel | Kette | KMC X12 |
| Bremsen | Shimano XT M8100 / Shimano XT M8110, 2-Kolben | Reifen | Maxxis Rekon Race 29x2.4" WT, TLR, 3C MaxxTerra EXO |
| Lenker | Merida Team CC II, Carbon, 760 mm, flat | Laufräder | Merida Expert CC II, Alu, 25mm innen, Shimano XT Naben, 32 Speichen |
| Vorbau | Merida Team CC III Alu, 31.8 mm, -6°, incl. Merida Smart Mount, S, M: 60 mm, L, XL: 70 mm, XXL: 80 mm | Sattelstütze | FSA SL-K, Carbon, 30.9 mm, 0 mm setback, 400 mm-S/M, 450 mm-L/XL |
| Griffe | Merida Team CC | Sattel | Merida Expert SL incl. Merida Tool |
| Schalthebel | Shimano XT M8100, Multi Release | Schaltwerk | Shimano XT SGS |
* Herstellerangabe
The prices and availability for Austria will be available shortly at Merida-bikes.com
