Merida Big.Nine XT-Edition (2016)

Higher end hard tail for entry level racing

Pros

- XT Drivetrain
- Deore brakes
- Remote fork lock out

Cons

- 12kg weight could come down
- 70/70.5 degree head tube angle may be a little steep
- High standover

Review

The 2016 Merida Big.Nine XT Edition is a higher end hard tail meant for entry level XC racing. The Big.Nine features: Shimano XT drivetrain, Shimano Deore brakes, RockShox 30Gold TK29 100 remote lockout fork, and Merida rims laced to Shimano hubs. This bike makes for a relatively good technical racing hardtail. the 70 degree head tube angle makes it capable of some decently technical climbs, but it could be quite twitchy at faster speeds on both the flats, and the descent.

The XT level build kit is excellent. You get the best of both worlds in reliability and performance. With that being said, the 3x10 system is on the verge of being obsolete and moving to a 2x11 or even 1x11 would drop the overall weight to a more race-worthy level. The 600mm top tube length on the 19" frame is relatively short, resulting in a reasonably high standover at 783mm.

All-in-all the Merida Big.Nine XT Edition features a good Shimano XT build kit and has a remote lockout for the 100mm travel fork making it a decent race hardtail. The 29" wheels, short top tube, high standover, and steep head tube angle could make this bike a little difficult to control on higher speed rides with technical descents. This bike is intended for entry level XC racing, so recreational riders may find the ride uncomfortable and a little twitchy for the higher price tag.