Merida Ninety-Six 9.600 (2017)

The 2017 Merida Ninety-Six 9.600 is a mid-range full-suspension cross-country bike. Rolling on big 29er hoops, the 9.600 confidently tops obstacles, the stalwart all-round Maxxis Ikon treads hooking up in the dirt, the sticky compound keeping its grip on slippery tree roots or rocks. RockShox smoothly suspends front and rear, absorbing the bigger bumps with sensitivity to the little disturbances; an all-aluminum frame and swingarm delivers power efficiently. Kit is commensurate, including Shimano's clean-shifting Deore/SLX mix drivetrain and powerful M447 hydraulic disc brakes.
A very good cross-country bike.