Merida's New XC BikesMerida chose the second round of the World Cup cross-country series in Albstadt, Germany, to debut two new bikes, one of which is a completely redesigned carbon fiber cross-country hardtail that can be had with either 29'' or 27.5'' wheels. Merida says that a medium-sized Big.Nine frame (29'' wheels) weighs 1,004 grams with all the fixings (hanger, axle, frame guards, etc...) and that the Big.Nine Team complete bike comes in at about 8.5kg (18.73lbs) right off the shelf. Any guesses as to what the 27.5'' model is called? Yup, the Big.Seven.
Riders who still use a front derailleur will have to give it up if they want to ride a Big.Nine or Big.Seven as neither are compatible with anything other than a single-ring drivetrain. Then again, I suspect that most potential owners of a 1,000-gram frame made for cross-country racing won't blink at this fact.
Like a few other hardtails out there, the Big.Nine and Big.Seven both have a small degree of flex designed into their rear-end, with Merida saying that their flat seatstays act as a spring of sorts in tandem with the bike's Flex Stay chainstays. It's not suspension, of course, but it's probably more forgiving than large diameter carbon tubes. Further helping matters is Merida's own seatpost that's also designed to flex and add a small degree of comfort.
Other noteworthy details include the company's internal cable routing system that sees the lines clamped gently within the bottom bracket shell to keep them from rattling or being tugged into or out of the frame, with both the shift and brake lines running right into the chainstays before exiting near the back of the bike. Smooth lines and protection, for sure, but I'd want to have a go at routing them before calling it an easy job.
And somewhat humorously, Merida says that the bike's downtube has been aerodynamically optimized using a CFD simulation program. No excuses during that next time-trial, then.
The Big.TrailNot interested in Lycra and intervals? With 27.5+ tires, a 130mm-travel fork, and 35mm long stems on all sizes, it looks like the Big.Trail might be on the same page as you. The aluminum frame features a 67.5° head angle, 427.5mm chainstays, and plenty of tire clearance for the 2.8'' wide rubber that it comes stock with from Merida.
Merida doesn't quote a weight for a bare frame or complete bike, but it's obvious that the Big.Trail is designed for someone who's more into bashing around in the bush than for someone who cares grams and flexible chainstays. The addition of ISCG 05 chain guide tabs confirms this as well.
Official weight acc. to Merida should be 12.7kg/28lbs without pedals.
Turned out to be 100grams/0.2lbs heavier.
And yes: There were some reports of calf banging from various riders. Did not experience that myself, though.
Right? Apparently XC, DH riders and Enduro racers do care about aerodynamics. I mean, big S has their MTB athletes spend time in a freaking wind-tunnel. I also remember seeing some Leadville 100 bike checks where riders had setups focused on being aero.
Haven't riden 27.5plus yet but am keen to try. Just worried its not as 'fast'. Just gotta try it i spose!!