THE NEW BIG.NINE

MAKING FAST FUN

EXCEPTION PERFORMANCE FOR TRACK OR TRAIL

Whether you’re going for your first mountain bike ride or gunning for your next podium, the BIG.NINE has always had you covered, whether in affordable aluminium or lightweight carbon fibre. For 2024, it’s more ready than ever. We’ve taken the AGILOMETER sizing concept from our all-mountain and enduro range, so you can choose the handling that suits your needs. We’ve boosted tyre clearance and standover, delivering more comfort and capability, with handling that keeps the hardtail fire burning in a full suspension world, serving up precision without the pain. There’s also a new BIG.NINE TR model with increased front travel, a dropper post and a more rugged kit to deliver exceptional trail performance with minimal weight.

Cross-country, down-country, marathon - this is cross everywhere - the BIG.NINE is ready for you.

VALUE AND PERFORMANCE

The BIG.NINE has always been the ideal choice for anyone after an all-around mountain bike that packs in value as well as performance. It’s designed to be as fleet-footed going uphill as it is heading back down, with handling that offers the perfect balance of confidence and agility for riders ranging from first-time mountain bikers to seasoned singletrack slayers. It’s the mainstay of our mountain bike range, and while it’s capable on dirt, it’s just as happy as a rugged commuter or a touring bike. 

The recipe is simple, with a short travel suspension fork and 29” wheels paired with a choice of carbon and aluminium hardtail frame and builds that cater for everyone from cost-conscious novice mountain bikers to seasoned competitors shaving every gram. 

FORWARD-THINKING DESIGN

Cross-country race courses are tougher and more technical than ever before, and there has been an explosion of new trail destinations that have opened up a world of new challenges for riders of all abilities. The lure of going longer, faster and further has always driven mountain bikers, no matter how experienced they are, while riders are more aware that handling needs to be considered alongside fit.

That means the BIG.NINE still needs to be as capable uphill as ever, but with the ability to hit more technical terrain at greater speed. Riders need to be able to choose the handling that suits their preferences in a frame that fits them properly and also allows them to take advantage of the latest technology. That means that the essential BIG.NINE recipe is the same; just with fresher flavours and a little bit more zing.

MOUNTAIN BIKE HARDTAILS FOR EVERYONE

CHOOSE CARBON FIBRE OR ALUMINIUM

Overall, the new BIG.NINE range is still our ‘do-it-all’ mountain bike hardtail for everyone from beginners to pros, taking on everything from easy tracks and trails to World Cup-level cross-country courses. The CF5 and CF3 carbon fibre framed bikes are designed to put their lightweight frames to good use on the race track, whether in the cut-and-thrust world of traditional cross-country racing or tapping out the miles during endurance marathons. In the high-value LITE aluminium version, it can be used as everything from a first mountain bike to a robust and reliable ride for the privateer racer. It will be able to tackle trail centre runs or marathon races but also happy to be pressed into service as a tough commuter, as versatile as it is rugged. Entry level BIG.NINE TFS and SPEED frames remain unchanged; their geometry is still fit for purpose in their intended use as versatile and rugged bikes for a wide variety of use rather than purely off-road mountain bike-focused machines.
 

CHOOSE RACE TAPE OR TRAIL

While the ‘classic’ race proven BIG.NINE brings traditional 100 mm of front suspension travel, fast-rolling tyres and a weight-saving rigid seatpost to the table, the new BIG.NINE family is excited to add the TR, the ‘trail’ version, to the line-up.  

Our new BIG.NINE TR models add in a longer travel 120 mm fork and more capable kit as standard, making them an excellent choice for anyone that wants additional descending performance without the additional weight or expense of a full suspension bike. There will be four BIG.NINE TR models available, two with a CF3 frame and two with a more affordable LITE frame. As well as the longer travel fork, the bikes will come equipped with more aggressive, heavily treaded tyres as standard, plus a dropper post.

FEATURES & INNOVATIONS

PROGRESSIVE GEOMETRY AND DESIGN

The new BIG.NINE keeps true to its do-anything roots, but we’ve added a little more spice into the mix, so it’s more capable than ever. More tyre clearance boosts comfort and grip, progressive sizing and geometry mean it’s more capable on tough, technical terrain and it’s designed to work with dropper posts as they become an essential bit of kit even in the race world.

Our progressive geometry approach is taken from our latest enduro and all-mountain bikes, but adapted to suit the needs of the BIG.NINE rider. The seat angle is now 75.3° (1.8° steeper than the previous model) to help keep the front end of the bike under control on climbs. While steeper than before, it’s tuned to suit the more rolling terrain rather than the steep winch-and-plummet style of all-amount and enduro riding, so it is still slacker than our ONE-SIXTY and ONE-FORTY range.

THE RIGHT SIZE FOR ALL RIDING STYLES

AGILOMETER SIZING SYSTEM

We’ve added the cutting-edge reach-based AGILOMETER sizing system first seen on our enduro bikes; super short seat tubes allow you to pick the handling that you prefer based on reach. The longer reach frame options offer more stability for riders that want to give the descents even more hammer. Alternatively, going shorter means more agility for singletrack ducking and diving, or you can keep it balanced with something and opt for a blend of both - the choice is yours.

If you don’t want to go into the world of reach figures, our sizing system easy to understand too. The S, M and L sizes might stand for short, mid and long rather than small, medium and large, so you’ll know how to get a size that works well for you. There are no confusing mixes of letters and numbers - just pick the size that has always worked for you. That said, reach figures are much longer across all sizes, from 30 to 44 mm depending on frame size, helping to give a much more stable and planted feel on the trail.



 

MORE STABILITY AND CONFIDENCE

Slacker head angles give more stability and confidence on the trail, but we’ve made sure that we’ve kept on the steering on the right side of sharp rather than sluggish to ensure a ride that’s reactive, engaging and fun, even on more gentle terrain. For the standard BIG.NINE, the head angle is now 68°, which is 2° slacker than before. For the BIG.NINE TR, that figure moves to 67° due to the longer travel fork.

MORE CONFIDENCE AND COMFORTABLE COMPLIANCE

A substantially shorter seat tube gives more comfort when you’re running a rigid post as the greater amount of exposed post allows for more comfort boosting compliance. This short seat tube increases standover clearance from 40 to 90 mm, depending on frame size, which helps boost confidence for novice riders, but it also gives the low-slung aggressive look and attitude seen across the modern MERIDA mountain bike range. Of course, it also gives the option of running a long travel dropper if you prefer.

MODERN CROSS-COUNTRY FORKS

We have moved to short 44 mm offset forks across all bikes - it keeps the bike handling nice and stable without making it sluggish in the turns. That’s also the thinking behind pairing a longer frame reach across all sizes with shorter stems, a concept fully accepted in the trail bike world.

HIGH-VOLUME TYRES

We’ve stuck with the classic combination of smooth rolling 29” wheels, but they now all come with high-volume 2.4” tyres with plenty of clearance. These give more comfort, puncture protection and grip without a significant rolling resistance penalty.

MORE TRAVEL ON OUR TR MODELS

The 29er wheels on our ‘classic’ BIG.NINE have been paired with a 100 mm travel fork; this is the benchmark for the category and the travel that the very lightest cross-country forks have been designed around - and for good reason. However, as we designed the BIG.NINE for a more capable kind of riding, we factored in the ability to use a 120 mm travel fork from the very start, so that dedicated BIG.NINE TR models can deliver even more heat on the trail.

SIZE-SPECIFIC CHAINSTAY LENGTHS

On the CF carbon fibre framed models, we have introduced size-specific chainstay lengths to help improve handling, while the rest of the geometry is shared. On a cross-country bike, the rider often needs to stay seated for maximum efficiency. Having the chainstay length grow proportionately larger as the reach grows means that the finely tuned front-to-rear weight balance is maintained when seated across a wider range of rider heights, making for excellent climbing and cornering characteristics, especially on flat singletrack turns.

WIRE PORT

A MERIDA-designed ACROS headset system that allows all control cables to enter the frame through the headset, creating a clean and uncluttered look without making structural changes to the frame, all while reducing cable rattle and potential frame scuffs.

BSA BOTTOM BRACKET AND UDH HANGER

A threaded BSA bottom bracket makes replacement and maintenance a breeze, and the SRAM UDH derailleur hanger is widely available and assures compatibility with the latest drivetrains.

MULTIPLE FIXING OPTIONS

To give the BIG.NINE maximum water and tool carrying capacity, we have two water bottle mounts on the downtube (holding two 750ml bottles), plus the TRAIL MOUNT underneath the top tube for easy attachment of tools and accessories. On top of that, most models feature the V-MOUNT saddle-mounted multi-tool and 4/6 mm rear axle-mounted hex key, allowing you to ride pack-free.

TEAM CC II STEM WITH SMART MOUNT

Lightweight aluminium stem that works perfectly with our WIRE PORT cable integration and now features the SMART MOUNT forward-facing GPS and light mount. The new attachment points allow various cycling computers and GPS models to be fitted, putting them right in the eye line of the rider and keeping the handlebars nice and clutter-free. On the underside of the mount, accessories like a front light can be attached, keeping visibility high when the light starts to fade. 

THE NEWEST DRIVETRAIN TECHNOLOGY

Being at the cutting edge of cross country, marathon and down-country technology, our BIG.NINE does not only reply to thought-through and innovative frame technologies and features but also benefits from the latest drivetrain technology. When every second counts, it is imperative that every ounce of muscle input gets turned into forward motion, even under the most demanding conditions. 

Some of our models feature the latest T-Type drivetrains from SRAM, combining the proven performance of SRAM’s wireless AXS technology, but offer crisper than ever shifting thanks to a radical new interface with the frame, while the extra low-profile design helps to reduce the possibility of trail damage. The new T-Type drivetrains take under-power shifting, chain retention, durability, impact resistance and simplicity of setup to the next level, all elements that fit perfectly onto our race and down-country focused BIG.NINEs. 

SRAM’s new T-Type is now available on the top-end XX level as well as the more affordable GX platform, allowing us to spec it on numerous models in our BIG.NINE range. 

INCREASED TYRE CLEARANCE

Comfort and grip are two of the key elements of a modern mountain bike. Increased comfort can have a positive impact on rider fatigue, helping to keep the pressure on for longer, while increased grip helps to ride technical sections faster and with more confidence. To improve these two points, we have increased the tyre clearance, giving riders the ability to fit tyres up to 2.4”. The wider tyres will also help improve puncture resistance and traction.     

R&D FOCUS

DESIGN THINKING ABOUT THE BIKE

Only a fast-looking bike can be a fast bike. While the outgoing BIG.NINE has successfully set the tone for our hardtail range since it was launched in 2016, with the introduction of new features, geometry updates and increased trail capability, an updated and more low-slung look has arrived.

Whilst keeping in line with the latest off-road additions to MERIDA’s line-up, the new BIG.NINE’s design language follows one primary idea: no compromises. The new platform’s geometry focuses on maximum downhill potency without sacrificing any uphill capabilities. And the frame shape resembles this overarching topic by utilising straight lines and going the “direct way”, wherever possible. At the same time, the tube profiles have been optimised for minimum weight and maximum stiffness where needed. The introduction of distinct technical features, such as fully internal cable routing and rear flat mount brakes, help to underline the BIG.NINE’s clean appearance and consequently express its call for speed – no matter if ascending or descending.

MAKING FAST FUN

WELCOME TO THE NEW BIG.NINE

Over the years, the BIG.NINE has been a part of the success story for many racers, from local events all the way to World Cups and World Championships. However, cross country and marathon racing have never stood still, and neither has the BIG.NINE. We caught up with MERIDA racers José Hermida, whose legendary career needs no introduction, and Gaia Tormena, a bright light for the future, to talk about the BIG.NINE, the performances it has delivered in the past and what part this new model will play in the future.

FAQs

Not with the CF or LITE frames - the BIG.SEVEN is still available at the entry level with TFS and SPEED frames for riders who prefer the smaller wheel size.

The bike uses a Flat Mount rear brake, which takes a 160 mm rotor without an adaptor, but can run up to a 180 mm disc with an adaptor. All bikes come as standard with a 180 mm front disc and a 160 mm rear disc.

We use two different seat post lengths across the different sizes to match the average seat heights with the expected leg lengths.

The following saddle heights can be reached with the originally specified seat heights. Please note that this seat height depends slightly on the stack height of the saddle being used.

Frames using our CF5 carbon construction use extremely high-end carbon fibre cloth which is stronger and therefore allows us to use less material and less resin to bind the carbon fibres together. Our CF3 frame construction uses more affordable carbon fibre, but this means that we need to use more material to create a frame with the same strength and stiffness as the CF5 version. That means a frame that shares the same strength and stiffness, but at a higher weight. In mid, a CF3 frame weighs 1100 g while the CF5 weighs 880 g, making it 220 g lighter.

The extremely steep seat angle seen on our trail and enduro full-suspension bike comes into its own during very steep climbs, when the rider’s weight is pushed rearwards, causing the front wheel to lift.

The BIG.NINE is designed for generally more flowing terrain, where the rider tends to be sat in the saddle for much longer periods due to the extra efficiency this gives. While a very steep seat angle still offers benefits on very steep climbs, on flatter climbs or flat trails, it forces much more weight onto the rider’s arms, causing fatigue.

On flowing singletrack trails or descents, a less steep seat angle makes it easy to ‘micro adjust’ the weight between the front and rear tyres while remaining in the saddle. It is also for this reason that we use size-specific chainstays on the CF framed bikes - it allows a more balanced weight distribution between front and rear on flatter trails with less rider effort.

Cross-country riding and racing is a broad church. While some riders wish to keep weight to an absolute minimum, others are happy to trade some weight for extra descending capability.

As we have seen in the full-suspension cross-country bike market, while 100 mm travel has long been the benchmark, many riders now desire 120 mm of travel to help deal with more technical courses and demanding terrain. That’s why we will offer the new BIG.NINE with both 100 mm travel fork race-focussed builds or more trail focussed builds with a 120 mm fork, called the BIG.NINE TR.

Whether with a LITE aluminium or CF carbon fibre frame, these builds share the same frame as a starting point. The progressive geometry of the new BIG.NINE has been designed from the beginning to work well with either a 100 or 120 mm fork, so that the handling of either bike has not been compromised. We’ve also boosted tyre clearance up to 29x2.4" and our low-slung frame design offers superb clearance and also more comfort-enhancing compliance, due to the larger seat post exposure.

BIG.NINE

The ‘regular’ BIG.NINE is very much a progressive take on the classic cross-country hardtail, with the proven recipe of 100 mm fork travel, flat bars, very fast rolling tyres and a fixed seatpost.

It’s for racers that want a fast and lightweight hardtail for cross-country, XCE and marathon events or riders that want to go as far as possible, as fast as possible.

In alloy, it offers a very versatile yet economical mountain bike that can be used for commutes or general riding, as well as more demanding dirt sessions.

In carbon, it’s a race bike that’s ready to take on the highest levels of competition, with an impressively lightweight frame.

Both bikes have handling that offers enough pinpoint precision needed to slice your way throughthe bunch and reacts instinctively in singletrack while not being nervous on descents.


BIG.NINE TR

The BIG.NINE TR is the more descending and trail focussed bike thanks to a 120 mm fork, low rise bars, a more aggressive front tyre paired with fast-rolling rear, plus a dropper seatpost.

Whether you want to call it downcountry, gnarly XC or light trail, the BIG.NINE TR is for riders that still want to hammer the climbs but also have fun on the descents, with a more relaxed ride character than the laser-focussed race attitude of the regular BIG.NINE.

In aluminium, it offers a versatile all-round mountain bike that will suit anyone from younger riders heading to school the fun way to commuters that also want to hit trails on the weekend. It’s especially well suited to anyone that needs a lighter, perhaps less rugged, but equally good value alternative to a BIG.TRAIL.

In carbon, the TR narrows the gap in descending performance gap between it and a fully-suspended cross-country race bike. It allows riders to access descending prowess almost that of the NINETY-SIX but at a much reduced cost. It’s also a great choice for experienced riders that enjoy pushing hard uphill but also enjoy a bit of spice with their choice of descents.


BUY A BIG.NINE IF…

  • You want to race cross-country or marathon events
  • Low weight and fast rolling is your main priority
  • You want maximum speed uphill and on the flat
  • You want a bike with rapid handling responses


BUY A BIG.NINE TR IF…

  • You want the speed of a cross-country bike paired with the handling of a trail bike
  • You want better descending performance and don’t mind a small weight penalty
  • You want to push hard on climbs, but enjoy tackling trickier descents
  • You want a bike with a more relaxed riding position and ride feel

While they use the same frame, changing the fork travel alters the geometry of the bike. Compared to the 100 mm forked BIG.NINE, the longer fork on the BIG.NINE TR means it has a degree slacker head angle, making it more stable at speed, which is ideal for a more-trail focussed bike.

The regular BIG.NINE in turn, keeps the sharp handling response that racers want for fast-paced race manoeuvres.

However, moving to the longer fork does make the reach of the TR models shorter. While many riders would prefer a longer reach for a trail-style bike, the AGILOMETER sizing system makes it easy for a rider to size up to a longer reach while still fitting on the bike, thanks to the short standover heights across all sizes.

Similarly, the seat tube angle is more relaxed on TR bikes, but as this is by a very minor amount, it can be corrected by shifting the saddle slightly further forwards on the rails if a rider so desires.