THE NEW BIG.TRAIL

TRAIL FUN SIMPLIFIED

HARDTAILS ARE FUN – THAT’S A FACT.

Whether you’ve been riding for years or you’re just starting out on your mountain biking adventure, a hardtail always packs in the most laughs for the money – and the BIG.TRAIL has always been about delivering the biggest grins of all.

It’s the bike for riders who want to hit their first red trail. It’s the bike for riders that want to hit the redline on their old trails. The BIG.TRAIL has been the riding buddy that’s always ready to take on a fresh challenge. Our trail hardtails follow a simple recipe, but they’ve always been at the cutting edge. Starting with fat 650b Plus tyres, the BIG.TRAIL has evolved into a progressive geometry 29er – and now, we have refined the recipe even further. Why? Because riders want to push harder and have more fun. They want more choice in how their bike handles and they want all of that wrapped up in a slick but affordable package. That’s why we’ve taken our AGILOMETER sizing concept from our award-winning full suspension range, so fit is freed from handling. We’ve pored over the geometry, revising it over and over again, all to make an even better bike without ruining what made the original a success with trail riders all over the world.

It’s faster, it’s more fun, and it’s your new favourite trail partner - welcome to the BIG.TRAIL II.

THE CONCEPT

Originally developed 'on the back of a napkin' during an international dealer event between our R&D team, the UK distributor and some of the UK’s most knowledgeable dealers, the BIG.TRAIL had a rather unconventional start to life. The aim was to create a super capable trail hardtail with progressive geometry, featuring 29er wheels, long travel forks, dropper posts and trail-ready components, all at an affordable price. Combining these key elements would create a bike that is more affordable, easier to set up and requires less maintenance than a full suspension bike, and if you’re on a budget, it’s probably a better choice than the very entry-level dual suspension options. 

 Entering the world of trail riding, the BIG.TRAIL featured a slack 65.5° head angle and a steep seat angle, both of which helped make our BIG.TRAIL a solid descender even when the trail was littered with roots and rocks while maintaining impressive climbing ability due to the central seating position over the bottom bracket. It featured internal cable routing, bottle bosses for two bottles, trail-ready tyre clearance, and long insertion depth for dropper posts, paving the way for upsizing or downsizing, allowing riders to find the perfect size for the riding characteristics they were looking for.     

Like with most mountain disciplines, as the bikes become more capable, riders take them to more challenging places, which in turn pushes the development further. This is no different for our trail hardtail, which, due to its capabilities, found its main playground on demanding tracks and trails, and to make it perform even better on the terrain it is exposed to, we looked at a number of changes and upgrades for our BIG.TRAIL – Mach II.

FEATURES & INNOVATIONS

PROGRESSIVE GEOMETRY

As well as bringing the frame size into line with the existing MTB range, the BIG.TRAIL’s already progressive geometry has been refined to improve handling on steep and challenging terrain even further. Comparing size to size (e.g. the outgoing Medium to the new Mid), the reach has increased, as tests have shown how much of an impact reach has on the stability of a trail bike. In line with the extended reach, we have increased the stack, allowing the front wheel to be easily popped while also not making the bike feel too stretched. The seat tube remains short for a super low stand over height and is now straight for maximum insertion depth, allowing long-travel dropper posts to be fitted even on smaller frame sizes. This gives the rider more room to manoeuvre over the bike, a huge advantage on trail hardtails as the terrain gets more challenging.
 
On top of that, we made the seat angle steeper, from 75.5° to 76.5°, which is well ahead (approx. 1.5°) of the other trail hardtails in the market. A steeper seat tube angle increases the pressure on the front wheel on steep climbs, resulting in a much more relaxed position even on the steepest ramps. It also makes it possible and more natural to ride bikes with a longer reach, as the steep seat tube angle reduces the length of the top tube. This means that the bike doesn’t feel too long when you’re pedalling in a seated position while providing plenty of stability on rough terrain.

To further aid the stability on steep and demanding terrain, we have also slackened the head angle by 1.5° going from an already progressive 65.5° to 64.0°. This, combined with a large BB drop (70 mm, up from 66.5 mm), gives the rider the hugely desirable feeling of ‘sitting in the bike’ rather than ‘on top’. It provides plenty of stability and confidence when things get rowdy. With key elements such as the steep seat angle and extended reach, along with other progressive geometry updates, the BIG.TRAIL now fits very much into the new generation of MERIDA performance mountain bikes, offering very similar riding characteristics to the award-winning ONE-SIXTY and ONE-FORTY ranges, as well as the highly regarded ONE-TWENTY models.  

AGILOMETER SIZING

CHOOSE THE SIZE FOR YOUR RIDING STYLE

With one of the first bikes that featured an extremely low stand over height combined with a long insertion depth seat tube, it allowed riders to up or downsize fairly easily. They could choose a smaller size with a shorter reach for agility or a larger size with a longer reach for more stability. This is now reflected in the sizing, which changes from Small, Medium, Large…to SHORT, MID, LONG. 

As an added extra, the seat tube diameter has been increased to 34.9 mm so that it can accommodate our travel-adjustable MERIDA TEAM TR II dropper post, giving the seat tube / top tube / seat stay junctions additional strength and is ready to take modern long travel dropper posts. The BIG.TRAILs come standard with a 150 mm dropper post on the XSHORT frame, the SHORT and MID will have a 170 mm dropper, the LONG features 200 mm, and XLONG will have a 230 mm travel dropper post. And finally, the sizing has been brought in line with the rest of the MTB line-up, making it easier for riders to switch between different models, as, for example, a LONG on a ONE-SIXTY is pretty comparable with a LONG on the new BIG.TRAIL.
 

29ER ALL THE WAY

While mullet wheels are becoming increasingly popular in the world of trail and enduro riding, our BIG.TRAIL sticks to its proven 29er hoops. Extensive testing has shown that while a 27.5“ wheel may have a slight advantage on rough trails and when hammering over rocks, due to its greater bum clearance and ability to move around the bike, the full 29“ is the better all-rounder. It pedals better, has a more balanced weight distribution and is still very agile. We also found that the head angle had a more significant overall effect than the smaller rear wheel, further confirming our decision to stick with 29“ front and rear for our BIG.TRAIL, and to continue combining this with a 140 mm travel fork.
 

FAMILY FEATURES

IMPROVE THE ALL-IMPORTANT AESTHETICS AND PROVIDE REAL BENEFITS ON THE TRAIL.

Over the last two years, we have introduced a number of key features to our mountain bike range that not only improve the all-important aesthetics but also provide real benefits on the trail. The ONE-SIXTY and ONE-FORTY started this process, and the natural trickle-down effect has seen some of the features introduced on our new BIG.TRAIL, despite the price-focused nature of the bikes. The cable integration of the new BIG.TRAIL will follow in the footsteps of the ONE-SIXTY, ONE-FORTY, ONE-TWENTY and BIG.NINE, running gear, dropper post and rear brake cable through the proven WIRE PORT headset configuration that will feature long-lasting and superbly sealed ACROS parts that also allow for easy and simplified bearing replacement when needed. The WIRE PORT keeps cables out of harm’s way, eliminates cable rattling and helps to create an uncluttered cockpit. On top of the WIRE PORT cable entry into the frame, the gear cable now runs through the chainstays for a cleaner look and added protection. 
 

The latest version of the WIRE PORT headset (featuring the new 2-piece top cap configuration) makes servicing and replacing cables extremely straightforward and allows foam tubes (for maximum noise reduction) to be fitted easily. The stems and spacers used are easily interchangeable as they are not specific to our WIRE PORT headset routing, allowing for a more personalised setup if required. All in all, the uncluttered look of the cable routing gives our BIG.TRAIL a real premium look.  

To increase the heel clearance and provide the BIG.TRAIL with ample space for trail tyres, we are running a 55 mm chain line and to further improve the durability of the top tube seat tube junction as well as ensure interchangeability with the MERIDA TEAM TR II adjustable dropper post from the ONE-SIXTY/FORTY/TWENTY range, we now use 34.9 mm diameter seat posts.

IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCE, HANDLING AND CAPABILITY AT A GREAT PRICE.

A key factor in the development of the outgoing BIG.TRAIL was that it should offer impressive performance, handling and capability at a great price. While the new BIG.TRAIL sees a number of changes, this price focus remains the case. Although we are introducing new and exciting frame features and updating the geometry, the BIG.TRAIL range will continue to offer amazing trail performance at an affordable price. However, as more experienced riders have discovered the capabilities of the BIG.TRAIL, we will also continue to offer more performance-oriented versions based on the same frame but with a more high-end specification.

WIRE PORT SYSTEM

IMPRESSIVE LONGEVITY AND EASY BEARING REPLACEMENT AND CABLE MAINTENANCE

Most cables, including gear, rear brake and dropper post cables, enter the frame through a specifically designed 2-piece headset cover, creating a clutter-free cockpit and reducing cable rattle. The proven WIRE PORT system can be found on the majority of road, mountain, gravel and full-suspension bikes. The ACROS parts of the WIRE PORT system offer impressive longevity due to their sophisticated seals and allow for quick and easy bearing replacement and cable maintenance when the time comes.
 

CHAIN STAY PROTECTOR

ONE OF THE QUIETEST TRAIL HARDTAILS

Trail hardtails are particularly sensitive to chain slap on rough trails. As a result, riding on a demanding trail can be a noisy affair. To further reduce the noise of our BIG.TRAIL and make it one of the quietest trail hardtails on the market, we have gone the extra mile and, while keeping the overall price of the bike in mind, developed an elaborate but highly effective chainstay protector. It is made from two materials: a hard plastic that gives it the shape and rigidity to fit to the chainstay without glueing, and a soft plastic on the outside for more damping when the chain hits. In addition to the soft outer material, we have added air pockets to further increase the perfect sound-deadening abilities. The rear part of the chainstay protector also protects the tube from shoe rubbing, which can happen to riders with larger feet, especially when using flat pedals.

TRAIL MOUNT

EXTRA STORAGE FOR TOOLS AND SPARES ON YOUR BIG.TRAIL

We have added the TRAIL MOUNT to our BIG.TRAIL frames to allow you to mount additional tools and spares on your bike. It provides an additional mounting point under the top tube.

SRAM UDH

PERFECT SHIFTING PERFORMANCE FOR YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE

By now a standard on modern mountain bikes, the SRAM UDH hanger is easily available, aids shifting and is ready to work with the latest SRAM drivetrains.

TYRE CLEARANCE

UNMATCHED TRACTION AND COMFORT

BIG.TRAIL frames offer tyre clearance for up to 2.4“ wide trail and enduro tyres, providing plenty of grip, traction and comfort - key elements for a trail hardtail that seeks out challenging tracks and trails.

BRAKE MOUNT AND AXLE STANDARD

PERFECT CONTROL AND OPTIMAL BRAKE PERFORMANCE

To give the BIG.TRAIL perfect wheel stiffness and maximum braking power, our BIG.TRAIL range is fitted as standard with 148x12 mm Boost and 180 mm Post Mount direct rear brakes, which sit well protected inside the rear triangle.

BUILD IN VERSATILITY

VERSATILE DESIGN FOR ANY ADVENTURE

While our BIG.TRAIL is clearly at home on tracks and trails, we also understand that some of its fans may use the bike for more everyday purposes, such as commuting to school or work. With this in mind, our BIG.TRAIL still features hidden fixing points for fenders, a rear rack and even a kickstand.

RIDER PROTECTION

ENHANCED PROTECTION FOR RIDER AND FRAME

For additional frame and rider protection, the optional long rear fender, as seen on the ONE-SIXTY, can be fitted to the wishbone section of the rear triangle.

TRAIL FUN SIMPLIFIED

WELCOME TO THE NEW BIG.TRAIL

Big fun, big value - the BIG.TRAIL is back! Our trail hardtail has always been guaranteed to put a smile on your face with a mixture of hard-hitting trail riding ability and huge value for money, but we've been back to the drawing board to make it even better. Longer reach paired with a slacker head angle means it's even more of a ripper on the downhills, while a steeper seat angle means it'll dispatch technical climbs with ease. New frame protection keeps it riding silently and the new, sleeker frame design looking good for longer. When it comes to grins per mile, the BIG.TRAIL is always number one.

FAQs

The frame is designed with 140 mm forks in mind. As standard, it comes with 140 mm forks, but can accommodate up to 150 mm of fork travel without having a negative effect on the riding behaviour.

Yes, Category 4 means that enduro riding and racing is allowed and approved.

Although the MERIDA development team is a big fan of mullet bikes (as seen on the ONE-SIXTY/ FORTY and the eONE-SIXTY), and we have even had extensive testing periods with a mullet setup, we have chosen to stick to 29" wheels across all sizes due to the better rollover performance.

Fitting a 27.5" rear wheel into the frame would be possible, but this would affect the geometry: The head tube angle and seat tube angle would be much slacker, and the bottom bracket would be critically low.

The adjustable TEAM TR II seat post is not specified because of the focus of the BIG.TRAIL always has been and remains on price. But we have made sure that the shorter sizes can also benefit from long travel dropper posts. XSHORT will have 150 mm travel, SHORT and MID 170 mm, LONG 200 mm and XLONG 230 mm.

The BIG.TRAIL has water bottle bosses for two water bottles on the downtube. It can accommodate the following bottle sizes using side-loaded cages:

XSHORT: 1 x 700 ml + 1 x 500 ml
SHORT: 1 x 700 ml + 1 x 500 ml
MID: 1 x 700 ml + 1 x 500 ml
LONG: 2 x 700 ml
XLONG: 2 x 700 ml