BIG NINETY-NINE

A All of a Piece
The one-piece seat stay construction eliminates the need for an additional bridge in front of the seat tube and saves weight at maximum stiffness.

B Strong and Reliable
Post-mount bracket for direct mounting of the calliper – powerful 180 mm rotors decelerate the Twentyniner reliably also under tough conditions.

C Stiff and Ultra-Light
The “X-Taper” headtube measures 1 1/8“ at the top and 1.5“ at the bottom – for impressive stiffness and optimum steering precision at minimum weight.

D Very Versatile
The well-balanced kinematics performs in an exemplarily neutral way – equally with a triple drivetrain or with a Twentyniner’s typical double crank.

When MERIDA introduced the new race fully NINETY-NINE in early 2012, it was clear right from the start: This bike would not only ride into the top ranks on the world’s race courses but would also enthuse the bike press once again. Exactly that happened – directly after introduction, one successful test chased another (e. g. in bike 10/2011: “With the NINETY-NINE, MERIDA shocks the race competitors.” Test result: Superb). Our high-end Twentyniner received the same qualified statements. So there was only one question: Why not combine the two top performers’ genes to develop a fabulously fast Twentyniner fully? Here you are: The BIG NINETY-NINE is the convincing answer of the MERIDA engineers!

Like the 26” version NINETY-NINE, also the Twentyniner fully BIG NINETY-NINE is optimally adapted to the requirements of racers: A propulsion-orientated geometry, a completely lockable chassis, aggressive kinematics with best possible sensitivity and effective elimination of any bobbing tendencies – and last but not least a pivot point which has primarily been positioned for the utilization of compact double cranks but is also brilliantly compatible to triple systems. The Twentyniner shares several frame technologies with the celebrated 26” version as well. However, there are some essential differences between the two bikes.

“Basically, a Twentyniner – be it hardtail or fully – is always a development which has to be separated from 26” bikes because the different characters of 29” and 26” models require different solutions,” Juergen Falke as MERIDA’s Head of R&D explains. For example, a Twentyniner’s naturally higher front end must be constructed as low as possible because especially race bikes require maximum pressure onto the front wheel (e. g. during steep uphill passages). That’s why the BIG NINETY-NINE’s headtube is about 20 mm shorter than that of the NINETY-NINE. In addition, flat headsets reduce the front end’s total height. Also the rear stay of the NINETY-NINE’s “big brother” features some unique details: The chain stay construction is as short as possible to maintain the bike’s agility in spite of the bigger tires. The 142 mm rear stay offers a mount for a 12 mm thru axle to increase the rear section’s stiffness – ideal to accentuate the BIG NINETY NINE’s need for downhill speed. The pivot point of the rocker link has been revised as well to be still configured – in spite of different frame dimensions – for the compact 2x10 drivetrains which are favoured especially by racers. The advantages of a chassis with an upright shock position in front of the seat tube have been much-celebrated features of the NINETY-NINE and come into their own also in case of our BIG NINETY-NINE.

Broadband race options
Already in its first model year, our BIG NINETY-NINE offers a band width ideally adapted to the needs of many Twentyniner fans: From a model completely consisting of light aluminium alloys up to hybrid solutions with carbon main frame and aluminium rear stay – the Twentyniner fully always sprints superbly out of its starting block.

Strong uphill traction
Due to their bigger diameter, a Twentyniner’s tires offer not only more comfort but especially more traction. First of all, this is perceptible during technical uphills (e. g. when roots or rock edges increase the risk of rear wheel spin). Together with the BIG NINETY-NINE’s sensitive chassis, the fundamental advantages of a Twentyniner therefore mean: Optimum!

Downhill with tracking stability
Thanks to its “Tapered Steerer” headtube with adapted steer tube, the BIG NINETY-NINE offers maximum braking and handling control. The Tapered Steerer increasing from 1 1/8” (top) to 1.5” (bottom) is as light as it is stiff and matches specifically the “racing genes” of this 29” MTB rocket. In addition, the longer wheel base (compared to a 26” model) and the thru-axle rear stay increase the rear section’s stability – an ideal precondition for full-throttle downhills!

Sprint power under maximum load
A chassis completely and remotely lockable from the handlebar as well as the torsion-resistant BSA bottom bracket for maximum propulsion characterize our BIG NINETY-NINE as 29” race fully of the premium class.