eBIG.NINE

SPORTY RIDE OR SPEEDY COMMUTER

VIEW ALL BIKES

The new eBIG.NINE has an extensive list of new and improved features in comparison to its predecessor. As part of the MERIDA performance e-mountain bike family, it is designed as a real e-mountain bike, while incorporating some selected attributes from the MERIDA e-trekking category.

That means, besides the modern design and the sportive oriented geometry, it comes equipped with fender and carrier mounts. The new generation of the eBIG.NINE features in-tube battery technology and all models are powered by the Shimano STePS system.

The new version of the eBIG.NINE is already the fourth generation of this MERIDA e-bike category and it is an important part of our MERIDA line-up. As in-tube batteries become more and more popular for e-bikes, there was no question for us to create a new in-tube frame for the eBIG.NINE. Besides the battery integration, we also focused on increasing the tyre sizes and tyre clearance. On the new eBIG.NINE 2.2" tyres can be used when fenders are fitted, while riders can go up to 2.35" without fenders. Like the predecessor, the new eBIG.NINE has a very low standover height, but it now features 29" wheels from the smallest to the biggest frame size.

INTENDED USE

The MERIDA eBIG.NINE is the perfect hardtail e-mountain bike for those riders who are starting to look at performance mountain bikes with a bit of assistance. With the non-equipped version, the customer is perfectly prepared to have a lot of fun on mountain tours and on cross country trails. For all others, who are looking for a reliable, sportive but still comfortable e-MTB which is ideal for relaxed cycling tours or for commuting in any weather condition, the fender and carrier equipped version is the perfect choice.

Our eBIG.NINE offers a more upright riding position in comparison to regular performance MTB’s. Additionally, the 100mm suspension fork and the 2.35" wide tyres provide more comfort and a safer riding experience than a sportive e-trekking bike. The low standover height, especially in the small frame sizes, makes it easier to get on and off the bike (in particular for small people).  

KEY COMPONENTS

Optimised centre of gravity

Based on the central position of the battery in the lower part of the down tube and the low position of the Shimano motor, we were able to achieve an optimum centre of gravity. The low and well-positioned centre of gravity provides the bike with outstanding riding characteristics which are extremely important in particular when fully loaded.

Excellent frame stiffness

The outstanding frame stiffness also has a strong influence on the riding characteristics of bikes with an integrated battery. The tapered head tube, with the large 1.5" to 1.5" diameter, the 34.9mm (internal diameter) seat tube, the cast motor bracket as well as the 148 x12mm rear through axle all contribute to achieving a safe and precise riding experience.

Certified system weight

The system weight of a bike is the combined weight of bike, rider and additional luggage. The allowed system weight for the eBIG.NINE and eBIG.NINE EQ is 140kg. As an e-bike is already heavier than a regular bike, and as it also makes it easier to transport larger amounts of luggage, it is imperative to certify a higher overall system weight. All MERIDA e-bikes, as well as all used componentry, go through a rigorous and e-bike specific testing schedule which mimics the higher forces and strains to guarantee the rider the highest level of safety.

Shimano Motors

Maximum riding fun at any performance level was the key focus in the design and concept of the Shimano STePS systems. The motors are optimised with regards to intuitive handling and despite their impressive performance, deliver the most natural and organic riding experience. The latest versions have seen additional updates of the firmware to match their intended field of application even more. The motor almost immediately responds to any pressure being applied through the pedals which hugely contributes to the intuitive handling and the agility of the system. An equally important feature of the motor is that it also withdraws any assistance at once when pedal pressure is reduced. Based on the compact size of the system it can be perfectly integrated into the overall frame design. 

Shimano battery (integrated)

The new Shimano BT-E8035 (504Wh) has a very compact size design which is optimised for the integrated use in the down tube. The battery is equipped with modern, up-to-date battery cells, which are very durable and long lasting. Even after 1000 charging cycles it still has 60% of the capacity, which is currently the best in its class. The battery is IPX5 level and water projected and can withstand water being projected onto it by a water jet with an up to 6.3mm nozzle. The aluminium casing is used for better heat transfer and it is stronger than plastic. Furthermore, it has a high-quality appearance. 

Water bottle mounts

The eBIG.NINE offers the possibility to fit a water bottle or accessories like a lock or pump to the frame. The frame has (standard) bottle bosses on top of the down tube and at the seat tube, where a special adapter offers a very low mounting position, allowing maximum seat post insertion depth (guaranteed in all frame sizes).

MERIDA EXPERT CC Seat post

For all new eBIG.NINE in-tube bikes the seat post diameter was changed from 30.9mm to 34.9mm. The main reason for this is to further improve the frame stiffness by increasing the tube diameters of the seat tube. On top of that, the bigger diameter of the seat tube blends in much better in the overall frame design.

MERIDA COMP TR Rear axle

With the removable rear axle lever, the rear axle can be tightened. The lever also works as a 6mm and 4mm Allen key. With the 4mm key, the battery can be removed and parts like the seat clamp and the stem can be tightened.

MERIDA COMP CC Rim

A modern, very strong and durable 29" rim with 20mm inner width, which fits the needs of the eBIG.NINE perfectly. We use 36 spokes in the rear to increase the stiffness of the wheelset even further and to improve the ability of the rear wheel to handle the extra power the motor transmits via the chain and sprockets.

BATTERY INTEGRATION

Through the extensive use of hydroforming on the down tube and the precise laser cutting of the tube opening for the battery, as well as the perfectly matching two-component plastic cover, we were able to integrate the battery seamlessly into the lower part of the down tube. This is consistent throughout the various frame sizes. Charging is easily possible through the nicely integrated charging port at the motor bracket. Also, the battery is perfectly integrated into the down tube, yet it is possible to remove it for charging or when in transport. A further advantage of the battery being integrated into the down tube is the perfect protection from an impact which can occur when the bike falls over or is involved in a crash.

With the additional hole at the down tube, the battery can be turned on from deep sleep mode. That’s necessary when the bike has not been used for longer than 6 months, or when the battery of the on/off switch is empty (this battery is normally charged by the main battery). To wake the battery up again, just push a 4mm Allen key (best to use the lever of the MERIDA COMP TR axle) through the whole, pressing the hidden button underneath.