Merida's Big.Nine is the cheapest hardtail in this comparison for just 1099 euros. What can you expect for this competitive price and how does the Big.Nine compare to the more expensive competition? At first glance, the Merida doesn't look like much. The aluminium frame is decently finished, the cables even run inside the tubes, and the hardtail is inconspicuous at less than 13 kilos. The Deore gears, which have 510 per cent gear range, have not been spared either. However, a closer look reveals one or two details that make up the price difference.
Conclusion on the Merida Big.Nine 400:
The cheapest bike in the test is clearly aimed at price-conscious beginners and fulfils their requirements very well. However, you have to accept compromises when it comes to the details and downhill performance.
Technical data for the Merida Big.Nine 400
General information
- Price: 1099 Euro
- Info: www.merida-bikes.com
- Frame material: aluminium
- Frame size: S / M / L / XL / XXL (tested 43 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 12.58 kg
Equipment
- Fork: Manitou Markhor Comp Lockout
- Crank: Shimano Deore
- Gears: Shimano Deore 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32; 10-51 / 510 %
- Brake system / disc (front / rear): Shimano BL-M 4100 / BR-MT 410 / 180/160 mm
- Seatpost / Ø: Merida Comp / 30.9 mm
- Wheels: Alexrims Comp CC/Alexrims Comp CC rims; Shimano HB-TX 505/Shimano FH-TX 505 hubs
- Tyres: Maxxis Ikon 29 x 2.20
The BIKE measured values come from the BIKE laboratory measurement.
The results of the Merida Big.Nine 400 in the complete comparison test of the 7 hardtails from BIKE 4/2022 can be conveniently downloaded as a PDF below the article. The test report costs 1.99 euros.
Why not free of charge? Because quality journalism has a price. In return, we guarantee independence and objectivity. This applies in particular to the tests in BIKE. We don't pay for them, but the opposite is the case: we charge for them, namely tens of thousands of euros every year.
