"Wow!" I exclaim at the sight of the Merida Big.Nine 10K. But wait a minute! Am I just sneaking around a hardtail in awe? I have to pause for a moment to realise what's happening. I've set up the bike in my living room. "Heaven and Hell" by Black Sabbath is blaring from the speakers, I'm holding a cool blonde in my hand - non-alcoholic in the presence of this super sports bike, of course - and for the life of me I can't take my eyes off this aesthetic silhouette.
With its low-slung top tube and exciting paintwork, the bike looks like a secret weapon from the development lab of Batman's Wayne Enterprises. It's been a while since I've taken the time to simply admire a bike - especially a hardtail. So what exactly is it that fascinates me so much that I allow myself this meditative moment today?
Merida Big.Nine 10K in detail
- Area of application: Cross Country / Marathon
- Suspension travel: 100 mm
- Wheel size: 29"
- Weight: 9.4 kg (BIKE measurement in size L, without pedals)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Price: 7699 Euro
- Guarantee: for life
- Maximum system weight: 135 kg
- Special features: Agilometre size concept, tool mount, progressive XC geometry, two bottle cages, rigid seatpost, tool under the saddle
Boost for self-confidence
For 16 years, the Multivan Merida Biking Team, led by Gunn-Rita Dahle-Flesja, Ralph Näf and José Antonio Hermida, stirred up the Cross-Country World Cup. And their working bike, the Big.Nine, also regularly scored test victories at BIKE. Back then, it had a geometry that would suit many a gravel bike today. It's been nine years since she left the big stage. In the meantime, bikes without rear suspension have almost completely disappeared from professional sport. So it's hardly surprising that Merida has come up with a particularly emancipated hardtail geometry for the return of the Big.Nine. With a compressed seat tube length, impressive reach values and a steering angle that would not surprise even on a downhill-orientated trail bike, the Taiwanese race hardtail clearly stands out from its peers. "Make room in the trophy cabinet" is Merida's confident headline.
The top model, the 10K, is the crowning glory. The frame weighs just 1053 grams on our laboratory scales, while the complete bike weighs 9.4 kilos. Shimano's new wireless flagship, the XTR Di2 groupset, is attached to the chassis made of weight-optimised CF5 carbon fibres. Even the rims, cockpit divider and rigid seat post are made of lightweight carbon fibre. The price for such a level of noblesse leaves no eye dry: 7699 euros. On average, that's just under the cost of renting a house for a whole year. From a rational point of view, this hardtail is madness. Emotionally too, obviously, because I'm just opening a second beer.
Equipment
- Fork: Fox 32 SC Factory
- Gears / range: Shimano XTR Di2 / 500 %
- Brakes: Shimano XTR 2-piston / 180/160 mm
- Wheels: Reynolds Blacklabel 309 XC
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race 3C MaxxTerra Exo TR, 29 x 2.40 WT
- Seatpost / Diameter: FSA SL-K / 30.9 mm
Data from the BIKE lab
At BIKE, we go to unprecedented lengths to test bikes. We are the only trade magazine in the world to operate its own test laboratory. The data obtained supports our impressions from the practical test. When it comes to geometry data, we don't just rely on the manufacturer's specifications, but also use the laser measuring device ourselves.
- Complete weight9.40 kg (without pedals)
- Frame weight1053 g (size L)
- Impeller weight4034 g (incl. tyres, tubeless milk and valves, cassette, brake discs)
- Impeller inertia: 3297 kg x cm² (the lower the value, the better the acceleration)
- Seating comfort: 5,51 mm
How the Merida Big.Nine 10K rides in practice
The Big.Nine surprises even before the first test ride. Two medium-sized water bottles can be mounted in a row on the down tube. A puncture repair kit can be transported under the top tube and a small multi-tool sits on the saddle with carbon rails. Very few manufacturers give their race bikes this much added value. As the seat tube is extremely short, it requires a lot of saddle extension. This is actually a calculation, as the long lever is designed to make the rigid seatpost flex more. Our laboratory measurements confirm that the concept is only moderately comfortable.
The seatpost from FSA is remarkably long so that even riders with long legs can reach their seat height. Merida calls its sizing concept "Agilometre", which allows bikers to choose the frame size based on their preferred length. Classic L-shaped riders are stretched far over the bike thanks to the elongated top tube. The riding position is very sporty. With a lot of pressure on the front and on the pedals, the Big.Nine moves forward quickly. The low weight, the efficient, steep seat angle and the traction of the wide tyres give wings on steep ramps.
The electronic XTR changes its twelve gears quickly and crisply. Merida opted for the new cassette option with nine to 45 teeth. The fact that, despite the small 30 t chainring, the uphill gear is a little tighter than on the usual 51 t sprocket is bearable on board the lightweight hardtail. The hubs of the Reynolds wheels are wickedly expensive parts from Industry Nine. Their freewheel not only purrs like a cat at speed, but also ensures maximum direct acceleration with pawls that engage every 0.41 degrees. This doesn't quite harmonise with the strong spring tension of the short XTR cage. On impacts, the drivetrain snaps with force into the fine gearing and creates a pronounced background noise.
Give me more!
Merida hits the bull's eye when it comes to handling. The long reach and slack head angle make for a smooth ride on full-throttle descents. At the same time, the rear and stem remain compact so that the Big.Nine is still easy to pull onto the rear wheel and can be steered very directly - fun! Unfortunately, the rigid seat post often gets in the way of radical riding manoeuvres. We would have liked a dropper post for technical terrain.
The new XTR brakes with two pistons and a 180 mm disc at the front are beyond reproach. Racers could hardly wish for more power and modulation. The formidable Fox 32 SC Factory absorbs bumps sensitively and gets a lot of performance from its short stroke. Overall, the bike is hungry for speed on the ups and downs of a cross-country course. The geometry and equipment offer plenty of reserves and always encourage you to choose the fastest line.
Conclusion
It's awesome! You simply have to ride fast on this bike. Merida impressively proves that hardtails are far from being old hat. Thanks to the progressive geometry, the Big.Nine can handle a lot of speed uphill and downhill without immediately slowing the rider down. Long plus flat plus light equals awesome: in the case of the 10K, this calculation works out perfectly. But a balance like Bruce Wayne's can't hurt. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- Extremely high reserves for a hardtail
- Exemplary handling
- Superb equipment
Contra
- expensive
- No telescopic support
- little seating comfort
Jan Timmermann
Editor
