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However, with a ready-to-ride weight of 12.5 kilos, you have to switch to the small chainring of the crank early on uphill. The fork in particular, but also the heavier frame, are responsible for the slight overweight of the Merida. The flat handlebar compensates for the long head tube and gives the riding position a slightly sporty character. On the singletrack, the favourable Rockshox 30 fork prevents the Big.Nine from performing better. Once the breakaway torque of the fork has been overcome, it rushes through its travel. The long chainstays result in sluggish handling. The low frame stiffness and the quick release on the front wheel make the steering behaviour somewhat imprecise.
Test summary of the Merida Big.Nine
Single trails push the Merida to its limits. The fork in particular prevents a better performance. Most favourable specialist dealer bike.
PLUS Complete Shimano XT drivetrain, most favourable specialist dealer bike
MINUS Poor suspension fork, high total weight
The alternative: For racing fans, there is the Merida Big.Nine Team Issue in the design of the former Merida racing team. For 1750 euros you get above all a better fork.
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