Step by step, just don't rush it. After the first 29er hardtail Big Nine, Merida launched a new race fully last season. But anyone who wanted to equate the name Ninety-Nine with big bikes was disappointed. The Ninety-Nine was initially a thoroughbred 26-inch racing machine (BIKE 2/2012->). 29er fans can now look forward to the Big Ninety-Nine, which will be available from September, initially in aluminium and from October with a carbon main frame and aluminium rear triangle. The Big Ninety-Nine is clearly modelled on its little brother. Design, suspension travel, details, kinematics - the origin is unmistakable.
The prototype shows a beautifully crafted aluminium frame, the seat stays are bent around the seat tube and are stiff. This makes the typical bridge between the stays unnecessary. This increases the tyre clearance required for the 29er (up to 2.3 inches), and the lower part of the seat tube is also curved. A 31.6 mm seatpost, thru-axle and larger tube diameters at the intersections increase stiffness. From the handlebars, you can lock out the shock and switch on a platform as well as lock out and lower the fork. The Big Ninety-Nine does not deny its roots, it is the Ninety-Nine for tall riders and people for whom the 26er is too toxic.
Ride report Merida Big Ninety-Nine:
At the presentation in Mallorca, pre-production bikes with aluminium frames were ready for test rides. Merida could have used our feedback to make changes to the series - the next day the bikes were due to start production in Asia. From our point of view, the bike fits, at least we didn't make any more requests for changes. The bike has a sporty riding position for its intended use and is surprisingly manoeuvrable, the front wheel feels light and agile. The rear suspension is firm and did not utilise the suspension travel on the moderately difficult test lap. The characteristics of the DT fork also match this, we didn't use the lockout. The bike is a good roller, keeps up the pace and rolls over obstacles. You don't need to search for the ideal line. But: The bike is a racer, not an all-mountain.
