Riders fresh to the scene should be aware of Merida's latest Big.Nine and Big.Seven hardtail collection, featuring an impressive seven size options, enhanced travel, improved geometry, and boasting a competitive starting price of £575.
Merida Introduces Overhauled Big.Nine and Big.Seven TFS Hardtail Range
Merida has unveiled an updated Big.Nine and Big.Seven TFS hardtail cross-country (XC) mountain bike range, offering premium-like frame technology and geometry at accessible prices. The new range consists of eight different builds and multiple colors, with prices ranging from £575 to £1,250.
Key features of the updated range include the Techno Forming System (TFS), which uses mechanical forming to shape tubes and optimize wall thicknesses, resulting in a lighter and more cost-effective frame. The new designs also boast updated geometry, with a 67-degree head tube angle and 75-degree seat tube angle, inspired by more expensive Merida models.
Wheel sizes vary between the Big.Nine and Big.Seven models, with the Big.Nine running on 29” wheels for better rollover for taller riders, while the Big.Seven uses 27.5” wheels for improved clearance and better handling for smaller riders. The range is available in a wide range of sizes, including XXS to XL, tailored to rider height.
Drivetrain options vary depending on spec level, with most bikes featuring 1x Shimano drivetrains, hydraulic brakes, and 120mm forks. The Big.Nine 15 and Big.Seven 15 models, however, feature a Suntour XCE28 Coil fork with 100mm travel.
The Big.Nine 300, Big.Nine 200, and Big.Seven 200 models come equipped with an SR Suntour XCR32 air fork, while the Big.Nine 80 and Big.Seven 80 models feature a RockShox Judy TK Coil fork. The Big.Nine 400 model, on the other hand, boasts a RockShox Judy Gold RL fork.
The new range features air sprung suspension and a boosted length of the fork to 120mm for improved off-road capability and versatility in trail conditions. Shimano MT200 brakes are featured on most models, with the Big.Nine 400 model sporting Shimano M4100 brakes.
The new Big.Nine and Big.Seven hardtails are designed to cater to both seasoned riders and newbies, with improved standover height and pedaling efficiency. The new geometry of the bikes is bigger and longer, with a slacker head angle and a steeper seat angle, providing better fit for all riders.
The Big.Nine 40, Big.Seven 40, Big.Nine 20, and Big.Seven 20 models all feature an X-Fusion Migo 32 Air fork with 120mm travel. The Big.Nine is designed for S-XXL riders with 29in wheels, while the Big.Seven is for XXS-S riders with 27.5in wheels.
The new range comes with a lifetime frame warranty for original owners, making it an excellent value entry-level XC mountain bike. The Merida Big.Nine and Big.Seven TFS hardtails are designed to provide better fit for all riders, with an impressive range of sizes.
[1] Source: Merida Bikes UK [3] Source: Merida Bikes USA
Riders participating in sports can now find the appropriate bike within the updated Big.Nine and Big.Seven TFS hardtail range, as the new designs cater to both seasoned athletes and newcomers. For the convenience of taller riders, the Big.Nine models come equipped with 29" wheels, while the Big.Seven models offer 27.5" wheels for improved handling for smaller riders, making these bikes suitable for a variety of sports involving off-road terrains.
