Merida Big Nine TR 5000 - Text Review

The heart of the TR 5000 is its CF3 III carbon frame, built with Boost spacing (148×12 mm rear, 110×15 mm front) and a BSA threaded bottom bracket. The frame allows for 29-inch wheels with tyres up to 2.4-inch width, giving good grip and trail compliance. Merida uses its updated progressive geometry: longer reach, slacker head-angle (around 67° on TR versions), steeper seat angle, and a much lower seat tube than earlier models. This gives more standover clearance and more room for aggressive riding. Fit-wise, the TR 5000 is generous: the dropper post (150 mm on smaller frames, 170 mm on larger) gives flexibility in posture.

On the drivetrain front, the TR 5000 is well spec’d: a 12-speed setup combining a Shimano Deore M6100 shifter with a Shimano XT rear derailleur (SGS long cage) and a 10-51T cassette. Crank is Deore MT512 with a 32T chainring.
In performance terms, this wide range gives strong climbing ability and decent top-end speed, especially when paired with the progressive geometry. The more aggressive tyre setup (2.4-inch) also helps when the trail gets loose or technical. The 120 mm RockShox Judy Gold fork with remote lockout allows you to stiffen up on smooth climbs or flats, then open up for descents.

Hardtails are always a compromise on comfort, but Merida has done a lot here to reduce the harsh edges. The wide 2.4-inch tyres, flex stays in the rear triangle, and somewhat relaxed chainstay design help absorb trail chatter. The lower stand-over combined with a dropper seat post gives the rider a more comfortable, confident position off descents. The seat post travel (150 mm on S/M, 170 mm on L/XL) offers plenty of adjustment.
Ergonomics of cockpit — a wide flat handlebar (760 mm), decent stem lengths (60–70 mm depending on size), and Merida smart mounts for accessories — all contribute to usability and rider comfort.

Braking is handled via Shimano SLX M7100 hydraulic disc brakes with 2-piston calipers, using 180 mm rotor in front and 160 mm at rear. These are strong, reliable brakes — not overly high-end, but very capable in wet and dry, trail or climb. Modulation is good, though on very steep or technical descents, premium brakes could still offer more bite. Steering is slackened for trail-bias, the head angle of ~67°, plus a 51 mm offset fork which gives stable and confident handling downhill, yet still responsive enough to punch up climbs.

Wheels and tyres are strong points. Merida’s Expert CC II aluminium rims are tubeless-ready, paired with Maxxis Rekon / Rekon Race tyres, 29×2.4", offering good traction and a forgiving ride. The hubs are Shimano TC500 front & rear, with boosts spacing, supports stiffness and durability. Spokes are double-butted stainless steel.
The saddle is the Merida Expert SL, V-Mount; decent padding and shape for trail riding, and it includes a minitool. The dropper seat post is Merida Team TR SL, remote-actuated; very useful for getting low and stable on descents.