Merida Big Nine XT2 (2022): ChooseMyBicycle Expert Review

The Merida Big Nine XT2 is built on a TFS III Aluminium, triple butted and hydroformed frame. This frame features slightly basic tube shapes and a simpler, straight head tube. The frame strength is its ability to handle the roughest of trails and unpaved surfaces with ease and ensuring that most of the harder vibrations are absorbed by the tubes. This frame geometry is aggressive yet comfortable and features a generously swooped top tube for increased standover clearance.

The Manitou Markhor Comp Air front suspension fork when tested with a heavy push saw us blow through the full 100mm of available travel. Merida also provides a remote lockout feature that is very useful during fast paced train rides.

The Bicycle which we test rode came in a full Dark Silver frame with minimal Black graphics. The gloss paint job was of great quality and was shiny as well. The internal cable routing made the Bicycle look neat and also protects the cables from wearing out sooner. The curved top tube along with the wide handlebar and heavily treaded tires made the Big Nine XT2 look aggressive yet classic with its full Dark Silver frame.

This Big Nine XT2 (2022) is a performance focused Cross-Country Trail Bicycle and is meant for fast paced rides. Shimano’s SLX 2-Speed at the front and XT 12-Speed at the rear were quick and precise in shifting during the test ride. The 2x12-Speed drivetrain had enough range for both accelerations and for climbing those steep rocks on trails. The Shimano XT 2x12-Speed Rapid Fire shifters had an easy and fast spring action for smooth gear changes.

Shimano’s M6100 Hydraulic Disc brakes on the Merida Big Nine XT2 (2022) were not just powerful but also balanced when used extensively during the test ride. The transfer of action from the brake levers to the brake pads is precise which gives the rider control over the braking power required.

The Merida Expert CC MTB handlebar was 760mm in length which is wide enough for total control over the Bicycle on fast and bumpy trails. The handlebar grips could have been better to absorb vibrations of the trails, making it easy on the palms and wrists.

The Merida Big Nine XT2 (2022) rolls on a pair of Maxxis Ikon 29” x 2.2” MTB tires. The dual compound technology on these tires make the rubber in the center long-lasting and gripper rubber on the sides for cornering. These tires with spaced out treads make them fast rolling.

The Merida Comp SL Saddle is ergonomically designed keeping the trail rider in mind to make sure the sit bones are placed comfortable on the roughest of trail rides.