Specification & geometry

Both bikes in this test have identical BB heights, but not once did we clip a pedal on the Specialized, while there are several scuff marks on the crankarms of the Merida. So what’s going on? The Specialized has 160mm crankarms, 5mm shorter than on the Merida, but the Merida also has 5mm less travel, 140mm vs 145mm. It’s actually how the suspension behaves dynamically that makes the biggest difference here. With more antisquat, the Specialized rides higher, especially when pedalling, and that’s when you’re most likely to snag a pedal. Hence the improved ground clearance. The Specialized also has a steeper effective seat angle and longer chainstays, both of which help keep your weight forward on climbs and prevent the rear suspension from sagging into the travel too much and reducing pedal clearance.

ABCDEHead angle

Seat angle

Effective SA

BB height

Chainstay

Front centre G Wheelbase H Down tube I Top tube J Reach

F