Merida Launches New Ninety-Six Trail and XC Bikes

Merida has overhauled its Ninety-Six full suspension XC bike range to include both race and trail models.

While previous models of the Ninety-Six were fully aimed at flat-out XC racing, the new 2021 range has been refocused to be more fun and faster when the trails are steeper and rougher. Despite using a new frame, the overall suspension layout has stayed mostly the same apart from a shorter rocker link driving the shock. The updated frame design has led to a changed leverage ratio that's more progressive and features a higher initial leverage ratio. The 2021 models have also had the kinematics of the single pivot optimised for 1x gearing.


Alongside the updated frame Merida has split the Ninety-Six range into two different bikes. There are the RC models, which stick closer to the bike's previous life of a more XC race-oriented machine with their lightest CF5 1695g carbon frameset and 100mm of travel front and rear.

If you want something with slightly more travel and slacker geometry, Merida has created a bike designed for long days in the saddle or more demanding riding. The trail bike uses a slightly heavier frameset at 1845g and adds an extra 20mm of travel up front bringing it to 120mm. The rear travel stays the same as its XC sibling at 100mm.

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Geometry:

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Specifications:

While Merida has created two different bikes with the Ninety-Six they are currently only offering one version of the trail orientated 8000 and three models of the XC RC bikes. The 8000 comes in at $ and features a 120mm RockShox SID fork, SRAM GX drivetrain with carbon cranks and a four-piston Shimano XT front brake.

The RC range starts with the RC 5000, which is fitted with a RockShox Reba fork, Shimano Deore/XT drivetrain and SLX brakes. The next model up sees an upgrade to a Fox Performance 32 Float SC fork and Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes. The top of the range offering the RC 9000 uses the lightest CF5 frame, a Fox Factory 32 SC fork and Shimano XTR drive train and brakes.

Ninety-Six RC 9000


Frame: Merida Ninety-Six CF5 (100mm travel)
Fork: Fox Factory 32 SC (100mm travel)
Shock: Fox Factory Float
Lockout: SRAM Twistlock
Drivetrain: Shimano XTR 12spd with Race Face carbon cranks
Brakes: Shimano XTR
Dropper seatpost: Fox Factory
Wheels: DT Swiss XRC 1501 carbon
Tires: Maxxis Recon Race TR EXO (29 x 2.25in)
Price: €8900 // £7,300

Ninety-Six RC XT


Frame: Merida Ninety-Six (100mm travel)
Fork: Fox Performance 32 Float SC (100mm travel)
Shock: Fox Performance Elite Float
Lockout: SRAM Twistlock
Drivetrain: Shimano XT 12spd
Brakes: Shimano XT
Dropper seatpost: Merida Expert TR Light
Tires: Maxxis Recon Race TR EXO (29 x 2.25in)
Price: €4900 // £4,200

Ninety-Six RC 5000


Frame: Merida Ninety-Six (100mm travel)
Fork: RockShox Reba (100mm travel)
Shock: RockShox SIDLuxe
Lockout: SRAM Twistlock
Drivetrain: Shimano Deore/XT 12spd
Brakes: Shimano SLX
Dropper seatpost: Merida Expert TR Light
Tires: Maxxis Recon Race TR EXO (29 x 2.25in)
Price: €4200 // £4,000

Ninety-Six 8000


Frame: Merida Ninety-Six (100mm travel)
Fork: RockShox SID (120mm travel)
Shock: RockShox SIDLuxe
Lockout: SRAM Twistlock
Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 12spd with carbon cranks
Brakes: Shimano XT (front brake: four-piston)
Dropper Seatpost: Merida Expert TR
Wheels: Reynolds TR 309 carbon
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHR TR EXO 3C MaxxTerra (29 x 2.3in)
Price: €7000 // £6,200

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Reviews and Tech Press Releases Trail Bikes XC Bikes Merida Merida Ninety Six