Merida Big.Nine XT-Edition (2018)

The 2018 Merida Big.Nine XT-Edition is a mid-range cross-country mountain bike. Kitted out tip to tail with Shimano's venerable XT group, this bike is a stalwart, reliable performer on anything from singletrack to harrowing descents, tricky technical stuff to soft, boggy ground. Complementing the XT core are a lightweight, sturdy cockpit and a pair of bombproof 29er hoops, clad in Maxxis' ace all-round Ikon treads. The spare aluminum frame is available in two colorways, both gorgeous; the matte black with silver highlights may even inspire you to wash it when you get home.
A very good cross-country mountain bike.