Merida Ninety-Six 7000 (2016)

Race-worthy cross-country speedster

Pros

- Sprints off the line
- Finely tuned rear linkage
- Impreccable build

Cons

- Merida dictating wheel size
- Not relaxed

Review

Back after four years in the wilderness, the Merida Ninety Six has undergone plenty of changes that have transformed the line from being slightly outdated to being a technical frontrunner.

As the name suggests, the Ninety-Six features a frame that offers 96mm of suspension at the rear wheel – even that has changed, though, thanks to the variation of wheel sizes within the range. Now available in 27.5” and 29” sizes, the 27.5” version actually offers 108mm of rear travel to compensate for the smaller wheel diameter. These wheel-sizing options are not really that at all – options, that is – as Merida has dictated that all Small frames come only in 27.5”, and all Large and Extra Large frames come in 29”. Only those riders fortunate enough to fit a Medium frame get the choice of the two wheel sizes.

Assuming most riders can get past the insult of having their wheel size dictated to them, the Ninety-Six is a superb cross-country race machine.

With a minimalist suspension system from Rock Shox (front and rear) that is race-ready lightweight, this bike is all about quick accelerations and stiffness of frame. Its paltry weight and superb pedaling efficiency are accompanied by the relocation of the rear shock to below the top tube, which makes for a very direct linkage and allows for the remote lockout to be used perfectly.

The cable routing is beautifully neat thanks to the new Smart Entry System cable port, which not only tucks the cables out of sight but also acts as a clamp, keeping them secure and quiet inside the frame. These ports also mean the frame is Shimano Di2 compatible, as the wires can tuck nicely away. Shimano’s quick-shifting XT drivetrain comes with 36/26t at the front of the 29” version and 38/24t on the 27.5”, but can be easily swapped out for a single chainring if desired. The XT hydraulic disc brakes are as good as, or maybe better than, anything else out there, and Merida’s own carbon cockpit is light, strong and ergonomically right on the money. Clad in Schwalbe Rocket Ron or Thunder Burts, the Fulcrum Red Power rims echo the sentiment of the entire bike – light, strong, fast, and direct.

If you just want to cruise around on the trails and ride purely for placid enjoyment this may not be the bike for you, as it’s race-tuned straight out of the box. But if you want to get out there, tear up the trails, push yourself and your machine to the limit, and do your best to climb onto the podium then this is your bike.