Merida has released a new version of its popular Ninety-Six cross country race bike. First introduced from the brand back in 2007, the Ninety-Six was an out and out racer and, just as the name suggests, featured a frame that offered 96mm of suspension at the rear wheel.
The two bikes that superseded the Ninety Six were the Ninety Nine and its 29in variant the Big Ninety Nine. Despite embracing drivetrain and wheel size advances in the industry, these bikes were launched in 2011 and 2012 respectively and were really starting to show their age.
Enter the new Ninety-Six, now available in 650b and 29in options. Its full carbon chassis sports a new suspension design, updated geometry and details that allow compatibility with the latest components.
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Riders who require a medium frame will get the choice of either a 650b or 29in wheel â for everyone else, the decision is made for them
Letâs go back to the wheel size thing briefly, because Merida holds quite a distinctive approach in this respect. Wheel sizes in the Ninety-Six range are dictated for the most part by the frame size on offer; in other words, depending on a riderâs height youâll either get a 650b or 29in wheeled bike.
You can read more at BikeRadar.com