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Today’s Deals2026 Merida
BIG TRAIL 500
A 29″ aluminum frame hardtail trail bike with mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price
£1,500($2,012)| Weight | 32.0 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Aluminum |
| Suspension | Hardtail, 140mm |
| Fork | RockShox Psylo |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 10 |
| Groupset | CUES |
| Brakes | SRAM Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
Mar 2025 · Ben Haworth
The latest generation Merida Big Trail takes the previous incarnation and runs with it. It runs all the way to the top of the hardcore hardtail heap.
Massive standover
Great brakes
Not a harsh ride
Impressive level of fabrication
Ample tyre/mud clearance
All necessary bosses for accessories and bottles
Excellent chainstay protector and modest but effective chainguide
Shimano Deore rear mech reduces noise levels
UDH mech hanger
Good multi-tool included
RockShox Pike fork is very capable and adjustable
Shimano XT M8120 4-pot brakes with 203mm rotors
Decent width and rise handlebar
Merida’s own-brand Comp EC lock-on grips are great
12-speed Shimano Deore M6100 drivetrain
Merida Expert TR II dropper post with generous travel
Merida Expert TR II rims with 28mm internal width
Shimano TC500 hubs are smooth and rolling-tastic
Maxxis Minion DHF front tyre is rad
Extremely capable geometry for a hardtail
Surprisingly comfortable ride
Good climbing ability
Thru-headset cable routing
Short chainstays might not suit taller riders
Undergunned rear tyre
Dropper post occasionally requires a helping hand to get back up to full extension
Rear Maxxis Dissector tyre lacks bite for cornering and braking
Definite penchant for pedal strikes
Not a poppy puppy, super lowness makes for a very stuck-down ride
Jul 2024 · Guy Kesteven
The kickstand-compatible, daily driver that can totally kick ass on the raddest enduro trails
Full on radical enduro geometry
Steel feel front, powerful rear split
Well-priced, control and longevity-focused kit
Long drop seat post ready
Quiet, clean cable and brake routing
Kickstand, rack, and whale tail or full fender compatible.
Headset cable routing is a potential pain
Low BB means more crank taps
Only 2.4in of rear tire clearance
| Frame | BIG.TRAIL TFS II, material: aluminium, 29x2.4" max. wheelsize, 148x12mm axle standard, BSA bottom bracket standard BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | Rock Shox Psylo Silver RC, Air, 140mm suspension travel, platform Travel: 140mm Spring Type: Air |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, 73mm, threaded |
| Headset | Acros ICR MERIDA EXTERNAL neck, Upper and lower IPS sealing |
| Stem | MERIDA EXPERT eTRII, material: aluminium, 35mm diameter, 0° stem angle, 40 mm |
| Handlebar | MERIDA COMP TR II, material: aluminium, 780mm width, 35mm rise |
| Saddle | MERIDA COMP SL, 25% recycled material, V-mount |
| Seatpost | MERIDA EXPERT TR II, 34.9mm diameter, 0mm setback, travel seatpost XSHORT: 150mm, SHORT/MID: 170mm, LONG: 200mm, XLONG: 230mm Type: Dropper |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano CUES U6000, GS |
|---|---|
| Crank | MERIDA Expert TR II, 32 teeth, 165mm XSHORT, SHORT, MID and LONG |
| Shifters | Shimano SL-MT500-L / Shimano CUES U6000 |
| Cassette | Shimano LG300, 11-48 teeth, 10 speed |
| Chain | KMC xGlide |
| Brakes | SRAM DB4, 4 piston Type: SRAM Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | MERIDA COMP TR, 29mm inner width, material: aluminium, Tubeless ready (tubeless tape and valves not included) |
|---|---|
| Front Hub | Shimano TC500-B / Shimano TC500-HM-B, 110x15mm width front hub, 32 spoke holes, Centerlock, 148x12mm width rear hub, 32 spoke holes, Centerlock |
| Rear Hub | Shimano TC500-B / Shimano TC500-HM-B, 110x15mm width front hub, 32 spoke holes, Centerlock, 148x12mm width rear hub, 32 spoke holes, Centerlock |
| Tires | Front: Maxxis Minion DHF, 29x2.5", fold, TR EXO Dual, Rear: Maxxis Dissector, 29x2.4", fold, TR EXO Dual |
| Disc Rotors | SRAM CenterLine, 200mm, 180mm |
First added August 23
Last updated May 30