Big Trail

Name: Merida Big Trail
Brand: Merida
Availability: InStock

bike1200–2500 EUR

Origin

Merida realized that the UK and Northern European markets loved 'hardcore hardtails'—bikes that descend like enduro rigs but have no rear suspension. The Big.Trail was designed to be fun, bulletproof, and cheap to maintain, offering a pure riding experience without the cost of shock pivots. Gen 1 (2021-2023): Merida's first dedicated modern trail hardtail. Long reach, slack 65.5-degree head angle, and 140mm fork. Gen 2 (2024-present): Updated 'Agilometer' sizing, steeper seat angle, flat-mount rear brakes, and UDH.

Specifications

Frame: LITE III aluminum (aluminum-only; no carbon trim). Internal cable routing, UDH, hidden rack/fender/kickstand mounts (Gen 2, 2024+).
Weight: kg
Drivetrain: Big Trail 600: Shimano Deore 1×12 (10–51T) with Race Face Ride 30T chainset. Range across line: Shimano CUES (400/500) to Shimano Deore 12-speed (600).
Brakes: Hydraulic disc. Big Trail 600: Shimano Deore (some builds 4-piston XT), 180 mm rotors both ends. Lower builds: Shimano MT200/MT410.
Wheels: 29", Merida/Jalco rims, 29 mm internal width, tubeless compatible (Merida Comp/Expert TR).

The verdict

+Strengths

Exceptionally modern, well-judged geometry (64° head angle, steep seat angle, long reach) that punches far above its price for descending confidence.
Strong value spec: full Shimano Deore 1×12, quality Marzocchi Z2 / RockShox Pike fork, and a dropper post on the 600 build.
High stack + short top tube give a comfortable, balanced position that suits beginners and experts alike.
Bulletproof, low-maintenance aluminium frame with thoughtful extras — UDH plus hidden rack/fender/kickstand mounts for year-round/winter use.
Excellent technical climber thanks to efficient pedalling position and balanced weight distribution.

−Weaknesses

Low bottom bracket causes pedal/crank strikes on rocky, rooty climbs — riders must time pedal strokes carefully.
Brakes feel 'wooden' with a pumped-out rather than subtle, modulated bite (off.road.cc / Bike Perfect).
Short reach by modern standards (455 mm on size L) — many reviewers recommend sizing up.
Maxxis Dissector tops out at 2.4" — no 2.5" option, so less volume/comfort than ideal on a hardtail.
Heavier than XC hardtails (~13.5–14.5 kg) — not built for racing or big-drop bike-park use.