If you've spent time reading every Merida Big 9 40 review you can find before deciding, there's a reason this bike keeps coming up.
The Big Nine 40 is built around Merida's updated TFS aluminium frame, giving you a genuinely tough, lightweight platform without the cost of carbon.
Merida mountain bikes have built a strong following among UK riders, and the BIG.NINE range sits at the core of that. If you're getting into trail riding for the first time, or stepping up from a heavier entry-level hardtail, the Merida Big 40 gives you properly capable kit from day one.
The updated geometry makes a real difference on proper terrain. Pair that with the X-Fusion 120 mm air-sprung fork and you've got enough travel to take the sting out of rooty, rocky singletrack, while the lockout lets you put the power down cleanly on fire roads and climbs.
Shimano's CUES 1x9-speed drivetrain keeps things uncomplicated, with a range wide enough to handle most of what UK trails throw at you. The hydraulic disc brakes give you reliable stopping in wet conditions where cable-actuated systems tend to fall short, which, in a British winter, matters more than most people admit until they've experienced it.
The 29" wheels roll smoothly over trail obstacles, and the 2.4" tyres give you grip when and where you need it. The MERIDA COMP CC wheelset handles the mix of surfaces you'll come across on UK trails without complaint.
When you're comparing different bikes at this price point, the Big Nine 40 punches well above its weight on spec. If you're unsure about fit, the Merida bikes size guide on our site will help you nail the right frame size before you commit.
And on top of all that, this dark teal mountain bike genuinely turns heads on the trail.
Merida's XC hardtails come from over 50 years of manufacturing experience in Taiwan, and that heritage shows in the attention to detail throughout the range.
Features:
- Updated TFS aluminium frame with clearance for 2.4" tyres
- Updated geometry for confident off-road handling
- X-Fusion air-sprung suspension fork with 120 mm travel and lockout
- Shimano hydraulic disc brakes and CUES 1x9-speed drivetrain
- MERIDA COMP CC 29" wheelset and 2.4" tyres
- MERIDA finishing kit including size-tuned handlebars