Merida NINETY-SIX: suspension setup & specs
The Merida NINETY-SIX is a cross-country full-suspension bike with 120 mm of fork travel and 100 mm at the rear. Here you will find all 3 current builds with fork, shock and shock size, plus matching SAG and tyre pressure starting values.
Calculate the setup for your Merida NINETY-SIX →
All builds
Fork, shock, shock size (eye-to-eye length × stroke) and rear travel, weight and price according to the manufacturer. Wheel size: 29" / 29".
| Build | Fork | Shock | Shock size | Rear travel | Weight | RRP | Calculator |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6000 | RockShox Reba Gold (120 mm) | RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ | – | 100 mm | – | €4,499 | Setup → |
| XT | FOX 34 Float SL Performance (120 mm) | FOX Float SL Performance Elite | – | 100 mm | 11.8 kg | €5,699 | Setup → |
| 9000 | FOX 34 Float SL Factory Grip SL (120 mm) | FOX Float SL Factory | – | 100 mm | 11.0 kg | €8,799 | Setup → |
How it compares
On travel, the Merida NINETY-SIX is right where the “cross-country full-suspension bike” category usually is: 120 mm up front against a median of 120 mm from 23 bikes. The rear offers 100 mm, 20 mm less than the front. Within Merida’s mountain bikes, it sits between the Merida BIG.NINE and the Merida ONE-FORTY on travel. Merida builds the frame from carbon.
At 11.0 kg (9000 build), the weight is close to the category median of 10.8 kg. Within the range, weight varies by 0.8 kg. The starting price of €4,499 (6000) is roughly in line with the category median (€4,350). The top build, 9000, costs €8,799. For suspension, Merida combines components from FOX and RockShox. The fork line-up ranges from the RockShox Reba Gold to the FOX 34 Float SL Factory Grip SL.
Setup notes for this spec
- Air fork (RockShox Reba Gold): the air valve is on top of the left leg under a cap. Change pressure in small steps (about 5 psi (0.34 bar)) and cycle the fork a few times afterwards so the air chambers can equalise.
- Rebound: on FOX and RockShox suspension the rebound adjuster is red. Always count clicks from fully closed (clockwise to the stop) so you can return to any setting.
- Air shock (RockShox SIDLuxe Select+): measure SAG in your riding position, ideally with a helper holding the bike. Cycle the shock a few times after every pressure change.
Target SAG for the Merida NINETY-SIX
SAG is the share of travel your weight already uses in the riding position. The table gives it straight in millimetres – read the O-ring on the stanchion and on the shock shaft and adjust the air pressure until it matches. Any figures from Merida take priority.
120 mm fork (all builds)
| Riding style | Fork SAG |
|---|---|
| XC / touring | 17 % = 20 mm |
| Trail | 20 % = 24 mm |
| Enduro / rough | 22 % = 26 mm |
| Bike park | 20 % = 24 mm |
How to measure SAG is explained in our guide SAG setup.
Tyre pressure starting values
For 2.40″ wide tyres, tubeless with a trail casing. With an inner tube about 0.2 bar (2.9 psi) more, with an insert about 0.1 bar (1.5 psi) less. Stock tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race 29x2.4" WT.
| Ready-to-ride weight | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| 60 kg | 1.43 bar (21 psi) | 1.63 bar (24 psi) |
| 70 kg | 1.55 bar (22 psi) | 1.75 bar (25 psi) |
| 80 kg | 1.67 bar (24 psi) | 1.87 bar (27 psi) |
| 90 kg | 1.79 bar (26 psi) | 1.99 bar (29 psi) |
| 100 kg | 1.91 bar (28 psi) | 2.11 bar (31 psi) |
| 110 kg | 2.03 bar (29 psi) | 2.23 bar (32 psi) |
| 120 kg | 2.15 bar (31 psi) | 2.35 bar (34 psi) |
Air pressure in the fork and shock
You will find a suitable starting pressure on the sticker on the fork stanchion (or on the shock) or in the suspension manufacturers’ setup charts. Our calculator gives you a starting value including rebound for your weight and riding style. What matters afterwards is the measured SAG from the table above.