The 2025 Merida BIG.TRAIL hardtail was revamped with an updated and more progressive geometry than the previous model, fresh paint, and new build kits. Find all the details about what’s changed and watch a video about the development process here…

The Merida BIG.TRAIL is an affordable aluminum alloy hardtail that’s been on the market for a while. In fact, Cass Gilbert has been riding one down in Oaxaca and had good things to say about it. Recently, the brand announced a new 2025 model with some major revisions to the bike’s geometry.

2025 Merida Big.Trail
  • 2025 Merida Big.Trail
  • 2025 Merida Big.Trail

In essence, most of the geometry changes were put in place to make it more stable and confident on steep and challenging terrain and adjust the frame sizing to align with the brand’s other mountain bikes. Compared to the previous model that was released in 2021, the 2025 Merida BIG.TRAIL has an increased reach and taller stack height. The seat tube was also adjusted to allow for a lower standover height and deeper dropper post insertion depth, accommodating long-travel dropper posts even on smaller frame sizes.

Frame Size XShort Short Mid Long XLong
Seat tube [mm] 385 400 420 445 475
Top tube [mm] 559 581 603 630 657
Chain stay length [mm] 435 435 435 435 435
Head tube angle 64 64 64 64 64
Seat tube angle 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5 76.5
Bottom bracket drop [mm] 70 70 70 70 70
Head tube [mm] 90 100 110 120 130
Fork length [mm] 551 551 551 551 551
Reach [mm] 415 435 455 480 505
Stack [mm] 627 636 645 654 663
Wheel base [mm] 1165 1189 1214 1243 1272
Stand over height [mm] 715 721 724 726 729
Seat Post Mounting Depth Max 300 315 335 360 390
2025 Merida Big.Trail

The seat angle was also steepened from 75.5° to 76.5°. This angle helps puts weight on the front wheel to improve traction and agility on steep climbs, resulting in a more relaxed climbing position. Additionally, the head angle has been slackened by 1.5°, from 65.5° to 64.0°. Combined with a deeper bottom bracket drop (from 66.5mm to 70mm), Merida claims this gives the rider a more “in the bike” feel, adding stability and confidence on demanding trails.

The best part is the pricing. The Merida BIG.TRAIL comes in three models with the top shelf BIG.TRAIL 600 priced at £2,000/€2,350. It’s built with a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain and a 140mm RockShox Pike fork. The 300 and 500 builds are priced a few hundred dollars less. The BIG.TRAIL isn’t available in the US at the moment. Learn more about the 2025 Merida BIG.TRAIL here.

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