Merida eBIG.NINE 675

About the Merida eBIG.NINE 675

Merida's eBIG.NINE 675 sits in that sweet spot where trail ambition meets weekday practicality. Built around a hydroformed aluminium frame that hides a 750 Wh battery inside its downtube, it pairs Shimano's EP6 motor with a 100mm SR Suntour fork and 29-inch wheels to deliver a hardtail that climbs with authority, rolls fast on fire roads, and won't baulk at your Monday commute. The frame bristles with mounts - mudguards, racks, kickstand - so you're not forced to choose between weekend singletrack and Tuesday's shopping run.

This isn't a race-weight XC whippet. At 23-odd kilos it's a solid presence, but that heft brings stability and a planted feel when the trail gets loose or the road turns rough. The EP6 motor punches out 85 Nm of torque, enough to flatten steep climbs and keep you spinning smoothly through technical sections where a lighter bike might skip and chatter. Pair that with a wide-range SRAM 1x12 drivetrain and you've got gearing that works whether you're grinding up a rooty bank or cruising tarmac between trail heads.

Merida pitches the eBIG.NINE 675 as a multitool - one bike to handle varied terrain without needing a second machine in the shed. The geometry strikes a measured balance: not too slack to feel sluggish in tight trees, not too steep to feel twitchy on descents. It's a bike that rewards riders who want capability across the board rather than outright speed in any single discipline.

Merida eBIG.NINE 675 geometry

The eBIG.NINE 675's frame positions you in a posture that splits the difference between upright comfort and engaged control. Reach figures grow steadily across the four sizes - from 411 mm in small to 462 mm in extra-large - giving taller riders room to stretch out without cramping shorter riders into an awkward crouch. Stack climbs in step, so your bars sit high enough to keep weight off your wrists on long rides but low enough that you can weight the front wheel when the trail tilts down.

A 67.5-degree head angle keeps the front end calm over rough ground and stable at speed, though it won't carve tight switchbacks with the snap of a steeper race geometry. The 74.5-degree seat angle plants you over the cranks, which helps when you're grinding seated climbs or threading through technical sections where balance matters more than outright power. Chainstays hover around 435 mm, short enough to let the rear wheel pop over obstacles but long enough to prevent the front lifting on steep pitches.

Wheelbase stretches as frame size increases, adding stability for taller riders while keeping the smaller sizes nimble enough for tighter trails. Bottom bracket drop sits around 50 mm, a middle ground that offers pedal clearance on rocky lines without lifting you so high that the bike feels top-heavy. The X-Taper headtube - Merida's tapered design - stiffens the front end, translating bar inputs directly into steering without the vague wander that can plague budget frames. When you point it downhill, the bike holds its line; when you lean into a berm, it responds without delay.

Component choices & upgrades

The stock build on the eBIG.NINE 675 is sensibly sorted for the bike's intended mix of trail and tarmac. SRAM's NX Eagle 1x12 drivetrain delivers a 10-50t cassette range that covers steep climbs and fast descents without fuss, and the single-ring simplicity means less to maintain. The SRAM DB8 four-piston hydraulic brakes offer decent stopping power, though they're not the most refined units in the SRAM stable - expect adequate bite rather than fingertip modulation. Maxxis Ikon tyres in 2.2-inch width roll fast and grip well on hardpack, though they'll slide on wet roots or deep mud.

The SR Suntour XCR34 fork provides 100 mm of air-sprung travel, enough to smooth out trail chatter and absorb the worst of potholed roads. It's a capable mid-range fork that does the job without drama, though it won't match the plushness or tunability of a RockShox Pike or Fox 34. If you're riding regularly on technical terrain or pushing harder descents, a fork upgrade would sharpen the bike's trail manners - but for mixed riding and commuting, the XCR34 is more than adequate.

Wheels are built around Merida's own aluminium rims with a 25 mm internal width, laced to Novatec hubs. They're sturdy and reliable, if not especially light. Riders chasing weight savings or planning to tackle rougher trails might consider a wheelset with wider rims - 28 to 30 mm internal - to support burlier tyres and improve cornering support. Swapping the Ikons for something with more aggressive tread - a Maxxis Minion DHF up front, perhaps - would add grip in loose or wet conditions, though you'll sacrifice some rolling speed.

The cockpit is straightforward: a 760 mm Merida handlebar offers plenty of leverage, and the 50 mm stem keeps steering responsive without feeling twitchy. Grips and saddle are Merida's own, functional rather than plush. If you're spending hours in the saddle, a saddle swap to match your sit-bone width will pay dividends in comfort. The integrated 750 Wh battery is a highlight - it's tucked inside the downtube for a clean look and low centre of gravity, and the capacity means you're not constantly watching the range indicator.

Where the Merida eBIG.NINE 675 excels

The eBIG.NINE 675 is outstanding as a do-it-all hardtail e-bike for riders who split their time between trail riding and practical transport. If your weekends involve fire-road climbs and flowing singletrack, but your weekdays demand a reliable commute or errands around town, this bike handles both without compromise. The Shimano EP6 motor's 85 Nm of torque flattens steep gradients and keeps you moving smoothly through technical sections, while the 750 Wh battery offers range enough for a full day's riding or a week of commutes without needing a charge.

It's also well suited to riders who want trail capability without the complexity or maintenance of full suspension. The 100 mm fork absorbs enough to keep you comfortable on rough trails, and the 29-inch wheels roll over obstacles with less effort than smaller hoops. The frame's mounts for mudguards, racks and a kickstand make it genuinely practical for year-round use - you can fit full coverage guards for wet-weather commuting, bolt on a rear rack for shopping or bikepacking kit, and prop it upright without hunting for a wall.

Where it's less ideal is pure XC racing or ultra-technical descending. The geometry is stable rather than aggressive, so it won't snap through tight switchbacks or rail berms with the precision of a dedicated trail bike. The weight - north of 23 kg - means you'll feel it on long climbs if the motor's off, and the SR Suntour fork, while adequate, doesn't offer the plushness or control of higher-end suspension when the trail gets genuinely rough. Riders chasing podiums or planning to session steep, rocky descents will want something lighter and more focused.

It's not a bike for riders who need cutting-edge refinement or the lightest possible build. The SRAM DB8 brakes work, but they lack the power and modulation of higher-tier options, and the motor controls are functional rather than feature-rich - you won't find the customisable ride modes or smartphone integration of pricier systems. But if you value versatility, practicality and a solid all-round package over outright performance in any single area, the eBIG.NINE 675 delivers exactly what it promises.

Merida eBIG.NINE 675 FAQs

What is the range of the Merida eBIG.NINE 675?

Range depends on terrain, rider weight, assist level and riding style, but the 750 Wh battery typically delivers 60 to 100 km of mixed riding. Expect the lower end if you're using high assist on steep climbs, the upper end if you're cruising fire roads in eco mode. Real-world commuting range - with moderate assist and flat to rolling terrain - often exceeds 80 km.

Is the Merida eBIG.NINE 675 good for trail riding?

Yes, it's a capable trail hardtail. The 100 mm fork and 29-inch wheels handle flowing singletrack, rooty sections and moderate descents with confidence. It's not built for aggressive enduro-style riding or ultra-technical rock gardens, but for XC trails, gravel tracks and mixed-surface adventures it performs well.

What is the weight of the Merida eBIG.NINE 675?

The bike weighs approximately 23.3 to 23.6 kg, depending on frame size and exact component spec. That's typical for a hardtail e-MTB with a large-capacity battery and mid-range components - solid and stable rather than race-light.

What are the best tyres for the Merida eBIG.NINE 675?

The stock Maxxis Ikons roll fast and suit dry hardpack, but if you're riding wetter or looser trails, consider a Maxxis Minion DHF up front for grip and a faster-rolling rear like a Maxxis Rekon or Schwalbe Racing Ralph. For commuting and mixed surfaces, a Schwalbe Marathon or Continental Contact would add puncture protection and all-weather traction.

How does the Shimano EP6 motor compare to Bosch?

The EP6 delivers 85 Nm of torque - slightly more than Bosch's Performance Line CX (also 85 Nm in newer versions) - and offers smooth, natural power delivery that responds well to pedal input. Bosch systems often feel slightly more refined in their tuning and offer more customisation via smartphone apps, but the EP6 is lighter, quieter and integrates cleanly into Merida's frame design. Both are excellent; choice often comes down to brand preference and dealer support.

Can I fit wider tyres on the Merida eBIG.NINE 675?

The frame clears 29 x 2.35-inch tyres without mudguards, or 29 x 2.25-inch with guards fitted. You could squeeze a 2.4-inch tyre in without guards if you're careful with tread pattern and rim width, but clearance will be tight. For practical riding with mudguards - essential for commuting - stick to 2.25-inch or narrower.

What is the recommended rider height for each frame size of the eBIG.NINE 675?

Small suits riders roughly 158 to 171 cm, medium fits 168 to 180 cm, large covers 178 to 189 cm, and extra-large is intended for 186 to 199 cm. These are guidelines - inseam length, arm reach and riding style all influence fit, so a test ride or professional fitting is always worthwhile.

Is the Merida eBIG.NINE 675 suitable for commuting?

Absolutely. The frame has mounts for mudguards, racks and a kickstand, the 750 Wh battery offers ample range for daily commutes, and the upright geometry keeps you comfortable in traffic. The Shimano EP6 motor's smooth power delivery makes stop-start riding easy, and the hydraulic disc brakes provide confident stopping in all weathers.

What maintenance is required for the eBIG.NINE 675?

Standard e-bike maintenance applies: keep the chain clean and lubricated, check brake pads and rotor condition regularly, and service the fork annually or after heavy use. The Shimano motor is sealed and requires minimal attention beyond keeping it clean and dry; battery care involves charging regularly and storing at moderate temperatures. The internal cable routing keeps cables protected, reducing wear, but makes replacement slightly more involved when needed.