Merida NINETY-SIX 400

Merida NINETY-SIX 400

Need something to take on everything from cross-country races to big-mile days in the mountains? The NINETY-SIX 400 can do all that in full-suspension comfort - and without blowing the budget. Our high-performance, high-value aluminium frame uses our proven P-FLEX technology to deliver 110 mm of controlled travel at either end with remote lockout-equipped SR Suntour suspension, crisp Shimano 12-speed drivetrain and powerful hydraulic disc brakes, topped off with our own dropper post.

The NINETY-SIX is the latest incarnation of our former World Cup proven XC and marathon machine. It inherits the forward-surging race genes of the old NINETY-SIX and combines it with a new readiness and ability to tackle today’s demanding XC and marathon courses. We've now introduced a high-value aluminium framed option for riders and racers on a tighter budget, but it retains the winning DNA and P-FLEX suspension system, making it the perfect basis for a fun-packed, fast and trail loving short travel full suspension machine. With planted geometry and a supple 110 mm of rear wheel travel, it's able to take on rough race tracks and marathon events, as well as being a great option for riders that want a short travel bike for taking on the trails.

• High-value LITE aluminium frame with P-FLEX technology

• 110 mm travel SR Suntour fork and shock with remote lockouts

• Powerful Shimano hydraulic disc brakes

• Modern geometry with 110 mm rear wheel travel

• Crisp shifting Shimano 12-speed drivetrain

• MERIDA dropper seat post

*Because of ongoing problems in the delivery chain, the bike can be delivered with modifications.

• PROLITE 66 TRIPLE BUTTED ALUMINUM - When creating high-end aluminium frames, we use our proven PROLITE 66 (6066) aluminium, as it is incredibly light and durable. In addition, it works exceptionally well with our hydroforming technology, allowing us to create complex shapes, featuring triple butted wall thicknesses, an almost carbon-like appearance and the best possible stiffness-to-weight ratio. While lesser alloys might be cheaper, it is the ideal choice for high-performance bicycle frames.
• HFS - HYDRO FORMING SYSTEM - ‘C-Mount’ equipped bikes have the fixing points for a rear rack already integrated (some bikes require model specific rear rack), making fitting fast, simple and reliable. 
• X-TAPER HEADTUBE - Steering precision is vital to safe and confident handling, and the X-TAPER HEADTUBE allows us to significantly boost this precision. A larger headset diameter at the bottom paired with a smaller one at the top helps to deal with the strains modern riding and equipment can put on the headtube, all without adding unnecessary weight. It allows tapered forks to be fitted with ease and delivers precise and confidence-inspiring steering.
• SMOOTH WELDING - This is a process we use to give a nice flat finish to our welds instead of the scaled, 'stack of coins' effect TIG welded joints often have. The welder uses the welding torch to go over the joint twice, helping to smooth out the filler material. It takes a lot of skill to do this, but it delivers strong and smart-looking frames that have the appearance of a carbon fibre frame at first look.
• INTERNAL CABLE ROUTING - On the majority of our frames, we run the gear and brake cables and hoses through the frame. The cables enter and exit the frame through smooth sockets, or we use one of our other systems like SMART ENTRY or WIRE PORT to be routed through. Running the cables inside the frame protects them from the elements, gives a clean and neat look and can offer aerodynamic advantages.
• NON-SLIP TIGHTENING - This system means you only need a single tool to tighten important bolts, making it easy to secure them while out on the trail and also making routine maintenance faster and simpler. The bolts have a specially shaped head on one end that fits into a matching recess in the frame, preventing rotation. That means there is no hardware bonded into the frame itself, so damaged threads or bolts can be easily replaced.
• P-FLEX - A suspension design where the traditional pivot point on the seat stay is eliminated in favour of a flexstay design. This uses the compliance of the material and specific shaping of the tubes to allow for the seat and chain stays to move apart as the suspension moves through the travel. By removing this pivot point at the seat and chain stay junction, we save weight, reduce maintenance needs and add stiffness to the frame structure.
• WIRE PORT - MERIDA designed headsets that enable all control cables from the handlebar to enter the frame through the headset cover, creating a clean and uncluttered look, allowing for a lighter, stronger and more aerodynamic frame structure than with conventional cable ports. Depending on the model, the cables are run completely internally (including the bar and stem) or semi-integrated, where the cables enter the frame underneath the stem.
• LONG FENDER - An optional extra coverage mudguard that bolts rigidly to the back end of our bikes, protecting the rider from dirt and water spray while reducing noise, movement and prevent damage to the paintwork.