Two changes lift the Big Nine 20 above the entry build, and they happen to be the two that matter most once the ground gets rough. The SR Suntour XCM32 coil fork brings 120mm of travel instead of 100mm, and Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes replace cable-operated ones, which means less hand effort and far more consistent stopping when it is wet. Underneath, the TFS V frame is the same modern shape: double butted 6061 aluminium, tapered head tube, internal routing and inboard disc mounts that keep the caliper tucked out of harm's way.

Gearing goes single ring, with Shimano's Essa 1x8 setup pairing a 32 tooth Prowheel chainset to an 11-45 cassette. There is one shifter to think about and still a low enough bottom gear for steep, loose climbs. Kenda Booster tyres in 29x2.4 fill the frame out to its full clearance and add useful volume for grip and comfort, and Merida Comp CC rims laced to Shimano hubs keep the wheels honest without pushing the price up.

Features

• TFS V double butted and technoformed 6061 aluminium frame
• Tapered head tube, full internal cable routing, chain stay mounted disc brake
• SR Suntour XCM32 coil fork, 120mm travel, SR Suntour 5TA axle
• Shimano Essa 1x8 drivetrain, U2000 GS rear mech
• Shimano CS-HG300-8 11-45 cassette with Prowheel Epro-MD26S 32 tooth chainset
• Shimano MT200 two piston hydraulic disc brakes
• Kenda Booster 29x2.4 tyres
• Merida Comp CC rims, 20mm internal width, on Shimano TX505 and QC300-HM Centerlock hubs
• Mudguard and kickstand mounts, BSA threaded bottom bracket, 135 x 9mm rear axle
• Frame clearance for 29 x 2.4 tyres