Spend properly on the TR platform and you end up here. The Big Nine TR 8000 pairs the CF3 III carbon frame with a RockShox SID Select+ fork at 120mm of travel, a wireless SRAM Transmission drivetrain and a carbon Reynolds wheelset, which leaves it light enough to race and capable enough to ride trails on all day. It is the sharpest end of the downcountry hardtail idea.

SRAM's GX Eagle Transmission AXS is a T-Type groupset, so the rear derailleur is a direct-mount unit and shifting happens through an AXS POD controller with no gear cable anywhere on the bike. The 10-52 twelve speed cassette runs against a 34 tooth GX Eagle chainset, giving a wide spread with a slightly taller top gear than the 32 tooth builds, which suits the faster, flatter riding this bike is quick on.

The braking is worth a closer look: a four piston SRAM Motive Bronze caliper at the front, paired with a two piston at the rear. On a hardtail that is a sensible split, putting the extra power where the traction actually is without carrying weight at the back that the rear tyre could never use. The SID Select+ fork adds a two position remote lockout and a 44mm offset, and the Merida Team TR SL dropper gives 150mm of drop on the smaller frames and 170mm from L upwards.

Reynolds TR 309 XC carbon rims have a 30mm internal width, arrive tubeless ready with tape and valves included and carry a lifetime warranty, laced here to Merida Expert TR hubs. Maxxis Rekon tyres in 29x2.4 WT with 3C rubber and an EXO casing suit mixed conditions, and the cockpit is a 760mm Team CC II carbon bar with 12.5mm of rise on a Team CC III stem with a SMART MOUNT. A Prologo Nago R4 PAS Tirox saddle finishes it.

Features

• CF3 III carbon frame, Boost axle spacing, BSA threaded bottom bracket
• Progressive geometry, clearance for 29 x 2.4 tyres
• RockShox SID Select+ air fork, 120mm travel, two position remote lockout, 44mm offset
• SRAM GX Eagle Transmission AXS wireless T-Type drivetrain with AXS POD controller
• SRAM GX Eagle Transmission 10-52 twelve speed cassette with 34 tooth chainset
• SRAM Motive Bronze brakes: four piston front, two piston rear
• Merida Team TR SL dropper post, 150mm on S and M, 170mm on L to XXL
• Reynolds TR 309 XC carbon rims, 30mm internal width, lifetime warranty
• Tubeless ready wheels with tape and valves included, on Merida Expert TR hubs
• Maxxis Rekon 29x2.4 WT tyres, 3C compound, EXO casing, tubeless ready
• Merida Team CC II carbon bar, 760mm wide with 12.5mm rise, Team CC III stem with SMART MOUNT
• Acros ICR integrated headset with upper and lower IPS sealing