Merida Big Trail 300 Mountain Bike 2027 - Hardtail MTB

The Merida Big Trail 300 combines a lightweight aluminium frame with 140mm SR Suntour suspension and Shimano CUES 1x9 gearing. Wide 29in tyres, hydraulic disc brakes and a dropper post provide a practical setup for tackling challenging trails and exploring rougher terrain.Key Features:Double-butted 6061 aluminium frame with progressive trail geometry and Boost spacingSR Suntour XCR34 2CR air fork with 140mm travel and lockoutShimano CUES U4000 1x9 drivetrain with 32T chainring and 11-46T cassetteShimano MT200 2-piston hydraulic disc brakes29in Merida Comp CC II wheels with 2.4in Kenda Regolith tyresSize-specific dropper post with 150mm or 170mm travelAvailable with 0% APR financeThe Merida Big Trail 300 is a trail-focused hardtail designed to make mountain biking enjoyable across a wide range of terrain. Combining progressive geometry, a 140mm suspension fork and wide 29in tyres, it provides a practical balance of climbing efficiency, descending confidence and everyday versatility.Merida has updated the Big Trail's geometry to make it more capable on demanding trails while retaining the straightforward riding experience of a hardtail. A slacker head angle and longer reach help provide stability on steeper descents, while a steeper seat angle creates a more efficient seated position for climbing.The frame also features a low standover height, making it easier to move around the bike and providing additional clearance when tackling technical sections. With sizes ranging from XSmall to XLarge, riders have a range of options when choosing their preferred fit and reach.The frame is constructed from double-butted 6061 aluminium using Merida's TFS technoforming process. This allows the tubing to be shaped to suit the demands of trail riding, while smooth welding provides a clean finish.Internal cable routing helps keep the frame looking tidy, while a tapered head tube, Boost axle spacing and threaded BSA bottom bracket provide a practical foundation for the bike's components.Merida has also improved the frame protection to help reduce damage from everyday trail use. Multiple mounting points for bottles and accessories add versatility, making the Big Trail suitable for longer rides where carrying additional equipment is useful.The frame offers clearance for tyres up to 29x2.5in, giving riders the option to experiment with different tyre widths and tread patterns to suit their local trails.Up front, the SR Suntour XCR34 2CR air fork provides 140mm of suspension travel. Its air spring allows riders to adjust the fork to suit their weight, while the travel helps absorb impacts from roots, rocks and uneven trail surfaces.The fork also features a lockout, allowing riders to reduce suspension movement on smoother climbs and firmer surfaces. A tapered steerer and 44mm fork offset complement the bike's progressive geometry.Shimano CUES provides a straightforward 1x9-speed drivetrain. The CUES U4000 rear derailleur and matching shifter are designed to deliver reliable gear changes, while the single-chainring arrangement removes the need for a front derailleur.A Shimano CUES UT-400-1 chainset uses a 32T chainring, paired with a SunRace U9 11-46T cassette and KMC xGlide chain. This provides a useful spread of gears for climbing and descending, with lower ratios to help tackle steeper sections of trail.The drivetrain uses 170mm cranks across all frame sizes, while a Shimano BB-UN101 bottom bracket completes the setup.Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes feature two-piston calipers front and rear. They provide predictable braking and useful modulation for controlling speed on descents, while hydraulic operation helps maintain consistent performance in changing weather conditions.Merida Comp CC II aluminium rims have a 25mm internal width and are paired with Shimano TC500 hubs. The wheels use Boost spacing, with a 15x110mm front thru-axle and 12x148mm rear thru-axle.Both wheels feature 32 black stainless steel spokes and tubeless-ready rims. This provides the option of converting to a compatible tubeless setup, which can help reduce pinch punctures and allow lower tyre pressures for improved grip.Kenda Regolith tyres are fitted front and rear in a 29x2.4in size. Their trail-focused tread provides grip on loose surfaces while retaining reasonable rolling efficiency, making them suitable for a mixture of woodland singletrack, rocky trails and firmer paths.The wide tyre profile also provides useful air volume, helping improve comfort and traction when riding over uneven ground.A Merida Comp TR IV dropper post comes fitted as standard, allowing riders to lower the saddle from the handlebar when approaching descents or technical sections.XShort and Short frames receive 150mm of dropper travel, while Mid, Long and XLong sizes use 170mm. This size-specific approach helps provide useful saddle clearance across the range, making it easier to move around the bike when riding more demanding terrain.The cockpit uses a 780mm Merida Comp TR II aluminium handlebar with 35mm rise, paired with a Merida Comp TR stem. The wide handlebar provides leverage and steering control, while the raised position complements the bike's trail-focused geometry.An Acros ICR headset features upper and lower IPS sealing to help protect the bearings from dirt and moisture, while the Merida Comp SL saddle includes a V-mount system for compatible accessories.The Big Trail 300's hardtail design also offers some practical advantages. With no rear shock or suspension linkage to maintain, there are fewer moving parts to look after, making it a straightforward option for riders who want to spend more time riding and less time maintaining their bike.Overall, the Merida Big Trail 300 combines modern trail geometry with a practical and dependable component specification. Its 140mm air fork, wide 29in tyres, hydraulic brakes and dropper post make it a versatile choice for riders looking to develop their skills, explore more challenging trails or simply enjoy longer days out on the mountain bike.