Merida Big Nine Team for the MTB Marathon World Championships How does an amateur fare against the best riders on the planet? Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Share on Whatsapp Share on Reddit Email to a friend By Joe Norledge Published: July 18, 2017 at 8:00 pm The wide open fire roads of Singen Sportograf Hanging on for dear life at the start Sportograf The Merida Big Nine Team was the perfect tool for the job Joe Norledge Starting number 99 out of 188 riders Joe Norledge A 34 tooth chainring gave me just enough range for the fast fire road sections and the steep grassy climbs Joe Norledge A taped up inner tube, just in case Joe Norledge I was surprised how much the seatpost flexed Joe Norledge I’m impressed with the SRAM Eagle groupset Joe Norledge My old faithful £4 bottle cage Joe Norledge