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Today’s DealsMen's Epic Pro
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$6,520| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 100 / 100mm |
| Fork | RockShox SID |
| Shock | RockShox |
| Wheels | 29″ Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | X01 Eagle, Truvativ Stylo Carbon |
| Brakes | SRAM Level TLM Hydraulic Disc |
5'2" – 5'8"
5'6" – 5'11"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'1" – 6'7"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The Specialized Epic is a highly efficient and lightweight cross-country bike, celebrated for its Brain suspension technology that adapts to terrain for optimal performance. It offers a racy feel with sharp handling and impressive climbing capabilities, though some riders find the Brain system polarizing on rougher trails. The Epic stands out as a top choice for competitive racing, with models providing near S-Works performance at more accessible price points.
Brain suspension technology for adaptive performance
Lightweight carbon frame enhances climbing efficiency
Sharp handling and racy geometry for competitive edge
Near S-Works performance at lower price points
Confidence-inspiring in technical sections
Brain suspension can be polarizing on rough terrain
Higher price point for premium models
Some models lack size inclusivity
Components may not match top-tier S-Works spec
The Epic Pro offers nearly identical ride qualities as the S-Works Epic at a fraction of the cost.Bicycling
This Epic has to be one of the best handling 100mm travel 29ers available.
The best way to describe the Epic is 'confidence inspiring.'
Without doubt one of the best race bikes I have ever ridden.
the Epic has been a mainstay of the cross-country racing scene since it blew things wide-open in 2003 with the Brain
Feedback?
View all reviews

Oct 2020 · Benjamin Topf
What happens when you take one of the lightest hardtail mountain bikes, add drop bars and send it off on a bikepacking trip? We did exactly that with the Specialized S-Works EPIC HT AXS Custom and tell you whether the concept works.
Acceleration
Best of the best components
Confidence-inspiring handling
Amazing concept for racers
Frame requires delicate treatment
Fork sags when you pedal standing up

Jun 2020
Specialized has done a really good job of taking one bike and making it equally competitive for two different types of riders. If you search out the longest backcountry trails or like to get to the top of your local spot at record time, you may want to take the Epic Evo S-Works for a spin. Read our full review here!

Apr 2020
Specialized's Epic Expert Carbon Evo is a satisfyingly fun and fast take on a less pointy kind of cross-country distance machine, but the Brain-equipped rear suspension can feel more idiot than intellectual and the spec is rather pedestrian for the cash. If you can get over that then it provides plenty of high tempo fun for those seeking distance and thrills.

Dec 2019 · Mick Kirkman
The Epic EVO is a blast, but some of the Comp’s kit will be a bit heavy for full-XC psycho pain-cavers
EVO handling is super-sweet and intuitive
Ride position eggs you on to give it everything pretty much all of the time
Brain 2.0 won’t be smart enough for every rider
Some components are out of place on a £4k XC-style bike

Nov 2019 · Alan Muldoon
The latest Specialized S-Works Epic HT AXS is their top-flight XC bike that cuts weight to the bone but how tough is it on the rider?
Amazingly capable for a World Cup XC race bike. Ultra-light and compliant carbon frame. No holds barred specification.
The price seems insanely high.

Nov 2019 · Bobby Lea
It's not cheap, but oh boy, this is one fast bike.
RockShox Brain Suspension
SRAM X01 drivetrain

Oct 2019 · Trev Worsey
The Epic is Specialized’s no-nonsense lightweight XC racer. But just like the Stumpjumper, the Epic is also offered in a more progressive EVO spec.
Very lively on flow trails
Like a rocket uphill
Micro Brain inertia valve delay
XC cockpit limits versatility
Sep 2019 · Guy Kesteven
Has a longer fork and bigger tyres turned the alloy Specialized Epic into a lightweight play bike?
Still extremely light for the money despite a trail toughened spec
Unique and very effective automatic hardtail/full suspension switching
Flexy frame and wheels, plus short and steep geometry
Clunky suspension actuation in firmer modes, highlighted by gappy free-hub pick up
| Frame | Specialized FACT 11m, XC Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, 100mm of travel BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID Brain 29, Solo Air, top-adjust Brain Fade, 15x110mm Maxle® Stealth thru-axle, 42mm offset, 100mm of travel Travel: 100mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | Custom RockShox Micro Brain shock w/ Spike Valve, AUTOSAG, 51x257mm Travel: 100mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB, threaded BB |
| Stem | Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise |
| Handlebar | S-Works Carbon Mini Rise, 6-degree upsweep, 8-degree backsweep, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Phenom Expert, hollow titanium rails, carbon fiber base, 143mm |
| Seatpost | Carbon, single-bolt, 30.9mm Type: Rigid |
| Pedals | Specialized Dirt |
| Grips | Specialized Sip grip, half-waffle, S/M: regular thickness, L/XL: XL thickness |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| Crank | Truvativ STYLO Carbon, DUB, SRAM Eagle, 32T |
| Shifters | SRAM X01 Eagle, trigger, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1295 Eagle, 12-speed, 10-50t |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Brakes | Front: SRAM Level TLM, hydraulic disc, Rear: SRAM Level TLM, hydraulic disc Type: SRAM Level TLM Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Roval Control Carbon, 25mm internal width, tubeless-ready |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Industry |
| Front Hub | Specialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 15x110mm spacing, 28h |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss 350, Star Ratchet, 36t engagement, SRAM XD driver body, 12mm thru-axle, 148mm spacing, 28h |
| Tires | Front: Fast Trak, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3", Rear: Fast Trak, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.1" |
First added November 6
Last updated April 8
Not listed for 2,247 days