2021 Specialized

Epic Hardtail Pro

A 29″ carbon frame hardtail crosscountry bike with ultra high-end components.
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MSRP$5,800
FrameCarbon
SuspensionHardtail, 100mm
ForkRockShox SID
Wheels29″ Carbon
Drivetrain1 × 12 Electronic
GroupsetX01 Eagle AXS, X1
BrakesHydraulic Disc
Top Comparison
Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Epic Hardtail Pro
Other Crosscountry bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

28 mph

Epic Hardtail Pro

27 mph

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Spec Level

Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.

Compare the full Epic model range

View Comparison
Sizing
SM

5'2" – 5'8"

MD

5'6" – 5'11"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'1" – 6'7"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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Reviews
Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
Specialized Epic EVO Expert – In our 2022 downcountry group test

Mar 2022 · Peter Walker

In our 2022 downcountry group test, we pitted the Specialized Epic EVO Expert against 5 of the hottest bikes of the season. Read the full review to find out what Specialized’s carbon rocket is capable of and where it stacks up against the competition. Hit the link for the full review and a list with all other bikes.

Highs
  • Super agile and playful downhill

  • Very composed

  • Intuitive handling

Lows
  • Rear suspension bobs in open mode and cannot be locked from the handlebars

  • Dropper remote requires strong fingers

Read Review

off.road.cc
2021 Specialized Epic Comp review

May 2021

The 2021 Specialized Epic Comp delivers a fast, reliable ride that feels at home on the racecourse and the trails. The BRAIN suspension works brilliantly, and the updated geometry makes it extremely capable. However, despite the Comp being the cheapest Epic model in the range, it's still at a price point that makes it unaffordable to some, despite the more basic componentry.

Read Review

MBR
Specialized Epic Evo Expert review - MBR

Mar 2021 · Alan Muldoon

Specialized Epic Evo Expert is streets ahead of its rivals in sizing and geometry. Long reach gives you freedom to get creative on any trail.

Highs
  • Fast and light

Lows
  • Expensive

Read Review

BikeRadar
Specialized Epic Pro review

Jan 2021 · Tom Marvin

As fast up as it is down, from an XC and marathon viewpoint the Epic is a top contender

Highs
  • You can’t forget to unlock your suspension, so the bike always performs well

  • Kit all performs exceptionally well

  • Contemporary geometry gives a blend of snappy handling and technical ability

Lows
  • Rear Brain isn’t adjustable on the fly, so pre-riding the course may be necessary

Read Review

Bike Perfect
Specialized Epic Evo Expert review

Dec 2020 · Guy Kesteven

Extremely light for the category and stiffer and slacker to be faster uphill and down, the new Epic Evo is a blisteringly quick and enjoyable XC/Trail bike if you don’t want extra reach

Highs
  • Superlight frame weight

  • Impressive stiffness

  • Excellent SID suspension combo

  • Great suspension tune

  • Confident steering

  • Smart kit choice

Lows
  • Tall seat tube limits upsizing

  • Controls hit the top tube

  • Slow freehub engagement

  • Comp version is even better value

  • No SWAT downtube storage

Read Review

Gran Fondo Magazine
Specialized S-Works Epic HT AXS Custom in bikepacking review

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.

Highs
  • Acceleration

  • Best of the best components

  • Confidence-inspiring handling

  • Amazing concept for racers

Lows
  • Frame requires delicate treatment

  • Fork sags when you pedal standing up

Read Review

Mountain Bike Action
Mountain Bike Action Bike Test: Specialized S-Works Epic XC Bike

Sep 2020 · McCoy

The pursuit of speed

Read Review

BIKE Magazine
First Ride: 2021 Specialized Epic Evo

Jun 2020

As cross-country bikes evolve, it's no surprise that the Specialized Epic Evo is already a step ahead. It adds travel and length, and loses one element.

Read Review

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

Specialized FACT 11m, Progressive XC Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

ColorGloss Abalone / Satin Black

Fork

RockShox SID SL BRAIN, Top-Adjust Brain damper, Debon Air, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 100mm Travel

Travel100mm

Spring TypeAir

Bottom Bracket

SRAM DUB, BSA 73mm, Threaded

Stem

Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise

Handlebar

S-Works Carbon XC Mini Rise, 6-degree upsweep, 8-degree backsweep, 10mm rise, 760mm, 31.8mm

Saddle

Body Geometry Power Expert

Seatpost

S-Works FACT carbon, 10mm offset, 30.9mm

TypeRigid

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM X01 Eagle AXS

Crank

SRAM X1 carbon Eagle, Boost™ 148, DUB, 32T, SM: 170mm, M-XL 175mm

Shifters

SRAM AXS Eagle Controller

Cassette

SRAM XG-1295 Eagle, 12-speed, 10-50t

Chain

SRAX X01 Eagle, 12-speed

Brakes

Front: SRAM Level TLM, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, Rear: SRAM Level TLM, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
Rims

Roval Control Carbon, 25mm internal width, Zero bead hook, Tubeless ready, 28h

Spokes

DT Swiss Competition Race

Front Hub

DT Swiss 350, 15x110mm spacing, Torque caps, 6-bolt, 28h

Rear Hub

DT Swiss 350, Star Ratchet, SRAM XD driver body, 12mm thru-axle, 148mm spacing, 28h

Tires

Front: Fast Trak, Control casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3", Rear: Fast Trak, Control casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3"

Rider Notes
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Last updated March 25