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Today’s Deals2022 Specialized
Epic Expert
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$6,300| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Full, 100 / 100mm |
| Fork | RockShox SID |
| Shock | RockShox |
| Wheels | 29″ Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | X01 Eagle, X1 |
| Brakes | SRAM Level TL Hydraulic Disc |
5'1" – 5'6"
5'4" – 5'9"
5'7" – 6'0"
5'10" – 6'3"
6'0" – 6'5"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
Do you have this bike? Help other riders make a decision about which size will work for them by sharing your own size and fit notes.
Summary
The Specialized Epic is a high-performance cross-country bike praised for its updated Brain suspension system, offering efficient pedaling and plush travel. Its re-engineered geometry, including a slacker headtube angle and longer reach, enhances handling and stability on rough terrain. While it excels in speed and agility, some riders may find its high price point and occasional suspension quirks drawbacks.
Updated Brain platform for efficient pedaling and plush travel
New carbon layup and sculpted tubes for weight savings and stiffness
Updated geometry including slacker headtube angle and longer reach
Wider tire compatibility for improved traction
Lightweight Roval wheels with increased compliance and impact strength
High price point
Rear Brain’s sensitivity can’t be changed while riding
Stock chainring may not suit all racers
Prescribed air pressure from the chart may be too high for some riders
The Specialized S-Works Epic is a bike built to go fast, and it is not shy about it.
BikerumorThe platform is adaptable to many different riding styles and terrain plus, it’s not too shabby on the eyes either.
BikerumorThe feeling is akin to the explosive ride of a hardtail and the plush nature of a full suspension – truly the best of both worlds.
BikerumorOne of the best-known XC bikes on the market
BikeRadarThe Epic is hard to beat
BikeRadarFeedback?
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Oct 2023 · Dave Rome
In believing that full suspension is always the faster choice in mountain biking, the Epic WC is Specialized’s replacement for its top-tier cross-country race hardtails.
Can be set to pedal like a hardtail
Is incredibly efficient on smooth surfaces
Dialled geometry
Lovely frame build quality
Good frame rigidity with no creaks or groans
No fiddly remote lockouts means an ultra-clean cockpit
Solid component spec choices with nice wheels and a powermeter.
Suspension can either feel choppy or have you wishing for a lockout
Poor headset sealing
Minimal weight advantage over a longer-travel full suspension
Brain-equipped fork still has a thunk
No dropper provided
SRAM Level brake lever feel and power.
Aug 2023 · Maureen Gaffney
The Specialized Epic EVO nudges the racy XC bike into trail territory, making it the perfect choice for the BikeTransAlp multi-day stage race.
It’s beautiful. Beauty may be skin deep, but let’s just admit aesthetics matter. I want to ride this bike. I want to be seen riding this bike
It’s lightweight
It’s incredibly capable. 29″ wheels with the perfect suspension combo make climbing actually enjoyable, while the addition of 10 more millimeters of suspension travel front and rear as compared to the Epic means descending is not compromised for the sake of climbing performance.
Shifter paddles not as adjustable or ergonomic as one might hope.
It costs nearly $9,000. I won’t say it’s not worth it, and this is not a high price in comparison to other bikes of this caliber. But it’s still nine thousand dollars and that’s a lot of rent or groceries.
Apr 2023
An Epic blend of hardtail handling with control and capability of a full-suspension bike
Apr 2023 · Jordan Villella
It has been sensationalized, hidden under wraps (mostly), and it's finally available — Introducing the All New Specialized Epic World Cup
Apr 2023 · Henry Quinney
In some ways the Epic World Cup isn't so much a full-suspension bike with a small dose of rear travel but rather a hardtail that happens to have 75mm of travel.
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.
Super agile and playful downhill
Very composed
Intuitive handling
Rear suspension bobs in open mode and cannot be locked from the handlebars
Dropper remote requires strong fingers
Jul 2021 · Robin Weaver
A super-fast, momentum carrying machine that’s far more capable than its rear travel might suggest
Rocketship fast when you hit the pedals
Far more capable and confident than the amount of travel might suggest
Covers ground incredibly quickly
Accurate line choice is recommended
Rear tyre needs more bite
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.
Fast and light
Expensive
| Frame | FACT 11m Full Carbon, Progressive XC Race Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, 100mm of travel BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Colors: Satin Carbon / Smoke Gravity Fade / White; Gloss Pine / Chameleon Eyris Tint / Tarmac Black |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID SL BRAIN, Bottom-Adjust Brain damper, Debon Air, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 100mm Travel Travel: 100mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | RockShox-Specialized BRAIN, Rx XC Tune, 5 Position Platform Adjust, Rebound Adjust, Integraded Extension, 265x52.5mm Travel: 100mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB, BSA 73mm, Threaded |
| Stem | Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Specialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Specialized Alloy, Single Bolt, 30.9mm Type: Rigid |
| Grips | Specialized Trail Grips |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM X1 Eagle Alloy, DUB, 165/170/175mm, 34t, 34T |
| Shifters | SRAM X01 Eagle, trigger, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1275, 12-speed, 10-52t |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Brakes | Front: SRAM Level TL, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, Rear: SRAM Level TL, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc Type: SRAM Level TL Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Roval Control, Carbon offset design, 29mm internal width, 4mm hook width, Tubeless ready, 28h |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Comp Race |
| Front Hub | DT Swiss 350, 6-bolt, 15mm Thru-axle, 110mm spacing, 28h straight -pull |
| Rear Hub | DT Swiss 350 straight-pull, 6-bolt, DT Swiss Ratchet, 12x148mm thru axle, XD freehub body, 28h straight-pull |
| Tires | Front: Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35, Rear: Specialized Renegade, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35 |
First added November 12
Last updated October 12
Not listed for 234 days