2022 Specialized
Epic Hardtail Expert
A 29″ carbon frame hardtail crosscountry bike with ultra high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$4,500| Frame | Carbon |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Hardtail, 100mm |
| Fork | RockShox SID |
| Wheels | 29″ Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | X01 Eagle, X1 |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
For This Bike
Based on build material and quality level of the frame, fork, wheelset, groupset, suspension system, and more.
Compare the full Epic model range
View Comparison5'1" – 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.
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.
Apr 2023
An Epic blend of hardtail handling with control and capability of a full-suspension bike
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.
Dec 2022 · Sarah Bedford
Refined Specialized aesthetics are paired with a firm ride that converts leg power efficiently into speed
Lightweight build with a quality finish
Snappy acceleration
Fast-rolling tyres
Basic fork damper
Brakes can lack bite and power during urgent braking
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
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
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
Superlight frame weight
Impressive stiffness
Excellent SID suspension combo
Great suspension tune
Confident steering
Smart kit choice
Tall seat tube limits upsizing
Controls hit the top tube
Slow freehub engagement
Comp version is even better value
No SWAT downtube storage
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
| Frame | Specialized FACT 11m, XC Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Color: Satin Carbon / Spectraflair |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID SL BRAIN, Bottom-Adjust Brain damper, Debon Air, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 100mm Travel (XS-80mm Travel) Travel: 100mm Spring Type: Air |
| 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 |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 32T, XS: 165mm, SM: 170mm, M-XL: 175mm |
| Shifters | SRAM X01, trigger, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1275 Eagle, 12-speed, 10-50t |
| 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: Hydraulic Disc |
| 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, 29x2.3, Rear: Fast Trak, Control casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3" |
Last updated April 22