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Today’s Deals2023 Specialized
Epic Expert
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$6,500| Weight | 24.1 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 100 / 100mm |
| Fork | RockShox SID |
| Shock | RockShox |
| Wheels | 29″ Carbon |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Groupset | Eagle AXS, GX Eagle AXS |
| Brakes | SRAM Level TL Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
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.
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Summary
The Specialized Epic is a high-performance cross-country bike that blends hardtail efficiency with full suspension control, featuring innovative suspension technology and lightweight construction. It excels in climbing and efficiency, with a design that's optimized for competitive racing. However, its specialized nature and limited rear travel may not suit all riders, and the suspension setup can feel harsh over rough terrain.
Lightweight frame
Innovative suspension design
Exceptional climbing capabilities
Snappy and accurate handling
Efficient power transfer
Limited rear travel
Harsh ride over rough terrain
High price point
Specialized nature limits versatility
Suspension setup may not suit all riders
The Epic World Cup is the best climbing bike I’ve ridden.
BikeRadarThe new Specialized Epic World Cup isn’t just lighter, simpler and smoother than the current Brain-equipped Epic, it’s also considerably more tuneable.
Flow Mountain BikeSpecialized claim to have achieved the impossible, fulfilling the dream of every XC rider: creating a bike that combines the efficiency of a hardtail with the composure and control of a full-susser.
Enduro Mountainbike MagazineFeedback?
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Dec 2024 · Ron Koch
The result is a single-frame design that, depending on the components added, can be either a competitive XC racing rig or a confident trail bike that is ready for anything thrown its way.
Apr 2024 · Spencer Astra
During the darkest part of the Northwest winter, I found myself aboard the new Specialized Epic 8 Evo Pro, a short-travel speed demon. After a nasty broken elbow, the Epic Evo and I seem to be sharing new titanium hardware. With 130 millimeters of travel up front and 120 at the rear, the new Epic is a cross-country bike that leans more toward gnarlier terrain than a true race bred rig as it seamlessly blends efficiency with just enough grit to tackle unforgiving trails. Even as I pedaled slow and muddy singletrack, this bike remained remarkably zippy—a testament to its short travel, low build weight, and efficient frame kinematics. Specialized has managed to shave off a few grams from the previous model iteration while producing a stable, refined ride. As I climbed, the Epic Evo’s main standout feature was efficiency. Despite the slow winter dirt, I was usually climbing with enough speed to generate a slight wind on my face. The rear shock platform felt taught and supportive under pedaling load. One of the most notable qualities of the Evo, while both climbing and descending, was the frame’s ability to eat high-frequency vibrations from the trail. My left elbow is fairly sensitive as it recovers from the break and, even with only 120 millimeters of travel, the Evo maintained a soft touch while clambering over roots and rocks.
Mar 2024
Goodbye Brain, hello SWAT and Flight Attendant
Mar 2024 · Robin Schmitt, Benedikt Schmidt
What makes a true champion?Hanging out with Peter Sagan, Martín Vidaurre, and the new Specialized Epic in Chile
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
| 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 Hanger Standard: UDH Colors: Gloss Morning Mist / Metallic Dark Navy; Satin Carbon / Metallic White Silver |
|---|---|
| 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 | X-Fusion Manic, 30.9, 100/125/150 Travel, 0mm offset Type: Dropper |
| Grips | Specialized Trail Grips |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle AXS, w/ battery cover |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM GX Eagle Alloy, DUB, 165/170/175mm, 34t, 34T |
| Shifters | SRAM GX Eagle AXS Controller |
| 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, T7 Compound, 29x2.35, Rear: Specialized Renegade, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35 |
First added October 1
Last updated January 31
Not listed for 123 days