2023 Specialized

Epic Expert

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension crosscountry bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price

$3,899$6,500
Weight24.1 lbs  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 100 / 100mm
ForkRockShox SID
ShockRockShox
Wheels29″ Carbon
Drivetrain1 × 12 Electronic
GroupsetGX Eagle AXS
BrakesHydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
Epic Expert
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)

29 mph

Epic Expert

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
XS

5'1" – 5'6"

SM

5'4" – 5'9"

MD

5'7" – 6'0"

LG

5'10" – 6'3"

XL

6'0" – 6'5"

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

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Price History
Reviews
BIKE Magazine
Specialized announces new Epic and Epic EVO 8

Mar 2024

Goodbye Brain, hello SWAT and Flight Attendant

Read Review

Gran Fondo Magazine
Tough business and epic vibes – A ride with Peter Sagan on the new Specialized Epic in Chile

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

Read Review

Escape Collective
Specialized Epic World Cup review: the carving knife of XC   - Escape Collective

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.

Highs
  • 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.

Lows
  • 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.

Read Review

The Gear Loop
Specialized launches Epic World Cup XC bike: claims it is the fastest XC racer in the world

Apr 2023

An Epic blend of hardtail handling with control and capability of a full-suspension bike

Read Review

Bikerumor
Specialized Epic World Cup Makes a Triumphant Return and Ditches Brain Shock

Apr 2023

It has been sensationalized, hidden under wraps (mostly), and it's finally available — Introducing the All New Specialized Epic World Cup

Read Review

Pinkbike
First Look: 2023 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.

Read Review

Flow Mountain Bike
2023 Specialized Epic World Cup Review | A super-light XC bike with character-bending tuneability

Apr 2023

An all-new model for 2023, the Specialized Epic World Cup is designed to straddle the gap between a hardtail and a full suspension bike.

Highs
  • Beautifully sleek & lightweight frame

  • Clever shock offers character-bending tuneability

  • Wicked automated pedal efficiency

  • Unflappable high-speed handling

  • Clutter-free cockpit

  • Top-notch build kit

Lows
  • Entry price is very high

  • Proprietary shock is yet to be proven in the mass-market

  • You'll have to BYO dropper post

Read Review

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

Geometry
99 Spokes on YouTube99 Spokes on YouTube
Specs
Build
Frame

FACT 11m Full Carbon, Progressive XC Race Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, 100mm of travel

BB StandardBSA, 73mm, Threaded

Hanger StandardUDH

ColorsGloss 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

Travel100mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

RockShox-Specialized BRAIN, Rx XC Tune, 5 Position Platform Adjust, Rebound Adjust, Integraded Extension, 265x52.5mm

Travel100mm

Spring TypeAir

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

TypeDropper

Groupset
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

TypeHydraulic Disc

Wheels
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

Rider Notes
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Last updated April 29