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Today’s DealsEpic Hardtail Comp
A 29″ carbon frame hardtail crosscountry bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
€2,899($3,371)| Weight | 24.5 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Hardtail, 110mm |
| Fork | RockShox Reba |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | Eagle 70 Transmission |
| Brakes | 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.

Apr 2026
Eye-watering pricing aside, the Epic 9 makes a strong case as the benchmark XC platform—with one annoying “upgrade”.

Apr 2026 · Jordan Villella
Specialized just killed three bikes with one… Epic 9. So say goodbye (for now) to the Epic EVO, the Epic World Cup, and Epic 8 (classic).
Lightest full-suspension XC race frame ever at 1,589g
Reduced suspension friction by 11%
Improved pedaling support with revised leverage curve
SWAT Box 2.0 reintroduced with leaner, racer-focused package
Adjustable chain watcher (MRP) from 28T to 40T
Frame weight savings of 129g vs nearest competitor, 206g vs Epic 8
Geometry well-dialed with flip chip for race/play settings
Magic Middle setting provides firm pedaling with active bump response
Internal storage removed (though SWAT Box returns)
Apr 2026 · Alex Hunt
It's lighter and sharper, but the bigger story is how one bike replaces the brand’s XC lineup.

Apr 2026 · Dario DiGiulio
The new Epic is impressively light, but thru-headset cable routing is now found on all models.
Ultralight frame (1,589g including shock, hardware, seat collar, axle)
Improved geometry with longer chainstays and higher stack
Steeper seat angle
Increased tire clearance
Integrated mudflap
Removable storage via bolt-on SWAT
Reduced linkage friction by 11%
More linear suspension feel with jounce bumper and no volume spacer
Flight Attendant suspension available
Build kits are high quality
Through-headset cable routing for rear brake (maintenance and headset longevity issues)
No SWAT box internal storage
No XS size
Tight dropper post insertion for tall riders

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.
Jun 2024 · Guy Kesteven
Guy Kesteven has been testing the brand new Chisel FS to find out if the alchemic SmartWeld alloy frame and basic SRAM spec can shine through to create a cost-effective cross-country champion
Light, lively, flowing yet accurate alloy frameset
Proven XC/DC geometry
Excellent pedal/plush balance
Superlight, quick but grippy tires
Quality contact points
Basic, heavy SRAM SX based groupset
Hair trigger rebound adjusters
Sub 700g rear tire is fragile
Keen to use all its travel
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
| Frame | Specialized FACT 11m, Progressive XC Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, UDH, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing BB Standard: BSA, 73mm, Threaded Hanger Standard: UDH Colors: Satin Carbon / Metallic White Silver; Gloss Oasis / California Sunshine |
|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox REBA, Motion Control damper, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, S-XL: 110mm Travel, XS: 90mm Travel Travel: 110mm |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB Threaded Wide |
| Stem | Specialized, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 7-degree rise |
| Handlebar | Specialized Alloy XC minirise, double-butted alloy, 8-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 10mm rise, 31.8mm |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Comp, steel rails |
| Seatpost | Specialized Alloy, Single Bolt, 30.9mm Type: Rigid |
| Grips | Specialized Trail Grips |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM Eagle 70 T-Type, 12 speeds |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM Eagle 70, DUB, 165/170/175mm, 32T |
| Shifters | SRAM Eagle 70 |
| Cassette | SRAM 1270 Transmission Cassette, 12 Spd,10-52t |
| Chain | SRAM 70 Transmission Chain |
| Brakes | Hydraulic Disc Type: Hydraulic Disc |
| Rims | Specialized Alloy 29, 27mm internal width, tubeless |
|---|---|
| Spokes | DT Swiss Elemental |
| Front Hub | Specialized alloy front hub disc, sealed cartridge bearings, 6-bolt, 15x110mm thru-axle, 32h |
| Rear Hub | Alloy, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm thru-axle, 32h |
| Tires | Specialized Fast Trak, Flex Lite Casing, T5/T7 Compound, 29x2.35 |
First added August 16
Last updated June 4