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When we first heard there was a new Specialized Epic on the way, we’ll admit there was a bit of head-scratching going on. After all, the current Epic 8 is barely two years old and it isn’t exactly looking tired either. It’s earned near-unanimous praise for its modern take on the XC full suspension category, indeed it still holds the mantle as being the best XC bike that we’ve ever tested.
So, how exactly do you improve on what is regarded as one of the most successful race bikes currently on the World Cup circuit?
Upon first glance, the new Epic 9 doesn’t look all that different to its predecessor. As you dive deeper, however, the more changes you’ll begin to find, all of which adds up to what Specialized states is the lightest and fastest Epic yet.
Specialized Epic 9 Overview
Featuring an all-new frame and suspension design, the latest Specialized Epic represents the ninth generation of the full suspension XC racing platform.
The Epic 9 replaces both the Epic 8 and the Epic World Cup, effectively being an amalgamation between the two. It features 120mm of travel front and rear like the Epic 8, but the frame silhouette and suspension linkage bear a closer resemblance to the Epic World Cup.
This is apparent in the way that the shock nestles into the underside of the top tube, where it’s driven by a vertical swing link and an itty-bitty yoke. As well as looking cleaner, the semi-integrated design helps to shave weight and increase lateral stiffness. This is owed to the use of more continuous fibres through the top tube and shock mount, as well as the compact forged alloy linkage. The added rigidity keeps all the pivots moving in-line, reducing friction by a claimed 11%.
The new layout also has a significant impact on the suspension kinematic. A lower leverage rate around the sag point is said to provide a much firmer and more efficient pedalling platform. Beyond that point, the leverage curve behaves in a similar way to the Epic 8, promising similar control through the main bump-zone and ending stroke.
It still has a ‘normal’ shock and fork
In contrast to the proprietary WCID shock developed for the Epic World Cup, the Epic 9 relies on a conventional 190x45mm RockShox SIDLuxe. It’s actually identical to the shock that came on the Epic 8 and it features the same three suspension modes: Wide Open, Magic Middle and Sprint-On-Lock.
The Magic Middle mode is the interesting one. Custom valving provides greater low-speed compression damping for snappy pedalling response, with a crisp breakaway that allows the shock to quickly absorb impacts when needed. In effect, it’s a bit like the old Brain shock from Epics gone by.
The RockShox SID up front gets the same three-position approach, which includes a custom damper tune to deliver that Magic Middle mode. It’s unusual to see custom-tuned forks on a stock bike, though Specialized clearly believes in the benefits to pursue this tailored approach.
Depending on the model, switching between the three suspension modes is either done manually using cables and a TwistLoc remote, or automatically with the RockShox Flight Attendant system.
Specialized Epic 9 Weight
The Specialized Epic 9 frame is produced in two versions; one using FACT 11m carbon, and one with FACT 12m carbon.
Only the flagship S-Works bikes get the FACT 12m construction. Claimed weight is just 1,589g for a painted frame with the shock, hardware and thru-axle. That is absurdly light!
Not only does it undercut the outgoing Epic World Cup (1,712g) and the Epic 8 (1,795g), it also beats the Cervelo ZFS-5 by 129g. It’s enough for Specialized to don its boxing gloves and claim the Epic 9 to be the lightest full suspension frame ever made.
It’s worth noting that the FACT 11m frame is no porker. It’s only 60-80g heavier due to the use of slightly lower modulus fibres and steel hardware in place of titanium, so it’s still one of the lightest options you can buy. Specialized says the two frames offer the same stiffness as the previous Epic 8.
Here’s a look at how those figures stack up against the competition;
- Specialized S-Works Epic 9 (FACT 12m) – 1,589g
- Specialized Epic 9 (FACT 11m) – 1,669g
- Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup – 1,712g
- Cervelo ZFS-5 – 1,718g
- Specialized S-Works Epic 8 – 1,795g
- Orbea Oiz OMX – 1,798g
- Giant Anthem Advanced SL – 1,811g
- Scott Spark HMX SL – 1,870g
- Canyon Lux World Cup CFR – 1,894g
- Norco Revolver – 1,900g
- Santa Cruz Blur 4 – 1,933g
- Trek Supercaliber SLR – 1,950g
- Cannondale Scalpel LAB71 – 2,020g
- Merida Ninety-Six RC – 2,064g
- Pivot Mach 4 SL – 2,087g
- Canyon Lux Trail CFR – 2,104g
- Specialized Epic 8 EVO – 2,210g
- Trek Top Fuel – 2,600g
Starting out with such a feathery frame has allowed Specialized to build some incredibly lightweight complete bikes. Leading the way is the aptly named S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD, which boasts a staggering claimed weight of just 8.66kg with a dropper post. That’s less than a lot of hardtails!
What SWAT?
Part of the Epic 9’s weight reduction comes from the elimination of the SWAT in-frame storage. The downtube is slimmer, and it no longer needs to be reinforced with extra layers of carbon to compensate for the cutout. We’re told the front triangle alone saves 110g over the previous Epic 8.
To make up for the lack of internal storage, Specialized will be equipping each Epic 9 with two bottle cages and an external SWAT box instead. This is likely preferable for racing anyway, since it allows for quick access to spares and tools.
Speaking of privateer-friendly features, the Epic 9 frame still relies on a threaded BB shell. There’s also a neat upper chainguide, a soft rubber chainstay protector, and a thick downtube armour plate to keep things quiet when you’re rattling down the trail.
Less appealing is the headset cable routing, which has now been rolled out across every model. That being said, we have found Specialized’s approach to be better executed than many of its competitors.
Geometry & Sizing
The biggest change to sizing for the new Specialized Epic 9 is the elimination of the XS. This brings it into line with the majority of Specialized’s competitors that only offer four frame sizes (S-XL). That’s a shame for shorter riders, though if Sina Frei can still fit the Small at her height of 151cm (4’11”), perhaps it’s not such a big deal after all.
Otherwise the geometry of the Epic 9 isn’t all that different to the Epic 8. You still get a high/low flip chip in the lower shock mount that allows you to tweak the angles and BB height. Further modification can be achieved by fitting a 130mm travel fork, which the frame is approved for.
With the stock 120mm travel fork the BB is a smidge taller on the new bike, and the stack has also grown for the L/XL frames. More significantly, Specialized has introduced scaled rear centre sizing that sees the chainstay length varying from 435-442mm across the range. This should provide better balance and stability for taller riders.
One thing you won’t spot in the geometry chart is the size-specific seat tube. Each frame gets a unique carbon layup with modified wall thicknesses and external shapes to optimise frame weight and stiffness for the given size. A small but noteworthy detail.
Specialized Epic 9 Price & Specifications
There are currently four models available across the Specialized Epic 9 lineup, with prices starting at $11,000 AUD for the Expert. There is no word on a Comp or base model just yet, but surely those will be coming in the future.
Pricing and spec is very similar to the previous Epic 8. Each bike comes with RockShox suspension, a SRAM drivetrain and brakes, Roval wheels and Specialized tyres.
The exception is the Ultralight LTD model that, as the name implies, is a weight-focussed build that comes with German-made Trickstuff Piccola brakes as standard. Trick stuff indeed!
For those who have something more custom in mind, the new Epic will also be available as a standalone frameset that includes a RockShox Flight Attendant SID fork and SIDLuxe shock.
Specialized S-Works Epic 9
- Frame | FACT 12m Carbon, Flex Stay Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant, 3-Position Charger Race Day 2 Damper, 120mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant, 3-Position Damper, 190x45mm
- Wheels | Roval Control World Cup, Mini Hooked Carbon Rims, 28.5mm Internal Width
- Tyres | Specialized Fast Trak Front & Air Trak Rear, Flex Lite Casing, T7/T5 Compound, 2.35in Width
- Drivetrain | SRAM XX SL AXS Transmission 1×12 w/34T XX SL Power Meter Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Motive Ultimate 4-Piston w/180mm Front & 160mm Rear Rotors
- Bar | Roval Control SL Integrated Carbon, 760mm Width
- Stem | Roval Control SL Integrated Carbon, Length: 60mm (S), 70mm (M-XL)
- Grips | Specialized Trail Lock-On
- Seatpost | RockShox Reverb AXS, 30.9mm Diameter, Travel: 125mm (S), 150mm (M-L), 175mm (XL)
- Saddle | Specialized S-Works Power EVO Mirror, Carbon Rails
- Claimed Weight | 9.66kg
- RRP | $22,500 AUD
Specialized S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD
- Frame | FACT 12m Carbon, Flex Stay Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID SL Ultimate, 3-Position Charger Race Day 2 Remote Damper, 110mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate, 3-Position Remote Damper, 190x45mm
- Wheels | Roval Control World Cup, Mini Hooked Carbon Rims, 28.5mm Internal Width
- Tyres | Specialized Air Trak Front & Rear, Flex Lite Casing, T7/T5 Compound, 2.35in Width
- Drivetrain | SRAM XX SL AXS Transmission 1×12 w/34T XX SL Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | Trickstuff Piccola 2-Piston w/160mm Rotors
- Bar | Roval Control SL Integrated Carbon, 760mm Width
- Stem | Roval Control SL Integrated Carbon, Length: 60mm (S), 70mm (M-XL)
- Grips | Supacaz Supalite Foam Grips & RockShox TwistLoc Ultimate Remote
- Seatpost | BikeYoke Divine SL, 30.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 125mm (M-XL)
- Saddle | Specialized S-Works Power Mirror, Carbon Rails
- Claimed Weight | 8.66kg
- RRP | $20,900 AUD
Specialized S-Works Epic 9 Frameset
- Frame | FACT 12m Carbon, Flex Stay Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant, 3-Position Charger Race Day 2 Damper, 120mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant, 3-Position Damper, 190x45mm
- Claimed Weight | 3.49kg
- RRP | $9,800 AUD
Specialized Epic 9 Pro
- Frame | FACT 11m Carbon, Flex Stay Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant, 3-Position Charger Race Day 2 Damper, 120mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant, 3-Position Damper, 190x45mm
- Wheels | DT Swiss 350 Hubs & Roval Control SL VI Hookless Carbon Rims, 29mm Internal Width
- Tyres | Specialized Fast Trak Front & Air Trak Rear, Flex Lite Casing, T7/T5 Compound, 2.35in Width
- Drivetrain | SRAM X0 AXS Transmission 1×12 w/34T X0 Power Meter Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Motive Silver 4-Piston w/180mm Front & 160mm Rear Rotors
- Bar | Roval Control SL Flat Carbon, 760mm Width
- Stem | Roval Alloy XC, Length: 60mm (S), 70mm (M-XL)
- Grips | Specialized Trail Lock-On
- Seatpost | BikeYoke Divine SL, 30.9mm Diameter, Travel: 100mm (S), 125mm (M-XL)
- Saddle | Specialized Power Expert, Titanium Rails
- Claimed Weight | 10.39kg
- RRP | $15,500 AUD
Specialized Epic 9 Expert
- Frame | FACT 11m Carbon, Flex Stay Suspension Design, 120mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID Select+, 3-Position Charger Race Day 2 Remote Damper, 120mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Select+, 3-Position Remote Damper, 190x45mm
- Wheels | DT Swiss 370 Hubs & Roval Control SL VI Hookless Carbon Rims, 29mm Internal Width
- Tyres | Specialized Fast Trak Front & Air Trak Rear, Flex Lite Casing, T7/T5 Compound, 2.35in Width
- Drivetrain | SRAM GX AXS Transmission 1×12 w/34T GX Crankset & 10-52T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Motive Bronze 4-Piston w/180mm Front & 160mm Rear Rotors
- Bar | Roval Alloy Minirise, 10mm Rise, 750mm Width
- Stem | Roval Alloy XC, Length: 60mm (S), 70mm (M-XL)
- Grips | SRAM Slip-On & RockShox TwistLoc Remote
- Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic, 30.9mm Diameter, Travel: 125mm (S), 150mm (M), 170mm (L-XL)
- Saddle | Specialized Power Sport, Steel Rails
- Claimed Weight | 10.95kg
- RRP | $11,000 AUD
What about the Epic EVO?
Looking through the press kit on the new Epic 9, there is no mention at all of the EVO.
Specialized has previously offered a range of dedicated Epic EVO models that came with a bigger shock, a 130mm travel fork, stickier tyres and more powerful brakes. This created a stockier, short-travel trail bike that was ideal for more aggressive riders who were less serious about XC racing.
We loved the current Epic EVO, but it appears that Specialized is nipping it in the bud. Or at least for now anyway.
Given the new frame is still capable of handling a 130mm travel fork, there’s nothing stopping riders from ‘EVOing’ their Epic 9. That would mean buying a whole new fork, however, since the stock RockShox SID is limited to a maximum of 120mm of travel.
Flow’s Take
With 24 years of storied racing history behind it, the new Specialized Epic 9 has a lot to live up to. Even more so given the fact that it is effectively replacing three different models: the Epic 8, Epic World Cup and Epic EVO.
Putting our skeptical hat on, the consolidation of those three bikes could very well be the result of a cost-reduction exercise. We’ve witnessed this elsewhere in the industry, as more brands sharpen their mountain bike product lines to streamline operational and development costs following the aftermath of the Covid boom and bust.
Whatever the case, it appears that Specialized has thrown everything it possibly can at its flagship race bike. By combining the geometry and travel of the highly-regarded Epic 8, with the sleek profile and sprint-forward kinematic of the Epic World Cup, it’s built an astonishingly lightweight speed machine that is surely going to have XC folks frothing at the gills.
As to how it rides? Hopefully we can get ourselves an Epic 9 to test and find out!
The post First Look | The new Specialized Epic 9 is as light as 8.66kg! appeared first on Flow Mountain Bike.
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[[{“value”:”When we first heard there was a new Specialized Epic on the way, we’ll admit there was a bit of head-scratching going on. After all, the current Epic 8 is barely two years old and it isn’t exactly looking tired either. It’s earned near-unanimous praise for its modern take on the XC full suspension category,
The post First Look | The new Specialized Epic 9 is as light as 8.66kg! appeared first on Flow Mountain Bike.”}]] Read More Flow Mountain Bike
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