Two years after overhauling it's dual-suspension Epic, and a year after showcasing the Epic HT, American outfit Specialized is at it again, pulling the covers off the latest cross country bikes to wear the Epic and Epic EVO monikers. Said to be lighter, stiffer and more capable than ever, join us as we take you through all you need to know about the 2021 Specialized Epic and Epic EVO Cross Country (XC) mountain bikes.
- Related Reading: XC, Trail and Enduro Mountain Bikes Explained
1. Flat Out Fast
The design brief for the all-new Epic from the brains trust behind the new steeds was simple, create "the fastest XC bike ever". From the outside looking in, this is a lofty goal; however, when your starting point is the winningest dual-suspension XC bike in history, the goalposts certainly shift a little closer. The result is a bike that builds upon the high-points of its predecessor. Still, it adds increased pedalling efficiency, lighter weight, improved braking kinematics and suspension behaviours along with more reactive handling capabilities, and Specialized already claims they've accomplished their mission.
Race weaponry wasn't the only focus; however, the development team claim to understand the importance of ripping backcountry trails with ruthless efficiency and thus, the second generation Epic EVO was born. Read on for more details on this XC come Trail bike below.
2. Brain Technology
Claimed to be able to distinguish pedalling forces from bump force, the latest iteration of Specialized's Brain Suspension technology is said to keep the new Epic's 100mm of suspension travel efficient and firm on smooth terrain and automatically unlock when the trail gets a little gnarlier. The brain suspension system works via what Specialized calls an inertia valve. Essentially what it does is when bump force is detected, the inertia valve opens, allowing the suspension to compress and absorb the impact. A race focussed firm ride, not for you? No worries! The system is adjustable, making the transition from active to firm not as harsh, resulting in a plusher ride.
3. Epic Frame for Epic Speed
Specialized says that the new Epic is the lightest and stiffest XC frame it's ever produced. At the S-Works level, the new Epic is over 100 grams lighter at the frameset level and is said to boast a 15% increase in stiffness at the rear end. The rest of the Epic range is said to be on par with the outgoing S-Works Epic in terms of weight and stiffness, now that's some trickle-down tech I'm sure we can all appreciate!
4. XC Focussed, Trail Inspired Geometry
As XC courses around the world continue to evolve, adding more technical features and demanding terrain, the bikes that race over such courses are continuing to evolve and become more versatile as a result. The all-new Epic is an out and out XC race bike; however, its geometry is said to be inspired by its super popular trail bike stablemate, the Stumpjumper. The result is a more relaxed 67.5º headtube angle, a lower bottom bracket, shorter chainstays, and shorter stems across the board. This is said to make for a bike that's longer, and lower than its predecessor while still offering the reactive handling and capability necessary.
5. Evolved for Trail Speed
Announced alongside the Epic is the latest iteration of Specialized's XC come Trail bike, the Epic EVO. The first iteration of the EVO proved to be a hit with riders, with its increased travel, and more relaxed geometry, making the bike more accessible and most importantly more fun to a more substantial portion of riders. The latest EVO makes use of the same speed focussed from triangle as its racing orientated sibling, however, makes use of a tweaked rear triangle, an adjustable geometry and a bespoke suspension tune.
Travel at the fork is increased to 120mm, while frame travel grows to 110mm both of which score custom tune damping. Interestingly, the EVO makes use of traditional metric style shocks, rather than the Brain suspension system featured on the regular Epic.
6. Relaxed and Fast Geometry for the Evo
Designed to be what Specialized has dubbed " A singletrack scorcher" EVO with it's longer travel also makes use of a longer, lower and slacker geometry. More or less transforming the bike into a lightweight trail bike, the Epic Evo makes use of a 66.5 º headtube and a lower bottom bracket, aiding in stability and control when the trail gets rough. The seat tube angle is also steeper than the first iteration of the Epic EVO for increased pedalling efficiency. The party trick with the Epic EVO however, is its FlipChip. Similar to what's found on the Stumpjumper, the FlipChip allows riders seeking a little more handling response by increasing the head angle by a full degree while raising the BB 6mm compared to its default setting. Perfect for part-time racers wanting one bike to rule them all.
7. Pricing and Availability
Both the Epic and the Epic EVO are available globally right now. Check with your nearest Specialized dealer for local availability.
Only carbon-framed variants look to be offered at this stage with the following models of the Epic and Epic EVO slated to hit local shores. As for pricing, the range starts at AU$6,200 for the Epic Comp and elevates to an eye-watering AU$19,000 for S-Works variants of both models.
The Australian Range including build kits and pricing are as below;
S-Works Epic EVO: AU$19,000
S-Works Fact 12m frame, RockShox SID SL Ultimate Brain 100mm fork, RockShox-Specialized Brain 100mm rear shock, SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 1x12 groupset, SRAM Level Ultimate hydraulic disc brakes, S-Works SL alloy stem, S-Works Carbon XC handlebar, 29" Roval Control SL carbon wheelset, FastTrak 2Bliss ready 2.3" tyres.
Specialized Epic Pro: AU$13,000
Specialized Fact 11m frame, RockShox SID SL Brain 100mm fork, RockShox-Specialized Brain 100mm rear shock, SRAMX01 Eagle AXS 1x12 groupset, SRAM Level TLM hydraulic disc brakes, Specialized XC alloy stem, S-Works Carbon XC handlebar, 29" Roval Control carbon wheelset, FastTrak 2Bliss ready 2.3" tyres.
Specialized Epic Expert: AU$9,500
Specialized Fact 11m frame, RockShox SID SL Brain 100mm fork, RockShox-Specialized Brain 100mm rear shock, SRAM X01 Eagle 1x12 groupset, SRAM Level TL hydraulic disc brakes, Specialized XC alloy stem, Specialized XC alloy handlebar, 29" Roval Control carbon wheelset, FastTrak 2Bliss ready 2.3" tyres.
Specialized Epic Comp: AU$6,200
Specialized Fact 11m frame, RockShox Reba RL 100mm fork, RockShox-Specialized Brain 100mm rear shock, Shimano SLX 1x12 groupset, Shimano M7100 hydraulic disc brakes, Specialized XC alloy stem, Specialized XC alloy handlebar, 29" Specialized alloy wheelset, FastTrak 2Bliss ready 2.3" tyres.
S-Works Epic Frameset: AU$8,000
S-Works Fact 12m frame, RockShox SID SL Ultimate Brain 100mm fork, RockShox-Specialized Brain 100mm rear shock, S-Works FACT Carbon 30.9mm seatpost.
S-Works Epic EVO: AU$19,000
S-Works Fact 12m frame, RockShox SID Ultimate 120mm fork, RockShox SID Ultimate110mm rear shock, SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 1x12 groupset, SRAM G2 Ultimate hydraulic disc brakes, SRAM Reverb AXS dropper seatpost, S-Works SL alloy stem, S-Works Carbon XC handlebar, 29" Roval Control SL carbon wheelset, FastTrak 2Bliss ready 2.3" tyres.
Specialized Epic EVO Pro: AU$13,500
Specialized Fact 11m frame, Fox Float 34 Factory 120mm fork, Fox Float DPS Factory 110mm rear shock, Shimano XTR M9120 1x12 groupset, Shimano XTR M9120 hydraulic disc brakes, Fox Factory Transfer dropper seatpost, Specialized XC alloy stem, S-Works Carbon XC handlebar, 29" Roval Control carbon wheelset, FastTrak 2Bliss ready 2.3" tyres.
Specialized Epic EVO Expert: AU$9,500
Specialized Fact 11m frame, RockShox SID Select+ 110mm fork, RockShox Sid Select+ 120mm rear shock, SRAM X01 Eagle 1x12 groupset, SRAM G2 RS hydraulic disc brakes, X-Fusion Manic dropper seatpost, Specialized XC alloy stem, Specialized XC alloy handlebar, 29" Roval Control carbon wheelset, FastTrak 2Bliss ready 2.3" tyres.
Specialized Epic EVO Comp: AU$6,700
Specialized Fact 11m frame, RockShox SID Select+ 110mm fork, RockShox Deluxe Select+ 120mm rear shock, Shimano SLX 1x12 groupset, X-Fusion Manic dropper seatpost, Shimano M7120 hydraulic disc brakes, Specialized XC alloy stem, Specialized XC alloy handlebar, 29" Specialized alloy wheelset, FastTrak 2Bliss ready 2.3" tyres.
Pricing and availability correct at time of publishing
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