SPECIALIZED S-WORKS EPIC HARDTAIL MOUNTAIN BIKE 2021

Lightweight alone doesn’t equal speed, especially off-road, so with the S-Works Epic Hardtail Mountain Bike Specialized has concentrated on making the bike both race-fast and trail-capable at the same time. This means that whilst multiple XC victories are inevitable, it is also a bike that can take tough, technical routes in its stride.

The new FACT 12m carbon used in the frame provides both stiffness and compliance where needed whilst still being insanely light. RockShox’ SID SL Ultimate Brain fork complements this efficiency with 100mm of highly tuneable, controlled travel to bring control and grip to the front end whether aiming for the podium or heading for the hills.

In keeping with the S-Works Epic’s brief, the 29” carbon Roval Control SL wheels weigh just 1,240 grams for the pair, which would be very impressive for a road wheelset let alone one designed for off-road use. Both the wheels and Specialized Fast Trak tyres are tubeless-ready, so can be easily converted for use without tubes for running at lower pressures without the risk of pinch punctures.

Fittingly futuristic, SRAM’s 12-speed XX1 Eagle AXS is electronic and fully wireless, so there are no cables to stretch or get sticky and dirty so shifting remains light, easy and accurate. An AXS app connects to the system for battery information and customisation options, including the possibility of adding the AXS dropper seatpost to the controls. For better training and more measured racing, the crankset includes a Quarq XX1 Eagle power meter, underlining the bike’s competition credentials.

Level Ultimate hydraulic disc brakes from SRAM and Specialized Body Geometry carbon seatpost, handlebar and saddle finish the build for a bike that can win races straight out of the box.

SPECIFICATION