Anyone who has seen the current Epic from Specialized knows that this bike is a veritable racing weapon and the numerous world championship titles and World Cup victories confirm this. But standing still is not an option, so the bike has been completely redesigned. For example, the entire fibre layup of the FACT-12m carbon frame is new. Specialized has thus optimized the stiffness and durability while simultaneously reducing the weight. The S-Works frame weighs 345 grams less and the weight of the Expert and Comp versions has dropped by an incredible 525 grams. The frames are prepared for internal Vario seatposts.

Specialized's engineers were able to save 240 grams on the rear triangle alone. That's 39 percent less, and it's thanks in part to the elimination of the FSR system (the pivot points between the chainstays and seat stays which largely decoupled the drive and brake influences). The rear triangle is now a single piece, which not only has a positive effect on weight, but also on lateral stiffness. To emulate the work of the FSR system, the chains and seat stays have been provided with flexible zones.

Longer and flatter in cross country too

The geometry trend for downhill-oriented bikes is "longer and flatter". But Epic is also tending towards this, albeit not to an extreme degree. The geometry has therefore been adapted to modern race tracks. This results in a longer reach (456 millimetres for size L) for a smoother ride, combined with a ten millimetre shorter stem for more direct handling. At 438 millimetres, the Epic's chainstays are not ultra-short, but should keep the bike well balanced and agile.

The head angle has become slacker, by a whole 1.5 degrees. This is now 69.5 degrees and also ensures a smoother ride. The fork offset has been shortened to 42 millimetres so that handling does not suffer. With these measures, Specialized kills two birds with one stone: a smoother-running bike with responsive handling.

Smaller "brain" - more efficient work

The heart of the Epic, so to speak, is the Brain suspension system. Now almost 15 years old, this automatic lockout system has undergone constant change. The new "brain", the Brain 2.0, is once again clearly different from the previous one. The Brain technology is now no longer combined with Fox but with Rock Shox dampers. It has also become smaller and now reacts faster and more sensitively. This is also due to the fact that it is located directly behind the rear wheel axle on the new Epic.

The oil flow between the brain and damper has also been optimized so that there is less turbulence and the damping is therefore more constant. The transition from the hydraulic hose to the damper is visibly different and has also been optimized. This now guides the oil to the damper through a hole in the extension of the damper.

The difference between men's and women's models

After an analysis of Specialized's fitting database, it was concluded that a common platform (the frame) is the best way to provide the right fit across genders. In contrast to men's sizing, there are also XS frames for women, but only in aluminium. The differences are mainly to be found in the specifications. For example, the ladies' models have thinner grips, narrower handlebars, shorter cranks and women-specific saddles.

The team from Specialized's suspension department not only fitted the Rx Tune to the men's bikes. The Epic models for women also receive the same tuning. Both the fork and the shock have a specific spring characteristic that is optimized for women's riding styles, as well as the compression and rebound settings, as women are usually lighter than men.

The men's range includes six models of the Epic: the S-Works Epic XTR Di2, S-Works Epic XX1 Eagle, S-Works Epic Pro, Expert, Comp Carbon and the Epic Comp Aluminum. Specialized also offers a frame kit. The Epic women's range consists of the S-Works Epic, the Epic Comp Alloy and the Comp Carbon.

www.specialized.com