SPECIALIZED EPIC EXPERT MOUNTAIN BIKE 2021
Speed has always been the calling card of Specialized’s Epic Expert Mountain Bike, with the Brain-controlled 100mm of travel and carbon frame combining to provide a podium-ready performance. The latest iteration adds modern long, low and slack geometry into the recipe in order to keep pace with the kind of technical course being used for XC racing, improving the handling and increasing confidence when things get tricky. This also makes the Epic massively fast and competent away from the race course too.
Both the RockShox SID SL Brain fork and RockShox-Specialized Brain rear shock benefit from the Brain’s ability to differentiate between rider input and terrain-based bumps, meaning that it is stiff and efficient for pedalling but plush when required to control rocks and roots. The FACT 11m carbon frame is as light as the previous generation’s range-topping S-Works model with the rear triangle being 15% stiffer.
Roval’s 29” carbon Control wheels are both light and stiff adding to the bike’s cross-country abilities, and with a 25mm internal width, they provide great support and volume to the Specialized Fast Trak tyres. As both the tyres and the rims are tubeless-ready, conversion is a straightforward task and gives the benefits of running low pressures without risking a pinch puncture.
The drivetrain and brakes are courtesy of SRAM, in the guise of their XO1 Eagle 12-speed and Level TL hydraulic discs. The 10-50 cassette provides a 500% gear range so all routes and courses are catered for, with the snappy shifting and consistent braking ensuring that all energies can be concentrated on line choice and pedalling effort.
HIGHLIGHTS
· Specialized FACT 11m Carbon frame with Modern XC Race Geometry and 100mm of travel
· RockShox-Specialized Brain rear shock with Rx XC Tune
· RockShox SID SL Brain fork with 100mm of travel
· SRAM X01 Eagle 12-speed drivetrain
· SRAM Level TL hydraulic disc brakes
· Roval Control 29” carbon wheelset
SPECIFICATION
Frame Specialized FACT 11m Carbon, Modern XC Race Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, with RockShox-Specialized Brain, Rx XC Tune, 5 Position Platform Adjust, Rebound Adjust, Integrated Extension, 265x52.5mm 100mm of travel
Fork RockShox SID SL Brain, Top-Adjust Brain damper, DebonAir, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 100mm travel
Bottom Bracket SRAM DUB, BSA 73mm, threaded
Stem Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise
Handlebar Specialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp
Front Brake SRAM Level TL, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc
Rear Brake SRAM Level TL, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc
Brake Levers SRAM Level Level TL, hydraulic disc
Front Derailleur N/A
Rear Derailleur SRAM XO1 Eagle 12-speed
Shift Levers SRAM X01 Eagle, trigger, 12-speed
Cassette SRAM XG-1275 Eagle, 12-speed, 10-50t
Crankset SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 32t, XS
Front Wheel DT Swiss 350, 15x110mm spacing, 6-bolt, hub with Roval Control Carbon, 25mm internal width, Zero bead hook, tubeless-ready, 28h rim
Rear Wheel DT Swiss 350, Star Ratchet, SRAM XD driver body, 12mm thru-axle, 148mm spacing hub with Roval Control Carbon, 25mm internal width, Zero bead hook, tubeless-ready, 28h rim
Front Tyre Specialized Fast Trak, Control casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3" clincher
Rear Tyre Specialized Fast Trak, Control casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3" clincher
Saddle Specialized Body Geometry Power Sport, hollow Cr-Mo rails
Seatpost Specialized Alloy, single bolt, 30.9mm
Pedals Available to be purchased separately
Accessories SWAT EMT Cage-Mount Tool