The carbon Specialized Epic Pro Mountain Bike benefits from much of the same impressive technology and design as the range-topping S-Works model, including the revised geometry. As XC race courses get ever more technical, so the bikes have evolved too, and the Epic now gets slacker angles, a lower bottom bracket and longer reach to help it retain its reputation as one of the fastest bikes available.
Brain suspension technology is the Epic’s party piece, with the clever design deciding in a fraction of a second whether any pressure is the result of a bump in which case the Inertia Valve will open up, or rider induced in which case the valve remains closed for more efficient pedalling. Both the rear suspension and front fork benefit from this technology, allowing the 100mm of travel to be plush or firm as required without the necessity of a manual lockout.
SRAM’s XO1 Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain is wirelessly operated, so there is no cable stretch or contamination to worry about, and the actuation is always consistently light which is a godsend at the end of a tough race or ride when fatigue has set in. The AXS smartphone app can be used to monitor the system and even allows for a degree of function customisation. SRAM also provides the Level TLM hydraulic disc brakes, helping keep the speed under control.
Carbon Roval 29” wheels, carbon S-works seatpost and S-works handlebar ensure that the bike’s weight is impressively low whilst Specialized’s Fast Trak tyres are a racer’s delight with low rolling resistance but good levels of grip and traction. Both the rims and tyres are tubeless-ready so conversion is simple, giving access to fewer punctures and the ability to run lower pressures if the course or trail conditions require it.
HIGHLIGHTS
·Specialized FACT 11m Carbon frame with Modern XC Race Geometry and 100mm of travel
·RockShox-Specialized Brain rear shock with Rx XC Tune
