It does have a short offset though, showing that Specialized has sweated the details. is provided by V12 Retail Finance Ltd, a trading name of Wins the geometry race, but its kit brings up the rear. Our test bike came with a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain with a 32-tooth front chainring. A couple of our test riders would have preferred a remote lockout to have a little more control over the low-speed compression. Ditto for the new arced seat tube design that offers as much vertical compliance as the previous, smaller-diameter seat tube, yet plays nice with all sorts of dropper posts. Its not all bad though. Norwich Concept Store Operated by Thomas's Cycle Revolution Ltd (6708909). Hes also worked out that shaving your legs saves 8 watts, while testing aerodynamics in a wind tunnel. Actual Finance Smaller diameter seatstays, for example, increase vertical compliance. The Epic HT has a thinner seat tube and 27.2-millimeter seatpost to allow for more vertical compliance. The Epic Hardtail flips the bird at that hoary convention. Free standard shipping on orders of $50 or more (U.S. only). We even ditched the aluminum inserts in the rear dropouts. Lessons from trail and enduro bikes show that longer and slacker bikes handle descents better, and its the same here. The geometry gave us a very nimble ride that left us plenty of room to flick the bike over technical bits or find more creative lines than the normal beaten path. Best Bike Trails | Geometry Geeks. Serious riders will want to step up to at least a 34 and possibly a 36. The frame is undoubtedly good, but a compromised kit list lets down the Epic Hardtail. But who said fatigue from fighting against your own bike makes you any faster? Support Us | The Reba RL doles out travel with a steady hand courtesy of RockShox's Motion Control damper, while SoloAir adjustability makes dialing in suspension performance a breeze. In terms of the geometry, the Epic Hardtail is getting a longer reach and a more slack head tube angle69.8, to be exact. Bike Test: Specialized Epic Hardtail Pro Carbon. Secure Trust Bank Plc. Suspension Setup: The Brain technology gives riders a vast range of adjustment and the ability to dial in the fork sensitivity to soak up the smallest rocks. Need more info? information please visit www.v12retailfinance.com. Company Fast and light meets confident and capable in a bike thats been bred to redefine whats possible on a cross-country speed demon. Download Cornering: We were surprised by just how playful the Epic HT was going into corners. But wait, does that mean its lighter than any of their current road bike frames? With more than twenty years of mountain biking experience, and nearly a decade of testing mountain and gravel bikes, Tom has ridden and tested thousands of bikes and products, from super-light XC race bikes through to the most powerful brakes on the market. You are using a browser that does not support javascript. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Registered Office: One Arleston Way, These Complete Mondraker, Niner, Marin, and Diamondback MTBs are in Have You Purchased a Mountain Bike from a Direct-to-Consumer Brand. SUMMER SALE | Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for 5 + Get a pair of Lusso cycling socks! Chelmsford Concept Store Operated by Thomas's Cycle Revolution Ltd (6708909). But the MT501 brakes themselves work well, with a sharp feel and consistent power. Privacy and Cookies. While the SRAM SX/NX Eagle drivetrain is functional, its a step down in quality from the Shimano XT and GX Eagle found elsewhere, and the cassette has a narrower 11-50t range. Ride quality: Rough trails and ruts can beat up a rider, especially on a hardtail. These days, XC bikes have to be fast descenders and able to handle things when they get technical. Powered by PushRetail. Climbing: The Epic is a seriously fast bike when pedaling up the mountain. Sure we optimized every inch of the Epic Hardtail frame to achieve the lightest production hardtail frame in the world anyway but we also prioritized our commitment to creating an Epic Hardtail thats as capable as it is comfortable with aggressive singletrack-inspired geometry increased tire clearance and a frame obsessively engineered for increased vertical compliance all while creating a bike that lives and breathes the fundamentals of fast. Specialized took its time designing the new Epic HT and borrowed technology from both its road and mountain bikes to create this new platform. Widgets, Explore Outside of testing bikes, Tom competes in a wide range of mountain bike races, from multi-day enduros through to 24-hour races in the depths of the Scottish winter pushing bikes, components and his legs to their limits. View our Cross Country Mountain Bikes buyer's guide. By continuing to use the site you acceptour cookie policy. Find another? There are no proprietary, bolt-on bits and pieces to fret over. A fatigued you is not a fast you. Thats a simple fact, yet history is littered with ultra-light and ultra-harsh XC bikes. If you have a question about Epic Hardtail, Our mid-price (yet still relatively expensive) test bike came with a SRAM X01 Eagle drivetrain that delivered consistent and quality shifting during our testing. This new bike just increased my love for this awesome company. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Compared back to back, the fork isnt as smooth or refined as a RockShox SID or Fox 32, and stutters a bit when faced with repeated hits or big impacts. Tom Marvin is a technical editor at BikeRadar.com and MBUK magazine. 175.80 and total amount repayable is 1,262.64, Sure we optimized every inch of the Epic Hardtail frame to achieve the lightest production hardtail frame in the world anyway but we also prioritized our commitment to creating an Epic Hardtail thats as capable as it is comfortable with aggressive singletrack-inspired geometry increased tire clearance and a frame obsessively engineered for increased vertical compliance all while creating a bike that lives and breathes the fundamentals of fast. Secure Trust Bank Plc is authorised by Handling through the corners is stable yet sharp, thanks to the short-offset fork and slack head angle, along with the short stem giving it that nippy edge. Application is Completed During Checkout. Contact dealer for details. End result? Theres a slight loss of zip on fast accelerations, due to the excess weight that the tyres and complete bike are carrying. Are you kidding me! Sale prices include all applicable offers. You wont be shown this message again :). Gone are the days where a date with a hardtail race bike meant paying for it for days to come. with a deposit of 263.15 and your selected term is 24 Specialized included a set of its carbon Roval Control wheels that are very lightweight, stiff and on the narrow side with an internal rim width of 23 millimeters. Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation supported by a full frame warranty and shipped for free within the U.S. from Alchemy. Specialized FACT 11m, XC Geometry, Rider-First Engineered, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, RockShox SID Brain 29, Solo Air, Position Sensitive, bottom-adjust Brain Fade, 15x110mm Maxle Stealth thru-axle, 42mm offset, 100mm of travel (XS: 80mm travel), Roval Control Carbon, 25mm internal width, tubeless-ready, Front: Specialized, sealed cartridge bearings, 15x110mm spacing, 28h, Fast Trak, Control casing, GRIPTON compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3", Specialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp, Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise, Body Geometry Power Sport, hollow Cr-Mo rails. Out of the box the weight of the Epic HT is impressively light, but riders will be able to save even more weight and increase the ride quality by upgrading to a carbon fiber seatpost. Already have an account with us? months Classic Credit (15.9% APR fixed), you would pay While more traditional XC bikes require an element of care on steep sections, riding these on the Epic was verging on fun. The are-they-really-about-to-ride-that-on-a-hardtail look. ASK MBA: ARE CLIPLESS PEDALS REALLY BETTER THAN FLATS? Moving Out: Swinging a leg over the Epic reveals the updated geometry has taken cues from modern trailbikes, with a long and low fit combined with a slacker head angle. The top-of-the-line S-Works model utilizes aerospace- and military-grade Japanese [carbon] fibers that were previously unavailable to civilians, and drops 200g off the previous Epic Hardtail S-Works. The Epic Hardtail retains a short wheelbase for deft handling, yet it offers more predictable steering and a more centered rider position for increased control. Authority with registration number 204550. These cookies do not store any personal information. This gives the bike a calmness as it carves from berm to berm, or while pointed through choppy rock and root gardens, where it resolutely refuses to become unstuck. Advertised pricing excludes applicable taxes title and licensing and are subject to change without notice. Our test bike came with an 80-millimeter stem and 720-millimeter-wide bars, giving us an aggressive position to charge up and down the racecourse. He has a particular focus on mountain bikes, but spends plenty of time on gravel bikes, too. Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? Youve seen the look. Riders can also opt for an S-Works frameset for $3000 and build the bike themselves. Solihull, B90 4LH. 2022 - Mountain Bike Action Magazine. subject to terms and status. A generation ago, this was its top-end fibre, and it contributes to a claimed frame weight of well below 1kg. The are-they-really-about-to-ride-that-on-a-hardtail look. Comfort was also tested on longer rides. Adding paint and the necessary hardware bumps the frame weight up to just 875g. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google But who said fatigue from fighting against your own bike makes you any faster? These wheels complemented the overall ride and design of the Epic HT and helped keep the weight down. Now, the Epic Hardtail Comp's reality-altering combination of comfort and capability in a lighter-than-life package means counting down the hours until you meet again. We recommend saving these for race day and putting on something a little heavier and thicker for everyday trail riding and training. Made in Scotland. Plymouth Concept Store Operated by Certini Bicycle Co Ltd (5725054). Daydreaming occurring.. All Rights Reserved. However, Specialized hasnt forgotten its roots and has been working hard in the design kitchen to develop a hardtail that is worthy of being raced by some of the worlds finest on modern cross-country courses. The 2.3in Fast Trak tyres have plenty of volume and I found the stubby-nosed Power Sport saddle comfortable. Shimano's SLX shifting has always been the benchmark for affordable high performance, and the latest M7100 series simply raises it even further. Say hello to the Epic Hardtail Expert.- At a mere 915 grams, the new Epic Fact 11m frame is stunningly light. VIDEO: CALEB HOLONKO SENDS IT IN SCRATCHING THE SURFACE, VIDEO: BRANDON SEMENUK AND KADE EDWARDS BLOW MINDS IN PARALLEL II. A RockShox Judy Gold fork and SRAM drivetrain highlight the build effortlessly balancing both value and performance to impressive results. Shifting up and down the cassette could be better, with a bit of a clunky feel as the chain jumps between sprockets. Terms and Conditions. Reach: 430mm | Stack: 608mm | Front-center: 695mm | Fork Rake/offset: 44mm | Head-tube Angle: 68.5 | Seat-tube Angle: 74 | B-b Drop: 63mm, Crank: 175mm | Stem: 70mm | Seatpost: 400mm | Head-tube: 95mm | Chain-stay: 430mm | Fork (Full): 506mm | Seat-tube: 430mm | Top-tube (Horizontal): 604mm, Rear Derailleur: Shimano SLX M7100, SGS, 12-speed, Shimano SLX 7100, Hollowtech 2, 32T Chainring, Post: Specialized Alloy, Single Bolt, 30.9mm | Binder: Specialized Alloy, 34.9mm, Specialized FACT 11m, XC Geometry, Rider-First Engineered, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing | Swat: SWAT EMT Cage-Mount Tool, Specialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp, RockShox Reba RL, Motion Control damper, Solo Air, 42mm offset, 15x110mm thru-axle, 100mm of travel, Shimano SLX M7100, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, Specialized Alloy, Tubeless Ready, 25mm internal width, 28h | Spokes: DT Swiss Industry | Inner Tubes: Presta, 60mm valve, Front: Shimano MT400-B, Centerlock 28h, 15x110 Boost | Rear: Shimano MT510-B, Centerlock 28h, 12x148 Boost, Microspline, Saddle: Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails | Stem: Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise | Tape: Specialized Trail Grips. address. The SRAM shifter and Shimano brake levers dont give such a clean-looking cockpit as controls from the same brand and arent as easy to set up either because the two clamps dont sit so well together. The ridiculously capable, mystifyingly comfortable, head-shakingly light and all-around fast, Epic Hardtail. Sure, we optimized every inch of the Epic Hardtail frame to achieve the lightest production hardtail frame in the world anyway, but we also prioritized our commitment to creating an Epic Hardtail that's as capable as it is comfortable with aggressive singletrack-inspired geometry, increased tire clearance and a frame obsessively engineered for increased vertical compliance, all while creating a bike that lives and breathes the fundamentals of fast. Free shipping on orders of $99 or more (U.S. only). The confidence-boosting feel is fortified by the tyres, and their large volume helps to dampen the ride and take the edge off impacts. subject to status. Youve seen the look. Yes, youre looking at the lightest production hardtail to date, but the new Epic Hardtail is a hell of a lot more than that. Taking a page from the trail bike playbook, Specialized slackened the head angle to 68.5 degrees, reduced the fork offset, increased reach and moved to shorter (60-75 millimeter) stems on all frame sizes. While supplies last, save on gray-light-gray-colored Arkos bikes at Alchemy Bikes. AVERY REMTECH MAGNETIC CLIPLESS PEDAL REVIEW, MBA WRECKING CREW TESTED: ROCKYMOUNTS MONORAIL 2 HITCH RACK. Ridiculously capable, incredibly light, and refreshingly comfortable, the Epic Hardtails dropper-post friendly FACT 11m carbon frame rewrites the hardtail playbook with game-changing success. |, USD $2,120.00 Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. The low front end allowed us to keep our heads down and our weight shifted forward to power up steep sections of trail. The layup, resin, and tube shapes have all been modified, and the result is a muchhigher stiffness-to-weight ratio than any 29er Specialized hastested. Yes. Free shipping on orders over $75 (contiguous U.S. only). INTERVIEW: OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST JENNY RISSVEDS AND HER WORLD CUP WINNING IBIS EXIE, FINN ILES: HOW HE BECAME A STAR WHEN HE WAS 14, SAPWI BIKE PARK, THOUSAND OAKS, CALIFORNIA, UTAH DEBUTS NEW MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK THIS SUMMER, NEW GLOBAL HANDMADE BIKE SHOWMADE TO DEBUT IN SEPTEMBER 2023, THE WINNERS, LOSERS, AND STORIES OF THE FINAL DAY OF THE U.S. MOUNTAIN BIKE, BLUNK AND SWENSON CROWNED XC NATIONAL CHAMPIONS, VALI HLL AND LORIS VERGIER TAKE THE DOWNHILL WINS IN ANDORRA, PHOTO GALLERY: OUR FAVORITE READER SUBMITTED PHOTOS, PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT: OSPREY RAPTOR PRO HYDRATION PACK, Places To Ride: Rock House Trail In San Diego, Ca. We optimized every inch of this frame, fine tuning the fiber and resin mix as well as custom shaping every ply to eliminate unnecessary overwrap. The Epic has a strong history in the cross-country world, with legends like Ned Overend having extensive input into the design. Free shipping and free 100-day returns on all U.S. orders. If you have forgotten your password, you can use the form below to request a reminder. Credit The ridiculously capable mystifyingly comfortable head-shakingly light and all-around fast Epic Hardtail. You can now search the database by numbers. Thebare frame, with no paint or hardware, weighs less than 800g. ASK MBA: WHATS UP WITH GPS DATA INCONSISTENCIES? Fast and light meets confident and capable in a bike thats been bred to redefine whats possible on a cross-country speed demon. |, a/0/f/d/a0fd4a6beb4dc95b5305bf9a03522c1f2d96f232_Specialized_Epic_Hardtail_01.jpg, Geometry great for aggressive riders looking to maximise speed up and downhill; high-volume tyres boost comfort and grip on all but the slippiest of trails, Quality of components; fork has a less refined feel through its stroke than others, RockShox Judy Gold 29, 100mm (3.9in) travel, Specialized XC 29 rims, DT Swiss Industry spokes. With the Brain setting turned up, the SID fork was stiff and complemented the lightweight chassis. The frame itself has a svelte, classy, simple look. which is registered in England and MTB Podcast | Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. One-by setups also decrease weight and make it next to impossible to drop a chain. Terms | Privacy, First published November 1, 2016 @ 8:35:27, First Look: 2021 Trek Slash 8 in for Review, Pivot Announces the Switchblade, a 29 and 27.5+ Trail Bike. He is also a regular presenter on BikeRadars YouTube channel and the BikeRadar podcast. About Us | Free standard shipping on all bikes (contiguous U.S. only). RockShox Judy Gold fork isnt anything to shout about, with a simple Motion Control damper and no remote lockout. This is the most capable and comfortable XC race bike ever. The Epic Hardtail is keenly priced compared to the hardtails it was up against Canyon Exceed CF SL 7.0, Cube Reaction C:62 SL, Merida Big Nine XT but even taking that into account, the kit doesnt leave me excited. Enter your email for the top stories in mountain biking, plus product picks and deals delivered to your inbox each week. And yep, theres a threaded bottom bracket here as well. The Epic Hardtail is a World-Cup-caliber race rocket thats also hassle free. For more This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. The SID fork was active and didnt flex under hard braking efforts or on technical terrain. A RockShox Judy Gold fork and SRAM drivetrain highlight the build effortlessly balancing both value and performance to impressive results. our full clothing size guide here, Specialized FACT 11m, Progressive XC Geometry, Rider-First Engineered, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, RockShox Judy Gold, Motion Control damper, Solo Air, 42mm offset, 15x110mm thru-axle, 100mm of travel (XS - 80mm travel), Specialized Alloy XC minirise, double-butted alloy, 8-degree backsweep, 6-degree upsweep, 10mm rise, 31.8mm, SRAM Level T hydraulic disc, 2-Piston Caliper, Specialized Alloy, Tubeless Ready, 25mm internal width, 28h, Alloy, sealed cartridge bearings, 15x110mm thru-axle, 28h, Alloy, sealed cartridge bearings, 12x148mm thru-axle, 28h, Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35, Specialized Renegade, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35. LOOK INTRODUCES NEW TRAIL ROC+AND TRAIL FUSION FLAT PEDALS, FIRST LOOK: PIVOT SHUTTLE SL LIGHTWEIGHT ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE, THROWBACK THURSDAY: GTS FULLY ACTIVE LTS, OLYMPIC PEDIGREE: SCOTT SPARK RC WORLD CUP REVIEW, A FORCE TO BE WRECKONED WITH: GTS NEW FORCE ENDURO BIKE, THE MOST POWERFUL CLASS 1 EMTB WE HAVE EVER TESTED: ROCKY, Maxxis didn't identify the rider or the photographer, so we went online to comb through the results to see what. Instead recognizing that the fastest bike is more than simply the lightest bike we said out with the jarred-to-death tail the measure-your-posteriors-sorrows-by-the-yard tail and in with the avant-garde tail. The stock Phenom saddle fit our test riders well and was comfortable during long days in the saddle. you can use the enquiry form below. Instead recognizing that the fastest bike is more than simply the lightest bike we said out with the jarred-to-death tail the measure-your-posteriors-sorrows-by-the-yard tail and in with the avant-garde tail. ASK MBA: WHATS A SAFE FOLLOWING DISTANCE WHILE RIDING? Representative example: If total purchase price is 1,349.99 Climbing on the Specialized is okay, too. You get the highest efficiency possible when hammering up climbs, and smooth compression on the descentsall without ever having to flick a switch.- SRAM's 12-speed GX Eagle groupset, with its 10-50t cassette, provides a wide gear range that lets you spin up the climbs, yet have plenty of top end for the descents. Stemming from the full-suspension XC rig, the Epic Hardtail is the newest evolution of cross-country from the brand based around high-performance riding. Free shipping on orders over $50 (contiguous U.S. only). If you are intending to use finance as your payment Its a great climber, but we expected that going into this test. Download our full helmet size guide here. Birmingham Concept Store Operated by Certini Bicycle Co Ltd (5725054). Working towards the lightest bike possible has long been the race within the race but at what cost? Carbon models (not S-Works), priced from $2,600 USD for the Comp, are starting to trickle down to dealers, while the Epic Hardtail S-Works wont be ready until late this winter. The tyres skinny-looking tread digs in reasonably and, with their larger volume allowing slightly lower pressures, theyre impressive when crawling up wet roots and rocks. the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Yes, it does. Thanks! Descending: Hardtails arent known for their ability to descend well, but the Epic HT defies the odds and delivers a balanced and stable ride, especially at high speeds. Download Elsewhere, the rest of the kit simply does its job. Newbury Concept Store Operated by Specialized Concept Store (Newbury) Ltd (08056179). Chester Concept Store Operated by Specialized Concept Store (Chester) Ltd (05973637). We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Click now, buy soon, and we'll get a few cents. Well get ready to get it a lot more aboard the Epic Hardtail. Get a Snycros iS Couple bottle cage when you subscribe to Mountain Biking UK today! Harrogate Concept Store Operated by Specialized Concept Store (Harrogate) Ltd (06894353). We've got 11,000+ bikes in the comparison database. Pricing may exclude any added parts, accessories or installation unless otherwise noted. Specialized uses its Fact 11m carbon on the non-S-Works Epic Hardtails. Cross-country courses have grown rougher, so Specialized made the Epic Hardtail more capable. Measurements are in millimeters and degrees. That said, theres plenty of stiffness in the frame to prevent your legs power from twisting it from side to side, and the front triangle is stout enough that you can haul on the 750mm alloy bar. I may have to get one of these things. Please note that this bike does not come with pedals. The ridiculously capable mystifyingly comfortable head-shakingly light and all-around fast Epic Hardtail. 2022 Specialized Concept Store. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. It's equipped with a 30.9-millimeter seatpost, which gives you the option to run longer-travel dropper posts for even more maneuverability and control on technical sections. Simply put, the Epic Hardtail is capable and comfortable. To keep up with the times, the frame has Boost 12148 spacing in the rear. Theres even internal routing for a dropper post, and 148mm rear spacing. Check out the latest arrivals at Competitive Cyclist, Ryan Howard Lets His Horse Run in "Lyrics", LOOK Expands MTB Range with Two New Flat Pedals 'Made in France', Pivot Launches the All-New Shuttle SL E-Bike, Guerrilla Gravity Launches Frame Colors and Next Gen Gnarvana, SUSPENSION COMPARISON - Lets Go Racing Season 2, Episode 5, Innes Graham's First EWS Season - Preparation and Updates, Racing Downhill with 29-inch Wheels in 2003 - Alex Morgan on The Path Less Paved, FINAL RESULTS - Snowshoe World Cup Downhill, RESULTS - Qualifying, Snowshoe World Cup Downhill, Nukeproof Introduces the Sprung Collection, RESULTS - Snowshoe World Cup DH Timed Training. Total charge for credit will be This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. We ran 20-percent sag and started our testing with the Brain turned to its softest setting to get a feel for the fork. Proteus Bicycles and Brews Pax Adventure Center. With all of the growth in full-suspension XC bikes, we found that hardtails were starting to become a little same old, same old. The stock Fast Trak tires were fast and offered minimal rolling resistance, but were prone to more flats with their lighter casing. 52.61 per month. Instead, recognizing that the fastest bike is more than simply the lightest bike, we said out with the jarred-to-death tail, the measure-your-posterior's-sorrows-by-the-yard tail and in with the avant-garde tail. All Rights Reserved. HOW MUCH MONEY DO THE TOP MOUNTAIN BIKERS MAKE? Singletracks Merch | This, combined with the thinner seatstays, gave the Epic a very smooth ride quality that muted minor imperfections in the trail but still delivered a stiff frame when pedaling hard out of the saddle. RAIN AND FOG CHALLENGE WORLD CUP XCO RACERS IN WEST VIRGINIA, THE WINNERS AND LOSERS IN THE WORLD CUP DOWNHILL AT SNOWSHOE MOUNTAIN, WEST VIRGINIA, VIDEO: BIKE PACKING IN NEW MEXICO IN EPISODE 1 OF THE LOAM AND GRAVEL SOCIETY. As with any product, specification is subject to change without Its forward-thinking shape includes a reach of 455mm on the large size, a 68.5-degree head angle, 74-degree seat angle and long 1,146mm wheelbase. Ruislip Concept Store Operated by Revolution Cycles Ltd (04956084). Aspiring racers or riders who simply want to move up the local leader board on Strava will have a competitive option with the Epic. But who said fatigue from fighting against your own bike makes you any faster? For an XC bike, this is almost as rad as it gets. It starts with all-new geometry. prior notification. Sign up to get access to exclusive offers from Specialized Concept Stores. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Up front is RockShoxs new SID fork to handle the little bit of suspension this bike has. Wales: 541132. option, please note we will only ship your order to your If you like the site, can we ask a favor? Bristol Concept Store Operated by Certini Bicycle Co Ltd (5725054). specification before buying. Free shipping on complete bike purchases (continental U.S. only). We put the Epic Hardtail to the test on our local XC courses and spent long days in the saddle to find out if this bike is a true XC thoroughbred. Wow, 875 grams!? You are advised to confirm current Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Retail price on our test bike is $5500, with the entry-level build starting at $2600. The lightweight frame and wheels, combined with a stiff, responsive design, gave our test riders plenty of personal records on their local climbs. Well get ready to get it a lot more aboard the Epic Hardtail. The chassis is good, with a Torque Cap-equipped hub adding stiffness. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Cross-country racing has always been a battle of gramsa contest to see who can build the lightest machine. In-stock and ships for free. Find bikes that match your geometry criteria. Free standard shipping on orders over $49. Nottingham Concept Store Operated by Rutland Cycling Ltd (2926548). Please enter your email address above if you would like us to contact you by email with information about goods and services which we feel may be of interest to you. While it doesnt get full enduro-style figures, the reach is long for an XC hardtail, the head angle slack and its also got a fork with a shorter offset, for extra stability at higher speeds. Testing took place before the Covid-19 lockdown regulations on local cross-country loops, and included short sprints through the woods on natural and purpose-built trails. IMBA Epics | Like most sites, this site uses cookies to make it work. Cross-country bikes have often been slow to benefit from advances in geometry, but Specialized is ahead of the game with the Epic Hardtail. Pricing for that model is TBA. The bike was tested as part of a four bike carbon hardtail test with a price-point of 2,000 to 2,500. Specialized recently updated the iconic Epic hardtail mountain bike, and the new version is the companys lightest bike frame to date. On the Epic Hardtail Comp, RockShox's long-beloved Reba RL fork is tasked with handling suspension duties while a full Shimano SLX groupset leaves no doubts why it sets the benchmark for accessible performance.