Specialized Epic World Cup Mountain Bike: The Fastest XC Race Machine
The Specialized Epic World Cup Mountain Bike is the ultimate choice for XC racing on smooth to moderately technical courses. Combining lightweight efficiency, exceptional control, and unmatched power transfer, it’s the fastest XC race bike on the planet. As World Champion Christopher Blevins put it, “This bike gives me everything I want from a hardtail, plus the control and capability of full suspension.” With over four decades of off-road experience, Specialized has crafted a true speed machine with integrated development, cutting-edge suspension technology, and superior engineering.
Frame of Reference: Engineered for Maximum Speed. To achieve maximum speed, the Epic World Cup is designed for ruthlessly efficient power transfer and precise handling. Specialized set new standards for torsional rigidity and bottom bracket stiffness by creating a structurally superior double-diamond frame design. The shock is seamlessly integrated inside the top tube, and the frame boasts the most advanced composite layup in the brand’s history, ensuring unparalleled performance on the track.
Revolutionary Shock Technology. The Epic World Cup features a groundbreaking shock system, developed in collaboration with RockShox. The SID Deluxe WCID shock combines the efficiency and snap of a hardtail with the control and smoothness of full suspension. Thanks to independently adjustable positive and negative air springs, this shock allows you to tune your setup precisely for any course or riding preference. Whether you set it firm for a hardtail feel or open it up for rugged terrain, the Epic World Cup adapts to your needs, providing a unique combination of speed and comfort.
Unmatched Rear Travel Performance. The Epic World Cup delivers 75mm of rear travel, offering the control and capability of a longer-travel bike. The suspension is designed to ride close to topped-out, delivering the same positive travel as a 100mm bike with 25% sag. The Ride Dynamics team optimised the spring rate to handle mid-stroke bumps like a longer travel bike. With the industry-first Mega Jounce Bumper, the bike smoothly manages bottom-outs on even the toughest impacts.
World-Class Suspension and Efficiency. The revolutionary SIDLuxe WCID shock provides superior support and compliance, while the RockShox SID SL fork with 3-Position Race Day 2 damper borrows the “Magic Middle” tune from the Epic 8, delivering 110mm of active suspension. This allows the Epic World Cup to excel under pedaling while maintaining ultimate efficiency on rough terrain, without needing lockout switches.
Featherweight Design for Speed. At just 1,765g (painted, including shock and hardware), the Epic World Cup boasts one of the lightest frames in its class, allowing for faster acceleration, efficient climbing, and agile handling. Drawing on Specialized's expertise from developing the world’s lightest road frame, the Aethos, the Epic World Cup leverages advanced composite layups and optimised tube shapes for a featherweight build and monster stiffness.
Roval Control SL Components: Peak Performance. The Epic World Cup features Roval Control SL components, including a 1,240g wheelset, a 180-gram seat post, and a 250g integrated cockpit. These lightweight, stiff components ensure top-tier control and performance, making the bike race-ready for World Cup podiums.
- 75mm of rear travel with Ride Dynamics-tuned suspension for optimised performance on both climbs and descents.
- SRAM XX SL transmission delivers precise, reliable shifting for the toughest XC racing conditions.
- RockShox SID SL fork with 3-Position Race Day 2 damper provides 110mm of smooth, efficient suspension.
- Roval Control SL rims feature a 29mm internal width for improved strength, reduced weight, and 22% more pinch-flat resistance.
- Ultra-light frame for maximum speed, agility, and efficiency.
With its innovative suspension, ultra-lightweight frame, and race-ready components, the Specialized Epic World Cup is built to dominate the toughest XC courses, offering the ultimate blend of speed, control, and capability.