Specialized Epic World Cup Mountain Bike: The Fastest XC Race Bike
The Specialized Epic World Cup Mountain Bike is designed to be the fastest cross-country (XC) race bike for smooth to moderately technical courses. Its perfect balance of efficiency, control, and lightweight design sets a new standard in performance. As World Champion Christopher Blevins puts it, "This bike gives me everything I want from a hardtail, with the control and capability of full suspension." This cutting-edge race machine is the result of decades of off-road racing experience and a fully integrated development approach, including the invention of a revolutionary new shock.
Frame of Reference: Precision and Power. Specialized engineers redefined torsional rigidity and bottom bracket stiffness to ensure maximum speed, power transfer, and precise handling. The double diamond frame design cradles the shock within the top tube, combined with the most advanced composite layup in Specialized's history, creating an unparalleled ride experience.
Shockingly Fast: Revolutionary Suspension Technology. The Specialized Ride Dynamics team developed an innovative shock system for the Epic World Cup. Co-developed with RockShox, the SID Deluxe WCID shock offers the efficiency and responsive feel of a hardtail with the control and capability of a full-suspension bike. The independently adjustable positive and negative air springs allow riders to customise the suspension to their preferences. Whether you want a firm hardtail feel or a plush setup for rough terrain, the Epic World Cup delivers versatile performance across all conditions.
Punching Above Its Category: Superior Suspension. With 75mm of rear travel, the Epic World Cup offers the same ride quality as a 100mm travel bike with 25% sag, giving riders control and capability typically found in longer-travel bikes. Specialized’s Ride Dynamics team optimised the spring rate to stay flat through the mid-stroke, allowing for efficient handling of bump forces. The custom Mega Jounce Bumper, an industry-first, ensures smooth absorption on even the biggest impacts.
Revolutionary Shock for Unmatched Efficiency. The SIDLuxe WCID shock offers a perfect balance of support and compliance, while the RockShox SID SL fork with 3-Position Race Day 2 damper provides 110mm of active suspension for superior pedaling support and performance. Specialized’s signature "Magic Middle" tune delivers efficiency on climbs and control on rough descents, allowing the Epic World Cup to perform without the need for lockout switches.
Lightweight for Speed. With a frame weight of just 1,915g (including the shock and hardware), the Epic World Cup is lighter than its competitors. This weight reduction leads to faster acceleration, efficient climbing, and enhanced agility. By applying knowledge gained from developing the Aethos, the lightest road frame, Specialized achieved an incredibly lightweight and stiff design, ensuring unmatched speed.
Built for Modern XC Racing. The Epic World Cup features cutting-edge Ride Dynamics-developed suspension and 75mm of optimised rear wheel travel, delivering superior pedal efficiency and control for aggressive cross-country racing.
- SRAM GX transmission, offering elite-level shifting performance and durability, ideal for the demands of modern XC racing.
- RockShox SID SL fork with 3-Position Race Day 2 damper for 110mm of suspension, ensuring efficient performance on climbs and descents.
- Roval Control carbon wheels, hand-built with a modern 29mm internal-width hookless rim, providing maximum strength, durability, and ride quality while keeping weight to a minimum.
The Specialized Epic World Cup is engineered for riders who demand the highest level of performance in cross-country racing, with unparalleled speed, efficiency, and control.