Specialized Epic World Cup Mountain Bike: The Fastest XC Race Bike
The Specialized Epic World Cup Mountain Bike is engineered to be the fastest cross-country race bike on smooth to moderately technical courses. Its unmatched combination of lightweight design, efficiency, and control sets it apart. World Champion Christopher Blevins describes it best: "This bike gives me the power and speed of a hardtail, with the control and capability of full suspension." With four decades of off-road experience and an integrated design approach, Specialized has crafted a world-class racing machine.
Engineered for Maximum Speed and Precision. The Epic World Cup sets new standards in power transfer and handling with its ultra-rigid frame and bottom bracket. The innovative double-diamond frame layout integrates the shock within the top tube for improved torsional rigidity and precision. Combining this design with the most advanced composite layup in Specialized's history, the Epic World Cup is built for speed.
Revolutionary Shock Technology. Developed alongside RockShox, the all-new SID Deluxe WCID shock offers a game-changing suspension setup. This shock combines the sharp, responsive feel of a hardtail with the control and momentum of a full-suspension bike. Featuring independently adjustable positive and negative air springs, it delivers the sought-after "hardtail snap" while devouring rough terrain with ease. Riders can fine-tune the shock to suit any course, from firm to soft, for maximum performance.
Unmatched Suspension Performance. The Epic World Cup features 75mm of rear travel, providing the control and capability of much longer-travel bikes. Designed to be ridden close to fully extended, it matches the effective travel of a 100mm travel bike set with 25% sag. Specialized's Ride Dynamics team has fine-tuned the spring rate for optimal mid-stroke performance, ensuring superior bump absorption. The custom Mega Jounce Bumper ensures smooth landings on the toughest impacts, making this bike truly capable of handling any course.
Innovative Suspension for Maximum Efficiency. The SIDLuxe WCID shock blends support and compliance in the rear, while the RockShox SID SL fork with 3-Position Race Day 2 damper offers 110mm of active suspension. Borrowing the “Magic Middle” tune from the Epic 8, this setup provides support during pedaling while delivering superior efficiency on rough terrain. No lockout switches are needed, just pure, pedal-efficient suspension performance.
Featherweight for Speed. At a frame weight of just 1,915g (including the shock and hardware), the Epic World Cup is one of the lightest in its class. This lightness translates into faster acceleration, more efficient climbing, and more responsive handling. Drawing from the development of the Aethos, the lightest production road frame, Specialized applied advanced composite layup techniques to ensure the Epic World Cup is both ultra-light and ultra-stiff, maximising speed and performance.
Optimised for Modern XC Racing. The all-new Epic World Cup frame includes Ride Dynamics-developed suspension technology and 75mm of rear wheel travel, offering unmatched pedal efficiency and control on rough descents.
- SRAM XO transmission for precise shifting performance and durability, perfect for the demands of modern XC racing.
- RockShox SID SL fork with 3-Position Race Day 2 damper for 110mm of active suspension to ensure maximum efficiency during climbs and descents.
- Hand-built Roval Control carbon wheels with a modern 29mm internal-width hookless rim, enhancing strength, ride quality, and durability while keeping weight at a minimum.
The Specialized Epic World Cup is built to dominate cross-country races, delivering world-class performance with its advanced design, innovative suspension, and featherlight frame. It’s the ultimate choice for XC riders seeking speed, control, and efficiency.