Specialized Epic 9 Comp 2027
SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS, RockShox SID Select
The Specialized Epic 9 Comp is a lightweight full-suspension XC race bike built for riders who want maximum efficiency without sacrificing control on increasingly technical courses. Its FACT 11m carbon frame, 120mm RockShox suspension and SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission create a fast, capable package suitable for XC racing, marathon events and high-speed trail riding.
Lightweight FACT 11m Carbon Frame
The FACT 11m carbon frame keeps weight low while providing the stiffness needed for acceleration, climbing and accurate handling. The complete Epic 9 Comp has a claimed weight of 11.78kg in size medium, helping it respond quickly when the pace changes or the trail points uphill.
Rider-First Engineered construction helps preserve the intended ride characteristics across the size range, while the threaded bottom bracket, SRAM UDH compatibility and sealed pivot bearings make the bike practical to maintain.
Efficient 120mm Suspension
The Epic 9 Comp provides 120mm of travel at both ends, giving riders greater control over roots, rocks and technical descents without losing the efficient feel expected from a cross-country race bike.
Specialized reports that the Epic 9 platform reduces suspension friction by 11% compared with the Epic 8. Refined kinematics are intended to improve sensitivity and traction while maintaining pedalling support under harder efforts.
RockShox SID Select Control
The RockShox SID Select fork combines 120mm of travel with a lightweight chassis developed specifically for cross-country riding. Its DebonAir spring provides support and sensitivity, while the Ride Dynamics developed three-position system allows riders to choose between settings for climbing, rolling terrain and descending.
RockShox SIDLuxe Select+
The SIDLuxe Select+ shock is tuned to complement the Epic 9 frame and provide consistent control through its 120mm of rear-wheel travel. A three-position TwistLoc remote allows suspension settings to be changed from the handlebar, helping riders react quickly as the course changes.
This gives racers access to a firmer platform for smoother climbs without having to remove a hand from the bar.
SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission
SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS provides wireless electronic shifting with a wide-range 10–52T cassette. Its full-mount T-Type derailleur is designed to shift accurately under load, helping riders maintain momentum during steep climbs and hard accelerations.
The AXS Pod controller keeps the cockpit tidy, while the removable derailleur battery makes charging and carrying a spare straightforward.
SRAM Motive Four-Piston Brakes
SRAM Motive Bronze brakes use four-piston calipers to provide strong stopping power without adding unnecessary weight. A 180mm front rotor provides additional control on faster descents, while the 160mm rear rotor keeps braking performance balanced.
Race-Ready Tyres and Dropper Post
The Fast Trak front and Air Trak rear tyres use lightweight Flex Lite casings and dual T5/T7 compounds to balance speed, cornering grip and control. Both are fitted in a 29 x 2.35-inch size to provide useful volume without compromising rolling efficiency.
A size-specific X-Fusion Manic dropper post allows riders to lower the saddle for technical descents, improving freedom of movement and confidence through steep or rough sections.
Key Features
- FACT 11m carbon frame with 120mm rear travel
- Progressive XC Race Geometry
- Rider-First Engineered construction
- RockShox SID Select fork with 120mm travel
- RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ rear shock
- Three-position TwistLoc suspension control
- SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission
- SRAM 12-speed 10–52T cassette
- SRAM Motive Bronze four-piston hydraulic brakes
- Specialized alloy 29-inch tubeless-ready wheels
- Fast Trak front and Air Trak rear 29 x 2.35-inch tyres
- Size-specific X-Fusion Manic dropper post
- SWAT Box 2.0 internal storage
- Threaded bottom bracket and SRAM UDH compatibility
- Claimed weight: 11.78kg in size medium
Why Riders Love the Specialized Epic 9 Comp
The Specialized Epic 9 Comp suits riders who want genuine race performance but still need enough suspension and control for modern technical courses. It is light and efficient when climbing, composed when descending and practical enough for regular training, marathon racing and fast trail riding.
Fast Acceleration
The lightweight FACT 11m frame and race-focused component selection help the bike respond quickly when accelerating out of corners, attacking climbs or changing pace during a race.
Efficient Pedalling
Refined suspension kinematics provide support under power while allowing the wheels to follow uneven terrain. This helps preserve traction without making the bike feel soft or disconnected during hard efforts.
Technical Capability
With 120mm of travel, four-piston brakes, 2.35-inch tyres and a dropper post, the Epic 9 Comp is equipped for the rougher and steeper terrain now common in cross-country racing.
Handlebar Suspension Control
The three-position TwistLoc system allows riders to adjust the fork and shock without taking a hand away from the handlebar.
Wireless Shifting
SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS provides accurate electronic gear changes with no shift cable to stretch, contaminate or replace.
Practical Storage
SWAT Box 2.0 provides space for essential tools and spares inside the frame, reducing the need for a saddle bag or additional storage.
Long-Term Upgrade Potential
The FACT 11m frame provides a high-quality foundation for future upgrades such as carbon wheels, a lighter cockpit or higher-level suspension components.
Who Is This Bike For?
Perfect For
✔ Cross-country racing
✔ Marathon and endurance events
✔ Fast and technical trail riding
✔ Riders progressing from a hardtail
✔ Riders wanting efficient 120mm suspension
✔ Riders wanting wireless SRAM AXS shifting
✔ Riders looking for a lightweight carbon race bike
Our Thoughts on the Specialized Epic 9 Comp
The Specialized Epic 9 Comp brings the most important features of the Epic 9 platform into a build that remains attainable compared with the Expert, Pro and S-Works models. The FACT 11m carbon frame delivers the low weight and responsive handling expected from a serious race bike, while the 120mm RockShox suspension provides enough control for modern XC courses.
SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission, SRAM Motive four-piston brakes and a size-specific dropper post make this a complete race-ready package rather than a basic frame with components that immediately need replacing.
For riders wanting genuine XC speed, modern technical capability and a strong platform for future upgrades, the Epic 9 Comp is one of the most balanced models in the range.
Why Buy from Chain Reaction?
✔ Official Specialized Dealer
✔ Professionally assembled, safety checked and workshop tuned before collection or dispatch
✔ Brakes professionally pre-bedded before collection or dispatch
✔ Premium handover including initial bike setup, suspension tuning, a complete feature walkthrough and practical maintenance advice
✔ Expert bike sizing and setup advice
✔ Lifetime workshop support from experienced mechanics
✔ Nationwide New Zealand delivery
✔ Finance and WorkRide options available
Size Guide
- Small: Approximately 158–165cm
- Medium: Approximately 165–178cm
- Large: Approximately 178–185cm
- Extra Large: Approximately 185–193cm
Rider height is only a starting point. Body proportions, riding style and handling preferences can influence the ideal size, particularly where height recommendations overlap. Contact Chain Reaction for personalised sizing advice.
Delivery and Assembly
Every Specialized Epic 9 Comp purchased from Chain Reaction is professionally assembled, tuned and safety checked by our workshop.
Your bike receives:
- Complete professional assembly
- Full workshop safety inspection
- SRAM AXS drivetrain setup and firmware check
- Brakes professionally pre-bedded using our Sinter Smart bedding-in machine
- Fork and shock pressures initially set according to rider weight
- TwistLoc suspension controls checked and adjusted
- Dropper-post operation checked
- Secure packaging for transport
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Click & Collect where available