Specialized Epic 9 Sport 2027
SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS, RockShox Reba
The Specialized Epic 9 Sport brings the speed, handling and 120mm suspension platform of the Epic 9 into a more accessible race-ready build. Its FACT 11m carbon frame, RockShox suspension and SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission make it an excellent option for XC racing, marathon events and riders moving from a hardtail to a capable full-suspension bike.
Lightweight FACT 11m Carbon Frame
The FACT 11m carbon frame provides the low weight and responsive feel expected from a serious XC bike. At a claimed 11.91kg in size medium, the Epic 9 Sport accelerates quickly, climbs efficiently and remains easy to manoeuvre through technical sections.
Rider-First Engineered construction helps maintain consistent handling across the size range, while the threaded bottom bracket, SRAM UDH compatibility and internal cable routing provide practical long-term benefits.
Efficient 120mm Suspension
With 120mm of travel at both ends, the Epic 9 Sport provides more control than a traditional short-travel race bike without losing the responsive character needed for cross-country riding.
The Epic 9 platform uses refined suspension kinematics and reduced friction to improve sensitivity, traction and pedalling support. This helps the bike remain composed over roots and rocks while still responding efficiently when accelerating or climbing.
RockShox Reba Control
The RockShox Reba fork provides 120mm of travel and uses a Motion Control damper for predictable performance across changing terrain. Its 15 x 110mm Boost axle improves steering accuracy, while the 44mm offset complements the Epic 9’s progressive XC geometry.
It is a proven and straightforward fork that provides a good balance of control, adjustability and serviceability.
RockShox SIDLuxe Select+
The RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ shock is tuned to complement the Epic 9 frame and its 120mm of rear-wheel travel. Its three-position adjustment allows riders to choose between settings for climbing, rolling terrain and descending.
The lever-operated adjustment is simple and dependable, while the Solo Air spring allows the shock to be set according to rider weight and preference.
SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission
SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS provides wireless electronic shifting with a wide-range 10–52T cassette. The 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 operation simple, while the removable derailleur battery makes charging and carrying a spare straightforward.
Four-Piston SRAM Braking
SRAM DB4 hydraulic brakes use four-piston calipers to provide dependable stopping power for technical cross-country riding. A 180mm front rotor adds control on steeper descents, while the 160mm rear rotor keeps braking performance balanced.
Race-Ready Tyres and Dropper Post
Specialized Fast Trak and Air Trak tyres use lightweight Flex Lite casings and dual T5/T7 compounds to balance rolling speed with cornering grip. Their 29 x 2.35-inch volume provides useful control over rough ground without feeling unnecessarily heavy.
A size-specific TranzX dropper post allows riders to lower the saddle for steep or technical descents, providing greater freedom of movement and confidence.
Key Features
- FACT 11m carbon frame with 120mm rear travel
- Progressive XC Race Geometry
- Rider-First Engineered construction
- RockShox Reba fork with 120mm travel
- RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ rear shock
- Three-position rear suspension adjustment
- SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission
- SRAM 12-speed 10–52T cassette
- SRAM DB4 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes
- Specialized 29-inch tubeless-ready alloy wheels
- Fast Trak front and Air Trak rear 29 x 2.35-inch tyres
- Size-specific TranzX dropper post
- Threaded bottom bracket and SRAM UDH compatibility
- Claimed weight: 11.91kg in size medium
Why Riders Love the Specialized Epic 9 Sport
The Specialized Epic 9 Sport is an excellent choice for riders who want the performance of a modern carbon XC bike without stepping into higher Comp, Expert or S-Works pricing. It combines efficient suspension, wireless shifting and capable handling in a package suitable for racing, training and fast trail riding.
Responsive Carbon Frame
The FACT 11m carbon chassis gives the bike quick acceleration and accurate handling while helping keep the complete weight below 12kg.
Efficient Climbing
Supportive suspension kinematics and low overall weight help the bike respond quickly when climbing or accelerating out of corners.
Technical Capability
Its 120mm suspension, four-piston brakes, 2.35-inch tyres and dropper post provide the control needed for increasingly technical cross-country courses.
Wireless Shifting
SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS provides precise electronic shifting without a conventional shift cable to stretch, contaminate or replace.
Simple Suspension Adjustment
The three-position SIDLuxe shock allows riders to adjust the rear suspension for climbing, rolling terrain or descending.
Tubeless-Ready Wheels
The 27mm internal-width alloy rims are tubeless-ready, allowing riders to reduce tyre pressures for improved traction and puncture protection once converted.
Upgrade Potential
The FACT 11m frame provides a high-quality foundation for future upgrades such as lighter wheels, a higher-specification fork or a race-focused cockpit.
The Same Race-Winning Foundation
The Epic 9 Sport uses the same FACT 11m carbon frame, Progressive XC Race Geometry and 120mm suspension platform found throughout the Epic 9 range. The difference lies in the component specification, making the Sport an excellent way to experience Specialized's latest XC platform at a more accessible price point.
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 an accessible carbon XC race bike
Our Thoughts on the Specialized Epic 9 Sport
The Specialized Epic 9 Sport makes the most important parts of the Epic 9 platform available at a more attainable price. It uses the same FACT 11m carbon frame and 120mm suspension layout as the Comp, giving riders a genuine race-quality foundation rather than an entry-level frame. One thing that has changed with the Epic 9 is its position in the range. Compared with previous generations, it combines more capability with its race focus, making it suitable for a wider range of riders and terrain. Specialized themselves position it as the most capable Epic yet while maintaining its XC credentials.
The Epic 9 Sport is the ideal starting point into Specialized's latest XC platform. It delivers the same advanced carbon frame and suspension design as the higher-spec models, while using reliable, proven components that offer excellent performance and outstanding value.
The RockShox Reba and SIDLuxe Select+ suspension provide dependable performance, while SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission is an impressive inclusion at this level. Four-piston brakes, tubeless-ready wheels and a dropper post mean the bike is properly equipped for modern XC terrain from the outset.
For riders moving from an aluminium hardtail or looking for their first serious full-suspension race bike, the Epic 9 Sport offers one of the strongest combinations of frame quality, capability and upgrade potential 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 Sport 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
- Rear suspension adjustment demonstrated during handover
- Dropper-post operation checked
- Secure packaging for transport
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Click & Collect where available
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change without notice.