Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp
Pre-Order Now
Pre-order your Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp today and we will keep you updated as its expected arrival approaches.
The Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp offers an excellent balance of low weight, efficient power transfer and dependable components. SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission and the RockShox Reba create a race-ready package that remains practical for everyday trail riding, making this one of the best-value carbon XC bikes in Specialized’s range. Combined with progressive geometry and a more forgiving ride than earlier generations, it delivers genuine race performance without sacrificing comfort during long rides and marathon events.
Fast Without Feeling Fragile
The FACT 11m carbon frame has been engineered to keep weight low while improving comfort and control. It responds quickly when accelerating or climbing but provides enough compliance to reduce fatigue when the trail becomes rough or the ride runs long.
Progressive XC Handling
With modern cross-country geometry, a 68.5-degree head angle and clearance for 29 x 2.35-inch tyres, the Epic Hardtail Comp feels stable at speed without losing the responsive handling expected from an XC bike. Internal routing also makes the frame ready for a compatible dropper post.
RockShox Reba Control
The RockShox Reba fork uses a Motion Control damper to manage impacts smoothly and consistently. Sizes S to XL receive 110mm of travel, while size XS uses 90mm to maintain balanced handling for smaller riders.
SRAM Eagle 70 Transmission
SRAM Eagle 70 delivers robust mechanical shifting with a full-mount T-Type rear derailleur and wide-range 10–52T cassette. The system is designed to shift accurately under load, providing dependable gear changes on steep climbs and during harder efforts.
Confident Braking
SRAM DB6 hydraulic disc brakes use four-piston calipers for strong and predictable stopping power. A 180mm front rotor provides additional control on steeper or faster terrain, while a 160mm rear rotor keeps braking performance balanced.
Key Features
Lightweight FACT 11m carbon hardtail frame
Progressive XC geometry with Rider-First Engineered design
RockShox Reba fork with Motion Control damper
110mm fork travel on sizes S to XL and 90mm on XS
SRAM Eagle 70 mechanical T-Type 12-speed drivetrain
Wide-range SRAM 10–52T Transmission cassette
SRAM DB6 four-piston hydraulic disc brakes
29-inch tubeless-compatible alloy rims with 27mm internal width
Specialized Fast Trak front and Air Trak rear 29 x 2.35-inch tyres
Threaded bottom bracket, UDH and 12 x 148mm Boost rear spacing
Internal cable routing and dropper-post compatibility
SWAT EMT cage-mounted tool included
Why Riders Love the Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp
The Epic Hardtail Comp is an excellent choice for riders who value climbing speed and direct power transfer while still wanting confidence when the trail points down. It is light enough for serious XC racing, practical enough for regular trail riding and comfortable enough for long days in the saddle.
Exceptional Climbing Efficiency
With no rear suspension to compress under pedalling, more of your effort goes directly into driving the bike forward. The result is quick acceleration and excellent climbing efficiency.
Low Weight
The lightweight Epic Hardtail platform gives the bike lively acceleration, strong climbing performance and easy handling both on and off the trail.
Low Maintenance
With no rear shock or suspension pivots to service, the Epic Hardtail is simpler to maintain than a full-suspension bike, leaving more time to ride and less time in the workshop.
Modern Geometry
Unlike older and often twitchy cross-country bikes, the Epic Hardtail Comp features a modern 68.5-degree head angle and longer reach. This creates a more stable and confidence-inspiring ride on steep descents while maintaining the responsive handling expected from an XC bike.
Versatility
Although designed for cross-country racing, the Epic Hardtail Comp is equally enjoyable on fast trail rides, marathon events and big backcountry days. Riders can also fit faster-rolling tyres for gravel adventures or endurance events, making it one of the most adaptable bikes in Specialized’s XC range.
Room for Upgrades
The Epic Hardtail uses proven and widely compatible components, making future upgrades such as carbon wheels, a higher-specification fork, a dropper post or lighter finishing kit straightforward.
Who Is This Bike For?
Perfect For
✔ XC racing
✔ Marathon events
✔ Fast trail riding
✔ Riders upgrading from aluminium hardtails
✔ Riders wanting direct and efficient power transfer
✔ Anyone wanting maximum speed with minimal weight
Our Thoughts on the Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp
The Epic Hardtail Comp represents one of the most well-rounded carbon XC bikes in Specialized’s range. It combines a lightweight, modern frame with dependable components that perform well whether you are racing, riding local trail networks or tackling marathon events.
For riders wanting genuine XC performance without stepping into Expert or S-Works pricing, it remains one of the strongest-value carbon XC hardtails in the Specialized 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
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change without notice.