2021 Specialized S-Works Epic

Hey you, yeah, you...the one with the scale out seeing which of the six identical tires on the shelf is the lightest. Sure, some might call you a bit obsessive, but no worries, here, the S-Works Epic is speaking exactly the same language. Countless design hours, endless test laps, terabytes of telemetry data-all of it to make sure not a single ounce of speed was left on the table. Mixing hardtail efficiency and full-suspension capability to impressively quick results, the S-Works Epic has always been defined by obsessive commitment to speed. Well, that and over 100 World Cup wins and podiums too. A Smarter BRAIN True to form, the latest Epic continues the tradition, taking advantage of the most efficient BRAIN suspension we've ever created to ensure it's always on a first-name-basis with fast. Re-engineered hand-in-hand with the new Epic, the latest BRAIN design resets the expectation for efficiency, employing a new race-tuned pedaling platform to ensure every watt possible is translated into forward motion, while handily soaking up momentum-killing chatter and big hits alike-all more smoothly than ever. Frame-Changer Redesigned with a focus on efficient power transfer and better handling performance, the S-Works Epic frame features a 15-percent stiffer rear triangle in order to take full advantage of the BRAIN's new race-tuned pedaling platform. A dedicated layup schedule and the use of our top-shelf FACT 12m Carbon takes weight savings yet a step further than it's stablemates, while the pièce de résistance comes in the form of a carbon fiber shock link, combining to shave a total of over 100 grams from the previous generation S-works frame-no easy task, mind you. Pairing perfectly with the Brain rear shock for the most balanced suspension perfomance on an Epic yet, the S-Works' Position-Sensitive Brain fork benefits from RockShox's svelte-yet-stiff SID SL Ultimate chassis, improving front-end stiffness and handling precision while keeping the grams at bay. SRAM's flagship XX1 Eagle AXS group certainly fits the bill when only the best will do, dispatching shifts with electronic authority while we tasked Roval with creating an entirely new Control SL rim that wouldn't just be able to go toe-to-toe with the Epic's newfound speed and handling performance, but add a bit of its own into the mix as well. Specialized S-Works Epic

FRAMESET

Frame
S-Works FACT 12m Carbon, Progressive XC Race Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, 100mm of travel

SWAT
SWAT EMT Cage-Mount Tool

Seat Binder
Specialized Alloy, 34.9mm, Titanium bolt

SUSPENSION

Fork
RockShox SID SL ULTIMATE BRAIN, Top-Adjust Brain damper, Debon Air, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 100mm Travel

Rear Shock
RockShox-Specialized BRAIN, Rx XC Tune, 5 Position Platform Adjust, Rebound Adjust, Integrated Extension, 265x52.5mm

COCKPIT

Handlebars
S-Works Carbon XC Mini Rise, 6-degree upsweep, 8-degree backsweep, 10mm rise, 760mm, 31.8mm

Saddle
Body Geometry S-Works Power, carbon fiber rails, carbon fiber base

SeatPost
S-Works FACT carbon, 10mm offset, 30.9mm

Stem
S-Works SL, alloy, titanium bolts, 6-degree rise

Grips
Specialized Trail Grips

BRAKES

Front Brake
SRAM Level Ultimate, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc

Rear Brake
SRAM Level Ultimate, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc

DRIVETRAIN

Chainrings
32T

Crankset
QUARQ XX1 Eagle Power Meter, Boost™ 148, DUB, 170/175mm, 32T

Shift Levers
SRAM AXS Eagle Controller

Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB, BSA 73mm, Threaded

Cassette
SRAM XG-1299 Eagle, 10-50t

Chain
SRAM XX1 Eagle

Rear Derailleur
SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS

WHEELS & TIRES

Spokes
DT Swiss Aerolite T-head

Rear Tire
Fast Trak, Control casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3"

Front Tire
Fast Trak, Control casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3"

Inner Tubes
Presta, 60mm valve

Rims
Roval Control SL, Carbon offset design, 29mm internal width, 4mm hook width, Tubeless ready, 24h

Rear Hub
Roval Control SL, DT Swiss 180 Internals, DT Swiss Ratchet EXP, Ceramic bearings, 12mm thru-axle, 148mm spacing, 24h straight-pull

Front Hub
Roval Control SL, DT Swiss Internals, Ceramic Bearings, 6-bolt, 15mm thru-axle, 110mm spacing, Torque caps, 24h straight pull t-head