Specialized S-Works Epic 9 2027
SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS, RockShox Flight Attendant
The Specialized S-Works Epic 9 is built for elite cross-country riders who want the lowest possible weight without sacrificing suspension performance or control on technical terrain. Its FACT 12m carbon frame, RockShox Flight Attendant suspension, SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission and Roval Control World Cup wheels create an exceptionally complete race bike with no obvious component upgrades required.
S-Works FACT 12m Carbon Frame
The S-Works FACT 12m carbon frame is the lightest and most advanced version of the Epic 9 platform. Specialized reduced the S-Works frameset weight by 206 grams compared with the Epic 8 while retaining 120mm of travel and the strength needed for modern XC racing.
At a claimed 9.66kg in size medium, the complete S-Works Epic 9 accelerates quickly, changes direction easily and requires less effort to carry speed over long climbs.
Refined 120mm Suspension
The Epic 9 combines 120mm of front and rear travel with refined suspension kinematics designed to improve traction, pedalling support and bottom-out control. Specialized also reduced suspension friction by 11% compared with the Epic 8, helping the bike respond more smoothly to smaller impacts.
The result is suspension that remains efficient under power while providing the control needed for increasingly technical XC courses.
RockShox Flight Attendant
RockShox Flight Attendant electronically manages the SID Ultimate fork and SIDLuxe Ultimate shock as an integrated system. It responds to rider effort, terrain and bike movement, automatically selecting the most appropriate suspension setting.
This reduces the need for manual adjustments during a race and allows the rider to concentrate on pacing, line choice and maintaining momentum.
SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission
The SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission provides precise wireless shifting through a robust full-mount design. Its 10–52T cassette supplies the range needed for steep climbs, while the AXS Pod Ultimate controller provides clean and responsive operation.
A Quarq power meter is integrated into the XX SL crankset, giving riders accurate performance data for training, pacing and race analysis.
Roval Control World Cup Wheels
Roval Control World Cup carbon wheels combine 28.5mm internal-width rims with carbon spokes, titanium spoke-end pieces and high-quality hub internals. DT Swiss 180 internals are used at the rear, with ceramic bearings in the front hub.
Reducing rotational weight helps the bike accelerate and change direction quickly, while the wide rims provide stable support for the 2.35-inch tyres.
SRAM Motive Ultimate Braking
SRAM Motive Ultimate brakes use four-piston calipers to provide strong stopping power with a lightweight construction suited to XC racing. A 180mm front rotor provides additional control on steep descents, while the 160mm rear rotor keeps the system balanced.
Premium Race Cockpit
The Roval Control II integrated cockpit combines the handlebar and stem into a lightweight carbon unit with race-focused dimensions. A RockShox Reverb AXS wireless dropper post keeps the cockpit clean while allowing the saddle to be lowered for technical descents.
The S-Works Power EVO Mirror saddle uses a 3D-printed upper to improve pressure distribution without adding unnecessary bulk.
Key Features
- S-Works FACT 12m carbon frame with 120mm rear travel
- Progressive XC Race Geometry
- Rider-First Engineered construction
- RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant fork
- RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant shock
- 120mm front and rear suspension travel
- SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS Transmission
- Quarq XX SL integrated power meter
- SRAM Motive Ultimate four-piston hydraulic brakes
- Roval Control World Cup carbon wheels
- DT Swiss 180 rear-hub internals
- Specialized Fast Trak and Air Trak 29 x 2.35-inch tyres
- RockShox Reverb AXS wireless dropper post
- Roval Control II integrated cockpit
- S-Works Power EVO Mirror saddle
- SWAT Box 2.0 internal storage
- CeramicSpeed Alpha DUB bottom bracket
- Claimed weight: 9.66kg in size medium
Why Riders Love the Specialized S-Works Epic 9
The Specialized S-Works Epic 9 is designed for riders who want every part of the bike focused on speed, efficiency and control. It combines exceptionally low weight with intelligent suspension and race-ready components, allowing the rider to concentrate on performance rather than managing the bike.
Exceptionally Low Weight
At a claimed 9.66kg in size medium, the S-Works Epic 9 is remarkably light for a complete 120mm full-suspension bike with a dropper post and four-piston brakes.
Automatic Suspension Control
Flight Attendant continually adjusts the suspension according to terrain and rider input, reducing the need to operate a manual lockout during a race.
Integrated Power Measurement
The Quarq power meter provides accurate performance data without requiring an additional aftermarket crank or pedal system.
Race-Ready Carbon Wheels
Roval Control World Cup wheels reduce rotational weight and provide the responsive acceleration expected from an elite XC race bike.
Technical Capability
With 120mm of travel, four-piston brakes, 2.35-inch tyres and a wireless dropper post, the Epic 9 is equipped for technical climbs and descents rather than only smooth race courses.
Clean Wireless Integration
Wireless shifting, suspension control and dropper-post operation reduce cable clutter and create a tidy, focused cockpit.
No Immediate Upgrades Required
The frame, suspension, drivetrain, wheels, cockpit and contact points are already selected at the highest level, allowing the bike to be raced in its standard configuration.
Who Is This Bike For?
Perfect For
✔ Elite cross-country racing
✔ National and international-level competition
✔ Marathon and endurance racing
✔ Riders training with power
✔ Technical XC courses
✔ Riders wanting the lightest possible complete race bike
✔ Riders who want a flagship build without immediate upgrades
Our Thoughts on the Specialized S-Works Epic 9
The Specialized S-Works Epic 9 is more than a lightweight version of the standard Epic. Its FACT 12m frame, Flight Attendant suspension, Roval Control World Cup wheels and complete wireless component package work together as a genuinely integrated race system. The S-Works Epic 10 isn't simply an Epic 9 Comp with lighter parts. It's the lightest, most refined expression of Specialized's XC platform, combining the premium FACT 12m carbon frame with top-tier suspension, wireless electronic shifting and race-proven components chosen to deliver the fastest possible ride.
S-Works is where Specialized showcases its most advanced engineering. Every component has been selected with one objective—to deliver the lightest, fastest and most refined ride possible. From the FACT 12m carbon frame to the Flight Attendant suspension and XX SL Eagle Transmission, this is a bike built for riders who want every possible performance advantage.
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
✔ RockShox Flight Attendant system setup and walkthrough
✔ SRAM AXS component pairing and firmware check
✔ 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 S-Works Epic 9 purchased from Chain Reaction receives a detailed workshop setup and safety inspection before collection or dispatch.
Your bike receives:
- Complete professional assembly
- Full workshop safety inspection
- Brakes professionally pre-bedded using our Sinter Smart bedding-in machine
- Fork and shock pressures initially set according to rider weight
- RockShox Flight Attendant setup and calibration
- SRAM AXS component pairing and firmware check
- Quarq power meter connection and function check
- Reverb AXS dropper-post setup
- Tubeless wheel and tyre inspection
- Premium feature walkthrough and practical maintenance advice
- Secure packaging for transport
- Nationwide New Zealand delivery
- Click & Collect where available
Specifications are based on manufacturer information and may change without notice.