Specialized Epic 9: The New XC Race Bike That Replaces the Epic 8, EVO, and WorldCup
What Is the Specialized Epic 9?
The Specialized Epic has a long heritage in XC racing, being built on 24 years of World Cup. Epic 9 is the lightest full-suspension XC frame ever made at 1,589 grams, 206 grams lighter than Epic 8. Epic 9 has 11% less suspension friction for better control and traction and refined suspension kinematics that deliver more speed per watt, making it super capable and efficient. The all-new Specialized Epic 9 is the fastest XC race bike in the world.
One Bike to Replace Them All: Epic 8, Epic EVO, and World Cup Explained
The previous generation of Epic was split across 3 variations, Epic 8 (XC racing), Epic 8 Evo (XC/Trail) and Epic World Cup (elite XC racing). The new Epic 9 has combined the speed and capability of those three bikes into a single, focused Epic 9 platform that's carefully tailored to modern XC racing.
|
|
Epic 8 | Epic 8 Evo | Epic World Cup | All-New Epic 9 |
| Purpose | XC Racing | XC/Trail | Elite XC Racing | Modern XC Racing |
| Travel | 120mm | 130/120mm | 110/75mm | 110mm |
| Rider Type | Wears lycra | Wears baggies | Sleeps in lycra |
Sleeps in lycra, rips singletrack like wearing baggies |
Specialized Epic 9 vs Epic 8
The Epic 9 consolidates the three previous variations of Epic 8 and refines them into one platform that, when all added together, makes it the fastest XC bike. The Epic 9 is lighter, has a refined suspension design with better climbing efficiency and geometry tweaks and adjustments.
Has the Epic 8 Been Discontinued?
Yes, the Epic 8 is now discontinued. Specialized has replaced the Epic 8, Epic 8 Evo and Epic World Cup range and condensed it into one, newly redesigned Epic 9.
Specialized Epic 9 Specs: The Rundown
Epic 9 Suspension, Frame and Geometry highlights
Specialized made some tweaks and refinements to the frame and suspension for Epic 9.
- Epic 9 has 11% less suspension friction and also a lower leverage rate at sag, which gives the bike a firmer pedalling feel and better climbing efficiency. Epic 9 is less active than Epic 8 and more speed and efficiency oriented.
- Epic 9 geometry received some minor changes, too. The seat tube angle is slightly steeper and BB height is a tiny bit higher, which makes use of the flip chip more useful in low mode. Head angle has stayed relatively similar, which was already quite aggressive for a XC bike.
What Happened to the Specialized SWAT Box on the Epic 9?
The Epic 9 frame is 206 grams lighter. This was mostly accomplished by omitting the internal SWAT storage, which keeps the downtube nice and slim. Epic 9 goes back to the frame-mounted SWAT box for storage, which gives the rider the choice of having a light and sleek frame or storage capacity when needed.
Have questions on the Epic? Get in touch.
How Much Does the Specialized Epic 9 Weigh?
The Epic 9 is the lightest XC race bike available. Specialized claims it's 129 grams lighter than the closest competitor. Specialized has published the specific areas where the Epic 9 frame is lighter than the Epic 8:
- Front Triangle: 110g lighter than Epic 8
- Main Pivot: 15g lighter than Epic 8
- Seat Tube: 17g lighter than Epic 8
- Rear Triangle: 37g lighter than Epic 8
- Linkage and Hardware: 27g lighter than Epic 8
The weights of each Epic 9 model is below (all weights are for size medium):
- S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD: 8.56kg
- S-Works Epic 9: 9.66kg
- Epic 9 Pro: 10.39kg
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Epic 9 Expert: 10.95kg
- S-Works Epic 9 Frameset: 3.49kg including SID Ultimate fork
Need advice on specs and setup? Contact us with any questions!
Specialized Epic 9 geometry and sizing - which size is right for you?
Specialized refined the geometry for Epic 9. While head angle has stayed relatively similar, the seat tube angle is slightly steeper and BB height is a tiny bit higher, which makes use of the flip chip more useful in low mode.
| S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crank Length | 165mm | 170mm | 170mm | 170mm |
| Handlebar Width | 760mm | 760mm | 760mm | 760mm |
| Stem Length | 60mm | 70mm | 70mm | 70mm |
| Saddle Width | 155mm | 143mm | 143mm | 143mm |
| Seatpost Length | 125mm | 150mm | 150mm | 175mm |
| Stack | 594mm | 604mm | 618mm | 645mm |
| Reach (Low) | 420mm | 450mm | 480mm | 505mm |
| Reach (High) | 425mm | 455mm | 485mm | 510mm |
| Head-Tube Length | 92mm | 105mm | 120mm | 150mm |
| Head-Tube Angle (Low) | 65.9° | 65.9° | 65.9° | 65.9° |
| Head-Tube Angle (High) | 66.3° | 66.3° | 66.3° | 66.3° |
| B-B Height | 333mm | 335mm | 335mm | 335mm |
| B-B Drop (Low) | 42mm | 40mm | 40mm | 40mm |
| B-B Drop (High) | 37mm | 35mm | 35mm | 35mm |
| Trail | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm | 120mm |
| Fork Length (full) | 531mm | 531mm | 531mm | 531mm |
| Fork Rake/Offset | 44mm | 44mm | 44mm | 44mm |
| Front Center | 716mm | 752mm | 788mm | 823mm |
| Chain-Stay Length | 435mm | 435mm | 438mm | 442mm |
| Wheelbase | 1148mm | 1184mm | 1223mm | 1264mm |
| Top-Tube Length (horizontal) | 568mm | 601mm | 634mm | 666mm |
| Frame Stand-Over Height | 749mm | 755mm | 757mm | 764mm |
| Seat-Tube Length | 390mm | 410mm | 455mm | 505mm |
| Seat-Tube Angle | 76° | 76° | 76° | 76° |
| Seat Post Max Insertion | 190mm | 220mm | 260mm | 315mm |
| Seat Post Min Insertion | 80mm | 80mm | 80mm | 80mm |
| Saddle Height for Effective STA | 690mm | 735mm | 780mm | 825mm |
Below is a general sizing guide. If you need help, get in touch.
| Height (cm) | Size |
|---|---|
| 158 - 165 | S |
| 165 - 178 | M |
| 178 - 185 | L |
| 185 - 193 | XL |
Specialized Epic 9 NZ Price and Line Up: Comp, Expert, Pro, and S-Works
The Epic 9 family currently includes 4 complete bikes and a frameset. Below are the prices in NZD including GST. Note that these prices are correct at time of publishing. Check product links for current availability and pricing.
- Epic 9 Expert: $12,900
- Epic 9 Pro: $18,500
- S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD: $25,500
- S-Works Epic 9: $26,500
- S-Works Epic 9 Frameset: $11,500
If you're unsure which model might be best for you, reach out.
Here are photos of the first Epic 9 Pro we received.
Epic 9 Builds: The Real Differences Between Each Model
We've created a high-level summary of each model of Epic 9.
- S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD - Best of everything, SRAM XX SL, RockShox SL Ultimate, no Flight Attendant. For the elite level racer who wants the lightest full-suspension XC production bike ever made and a rare, unique bike.
- S-Works Epic 9 - Best of everything, SRAM XX SL, RockShox Ultimate with Flight Attendant - For the elite level racer who wants the fastest XC race bike with electronic suspension and also has $26,500.
- Epic 9 Pro - SRAM X0, RockShox Ultimate Flight Attendant, Roval Control SL VI - For the local XC legend who wants a super fast race bike with carbon wheels.
- Epic 9 Expert - SRAM GX, RockShox Select+, Roval Control SL V - For the local rider who wants a highly competent XC bike with carbon wheels for weekends and racing.
Need advice on which model will suit your riding style? Get in touch.
S-Works Epic 9 vs S-Works Ultra Light LTD
The S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD version of the S-Works Epic 9 takes weight savings to an extreme, with no paint on the frame or fork. It also omits the wireless electronic Flight Attendant suspension which saves weight. Think of the S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD as the version for the purist racer whereas the S-Works Epic 9 is for the techy racer.
Want specific advice about the S-Works? Get in touch.
Epic 9 Frameset - Build your own
Want to build your dream Epic? S-Works Epic 9 Framesets are available. Available in Gloss Amethyst Frost Multi Color Dry Impasto (pink), the Epic 9 frameset includes RockShox's top-of-the-line SID Ultimate Flight Attendant shock and fork. Weighing only 3.49kg for a medium frameset, including the fork, this frameset is ready for your next dream build.
Send us a message if you're interested in building an Epic 9.
Buying the Specialized Epic 9 in NZ - nationwide delivery, professional build, real support
At Cycleways, every bike order starts with you. We take the time to understand your preferences, from sizing and fit, so it arrives all ready to go right from the start.
We offer long term financing through Q Card. All bikes are professionally built by our workshop in Christchurch and test ridden in-store before being carefully re-boxed for delivery anywhere in New Zealand (except RD addresses). For orders outside of Canterbury, we can also arrange delivery to your local bike shop. From there, we'll coordinate with them to ensure your Epic 9 is fully set up for you.
There's also something to be said for choosing a brand with the depth of support that Specialized carries. Suspension rebuilds, parts availability, warranty support - none of that becomes a headache when you're backed by a well-established network. At Cycleways, you've got a local team who knows the bike, knows the brand, and can keep it running the way it should for the life of your ownership.
