{"id":5236,"date":"2026-04-28T19:33:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-28T19:33:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velomag.eu\/epic-9-the-featherweight-xc-revolution\/"},"modified":"2026-04-28T19:33:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-28T19:33:28","slug":"epic-9-the-featherweight-xc-revolution","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/velomag.eu\/nl\/epic-9-the-featherweight-xc-revolution\/","title":{"rendered":"Epic 9: The Featherweight XC Revolution"},"content":{"rendered":"

Specialized’s latest innovation, the Epic 9, has set a new benchmark in cross-country (XC) racing by introducing the lightest full-suspension XC bike to date. This advancement is the culmination of 24 years of XC innovation, building upon the success of its predecessor, the Epic 8, which dominated the World Cup circuit in 2025. (ambmag.com.au<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Frame and Weight Reduction<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Epic 9’s frame, crafted from FACT 11m carbon, weighs a mere 1,589 grams for a medium size, making it the lightest full-suspension XC race frame available. This reduction is achieved through meticulous Finite Element Analysis (FEA) optimization and hundreds of small refinements across the chassis. Notably, the front triangle alone is 110 grams lighter than its predecessor. The absence of internal frame storage contributes to this weight saving. (bikeradar.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Suspension Enhancements<\/strong><\/p>\n

Maintaining 120mm of front and rear travel, the Epic 9 introduces a new top-tube mounted link that drives the shock, replacing the previous rocker and yoke layout. This design, inspired by the Epic World Cup, aims to increase torsional stiffness in the rear end while saving weight. Additionally, Specialized claims an 11% reduction in suspension friction, achieved through updates across the frame, pivots, and linkage, enhancing sensitivity and traction. (bikeradar.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Geometry Refinements<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Epic 9 retains the geometry of the Epic 8, with a head angle of 65.9 degrees in the low setting and a reach of 420mm for the S and M sizes. The chainstay length scales by size, with S and M frames at 435mm, the L at 438mm, and the XL at 442mm. These subtle adjustments aim to deliver technical terrain capability alongside fast and efficient climbing and acceleration performance. (bikeradar.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Efficiency and Performance<\/strong><\/p>\n

Specialized positions the Epic 9 as its most efficient XC bike to date, focusing on kinematics, damping, chassis behavior, and rider position to ensure that power is effectively translated into forward motion. The bike’s design aims to keep riders’ full potential realized by seamlessly integrating the bike around them. (specialized.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

Models and Pricing<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Epic 9 is available in several models, including the S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD, S-Works Epic 9, Epic 9 Pro, and Epic 9 Expert. The S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD is priced at $14,500, while the S-Works Epic 9 is priced at $15,250. The Epic 9 Expert starts at $7,499.99. (specialized.com<\/a>)<\/p>\n

In summary, the Specialized Epic 9 represents a significant leap in XC racing technology, combining lightweight design with advanced suspension and geometry to offer unparalleled efficiency and performance on the trails.<\/p>\n

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Specialized’s latest innovation, the Epic 9, has set a new benchmark in cross-country (XC) racing…<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":5237,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-5236","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t