2021 SPECIALIZED EPIC EXPERT 29" MOUNTAIN BIKE
Speed has always been the calling card of Specialized’s Epic Expert Mountain Bike, with the Brain-controlled 100mm of travel and carbon frame combining to provide a podium-ready performance. The latest iteration adds modern long, low and slack geometry into the recipe in order to keep pace with the kind of technical course being used for XC racing, improving the handling and increasing confidence when things get tricky. This also makes the Epic massively fast and competent away from the race course too.

Both the RockShox SID SL Brain fork and RockShox-Specialized Brain rear shock benefit from the Brain’s ability to differentiate between rider input and terrain-based bumps, meaning that it is stiff and efficient for pedalling but plush when required to control rocks and roots. The FACT 11m carbon frame is as light as the previous generation’s range-topping S-Works model with the rear triangle being 15% stiffer.

Roval’s 29” carbon Control wheels are both light and stiff adding to the bike’s cross-country abilities, and with a 25mm internal width, they provide great support and volume to the Specialized Fast Trak tyres. As both the tyres and the rims are tubeless-ready, conversion is a straightforward task and gives the benefits of running low pressures without risking a pinch puncture.

The drivetrain and brakes are courtesy of SRAM, in the guise of their XO1 Eagle 12-speed and Level TL hydraulic discs. The 10-50 cassette provides a 500% gear range so all routes and courses are catered for, with the snappy shifting and consistent braking ensuring that all energies can be concentrated on line choice and pedalling effort.

FEATURES :
• Specialized FACT 11m Carbon frame with Modern XC Race Geometry and 100mm of travel
• RockShox-Specialized Brain rear shock with Rx XC Tune
• RockShox SID SL Brain fork with 100mm of travel
• SRAM X01 Eagle 12-speed drivetrain
• SRAM Level TL hydraulic disc brakes
• Roval Control 29” carbon wheelset

SPECIFICATION :
Frame
FACT 11m Full Carbon, Modern 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
Rear Shock
RockShox-Specialized BRAIN, Rx XC Tune, 5 Position Platform Adjust, Rebound Adjust, Integraded Extension, 265x52.5mm
Fork
RockShox SID SL BRAIN, Bottom-Adjust Brain damper, Debon Air, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 100mm Travel
Stem
Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise
Handlebars
Specialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp
Grips
Specialized Trail Grips
Saddle
Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails
Seatpost
Specialized Alloy, Single Bolt, 30.9mm
Front Brake
SRAM Level TL, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc
Rear Brake
SRAM Level TL, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc
Rear Derailleur
SRAM X01 Eagle, 12-speed
Shift Levers
SRAM X01 Eagle, trigger, 12-speed
Cassete
SRAM XG-1275 Eagle, 12-speed, 10-50t
Chain
SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
Crankset
SRAM X1 Eagle, DUB, 32t, XS: 165mm, SM: 170mm, M-XL: 175mm
Chainrings
SRAM Eagle Alloy 32T Direct mount
Bottom Bracket
SRAM DUB, BSA 73mm, Threaded
Rims
Roval Control Carbon, 25mm internal width, Zero bead hook, Tubeless ready, 28h
Front Hub
DT Swiss 350, 15x110mm spacing, Torque caps, 6-bolt, 28h
Rear Hub
DT Swiss 350, Star Ratchet, SRAM XD driver body, 12mm thru-axle, 148mm spacing, 28h
Spokes
DT Swiss Competition Race
Front Tire
Fast Trak, Control casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3"
Rear Tire
Fast Trak, Control casing, GRIPTON® compound, 60 TPI, 2Bliss Ready, 29x2.3"
Inner Tubes
Presta, 60mm valve