First ride impression Specialized Epic 9: The fastest S-Works of all time

The Specialized Epic 8 won the hearts of our BIKE testers with its clear cross-country DNA and unprecedented versatility. The successor, the Epic 9, is now looking to go one better and replace the super racer. The fast American has a significantly lighter carbon frame, a revised 120cc chassis and adapted geometry. This means that the Epic 9 not only replaces its direct predecessor, but also the short-stroke Epic Worldcup and the lightweight Epic Evo trail bike from the Specialized line-up. During test rides in Santa Cruz, California, we were able to get a first ride impression of the new Specialized Epic 9.

Specialised S-Works Epic 9 in detail

• Area of application: Cross Country / Marathon
• Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
• Wheel size: 29"
• Frame material: Carbon
• Weight of complete bike: from 9.84 kg (BIKE measurement)
• Frame weight (incl. shock, size M): from 1589 g (manufacturer's specification)
• Price: 14,999 euros
• Special features: Flex pivot, size-specific chainstay lengths

Equipment

• Fork / Shock: Rockshox SID / SIDluxe Ultimate Flight Attendant
• Drivetrain: Sram XX SL Eagle AXS incl. power meter, 1 x 12
• Brakes: Sram Motive Ultimate
• Wheels: Roval Control World Cup
• Tyres: Specialized Fast Trak / Air Trak Flexlite, 29 x 2.35"

A bike for all occasions

The professional athletes of the extremely successful Specialized Factory Racing Team wanted a bike as light and efficient as the Epic World Cup, as powerful as the Epic 8 and as confident as the Epic Evo for the new edition of the race bike classic. A blatant wish list, considering that, according to our test experience, the starting point was already one of the best cross country fullys of its time.

I put the outgoing Epic 8 through a full year of endurance testing and was absolutely impressed by the blend of lightness and riding safety. So confident, fast and fun: I've only experienced this from a few race bikes so far. Now the Epic 9 wants to go one better and replace the Epic World Cup and Epic Evo at the same time - an ambitious goal! - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

The lightness of being

Depending on the frame size, Specialized has reduced the weight of the Epic 9 frame by over 200 grams, or around 14 per cent, compared to its predecessor. In combination with the new Roval Control World Cup wheels, which at just 991 grams per set are among the lightest 29ers in the world, the Specialized S-Works Epic 9 is incredibly light at € 14,999. Despite 120 millimetres at the front and rear and a full load of electronic components, it brings the era of race fullys back under ten kilos and could even be tuned down to 8.3 kilos. The reduced weight is definitely noticeable in acceleration and handling. The Epic 9 accelerates like a bumblebee and catapults effortlessly up all ramps. In a straight line, it's child's play to make light work of the bike and fly over bumps. The wheels speed forwards with maximum torque, while the Rockshox Flight Attendant suspension automatically suppresses any bobbing.

The low weight is the result of consistent cost-cutting measures. Specialized has removed the down tube storage compartment from the Epic 9 and replaced it with a small but neat box underneath the bottle cage. This can be removed if necessary and allows quicker access to repair materials such as a CO2 cartridge in stressful race situations. The other side of the coin: less storage space, for example for a windbreaker or an air pump. This detail clearly shows that Specialized has designed the Epic 9 explicitly for racers and less for bikers who don't regularly ride against the stopwatch. The fact that the cables now run through the headset on all models and the frame no longer works with mechanical drivetrains will not please all customers, but it also saves a few grams.

Geometry, fit and wheel size

Specialized has rethought the sizing concept of the Epic 9 and now only offers four frame sizes instead of five. To achieve this, the frames at the edge of the size spectrum have been adjusted and all Epics now come with size-specific chainstay lengths. For our test bike in size XL, this means a 17 millimetre higher stack and seven millimetre longer chainstays. The overall size of the bike grows noticeably together with a five millimetre increase in reach.

Is this the harbinger of an even bigger bike? Specialized is also experimenting with the new 32-inch wheel size, but is once again using 29er wheels for the Epic Generation 9. "With 29-inch wheels, the Epic 9 is the fastest bike we can currently offer our athletes," says Product Manager Brian Gordon. We believe him, as 32-inch bikes are currently still in the testing phase. Racers are speculating on the advantages of the larger wheels, but a competition-ready, lightweight and reliable package is still a long way off.

In terms of riding position, the Epic 9 remains sporty and stretched without being too aggressive. Specialized seems to have found a good compromise for the race bike and our 190 centimetre tall test rider. However, riders in the smaller sizes should study the geometry table a little more closely than was necessary with the Epic 8. In a seated position, the 0.5 degree increased seat angle and the ergonomic Roval cockpit enable a very efficient pedalling position. The extended rear end helps when climbing and there is no need to worry about the front wheel rising on the Specialized Epic 9, even on extremely steep climbs. Traction is a touch better than on the Epic 8 and is generally at a high level.

Long runs

We are in for a downhill surprise on the exposed trails above Santa Cruz. "Such a light bike shouldn't be able to shoot like that," is the first thought that comes to mind. It almost seems like a bug in the Matrix. Whether it's a drop or a root field: the long geo and the customised suspension take on all obstacles. Despite the bike's weight of around ten kilos, the motto is to hold on and get over it. The smooth ride is really strong and the downhill speed is impressively high. Has Specialized really managed to make a really good race bike even better? Unfortunately, this question cannot be answered that easily after just a few kilometres of testing. What is certain is that the sharpened character should play into the hands of racers and the reduced weight is a benefit in all riding situations.

However, the wheelbase of the Specialized Epic 9, which has grown by an impressive 21 millimetres in size XL, cannot be ignored. Tight bends require more pressure and agile manoeuvres require more physical effort at low speeds. The new Epic is no longer a truly playful bike. Instead, it has a clear focus on speed uphill and downhill. The electronically controlled Rockshox Flight Attendant suspension of the S-Works version is a matter of taste. To get the best out of comfort and efficiency, racers who want to use the automatic control have to deal with bias settings and power zones, but then they get a very exciting high-end suspension with the latest technology.

Conclusion on the Specialized Epic S-Worx 9

The old Specialized Epic 8 was a good racer but also a versatile, lightweight bike for touring and adventure. The successor Epic 9 has a sharper design, no longer everybody's darling but definitely the more consistent racing machine. It doesn't mess around so much and is hungry for speed. In a competition setting, it feels like Superman's bike: unstoppable and yet super light. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

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