New Specialized Epic 9 Sport and Comp models: The ultra-light race bike now from 4,199 euros

Many cross-country fans followed the launch of the new Specialized Epic 9 with mixed feelings. After all, the bike is super-light, progressive and has enjoyed huge success in the World Cup. At the same time, the starting price when it was first launched was just under 7,000 euros. Specialised has since added two more affordable models – the Comp and Sport series – designed to make it easier to enter the illustrious world of the Epic 9.

Conclusion

Anyone who’s fallen in love with the Specialized Epic 9 frame but doesn’t want to spend a fortune now has two exciting new options in the form of the new Comp and Sport models. The frame is definitely worth the investment, as the Epic is and remains one of the best race bikes on the market. However, discerning cyclists should allow for a bit of fine-tuning here and there. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

Specialized Epic 9 Comp & Sport: A Closer Look

• Intended use: Cross-country / Marathon
• Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
• Wheel size: 29”
• Weight: 11.9 / 11.8 kg (manufacturer’s specification)
• Price: 4,199 / 4,999 euros >> available here
• Special features: Flex-Pivot, steering stop limiter

Epic 9 Sport: Your ticket to elite sport

Priced at 4,199 euros, the Specialized Epic 9 Sport marks the new entry-level model in the prestigious race bike range. It is based on the same FACT 11m carbon frame used in models right up to the Pro model, which costs 9,499 euros. It also comes equipped with a high-quality RockShox SID Luxe fork featuring Select+ damping. Shifting is wireless via radio control thanks to the SRAM S1000. When it comes to components, however, budget-conscious riders will have to make some compromises. The Reba fork is a grade below the SID and is a fair bit heavier. SRAM DB4 brakes aren’t exactly renowned for their braking performance, and naturally, the rims are still made of aluminium. The basic dropper post has only a very limited travel.

Facilities

• Front fork / Rear shock: RockShox Reba / SIDluxe Select+
• Gear system: SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission / Eagle 70
• Brakes: SRAM DB4, 180 / 160 mm
• Seatpost: Trans-X Dropper, 100–150 mm
• Wheels: Specialized Alloy
• Tyres: Specialized Fast Trak / Air Trak, Flex Lite, T5/T7, 29 x 2.35

Epic 9 Comp: The pros’ choice

Budget-conscious racers will find the Specialized Epic Comp hard to resist. The Comp model shares aluminium wheels and a wireless gear system with more affordable components with its Sport counterpart. For an extra 800 euros, the fork already bears the SID logo. However, inside it features the more affordable Select suspension. SRAM Motive brakes are also used in the Cross Country World Cup. The Specialised Epic 9 Comp, however, is fitted with the entry-level ‘Bronze’ version. On the other hand, the dropper post is a tried-and-tested model from X-Fusion with a slightly greater adjustment range.

Facilities

• ​Front fork / Rear shock: RockShox SID Select / SIDluxe Select+
• Gear system: SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS Transmission / Eagle 70
• Brakes: SRAM Motive Bronze, 180 / 160 mm
• Seatpost: X-Fusion Manic, 125–170 mm
• Wheels: Specialized Alloy
• Tyres: Specialized Fast Trak / Air Trak, Flex Lite, T5/T7, 29 x 2.35

What do you think: who would benefit from affordable race bikes with high-quality carbon frames? Or should the Epic 9 be reserved for elite sport? Share your thoughts in the comments!