Specialized Epic 9 Expert review: A world-class cross-country bike at a mid-range price

Until recently, that was Specialized Epic 9 Expert with an RRP of 6,999 euros still the most affordable bike in the brand-new Epic 9 range. It now sits in the mid-range between the Specialized Epic 9 Sport, priced at 4,199 euros, and the S-Works, priced at 14,499 euros. In its latest iteration, the legendary Epic model is even more firmly focused on cross-country racing. It has become lighter and, compared to its predecessor, has been tuned even more uncompromisingly for competition. A look at the details of the Specialized Epic 9 Expert reveals whether its claim to victory can hold true even in lower price brackets.

Conclusion

If I were to buy a bike from the Epic 9 range with my own money, it would probably be the Expert model. It offers the best balance of price, spec and performance for your average cross-country and marathon rider. Even though there’s a significant weight difference compared to the top-of-the-range models, with the Specialized Epic 9 Expert there’s no excuse not to make it onto the podium. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor

The Specialized Epic 9 Expert in detail

• Intended use: Cross-country / Marathon
• Suspension travel: 120 / 120 mm
• Wheel size: 29”
• Frame material: carbon
• Weight: 11.1 kg (BIKE measurement, size S, including 2 bottle cages, excluding pedals)
• Price: 6,999 euros >> available here
• Special features: Flex-Pivot, steering stop limiter

Facilities

• Fork / Shock: RockShox SID / SIDluxe Select+
• Gear system / gearing: SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission (1 x 12), 34; 10–52 (520%)
• Brakes: SRAM Motive Bronze, 180 / 160 mm
• Seatpost: X-Fusion Manic, 125 mm
• Wheels: Specialized Roval Control SL V
• Tyres: Specialized Fast Trak / Air Trak, Flex Lite, T5/T7, 29 x 2.35

Making good things even better

The Specialized Epic 8 was already a big hit with the BIKE editorial team. It combined a reasonable bike weight with off-road performance that was unrivalled at the time. Since then, not only has the competition caught up, but cross-country racing has also evolved further. The new Epic 9 does away with the frame storage compartment and, compared to the Epic 8 – which Specialized described as “over-engineered” – has become significantly lighter, at least in the S-Works version. In this version, weights starting from 8.1 kilos are achieved (thanks in part to extremely lightweight wheels and components).

We weighed the Specialized Epic 9 Expert in size S at 11.1 kilos. That’s a good figure, though not quite as impressive as that of the top-of-the-range model, which costs more than twice as much. By way of comparison: For the Expert version of the Epic 8, with similar specifications, we had calculated a weight of 11.4 kilos in size XL. Race bikes from other major brands in the under-7,000-euro price range, however, usually weigh a little more. But as we all know, weight isn’t everything – not even in cross-country cycling.

However, Specialised has not only revised the frame details, but also the geometry and suspension. The Californian brand has clearly got a lot right, because based on our test experience, the Epic 9 boasts one of the best cross-country suspensions of all time. Combined with the three-stage damping platform of the RockShox suspension components and progressive race geometry, the Specialized literally flies over both uphill and downhill sections alike. In the right hands, this is a bloody fast bike.

No excuses

The Specialized Epic 9 Expert already comes equipped with everything a modern race bike needs. The Select+ suspension fork and rear shock should satisfy even the most demanding racers. The same applies to the Bronze-level SRAM Motive four-piston brakes. Only taller and heavier riders should consider upgrading the discs and pads to get a bit more stopping power out of the brakes.

The Epic 9 Expert is already fitted with carbon wheels from the brand’s own Roval range, but the cockpit does not feature any carbon components. The SRAM GX Eagle AXS drivetrain is a real workhorse; it’s reliable and impresses with its performance. Overall, however, racers will still find one or two areas on the bike where they can tweak the weight a little. Either way, the Specialized Epic 9 Expert is ‘race-ready’ straight out of the box.

Strengths and weaknesses

Pro

• a lightweight yet impressive all-round package
• excellent cross-country suspension
• Geometry combines efficiency and performance reserves
• functional equipment package

Cons

• still leaves a bit of scope for weight tuning
• less versatility than its predecessor

What do you think: does the Specialized Epic 9 Expert have what it takes to be a Wolks racer, or what alternatives would you suggest? Let us know in the comments!