Last year, the Stumpjumper S-Works World Cup with our Race hardtail test still received the test rating "Super". But the Stumpjumper was getting on in years. The best indication of this: Kulhavy, Langvad and Gaze almost exclusively rode the Epic race fully in the World Cup. The frame of the Specialized hardtail was therefore completely redesigned for 2017 and now breaks all weight records as the S-Works Epic HT.
The result is impressive. The new frame of the top model (828 grams) should weigh 340 grams less than its predecessor. This is made possible by a completely new frame design, a special paint finish and optimised cable routing inside the frame. The manufacturing process has also been improved. Unnecessary overlapping of the individual fibre mats has been eliminated, which saves weight. In addition, Specialized has managed to use fewer but larger fibre mats during production. This should have a positive effect on weight, stiffness and flex due to the longer fibres.
In our test last year, the predecessor confidently set the top mark in the stiffness measurement. According to Specialized, this has not changed despite the weight reduction. The new Epic HT frame should also be more comfortable than its predecessor.
At Specialized, Epic will no longer just be the name of the highly decorated race fully that carries Kulhavy, Gaze and Langvad from victory to victory in the World Cup, but also the name of the new hardtail that will replace the Stumpjumper HT in 2017. When designing the new Epic hardtail frame, however, the focus was not only on minimising weight. According to developer Peter Denk, a clear design language was one of the main points of focus. The design of the carbon frame was intended to fit in with the entire Specialized product range.
Optimised geometry of the Specialized Epic HT
On the other hand, no compromises were made in terms of geometry and riding behaviour during development - just to save weight. The focus was therefore on adapting the geometry to current conditions.
Specialized have also recognised that the trails in the Cross Country World Cup are becoming more and more technically difficult. The new Epic HT has been given a 1.2° slacker head angle and five millimetre shorter chainstays. This is made possible by the use of the new Boost hub standard, among other things. A slightly longer reach was also emphasised. In combination with a shorter stem, the bike remains the same "long", but should ride much more playfully. The new Specialized Epic HT should therefore take the fear out of every rock garden and offer a serious alternative to the Epic Fully for professional teams.
Frame weights of the lightest MTB hardtails in comparison
The models of the Epic HT
At the top of the range is of course the elegant S-Works version - the Epic S-Works top model will be available as a Di2 version with fully integrated electronic shifting (€8999) in addition to the mechanical World Cup version with Sram XX1 Eagle (€7499). The Epic Pro Carbon Worldcup (€4999) and Epic Expert Carbon Worldcup (€3499) models come with the same frame as the S-Works bikes.
Affordable alternative to the Epic S-Works
The cheaper hardtail models Epic Comp Carbon and Comp Carbon Worldcup (2499 euros) also benefit from the newly developed frame, but in a slightly simpler version. At 1180 grams, this should even be less than the weight of last year's S-Works model of the Stumpjumper HT. The new Comp models have the same geometry data as the top models.
All models are compatible with the in-house SWAT kit and come with a lifetime guarantee.
*Manufacturer information
