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The new EpicVersatile full-throttle racing machine

Laurin Lehner

 · 06.08.2019

The new Epic: Versatile full-throttle racing machinePhoto: Specialized
The new Epic: Versatile full-throttle racing machine
The 2020 Specialized Epic hardtail will get racers' palms wet with excitement, but is very versatile thanks to its wide tyres and optional dropper post.

The biggest headline first: The new Specialized Epic hardtail is the lightest production hardtail ever. Nevertheless, it is supposed to fulfil the toughest test standards. But Specialized developer Peter Denk has not only slimmed down his baby compared to last year's model (70 grams lighter), he has also tweaked the geometry.

Specialized frontman Vernon Felton proudly presents the new Epic. This Epic S-Works frame weighs in at a sensational 740 grams. Officially, Specialized states 760 grams for the S-Works frame. Manufacturing tolerances are said to be responsible for the slight weight fluctuations.Photo: Specialized Specialized frontman Vernon Felton proudly presents the new Epic. This Epic S-Works frame weighs in at a sensational 740 grams. Officially, Specialized states 760 grams for the S-Works frame. Manufacturing tolerances are said to be responsible for the slight weight fluctuations.

In addition to the widespread "longer and flatter", the new Epic hardtail shines with useful details. For example, a 30.9 mm dropper post or wider tyres (2.3-2.4 inches) can be fitted. The unsightly fork stop on the down tube of the previous model has also disappeared.

Braaaap! The new Epic is longer and flatter, but still nimble and manoeuvrable enough to whizz along winding trails.Photo: Specialized Braaaap! The new Epic is longer and flatter, but still nimble and manoeuvrable enough to whizz along winding trails.

In short: Like its predecessor, the new Epic Hardtail is a full-throttle racing machine at the highest level. The geometry update has done it noticeably good. The leap in innovation compared to last year's model is smaller than it was ten years ago. But we were thrilled at how quickly the Epic accelerates - and surprised at how much fun it can be on downhills.

Not only fun on World Cup courses. Here we tip the new Epic into a steep descent. Given the record weight, we think the Specialized team could have given the Epic a dropper post. In any case, the 2020 frame with its 30.9 mm seat tube is designed for all kinds of models.Photo: Specialized Not only fun on World Cup courses. Here we tip the new Epic into a steep descent. Given the record weight, we think the Specialized team could have given the Epic a dropper post. In any case, the 2020 frame with its 30.9 mm seat tube is designed for all kinds of models.

Conclusion: Specialized Epic HT - a dream for racers with many facets

The changes to last year's model are in the details. Nevertheless, the new Specialised Epic Hardtail the palms of racers get wet with excitement. A hot candidate for the podium. Very versatile thanks to the wide tyres and optional dropper post.

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Chic, simple, sexy: Specialized offers seven models. All in 29-inch. They start from 2099 euros. For the top model (S-Works Epic HT AXS) you have to put a whole 9500 euros on the table.Photo: Specialized Chic, simple, sexy: Specialized offers seven models. All in 29-inch. They start from 2099 euros. For the top model (S-Works Epic HT AXS) you have to put a whole 9500 euros on the table. The 430 mm chainstays ensure manoeuvrable handling. The Epic is exclusively equipped with the Sram XX1 Eagle AXS electric drivetrain. The Quarq Powermeter measures the power output on the crank.Photo: Specialized The 430 mm chainstays ensure manoeuvrable handling. The Epic is exclusively equipped with the Sram XX1 Eagle AXS electric drivetrain. The Quarq Powermeter measures the power output on the crank. The Rockshox fork features Specialized's own Brain technology.Photo: Specialized The Rockshox fork features Specialized's own Brain technology. Sssssss. Naturally, the top model comes with electronic shifting. This saves weight and gives the cockpit a clean look, but significantly increases the price.Photo: Specialized Sssssss. Naturally, the top model comes with electronic shifting. This saves weight and gives the cockpit a clean look, but significantly increases the price. Longer and slacker: The geometry table for the Specialized Epic HT, 2020 model year. The bike is available in four frame sizes, the entry-level model also in XS.Photo: Specialized Longer and slacker: The geometry table for the Specialized Epic HT, 2020 model year. The bike is available in four frame sizes, the entry-level model also in XS.

Specialised Epic HT 2020 - the models

Pink-blue paintwork and skinwall tyres: The Epic HT Pro is the eye-catcher in the new 2020 hardtail range from Specialized.Photo: Hersteller Pink-blue paintwork and skinwall tyres: The Epic HT Pro is the eye-catcher in the new 2020 hardtail range from Specialized.
The S-Works Epic Hardtail Ultralight is the lightest model in the line-up, but not the most expensive. Price: 8500 euros.Photo: Hersteller The S-Works Epic Hardtail Ultralight is the lightest model in the line-up, but not the most expensive. Price: 8500 euros. The frame of the Epic HT Expert is said to weigh 915 grams. The complete bike pictured is priced at 4200 euros with Sram GX Eagle and carbon wheels.Photo: Hersteller The frame of the Epic HT Expert is said to weigh 915 grams. The complete bike pictured is priced at 4200 euros with Sram GX Eagle and carbon wheels. The Comp version of the Epic HT also uses the 915 gram frame. Price for the bike with NX Eagle: 2700 euros.Photo: Hersteller The Comp version of the Epic HT also uses the 915 gram frame. Price for the bike with NX Eagle: 2700 euros.
Laurin Lehner

Born in South Baden, Laurin Lehner is, by his own admission, a lousy racer. Maybe that's why he is fascinated by creative, playful biking. What counts for him is not how fast you get from A to B, but what happens in between. Lehner writes reports, interviews scene celebrities and tests products and bikes - preferably those with a lot of suspension travel.

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