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The legendary Epic has a specialised has a long tradition: since its introduction 20 years ago, it has been regarded as a top-class racing weapon. To date, professionals from all over the world have won over 100 major victories with the Race Fully. The Californians have revised the Epic for the 2021 model year. According to the manufacturer, the newcomer aims to be lighter, stiffer and stronger on descents. The Evo version of the Epic is also new to the Epic Evo.
The new brain - even smarter?
The Brain suspension system makes the lockout lever on the handlebars superfluous again this year. How does it work? The intelligent suspension uses an inertia valve to differentiate between the impulse from above caused by pedalling and the impulse from below caused by bumps on the trail. For effective pedalling, the Brain tightens the fork and shock. For rough sections, the "brain" releases the entire suspension travel. The new generation even claims to have learnt something new. The Americans hope that the revised inertia valve will provide better durability, longer maintenance intervals and a finer response behaviour. The Brain shocks continue to come from Rockshox - modified by Specialized technology.
The rider can also continue to adjust the sensitivity of the Brain system in five stages. As with the predecessor model, the brain reservoir and equaliser tank are located behind the rear wheel axle.
The facts about the new Specialized Epic (MY 2021)
- Frame material: Carbon
- Suspension travel: 100 millimetres
- 29-inch wheels
- Weight: from 9.65 kilos in size L (BIKE measurement)
- Frame weight without shock: 1441 grams (BIKE measurement)
- three models from 4299 euros to 11599 euros
- Extras: SWAT mini-tool
The frame of the new Specialized Epic: lighter and stiffer!
All new Epic models rely on a full carbon frame. The top-of-the-range S-Works model uses a lighter carbon fibre than the cheaper Comp and Expert models. This allows the engineers to reduce the frame weight without shock absorber by a further 40 grams. At 1441 grams, the S-Works frame is probably one of the lightest MTB full suspension frames on the market. According to our laboratory scales, the total weight is 9.65 kilos. With the Predecessor Epic the display levelled off at exactly 9.71 kilos. The rear triangle is also said to be 15 per cent stiffer. The reason for this is the new carbon fibre shock suspension.
The geometry: optimised for downhill riding
Specialized also has its finger on the pulse when it comes to geometry. In order to meet the ever tougher demands of World Cup courses, the developers have designed their latest creation to be even longer and slacker. The reach has grown by 1.4 centimetres (470 millimetres in size L). The steering angle is two degrees slacker (67.5 degrees). Thanks to the short 433 mm chainstays, the rear end whizzes around tight bends with ease.
Specialised Epic 2021: The models
The highest of feelings is offered by the S-Works Epic for 11599 euros. However, the price tag gives the savings book a severe blow. In return, the top model comes with a flawless, electronic Sram AXS drivetrain, rolls over the trail on Roval Control SL wheels and all carbon components. The suspension consists of the Rockshox/Specialized Brain shock and the SID SL Ultimate Brain fork - also from Rockshox. A Quarq power meter on the crank ensures precise power recording.
Specialized offers the entry-level model in the Epic MTB line from 4299 euros with the Comp model. Here, the Pilot shifts on a Shimano SLX groupset. The shock also works with Brain technology. The Reba RL fork, on the other hand, only comes with a lockout at the top of the fork.
In between is the Specialized Epic Expert, which costs € 6499. The Sram X01 Eagle drivetrain ensures precise gear changes. The fork and shock think for themselves again with the Brain technology on this model. The Roval Control carbon wheels round off the high-quality overall package.
The S-Works Epic in a practical test
We pitted the S-Works Epic against the Cannondale Scalpel in a test duel. You can read the detailed test with all ride and measurement data in BIKE 8/2020 - in stores from 7 July.
Max Fuchs
Editor
