Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup: The Fastest XC Race Bike
The Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup is the fastest XC race bike in the world. In fact, it excels on smooth to moderately technical courses. This is thanks to an unmatched combination of efficiency, control, and a lightweight design. World Champion Christopher Blevins said it best, “This thing gives me everything I could want from a hardtail, plus the control and capability of full suspension.” Ultimately, it took a totally integrated development approach to create this speed machine. We also invented a radical new shock and applied four decades of off-road winning experience.
The S-Works Epic World Cup Frame: New Standards in Stiffness
To deliver maximum speed, our engineering team set and achieved new standards in torsional rigidity and BB stiffness. This was a result of ruthlessly efficient power transfer and precision handling. For this reason, it required an integrated development approach. The frame has a structurally superior double diamond layout. The shock is cradled inside the top-tube. Additionally, the frameset features the most sophisticated composite layup in Specialized history.
WCID Shock: Unmatched Efficiency and Control
The Specialized Ride Dynamics team conceived and invented a revolutionary shock technology for the Epic World Cup. It gives the rider the efficiency and snappy response of a hardtail. At the same time, it offers the control, capability, and momentum of full suspension. Best of all, it has a simple setup. Co-developed with RockShox, the SID Deluxe WCID shock utilizes a unique independently adjustable positive and negative air springs. This delivers a sought-after hardtail “snap.” In turn, it combines with terrain-devouring forgiveness. Riders can easily personalize the setup for a specific course or tune it for their preference and feel.
Ride with Unmatched Versatility
You can set it firm and it rides like a hardtail. Alternatively, open it up and you have a chunk-squashing ripper. What’s more, you aren’t just limited to “open and closed.” The simple nature of its setup allows the rider to choose from a full spectrum of firm to soft. The Epic World Cup’s 75mm of rear travel delivers the control of a much longer travel bike.
This is due to its design, which is at or close to topped-out. Consequently, it yields the same positive travel as a 100mm travel bike set up with 25% sag. To further optimize suspension performance, the Specialized Ride Dynamics team tuned the spring-rate to be relatively flat through the mid-stroke. This handles the majority of bump forces like a longer travel bike. The custom Mega Jounce Bumper is an “industry first.” It plays a crucial role in smoothly managing bottom-out on the biggest impacts.
Ride Dynamics Technology: A Dream Combination
The groundbreaking SIDLuxe WCID shock provides a unique blend of support and compliance in the rear. Likewise, the RockShox SID SL with 3-Position Race Day 2 damper borrows the all-new Epic 8’s “Magic Middle” tune. This provides support under pedaling and 110mm of active suspension in the rough. Therefore, it delivers ultimate efficiency.
The Weight is Over: A Featherweight XC Mountain Bike
The frame weighs just 1,765 grams. This includes the paint, shock, and all hardware. As a result, the Epic World Cup edges out the lightest competitors. Furthermore, this translates to faster acceleration, more efficient climbing, and more agile handling. All of that adds up to speed. We achieved the featherweight and monster stiffness by applying what we learned from our Aethos. The Aethos is the lightest production road frame ever made. Specifically, we used its advanced composite layup and tube shapes. For those seeking a high-performance ride for cycling in Dubai, this mountain bike is an excellent choice.
The Roval Control SL Components: Light, Stiff, and Fast
The Epic World Cup sports the full suite of Roval Control SL components. This includes a 1,240-gram wheelset, a 180-gram seatpost, and a 250-gram integrated cockpit. Each component boasts peerless lightweight, stiffness, and control on the World Cup today.
