Expert Rating: 9.7 ( 3 Reviews )
9.6
Flow Mountain Bike
Sep 14, 2023
The Specialized Epic World Cup stands out as an exceptionally efficient and lightweight cross-country race bike.
9.6
Overall Rating
The Specialized Epic World Cup stands out as an exceptionally efficient and lightweight cross-country race bike.
10
Weight
The Specialized Epic World Cup model is exceptionally lightweight, with a confirmed weight of 10.32 kilograms (around 22.74 pounds) for the test bike without pedals.
10
Front Travel
The bike features a 110mm travel fork up front.
10
Rear Travel
The rear travel is just 75mm, designed for efficiency in cross-country racing.
9
Pedaling Efficiency
The Epic World Cup is known for its outstanding pedaling efficiency. In the firm setting, it offers a hardtail-like pedaling performance, ideal for short-track racing. However, it can be adjusted to the active setting for more grip and control on technical courses.
9.5
Handling
The bike's geometry combines stability and agility. With a slack head angle and short chainstays, it provides stability on descents while remaining nimble for slicing through tight singletrack.
9
Frame Stiffness
The frame of the Epic World Cup is designed for responsive handling, minimizing lateral flex and providing precise control. The innovative suspension system and shock design contribute to its overall stiffness.
9.8
Pinkbike
Sep 14, 2023
The Specialized Epic World Cup is positioned as a high-performance mountain bike that combines the efficiency of a hardtail with 75mm of rear travel.
9.8
Overall Rating
The Specialized Epic World Cup is positioned as a high-performance mountain bike that combines the efficiency of a hardtail with 75mm of rear travel.
10
Weight
The bike's frame with hardware and shock weighs 1765 grams.
10
Front Travel
The bike features a 110mm travel fork up front.
10
Rear Travel
The rear travel is just 75mm.
9.5
Pedaling Efficiency
The rear suspension system includes a unique shock setup designed to provide a locked-out feel during pedaling, similar to a hardtail, by responding to input from underneath the bike.
10
Handling
The bike features a 66.5-degree head angle and a 74.5-degree seat tube angle, which contribute to its handling characteristics, making it suitable for twisty single tracks.
9
Frame Stiffness
Specialized claims that this bike has their most sophisticated carbon layup ever, suggesting a focus on frame stiffness and performance.
9.8
Bike Radar
Sep 14, 2023
The Specialized Epic World Cup is designed to excel in cross-country racing, with a focus on efficient climbing and confident descending.
9.8
Overall Rating
The Specialized Epic World Cup is designed to excel in cross-country racing, with a focus on efficient climbing and confident descending.
10
Weight
The Specialized Epic World Cup frame with hardware and shock weighs 1,756 grams for a size medium, making it one of the lightest full-suspension bikes available.
10
Front Travel
The bike is equipped with a 110mm fork.
10
Rear Travel
The rear travel is just 75mm.
9.5
Pedaling Efficiency
The rear shock provides efficient pedaling, mimicking a hardtail feel in the firmest setting. It offers three settings: no gulp, half gulp, and full gulp, allowing riders to adjust the suspension for various terrains.
10
Handling
The bike features a slack 66.5-degree head angle and a 74.5-degree seat tube angle, providing stability on descents and efficient climbing capabilities.
9.5
Frame Stiffness
The frame includes a small linkage hidden under the top tube, designed to increase stiffness. It also incorporates Specialized's most sophisticated carbon layup to optimize stiffness and weight.
Ready for some eye-opening revelations? I’ve delved deep into the world of the Specialized Epic World Cup, dissecting it across three YouTube videos guided by experts, and now I’m bursting with excitement to share my thrilling discoveries. These deep dives into the bike’s design, technology, and performance have equipped me with a wealth of knowledge that I’m eager to share with you. We’re about to unravel the complexities and highlight the exceptional features of this extraordinary bike, step by step. So, let’s cut to the chase and demystify this extraordinary bike for you.
Weight
First things first, let’s talk weight. The Specialized Epic World Cup model is a featherweight marvel, tipping the scales at an astonishingly light 10.32 kilograms (approximately 22.74 pounds) for the test bike, sans pedals. It’s like holding a breeze in your hands.
Now, when we talk about the frame with all its hardware and shock, it weighs in at a mere 1,765 grams. That’s some serious weight-saving wizardry right there.
But here’s the real kicker: for a size medium, the Specialized Epic World Cup frame with all its hardware and shock is a jaw-dropping 1,756 grams. Yes, you read that right! It’s one of the lightest full-suspension bikes on the market. This bike practically defies gravity.
Front Travel
Moving on to suspension, the Specialized Epic doesn’t mess around. Up front, it boasts a robust 110mm of travel from its fork. It’s the kind of suspension that eats up the bumps and leaves you gliding like a pro.
Rear Travel
Now, when it comes to the rear end, we’re talking 75mm of travel. But don’t let that seemingly modest number fool you. This setup is all about efficiency, specifically designed for cross-country racing where every pedal stroke counts.
Pedaling Efficiency
Here’s where the Specialized Epic truly shines – pedaling efficiency. In the firm setting, it’s like riding a hardtail rocket, perfect for short-track racing where speed is the name of the game. But here’s the cool part: you can switch it up to the active setting for more grip and control when tackling technical courses. It’s like having two bikes in one!
Now, let’s talk rear suspension. It’s no ordinary setup. This beauty is engineered to mimic the feel of a locked-out hardtail, responding to input from beneath the bike. It’s like having a secret weapon in your back pocket, ready to unleash maximum pedaling efficiency.
And if you’re a suspension connoisseur, you’ll love the rear shock’s three settings: no gulp, half gulp, and full gulp. These settings allow you to fine-tune your ride for various terrains. It’s like having a custom-tailored suit for your bike.
Handling
Handling? Oh boy, the Specialized Epic has it dialed in perfectly. With its clever geometry, it strikes a balance between stability and agility. Thanks to its slack head angle and short chainstays, it’s a champ on descents while remaining nimble enough to slice through tight singletrack like a hot knife through butter.
Speaking of geometry, let’s break it down: a 66.5-degree head angle and a 74.5-degree seat tube angle. These numbers are like the secret sauce that gives the Specialized Epic its extraordinary handling prowess. Whether you’re navigating twisty single tracks or taking on challenging descents, this bike has your back.
Frame Stiffness
Now, let’s talk frame stiffness – the backbone of any high-performance bike. The Epic World Cup’s frame is designed to deliver responsive handling by minimizing lateral flex. It’s all about precise control.
Specialized takes frame stiffness to the next level with their most sophisticated carbon layup ever. This isn’t just a frame; it’s a work of art meticulously crafted for stiffness and performance.
But here’s a little secret hidden under the top tube – a small linkage that further enhances stiffness. Combine that with Specialized’s state-of-the-art carbon layup, and you’ve got a frame that’s optimized for both stiffness and weight. It’s the kind of engineering that gives you an edge on the trails.
Overall Notes
In summary, the Specialized Epic World Cup is the epitome of efficiency and lightweight prowess. It’s a cross-country race bike that doesn’t just excel; it sets the gold standard.
Positioned as a high-performance mountain bike, it seamlessly combines the efficiency of a hardtail with 75mm of rear travel. It’s like having the best of both worlds – lightning-fast climbs and confident descents.
This bike is tailor-made for cross-country racing, with an unwavering focus on efficient climbing and fearless descending. It’s designed to conquer the trails, leaving you with nothing but the thrill of the ride.
Curious to see how the Specialized Epic World Cup bike compares to others? Explore our comprehensive guides for an in-depth analysis of top-quality bicycles designed to meet various cycling requirements and preferences. Inside these guides, you’ll encounter a diverse array of excellent options tailored to your liking, along with helpful resources to support you in making a well-informed decision.
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John