Pinch to Zoom

Rotate screen for larger image

2023 Epic Expert

4.7

7 Reviews

When speed comes calling, the Epic Expert doesn’t just answer, it yells back, ‘Catch…

Product Details

When speed comes calling, the Epic Expert doesn’t just answer, it yells back, ‘Catch me if you can!’

Featuring the most efficient suspension platform ever to grace a World Cup start line, the Epic Expert pairs 100-millimeters of Brain-controlled travel front and rear for a package that was born to erase seconds from the clock.

A Smarter BRAIN

Mixing hardtail efficiency and full-suspension capability to impressively quick results, Epic has always been defined by uncompromised commitment to speed.

Well, that and over 100 World Cup wins and podiums too. True to form, the latest Epic continues the tradition, taking advantage of the most efficient Brain suspension we’ve ever created to ensure it’s always on a first-name-basis with fast.

Re-engineered hand-in-hand with the new Epic, the latest BRAIN design resets the expectation for efficiency, employing a new race-tuned pedaling platform to ensure every watt possible is translated into forward motion, while handily soaking up momentum-killing chatter and big hits alike—all more smoothly than ever.

Frame-Changer

Redesigned with a focus on efficient power transfer and better handling performance, the Epic’s all-new FACT 11m carbon frame features a 15-percent stiffer rear triangle in order to take full advantage of the BRAIN's new race-tuned pedaling platform, while the revised carbon layup of the front-triangle sheds weight, sending the Epic’s already sky-high stiffness-to-weight ratio even higher.

Offering 100-millimeters of brilliantly efficient BRAIN-controlled travel, the Epic’s FACT 11m carbon frame increases rear-triangle stiffness for peerless power transfer and introduces the most capable handling in an Epic yet, all while shedding weight over the previous-generation Epic.
The RockShox SID SL BRAIN fork serves up 100-millimeters of brilliantly controlled BRAIN travel for effecient performance that pairs perfectly with the Epic's rear BRAIN system.
Sprightly stoppers from SRAM, Level TL brakes offer smooth modulation for precise speed control.
Descending from a long World Cup lineage, hand-built Roval Control Carbon wheels feature a modern 29-millimeter internal-width hookless rim, and maximize strength, ride quality, and durability while keeping weight to a minimum.

Technical Specifications

Frameset

Frame

FACT 11m Full Carbon, Progressive XC Race Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, 12x148mm rear spacing, internal cable routing, 100mm of travel

Seat Binder

Specialized Alloy, 34.9mm

SWAT

SWAT EMT Cage-Mount Tool

Suspension

Rear Shock

RockShox-Specialized BRAIN, Rx XC Tune, 5 Position Platform Adjust, Rebound Adjust, Integraded Extension, 265x52.5mm

Fork

RockShox SID SL BRAIN, Bottom-Adjust Brain damper, Debon Air, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 100mm Travel

Brakes

Front Brake

SRAM Level TL, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc

Rear Brake

SRAM Level TL, 2-piston caliper, hydraulic disc

Drivetrain

Shift Levers

SRAM GX Eagle AXS Controller

Rear Derailleur

SRAM GX Eagle AXS, w/ battery cover

Cassette

Sram XG-1275, 12-speed, 10-52t

Chain

SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed

Crankset

SRAM GX Eagle Alloy, DUB, 165/170/175mm, 34t

Chainrings

34T

Bottom Bracket

SRAM DUB, BSA 73mm, Threaded

Wheels & Tires

Rims

Roval Control, Carbon offset design, 29mm internal width, 4mm hook width, Tubeless ready, 28h

Front Hub

DT Swiss 350, 6-bolt, 15mm Thru-axle, 110mm spacing, 28h straight -pull

Rear Hub

DT Swiss 350 straight-pull, 6-bolt, DT Swiss Ratchet, 12x148mm thru axle, XD freehub body, 28h straight-pull

Spokes

DT Swiss Comp Race

Front Tire

Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, T7 Compound, 29x2.35

Rear Tire

Specialized Renegade, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35

Inner Tubes

Standard, Presta valve

Cockpit

Stem

Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise

Handlebars

Specialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp

Grips

Specialized Trail Grips

Saddle

Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails

SeatPost

X-Fusion Manic, 30.9, 100/125/150 Travel, 0mm offset

Weight

10.95kg (24 lb, 2.2 oz)

Weight Size

* Weights based on production painted frames as pictured. Actual weights will vary based on colourway, frame size, and component variation. Specifications are subject to change without notice.

Geometry

	XS	S	M	L	XL
Crank Length	165mm	170mm	175mm	175mm	175mm
Handlebar Width	750mm	750mm	750mm	750mm	750mm
Stem Length	60mm	60mm	70mm	70mm	70mm
Saddle Width	155mm	155mm	143mm	143mm	143mm
Seatpost Length	100mm	125mm	125mm	150mm	150mm
Stack	596mm	586mm	591mm	605mm	623mm
Reach	390mm	415mm	445mm	470mm	495mm
Head Tube Length	95mm	95mm	100mm	115mm	135mm
Head Tube Angle	67.5°	67.5°	67.5°	67.5°	67.5°
BB Height	314mm	324mm	324mm	324mm	324mm
BB Drop	58mm	48mm	48mm	48mm	48mm
Trail	106mm	106mm	106mm	106mm	106mm
Fork Length, Full	505mm	505mm	505mm	505mm	505mm
Fork Rake/Offset	44mm	44mm	44mm	44mm	44mm
Front Center	663mm	687mm	719mm	750mm	782mm
Chainstay Length	433mm	433mm	433mm	433mm	433mm
Wheelbase	1090mm	1116mm	1148mm	1179mm	1211mm
Bike Standover Height	740mm	763mm	766mm	776mm	788mm
Seat Tube Length	375mm	400mm	430mm	470mm	520mm
Seat Tube Angle	76.5°	75.8°	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°
Top Tube Length, Horizontal	533mm	563mm	598mm	626mm	656mm

Rider Reviews

4.7

7 Reviews

11/03/2023

Increíble

Simplemente supero todas mis expectativas!!!! excelente maquina

Name:: Marco

Helpful?

09/01/2023

Muito bom

Parabens

Name:: Marco S.

Helpful?

07/09/2023

Great Ride

I have been riding mtn bikes since front shock was just an idea. The Epic is really a great balance of latest tech and old school feel. The Brain shock works just as it should providing the old school hard tail rigid fork feel when pumping up a climb and allowing for the supple bump absorption on the way down. All the components work as they should, I am super impressed with electronic shifting but that review is for component manufacturers website. The only thing I would change and did change was upgrade to the sworks version of the tires. The bike feels more alive with lighter more supple casing of the sworks. Love this ride!

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Bill

Helpful?

04/28/2023

Best bike in the market

Love the epic, pedaling is effortless, carries momentum like no other bike I’ve ridden. This bike feels like an extension of you, no matter what your skill level is. The brain suspension is incredibly intuitive and articulate. Well equipped and attractive package. Bottom line, this is a no hassle rocket of fun. Hard to beat the performance and value. You need one!

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Jose F.

Helpful?

04/15/2023

Components

Overall I like the bike, but I think the disappointment I have is all focussed at the SRAM GX AXS. At this price point I think I was expecting the performance of Deore XT or better, unfortunately for some reason it is difficult to find bikes with XT so I ended up settling for SRAM GX.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Verified Buyer

Name:: Steve C.

Helpful?

02/22/2023

Great bike

Got the epic yesterday and I’d say I’m pretty pleased with it I just wish it came with X01 cable instead of the gx axs.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Justin

Helpful?

12/20/2022

Comfy

I began racing xc last year when I joined our local NICA team. I quickly noticed that my 2018 rockhopper just wasn't flowing over the roots as well as I had hoped. I live in South Carolina where roots are plentiful, and they can really kill your momentum, especially if you're going uphill. the sun tour fork that came stock had just about had it, and I was looking to lose some weight too. The Epic is right at 25 pounds for a size large with Shimano Xtr pedals, about 5 pounds lighter that my previous bike. On my first ride I found another pleasant surprise. I had expected the suspension to be a little harsh because of the brain, kind of like a softer version of my hardtail. I was pleased to find that it was actually very compliant on rocks and roots, while still being very firm on the flat. In fact, it felt just about as good as my dad's 130mm travel Stumpjumper! My only complaint is that I wish it came with the xo1 cassette and chain instead of the gx.

Would Recommend?: Yes!

Name:: Nicholas

Helpful?