Specialized Epic World Cup Expert – The ultimate speed for XC racing
The Specialized Epic World Cup Expert was born with a clear goal: to be the fastest XC race bike on flowing courses. It flawlessly combines efficiency, control, and lightness, offering performance that transcends the limits between hardtail and full. As champion Christopher states:
"This bike gives me everything I could want from a hardtail, with the added control and capabilities of a full."
To create this revolutionary platform, Specialized adopted a fully integrated development approach, with a completely new shock absorber and technologies refined through over forty years of success in off-road racing.
Reference frame for maximum efficiency
The Epic World Cup frame sets a new standard in terms of torsional stiffness and bottom bracket stability.
The sophisticated double diamond layout — the most advanced in Specialized's history — integrates the shock absorber as a structural element, ensuring precise handling, immediate responsiveness, and impeccable power transmission.
Fast suspension: hardtail performance, full control
The Specialized Ride Dynamics Team created a new suspension technology to offer the responsiveness and snap typical of a hardtail, combined with the absorption capacity of a full XC.
The RockShox SID Deluxe WCID (World Cup Integrated Design) shock absorber features independently adjustable positive and negative air springs, allowing the rider to customize the setup based on the course or personal preferences.
The result is a bike that accelerates aggressively, stays glued to the ground, and maintains maximum efficiency on the most technical tracks.
Beyond its category: 75 mm that are worth 100
The 75 mm of rear travel offers behavior comparable to that of a 100 mm bike set at 25% sag.
Thanks to the optimization of air volumes, damping curves, and the dedicated MegaJounce bumper, the Epic World Cup handles shocks and impacts with surprising stability, surpassing the traditional limits of the XC racing category.
BRAIN technology for maximum efficiency
While the new WCID shock fully controls the rear triangle, the fork integrates BRAIN with Position-Sensitive technology, offering 15 mm of sag and automatic responsiveness, with no levers to operate.
Always efficient pedaling, total control on descents.
Extreme lightness: the lightest full XC bike in the world
With a frame weighing only 1765 g (painted, with shock), the Epic World Cup is the lightest full XC bike on the market.
Immediate accelerations, explosive climbs, and unparalleled handling come from the experience gained with the legendary Aethos, especially regarding the carbon layup.
Racing components without compromise
The Epic World Cup Expert is equipped with:
Roval Control SL seatpost: ultralight and stiff.
SRAM GX drivetrain: precision, robustness, and reliable shifting for the most demanding racers.
New SID SL BRAIN fork (110 mm): automatically distinguishes rider inputs from the terrain.
Roval Control carbon wheels (29 mm internal): stiff, light, and capable of offering superior ride quality.
Technical Specifications
Frame
Frame: S-Works FACT 11m Carbon, WCID suspension design, Progressive XC Race Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, threaded BB, 12x148mm UDH compatible rear spacing, internal cable routing, 75mm of travel
Seatpost clamp: Specialized Alloy 34.9, Steel Bolt
Suspensions
Rear shock: RockShox-Specialized SIDLuxe WCID Ultimate, Ride Dynamics Developed, Independent negative spring, Rebound Adjust, 215x40mm
Fork: RockShox SID SL Select+, 3-position damper, Debon Air, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 110mm Travel
Drivetrain
Shifters: SRAM XS-1275, 12-speed, 10-52t
Rear derailleur: SRAM GX AXS Transmission
Cassette: SRAM AXS POD Controller
Chain: SRAM GX Transmission
Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle, DUB, 165/170/175mm, 34T
Gears: 34t
Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB Threaded Wide
Wheels
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 Competition Race Straight-pull
Front tire: Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, T7 Compound, 29x2.35
Rear tire: Specialized Renegade, Control Casing, T5 Compound, 29x2.35
Inner tubes: Standard 40mm PV 29x1.75–2.4
Cockpit
Stem: Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise
Handlebar: Specialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp
Saddle: Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails
Seatpost: Specialized Alloy, Single Bolt, 30.9mm
Grips: SRAM Slip on with Twist-Loc
Brakes
Front brake: SRAM Level Bronze, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, stealth, 180/160mm rotor
Rear brake: SRAM Level Bronze, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, stealth, 160mm rotor
Product Details
Note Well
Technical specifications may change without notice depending on component availability.
Product images are purely indicative and may not exactly reflect the described features.
Epic World Cup Expert: the choice of those who accept no compromises and always aim for the top step of the podium.
Do you want to receive your bike ready for use? Don't forget to add the bike assembly service at the time of purchase! Discover all the details here: Francesconi bike assembly
A Complete Guide to Bike Sizes
Foreword: Not all bike sizes are the same
Each type of bike has a specific frame and often uses a different size scale. For example, a road bike with a 54cm frame might be considered a medium size by one brand, but a large by another.
Bicycle adjustment margins
Some types of bikes, like gravel bikes, offer a wide range of adjustments, adapting to different body types. Other models, however, have limitations in this regard. This is an important aspect to consider.
How to use size charts
We've created a simple guide to help you find the right bike size:
- Check out our size charts for each bike type.
- Learn more with specific tips to help you make the right choice.
Size Charts: Find Your Perfect Bike
Gravel and road bikes
Sizes are based on the length of the top tube (in cm), which determines the reach of the bike.
| Cut
|
Recommended height
|
Horizontal tube length
|
| XS |
Up to 157 cm |
48-50 cm |
| S |
157-167 cm |
50-53 cm |
| M |
168-178 cm |
53-56 cm |
| THE |
178-185 cm |
56-58 cm |
| XL |
Over 185cm |
58-62 cm |
For gravel, measurements may vary slightly due to different geometries, but remain similar.
Mountain bike
MTBs are measured in inches, based on the seat tube.
| Cut
|
Recommended height
|
Size (in inches)
|
| XS |
Up to 157 cm |
14"-16" |
| S |
157-167 cm |
15"-17" |
| M |
168-178 cm |
16"-19" |
| THE |
178-185 cm |
18"-20" |
| XL |
Over 185cm |
20"-23" |
Sizes also vary depending on the type of MTB: full-suspension , hardtail or fat bike .
Children's bikes
The size depends on the size of the wheels, often associated with age:
| Age
|
Wheel Size
|
| 1-3 years |
12" |
| 2-4 years |
14" |
| 4-6 years |
16" |
| 5-8 years |
20" |
| 8-10 years |
24" |
| Over 10 years |
26"/27.5" |
What to do with half measures?
If you are between two sizes:
-
Comfort : Choose the larger size.
-
Performance : Go for the smaller size.
Final tips for choosing
-
Consult the manufacturer's instructions : Always check the brand's guidelines.
-
Ask an expert : a specialized workshop can help you choose based on your height, ideal reach and goals.
-
Test the bike : If possible, test the model you intend to purchase.