MTB XC bike Specialized Epic 8 Expert – Speed, efficiency, and control on Cross Country trails
The Specialized Epic 8 Expert represents the evolution of the full suspension Cross Country mountain bike: a bike designed to combine pure speed, technical trail capability, and top-level pedaling efficiency.
Modern XC trails are increasingly technical and fast. That’s why Specialized further refined the Epic 8’s suspension kinematics, creating a platform that offers greater shock absorption, less energy loss, and more stable and precise handling.
Thanks to the 120 mm suspension, Progressive XC Race Geometry, and high torsional frame stiffness, the Epic 8 Expert is extremely efficient climbing, lightning-fast in accelerations, and incredibly stable on technical sections.
Next-generation XC performance
Greater trail capability
With 120 mm of travel and race-inspired progressive geometry, the Epic 8 offers confident and fast handling even on the most technical XC trails. The frame’s lateral and torsional stiffness ensures precise handling and responsiveness in accelerations.
Improved shock absorption
Compared to the previous generation, the Epic 8 absorbs 12% more shocks and vibrations, reducing rider fatigue and allowing more energy to be saved for pedaling.
Custom Ride Dynamics
The Specialized Ride Dynamics team developed a custom shock tuning dedicated to the Epic 8. The result is a perfectly balanced suspension with the leverage ratios and new kinematics, significantly improving the bike’s dynamic behavior.
Superior pedaling efficiency
By optimizing the rear triangle kinematics, Specialized has reduced pedal-induced movement (bobbing) by 20% while keeping the suspension active on impacts. The result is an extremely efficient full suspension XC.
More functionality without adding weight
The Epic 8 integrates the SWAT 4.0 system in the down tube to carry tools and accessories and an integrated headset stop that protects the frame in case of a fall, without adding overall weight.
Components designed for XC racing
The Epic 8 Expert is equipped with high-end components designed for competition:
RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ shock developed with Ride Dynamics
RockShox SID Select+ fork with three adjustment modes
Roval Control SL V carbon wheels that are lightweight and stiff for maximum speed
SRAM Motive Bronze 4-piston brakes for powerful and controllable stopping
Precise and reliable SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission electronic drivetrain
The result is a fast, efficient XC MTB incredibly capable on race courses.
Technical Specifications
Frame
- Frame: FACT 11m Carbon, Progressive XC Race Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™ design, SWAT storage compartment in the down tube, threaded bottom bracket, 12x148 mm rear dropout compatible with UDH, internal cable routing, 120 mm travel
- Seatpost collar: Specialized alloy 34.9, steel bolt
Suspension
- Rear shock: RockShox SIDLuxe Select+, developed with Ride Dynamics, 3 positions, remote TwistLoc adjustment, Solo Air, 190x45 mm
- Fork: RockShox SID Select+, developed with Ride Dynamics, 3 positions, Debon Air, 15x110 mm thru-axle, 44 mm offset, 120 mm travel
Brakes
- Front brake: SRAM Motive Bronze, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc brake, 180 mm rotor
- Rear brake: SRAM Motive Bronze, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc brake, 160 mm rotor
Drivetrain
- Shifters: SRAM AXS POD Controller
- Rear derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission
- Cassette: SRAM XG-1275 T-Type 12-speed 10-52
- Chain: SRAM GX Eagle Transmission 12-speed Flattop
- Crankset: SRAM GX Eagle, DUB, 165/170/175 mm
- Chainring: 34 teeth (34T)
- Bottom bracket: SRAM DUB threaded Wide
Wheels
- Front tire: Specialized Fast Trak, Flex Lite casing, T5/T7 compound, 29x2.35
- Front wheel: Roval Control SL V, hookless carbon, 29 mm internal width, tubeless ready, DT Swiss 370 hub, Sapim D-Light Straight Pull spokes
- Rear tire: Specialized Air Trak, Flex Lite casing, T5/T7 compound, 29x2.35
- Rear wheel: Roval Control SL V, hookless carbon, 29 mm internal width, tubeless ready, DT Swiss 370 hub, Sapim D-Light Straight Pull spokes
- Inner tubes: Specialized Turbo Tube
Cockpit
- Stem: Specialized XC, 3D forged alloy, 4 bolts, 6° angle
- Handlebar: Specialized Alloy Minirise, 10 mm rise, 750 mm width, 31.8 mm clamp diameter
- Grips: SRAM Slip-on with Twist-Loc lever
- Saddle: Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails
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Dropper seatpost: X-Fusion Manic, diameter 30.9 mm
XS: 100 mm travel
SM: 125 mm travel
M: 150 mm travel
L-XL: 170 mm travel
Offset 0 mm
Accessories
- SWAT: Internal SWAT storage compartment in the down tube
Product details
- Product ID: 221521
- Weight: 11.15 kg (24 lb, 9.3 oz)
- Weighed bike size: MD (Medium)
Note
Technical specifications may change without notice depending on component availability.
Product images are for illustrative purposes only and may not exactly reflect the described features.
