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Specialized Epic 9

RIding the Specialized Epic 9 full suspension XC race mountain bike on a steep woodland trail in Wales

Evolution of the Fastest

Specialized Epic 9 XC race bikes built for unmatched efficiency, capability and light weight.

The Specialized Epic 9 is a full-suspension cross-country mountain bike built for riders who want race-winning speed, low weight and composed control on modern XC courses.

Developed from the Epic 8 platform, Epic 9 takes weight, efficiency and suspension performance further. Specialized has removed 206 grams from the frame, reduced suspension friction and refined the kinematics to create a sharper, faster and more capable XC race bike.

Alongside the latest Epic 9 full-suspension race bikes, this collection may also include Epic 8 EVO models for more aggressive XC and fast trail riding, plus Epic Hardtail models for riders who want a lighter, simpler XC race bike.


The lightest, fastest, most capable Epic yet

Epic 9 is designed around one clear goal: maximum speed per watt. Low weight helps on climbs and accelerations, but the real performance gain comes from combining that light chassis with efficient suspension, active traction and stable handling at race pace.

  • 206 grams lighter. Weight removed across the frame without compromising ride quality.
  • 120mm travel. Front and rear travel for modern technical XC racing.
  • Lower friction. Refined frame and suspension design improves suppleness and efficiency.
  • Three suspension modes. Wide Open, Magic Middle and Sprint-On-Lock for changing race demands.
S-Works Epic 9 lightweight XC race bike red
Sprinting on single track on the Specialized Epic 9 with its lightweight carbon frame

206 grams faster

Specialized removed weight throughout the frame, creating its lightest full-suspension XC platform to date.

Riding the Specialized Epic 9 on a rocky woodland trail

Plush, supple, sharp

Lower friction and refined kinematics help the Epic 9 stay composed, efficient and responsive when the trail turns rough.

Rider getting steezy on the Specialized Epic 9 XC race bike in action on a woodland jump

Peerless capability

120mm travel, efficient geometry and active suspension make Epic 9 ready for demanding modern XC race courses.


Key features across the Epic 9 range

Epic 9 blends lightweight carbon construction, refined suspension and race-focused geometry into a full-suspension XC platform built for speed on technical terrain.

FACT carbon frame options

S-Works models use Specialized FACT 12m carbon, while Pro and Expert models use FACT 11m carbon for a strong, lightweight race chassis.

120mm front and rear travel

Modern XC race courses are faster and rougher than ever. Epic 9 gives riders the travel and control needed to stay fast when the terrain gets technical.

Refined suspension kinematics

Tuned leverage rates balance pedalling support, traction, bump control and bottom-out resistance for efficient speed across changing terrain.

Ride Dynamics Control

Wide Open, Magic Middle and Sprint-On-Lock modes help riders adapt the suspension feel for descents, technical climbs, rolling terrain and high-power race efforts.

Race-ready build kits

The Epic 9 lineup includes high-end RockShox suspension, SRAM Eagle AXS drivetrains and lightweight finishing kit across the range.


Why choose the Specialized Epic 9?

Choose the Epic 9 if you want a full-suspension XC bike that prioritises speed without feeling nervous or under-biked on rough race courses. It is light enough for hard climbing and responsive accelerations, but capable enough for increasingly technical XC tracks.

It sits at the sharp end of the Specialized mountain bike range and is best suited to committed XC riders, marathon racers and performance-focused riders who value efficiency as much as control.

Riding a steep technical turn on the Specialized Epic 9 XC race mountain bike

Efficiency is a system

Epic 9 is not just about frame weight. The chassis, suspension layout, damping and geometry are designed to work together so more rider effort becomes forward speed.

Active suspension keeps the tyres tracking over rough ground, while supportive kinematics help the bike respond when you put the power down.

Riding the Specialized Epic 9 on a rocky trail in the mountains


Epic 9, Epic 8 EVO or Epic Hardtail?

Epic 9 is the lightest and fastest full-suspension XC race platform in the range, built for maximum speed, efficiency and control on modern cross-country courses.

Epic 8 EVO adds a more trail-capable feel with a 130mm fork, bigger tyres and more descending confidence, making it a strong choice for riders who want XC efficiency with extra capability.

Epic Hardtail keeps things simple, light and efficient for riders who prioritise direct power transfer, lower weight and classic XC speed.


What changes as you move up the range

The Epic 9 range moves from FACT 11m carbon complete bikes through to S-Works FACT 12m carbon models with lighter frames, higher-end RockShox suspension and premium SRAM Eagle AXS components.

ModelWhat to expect
Epic 9 ExpertFACT 11m carbon frame, RockShox SID Select+ suspension and SRAM GX Eagle AXS. A strong entry point into the Epic 9 platform with wireless shifting and serious XC race performance.
Epic 9 ProFACT 11m carbon frame with RockShox Ultimate Flight Attendant suspension and SRAM XO Eagle AXS. A higher-performance build for riders who want more advanced suspension and drivetrain spec.
S-Works Epic 9S-Works FACT 12m carbon frame, RockShox Ultimate Flight Attendant suspension and SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS. A top-tier race build focused on low weight, efficiency and premium components.
S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTDThe lightest complete Epic 9 build, using S-Works FACT 12m carbon, RockShox Ultimate suspension, SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS and Trickstuff Piccola brakes.
S-Works Epic 9 FramesetS-Works FACT 12m carbon frameset with RockShox Ultimate Flight Attendant, ready for a custom XC race build.

You can also browse more Specialized mountain bikes or compare the wider mountain bike range.


Specialized Epic 9 FAQs

Not sure whether the Epic 9 is the right bike for your riding? Start with our mountain bike guide.

What type of riding is the Specialized Epic 9 for?

The Epic 9 is built for cross-country racing, marathon racing and fast performance-focused mountain biking. It is designed for riders who want a lightweight full-suspension bike that climbs efficiently and stays composed on technical terrain.

How much travel does the Epic 9 have?

The Epic 9 uses 120mm of front and rear travel, giving it the speed and efficiency expected from an XC race bike with extra control for modern technical race courses.

What is the difference between FACT 11m and FACT 12m carbon?

In the Epic 9 range, S-Works models use the higher-end FACT 12m carbon frame, while the Pro and Expert models use FACT 11m carbon. The S-Works frame is the lighter premium chassis option.

Is the Epic 9 only for racing?

It is race-focused, but it can also suit experienced riders who want a very fast, lightweight and efficient full-suspension bike for demanding XC trails, long rides and fast local loops.


Shop Specialized Epic models

Browse the latest Specialized Epic bikes available from Uprise, including Epic 9, Epic 8 EVO and Epic Hardtail models where available. For help choosing the right model, size or build level, get in touch with the team.


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