Product news: The routes in mountain biking are becoming more and more difficult, and it's not just about the ascents and meters in altitude, but above all the technical passages, which are becoming more and more demanding. This is not only a big challenge for the rider, but also for the bike. With the new Specialized Epic HT, the US manufacturer has now taken its proven hardtail to the next level in order to adapt it to today's requirements.
In XC racing, every gram has always counted. No problem for the Specialized Epic HT, because it is currently the lightest mass-produced MTB hardtail. Nevertheless, we want to ensure uncompromising comfort through innovative technologies and the best development work. Because if you cramp your hand on the handlebars and get thrown back and forth on the trail, you won't have the strength you need for a quick finish.
In order to make this comfort possible, the geometry has been completely revised and completely redesigned. The Specialized Trail Bikes served as a template here. So they opted for a 68,5° steering angle, lower fork offset, larger reach values and shorter stems (60-75 mm) for all frame sizes. So it's no coincidence that the Specialized Epic HT, in combination with its shorter wheelbase for agile handling, should offer significantly improved steering characteristics and a more central driver's position for improved control.
Space has also been made for wider tires so that you can take full advantage of large volume tires on rougher terrain. In addition, the seat post size has been increased to 30,9 mm, which gives the option of using adjustable seat posts with a longer travel. Here from one promises even better control.
Specialized's approach is: A body that tires can't be fast. So the carbon fiber layup and tube shapes have been adjusted to make the Epic HT even more comfortable. Incidentally, this also made the bike even faster. For example, thinner seatstays increase the vertical flex of the frame. So is the redesigned, curved seat tube, which allows for more vertical flex than its predecessor's thinner yet can accommodate all sorts of dropper posts.
However, with all the innovation and quality, Specialized also wants to offer riders ease of maintenance. There are no frame-specific attachments and a proven BSA thread has been installed for the bottom bracket.
The new Epic HT sets new standards in comfort and potency while being the lightest mass-producible frame in the world. This was only possible by optimizing every inch of the frame, improving the ratio of fiber to resin content and redesigning the shape of each fiber mat to avoid unnecessary overlap. Even the aluminum inserts on the rear dropouts have been omitted. The result: an outstanding frame that weighs just 790 grams.
Specialized Epic HT models and prices
The Specialized Epic HT will be available in seven different models, as well as as a standalone S-Works frame. Prices range from €7 (Carbon 2.099 model) to €29 (S-Works SRAM model). The S-Works frameset will be available in two versions.999 The Carbon 29 model, priced at €2.099, delivers a high-tech carbon frame with the best technology and first-class performance at a price that's realistic for more riders.
