Introducing the Epic 9. The lightest, most capable, and most efficient Epic ever created. Building on the success of its predecessors (Epic, Epic WC, Epic Evo), the Epic 9 takes the capability of the Evo, loses weight off the frame, and is even more efficient than the WC. The S-Works frame comes in at 1589 grams, a full 129 grams lighter than its closest competitor.
With the S-Works frame weighing a scant 1589 grams, this is the lightest Epic Specialized has ever created. It also happens to be 129 grams lighter than its closest competitor. Did they compromise to lose that weight? Nope.
So how'd they do it? Well, they dove deep into the details. They shaved 15g off the main pivot, took 25% out of the link, and another 13% out of the pivot hardware.
And they went back to external SWAT. Feedback from racers told Specialized that the priority was weight. The Epic comes with a removable SWAT box and tool. Meaning you have all the storage when you want it, and you can ditch the weight when you don't need it.
The new swing link suspension layout is 11% more efficient than the previous version. This gives the Epic 9 the same 120mm of proven suspension, but makes it more plush. This provides a stable, bump eating platform that can handle whatever you want to throw at it.
Specialized also tweaked the leverage curve optimized by zone. The Bump Zone (mid-stroke) is set for active impact absorption. The End Stroke is designed to control bottom out without losing that plushness you want in the middle.
The leverage curve is further refined to optimize for efficiency as well. By lowering the leverage ratio at the beginning of the stroke, the Epic 9 improves pedaling efficiency in open mode and provides an even firmer platform when locked out.
This is broken down into three sections.
Wide Open - by removing the volume spacer at the eyelet providing a more linear feel.
Locked - Spring-on-Lock delivers high-support, near-rigid platform engineer for peak watt transfer.
Magic Middle - delivers a firm pedaling response until trail forces exceed typical pedaling inputs; then damping eases so the suspension opens and tracks the ground.