2023 Specialized Epic World Cup

Specialized is releasing the 2023 Specialized Epic World Cup, their best XC race bike to date! The Epic WC was built from the ground up, with a new frame and carbon layup, a custom RockShox assembly, Roval’s newest Control SL components, and SRAM’s brand-new Eagle transmission (on the S-Works model). The Epic WC will have you ripping up the landscape with a comfortable descent back down to the finish line. The bike will also be available in S-Works, Frameset, and Pro models. 

2023 Specialized Epic World Cup Key Features:

• Brand-new frame 
• Custom RockShox x Specialized SID Deluxe shock 
• Independent positive and negative air spring adjustment in shock 
• 3 “gulp” valve settings to tune shock for terrain and riding style 
• RockShox x Specialized SID Ultimate BRAIN fork 
• 1,765-gram frame (shock, paint, and hardware included) 
• 100mm of front travel and 75mm of rear travel 

Custom Shocks

While we’ve seen plenty of custom-tuned shocks on Specialized bikes, this one is truly unique. This isn’t an off-the-shelf shock with a couple of shims changed out. The shocks were designed and built specifically for this bike and the needs of its riders. With independently adjustable positive and negative air springs, along with your typical rebound and compression adjustments, this shock offers nearly infinite tuning options. When this shock is set up in its firm or “no gulp” setting, Specialized claims it will feel like a hardtail, only activating the shock when taking those big hits. Also, this setup will give you an effective 100mm travel rear end, as this shock is made to be ridden topped out in this setting with no sag. There are also medium (“half-gulp”) and active (“full-gulp”) setups that will allow more comfort while riding on rougher courses. 

The front fork also sees the return of Specialized’s “BRAIN” technology. This uses position-sensitive technology to keep the fork rigid while putting down power. However, it is still able to absorb the bumps in the trail. All this without the need to fiddle with levers and lockouts. 

Who Is the Epic World Cup For?

At the end of the day, this is a bleeding-edge XC race bike, made for those who need to squeeze every watt onto the trail while keeping superior traction over bumps with its revolutionary shock technology. If you’re not racing the world cup, the Epic WC Pro model is definitely worth a look. It uses the same exact frame, shock, and fork (albeit without the cool matching paint job) and a slightly downgraded groupset. It feels a shame to call the level of components on the Pro a downgrade, but when comparing to the top of the line there’s nowhere else to go! 

If you’re just getting into XC mountain biking and want something a little less flashy, consider checking out the Specialized Chisel. Want to ride more technical single track and have a bike that’s better at descending? Check out the Specialized Stumpjumper. 

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More at ERIK’S

Ready to start your adventures on the 2023 Specialized Epic World Cup? Check out the models and buy the Epic World Cup from shopERIKS.com.

Want to learn more? Check out our Mountain Bike Buying Guide or our general Bike Buying Guide to review the other kinds of bikes we sell, or view our complete list of Buying Guides. Still have questions on the 2023 Specialized Epic Worldcup? Check out our Mountain Bike Finder tool, or reach out and our expert staff will help you find the perfect mountain bike for you.

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