Specialized Epic Expert Carbon World Cup review

Laser-focused for fast XC racing and riding

Our rating

4.5

6750.00
The Specialized Epic Expert Carbon World Cup lives up to its name with blistering cross-country performance

James Huang / Future Publishing

James Huang

Published: June 9, 2014 at 7:00 am
Our review
Laser-focused for fast XC racing and riding
The Specialized Epic Expert Carbon World Cup lives up to its name with blistering cross-country performance - James Huang / Future Publishing
Unlike standard Specialized Epics, the Epic Expert Carbon World Cup will only work with 1x drivetrains thanks to its unique rear end - James Huang / Future Publishing
Compared with other Epics, the Epic Expert Carbon World Cup features a dedicated rear end that decreases the travel to 95mm while also slightly raising the bottom bracket and steepening up the head tube angle for quicker handling - James Huang / Future Publishing
The custom Fox rear shock tucks neatly below the top tube - James Huang / Future Publishing
While the top-end S-Works Epic Carbon World Cup uses a full carbon rear end, the much cheaper Epic Expert Carbon World Cup gets aluminum seat stays - James Huang / Future Publishing
Naturally, the bulbous front end houses a tapered steerer tube - James Huang / Future Publishing
The newly refined FSR suspension layout features concentric pivots for the swing link and seatstays - James Huang / Future Publishing
The massive carbon fiber chainstays make for a notably stout rear end. Don't bother trying to fit a front derailleur on to this bike, though, as it's 1x-only - James Huang / Future Publishing
Specialized's brilliant AutoSag feature makes for incredibly easy initial rear shock setup - James Huang / Future Publishing
Remarkably, there's room inside the main triangle for two large water bottles - even on a medium frame - James Huang / Future Publishing
Say goodbye to hydration packs and tool bags as Specialized's optional SWAT concept attaches all of the essentials to dedicated spots on the bike. A small multi-tool snaps into a port above the forward shock mount, there's a spare tube and CO2 inflator inside a plastic box on the main triangle, and there's even a chain tool (with a spare master link) hidden away inside the steerer tube. These bits don't come stock on the Epic Expert Carbon World Cup but now that we've used them, we're not sure we could do without them - James Huang / Future Publishing
The custom-for-Specialized Magura MTS hydraulic disc brakes pair short-fiber molded carbon fiber master cylinders with one-piece forged aluminum calipers - James Huang / Future Publishing
Specialized is smart for specifying a grippier and thinner S-Works Fast Trak front tire with a faster-rolling but more durable Renegade Control rear one. Our particular sample arrived with an S-Works Fast Trak tire out back, too, which we prompted center-punched on a rock just a few rides into testing - James Huang / Future Publishing
Auto-locking Brain front and rear suspension components make for a balanced feel front-to-rear. But it'd also be nice if Specialized could match the number of clicks in the adjusters between both ends as well - James Huang / Future Publishing
The Roval Control Carbon 29 142 wheelset features interchangeable hub caps, relatively wide hookless carbon tubeless rims, and DT Swiss rear internals - James Huang / Future Publishing
The single SRAM X01 shifter is bolted to an integrated clamp for a cleaner-looking cockpit - James Huang / Future Publishing
Neat detailing on the forged aluminum seatstay bridge - James Huang / Future Publishing
The SRAM X01 rear derailleur is slightly heavier than the top-end XX1 model but it's functionally identical - James Huang / Future Publishing
The rear brake bolts to post mounts that are sized for 160mm rotors. The rear thru-axle requires a tool to operate but conveniently, there's the option to attach a mini-tool right to the bike so you'll never be stranded trailside because you can't remove the wheel - James Huang / Future Publishing
The internal cable routing is neat and tidy. The interchangeable ports allow for quite a bit of component flexibility, too - James Huang / Future Publishing
Save for a few brief appearances, routing is fully internal throughout - and if you prefer otherwise, you can just bolt the rear brake hose on to the surface of the frame instead - James Huang / Future Publishing
The reservoir hose routing for the Brain rear shock is very well executed - James Huang / Future Publishing
The carbon fiber front triangle is heavily shaped, including a highly asymmetrical seat tube and a broad top tube that wraps around the front of the shock - James Huang / Future Publishing
The handlebars are usefully wide at 700mm from end to end but some riders will invariably want even more room - James Huang / Future Publishing
The included Specialized Phenom Comp saddle is exceptionally comfortable with rounded edges that allow for plenty of maneuverability. The 27.2mm seatpost diameter will limit dropper post upgrades, though - James Huang / Future Publishing
We tested the Specialized Epic Expert Carbon World Cup on a wide variety of Colorado terrain. It may not be an ideal everyday trail bike, but for fast XC-type riding - and especially racing - the dedicated package is definitely a very worthy option - James Huang / Future Publishing

As if the standard Specialized Epic Expert Carbon wasn't already sufficiently purpose built for cross-country riding and racing, there's the even edgier World Cup version that features slightly reduced and more firmly tuned suspension travel, quicker handling, and beefed-up carbon chain stays that will only work with 1x drivetrains. Riders looking for a do-all XC rig might want to look elsewhere – but if racing is your gig, this could very easily be your tailor-made machine to match.

Highs: Super efficient Brain front and rear lockouts; ultra-agile handling, smart parts pick, slick optional SWAT accessory kit

Lows: Limited versatility, fragile tires on our review machine, so-so brakes

Ride and handling: efficient – and very fast

Much as we love the do-it-all utility of a good trail bike, there's simply no substitute for a dedicated XC rig when it comes to covering relatively tame ground in as little time as possible – especially when there's a lot of climbing involved. To this end, the Epic Expert Carbon World Cup is exceedingly good at its job.

The firm suspension tunes and highly effective Brain automatic lockouts feel genuinely hardtail-like in terms of pedaling efficiency – stomp down and this thing absolutely shoots forward with absolutely zero unwanted movement. Unlike hardtails, though, there's still 95mm of well-tuned suspension travel at either end to save your bacon when things go pear-shaped, plus it provides a big boost in drive and cornering traction that hardtails simply can't match, especially when conditions are loose and rocky.

We tested the specialized epic expert carbon world cup on a wide variety of colorado terrain it may not be an ideal everyday trail bike but for fast xc-type riding - and especially racing - the dedicated package is definitely a very worthy option: we tested the specialized epic expert carbon world cup on a wide variety of colorado terrain it may not be an ideal everyday trail bike but for fast xc-type riding - and especially racing - the dedicated package is definitely a very worthy option

The Epic Expert Carbon World Cup might not be our first choice for an everyday trail bike but it's awesome for XC-focused racing and riding

The matched front and rear inertia valve internals also yield a superbly balanced, cohesive, and highly predictable feel on the trail and Specialized's latest revision on the long-standing auto-lockout concept is better than ever at knowing when – and when not to – keep the damper valves open.

Based on Specialized's long-standing FSR four-bar rear end design and SRAM's excellent SID fork, both the rear shock and fork are impressively supple off the top with very good bottom-out control for bigger impacts. The stiff carbon fiber front triangle and chainstays – bolstered by front and rear thru-axles – are more than happy to be pushed hard through bumpy sections of trail, too.

Auto-locking brain front and rear suspension components make for a balanced feel front-to-rear. but it'd also be nice if specialized could match the number of clicks in the adjusters between both ends as well: auto-locking brain front and rear suspension components make for a balanced feel front-to-rear. but it'd also be nice if specialized could match the number of clicks in the adjusters between both ends as well

The front and rear Brain-equipped, auto-locking fork and shock yield a balanced and brutally efficient ride

Much as Specialized insists otherwise, though, you're still always aware that its Brain auto-lockout technology is underfoot as you can feel each time the system opens up for that first impact, particularly in the firmer tune of this World Cup edition. It takes some time to get over the feeling that you're repeatedly bottoming out the rim, plus we never found it to quite match the glued-to-the-ground feeling of a well designed suspension platform that's open full-time.

Nevertheless, there's no debating that it just flat-out works – even though it sometimes just doesn't feel all that good.

The World Cup's modified geometry with its shorter rear end, tidy wheelbase, and steep head tube angle also demands constant attention. Compared with the more stable personalities of slacker-angled machines, the World Cup is aggressively point-and-shoot in its demeanor. The nimble handling is exceptionally maneuverable and the bike faithfully goes where you aim it – right now – but it's also less forgiving of mistakes.

As compared to other epics, the epic expert carbon world cup features a dedicated rear end that decreases the travel to 95mm while also slightly raising the bottom bracket and steepening up the head tube angle for quicker handling: as compared to other epics, the epic expert carbon world cup features a dedicated rear end that decreases the travel to 95mm while also slightly raising the bottom bracket and steepening up the head tube angle for quicker handling

The World Cup version of the Epic features a shorter rear end, steeper angles, and slightly reduced travel

Not surprisingly, then, the Epic Expert Carbon World Cup is also admirably light. Actual weight for our medium-sized sample is 10.34kg (22.80lb) without pedals and stripped of the non-included storage accessories, and the short head tube results in an appropriate butt-up, head-down riding position for racing.

Frame: Clever engineering yields a surprising amount of room

That Specialized built the Epic Expert Carbon World Cup around a lightweight carbon fiber main triangle, carbon chainstays, and aluminum seat stays isn't much of a surprise (although the positively enormous 1x-only chain stays are definitely visually striking – and stiff). The mixed materials offer most of the performance benefits of the all-carbon S-Works flagship but at a lower price point and with just a bit more weight.

While the top-end s-works epic carbon world cup uses a full carbon rear end, the much cheaper epic expert carbon world cup gets aluminum seat stays: while the top-end s-works epic carbon world cup uses a full carbon rear end, the much cheaper epic expert carbon world cup gets aluminum seat stays

A carbon main triangle and huge carbon chainstays are matched to welded aluminum seatstays

Stripped bare, our medium-sized frame and proprietary rear shock came in at just 2.41kg (5.31lb) including the rear derailleur hanger, seatpost collar, and water bottle bolts.

Also coming as no surprise are some of the frame's features, which include a tapered head tube, a PressFit 30 oversized bottom bracket shell, internal cable routing (with options for external rear brake routing and interchangeable ports to accommodate different drivetrains or even the upcoming Command Post XCP stealth-style dropper seatpost), a 142x12mm rear thru-axle, and molded chain stay armoring.

The internal cable routing is neat and tidy. the interchangeable ports allow for quite a bit of component flexibility, too: the internal cable routing is neat and tidy. the interchangeable ports allow for quite a bit of component flexibility, too

The internal cable routing is very well thought out

A revamped shock layout borrowed from Specialized's Enduro range yields a noticeably cleaner and more streamlined appearance, too.

What was wholly unexpected prior to the bike's introduction last summer, however, are its impressive storage features. Dubbed SWAT (Storage, Water, Air, Tools), the complete system comprises a mini-tool that snaps into a dedicated recess just above the forward shock mount; a small plastic bolt-on box with enough room for a spare inner tube, CO2 cartridge, and inflator head; and even a chain tool (with spare master link!) that resides inside the steerer tube.

Say goodbye to hydration packs and tool bags as specialized's optional swat concept attaches all of the essentials to dedicated spots on the bike. a small multi-tool snaps into a port above the forward shock mount, there's a spare tube and co2 inflator inside a plastic box on the main triangle, and there's even a chain tool (with a spare master link) hidden away inside the steerer tube. these bits don't come stock on the epic expert carbon world cup but now that we've used them, we're not sure we could do without them: say goodbye to hydration packs and tool bags as specialized's optional swat concept attaches all of the essentials to dedicated spots on the bike. a small multi-tool snaps into a port above the forward shock mount, there's a spare tube and co2 inflator inside a plastic box on the main triangle, and there's even a chain tool (with a spare master link) hidden away inside the steerer tube. these bits don't come stock on the epic expert carbon world cup but now that we've used them, we're not sure we could do without them

The SWAT bits are optional but we highly recommend them

Thanks to some exceptionally clever packaging, there's enough room inside the main triangle to hold two large water bottles – even on our medium frame.

All of the SWAT stuff is unfortunately optional but after using it for several months (all of which were gloriously hydration pack-free), we now can't imagine heading out without them. Bolting all of it on adds an extra 530g (1.17lb) but it's still better than lugging a big pack around.

Equipment: Smart racing-focused gear

The build kit on the Epic Expert Carbon World Cup mimics the frame's focus on racing with highlights that include an X01 1x11 transmission and custom S-2220 carbon cranks from SRAM, Roval Control Carbon 29 142+ tubeless (and hookless) carbon wheels, Magura MTS hydraulic disc brakes, and a smattering of Specialized-branded gear filling out the other line items.

The sram x01 rear derailleur is slightly heavier than the top-end xx1 model but it's functionally identical: the sram x01 rear derailleur is slightly heavier than the top-end xx1 model but it's functionally identical

Shift performance was flawless from the SRAM X01 transmission

We have nothing but praise for the X01 transmission, which rattles off shifts just as reliably and quickly as the (slightly) more expensive XX1 version and still provides a sufficiently broad range for strong and fit racer-types, all while running with stealthy quietness thanks to the clutch-equipped rear derailleur. One might argue that the darker finishes relative to XX1 look a little more businesslike, too.

Another winner is the wheelset, which weighs in right around 1,600g for the set but features a generously wide 22mm rim profile – wider, in fact, than some companies' so-called 'trail' offerings. They're reasonably stiff and have a decently quick 10-degree engagement speed, the DT Swiss-made internals should be very reliable, and their hookless, tubeless-compatible rims are impressively forward-thinking.

Specialized is smart for specifying a grippier and thinner s-works fast trak front tire with a faster-rolling but more durable renegade control rear one. our particular sample arrived with an s-works fast trak tire out back, too, which we prompted center-punched on a rock just a few rides into testing: specialized is smart for specifying a grippier and thinner s-works fast trak front tire with a faster-rolling but more durable renegade control rear one. our particular sample arrived with an s-works fast trak tire out back, too, which we prompted center-punched on a rock just a few rides into testing

Roval Control Carbon 29 142+ wheels are wrapped with Specialized-branded tires

We had no issues repeatedly bashing the Roval Control Carbon 29 142+ wheels into Colorado's endless supply of sharp rocks and it was no problem seating fresh tires on to the rims with a high-volume floor pump. Interchangeable axle end caps also provide compatibility with just about every axle standard out there, although Specialized's proprietary 142+ flange spacing will sadly limit the frames on which those wheels can go.

The brakes were more of a mixed bag. While the modulation was exceptional, the overall power is somewhat lacking and the lever feel a bit vague, particularly compared with just about anything offered by Shimano these days. We occasionally experienced a bit of fade (and squealing) on particularly long and demanding downhills, too, and the lever ergonomics didn't seem as natural to us as other brakes with lever pivots positioned closer to the bar.

The custom-for-specialized magura mts hydraulic disc brakes pair short-fiber molded carbon fiber master cylinders with one-piece forged aluminum calipers: the custom-for-specialized magura mts hydraulic disc brakes pair short-fiber molded carbon fiber master cylinders with one-piece forged aluminum calipers

The Magura MTS brakes provide excellent modulation but could use more power

Otherwise, the rest of the Specialized bits performed very well. While some might want a little more room than the stock 700mm-wide aluminum bar provides, there's at least a comfy eight-degree backsweep and no rise to mess with the fit. Meanwhile, the matching aluminum stem and fixed seatpost were both fairly basic but got the job done.

All of those components are prime targets for future upgrades, too, if you eventually wanted to shed some weight. The seatpost's narrow 27.2mm diameter will restrict your options for droppers, though.

The handlebars are usefully wide at 700mm from end to end but some riders will invariably want even more room: the handlebars are usefully wide at 700mm from end to end but some riders will invariably want even more room

The aluminum flat bar is relatively narrow at 700mm across

We found the stock Phenom Comp saddle to be outstanding, however, with durable support coming from the thin and dense padding but comfort for hours thanks to the smart shaping and central cutout.

The final word

Versatile the Specialized Epic Expert Carbon World Cup is not – nor is it remotely cheap – but it's a really well executed example of a purpose-built machine. We'd probably look elsewhere for everyday trail rides but when it comes time for a cross-country race or short track event, this thing is just about perfect.

The specialized epic expert carbon world cup lives up to its name with blistering cross-country performance: the specialized epic expert carbon world cup lives up to its name with blistering cross-country performance

Complete bike specifications:

  • Frame: Specialized Epic Expert Carbon World Cup
  • Rear shock: FOX/Specialized remote Mini-Brain w/ AUTOSAG
  • Fork: Custom RockShox SID 29 Brain
  • Headset: 1 1/8-to-1 1/2in integrated
  • Stem: Specialized XC
  • Handlebar: Specialized XC
  • Grips: Specialized Sip Grip
  • Front brake: Magura MTS, 160mm rotor (180mm for L, XL sizes)
  • Rear brake: Magura MTS, 160mm rotor
  • Brake levers: Magura MTS
  • Rear derailleur: SRAM X01
  • Shift lever: SRAM X01 trigger
  • Cassette: SRAM X01, 10-42T
  • Chain: SRAM XX1
  • Crankset: SRAM S-2200 BB30, 32T
  • Bottom bracket: SRAM PressFit 30
  • Pedals: n/a
  • Wheelset: Roval Control Carbon 29 142+
  • Front tire: Specialized S-Works Fast Trak, 29 x 2.0in
  • Rear tire: Specialized Renegade Control, 29 x 1.95in
  • Saddle: Specialized Body Geometry Phenom Comp
  • Seatpost: Specialized 2014 butted alloy
Product "48494" does not exist or you do not have permission to access it.
This website is owned and published by Our Media Ltd. www.ourmedia.co.uk
© Our Media 2024