When speed comes calling, the Epic Expert meets the challenge head-on. Far more cost effective than the fantastic Pro version, the 2022 Specialized Epic Expert keeps the same frame, rear suspension and fork- along with the carbon wheelset, but seeks to save you money elsewhere- largely with the move to SRAM's X01 Eagle 1x12 mechanical drivetrain. Some may truly favor it over the Eagle AXS equipped Pro. Featuring the most efficient suspension platform ever to grace a World Cup start line, the Epic Expert pairs 100-millimeters of Brain-controlled travel front and rear for a package that was born to erase seconds from the clock.

The story of the Specialized Epic has been widely shared in the mountain bike community for well over a decade. The design came to be a regular podium resident at cross country races from regional MTB orgs to World Cups. The controlled rear suspension of the rear BRAIN system allowed the Epic to perform like hardtail, yet be reactive to bump forces, large and small, affording the rider with a more forgiving ride on the rough stuff, while keeping the rear wheel tracking to the ground in all conditions, especially while climbing, which was a true advantage for climbing that also allowed for better control and safety while descending. There was a weight penalty for a full suspension system versus a hardtail, but the benefit gains across all terrain outweighed that cost.

Over the years the Epic has evolved, from lighter alloy frames to really light and stiffer carbon version. The BRAIN system itself, also evolved, usually in the internals is currently a collaboration between Specialized and RockShox. The second generation BRAIN system saw a revamp of the philosophy and application, with a position just behind the rear axle for more accurate and greater sensitivity to small and large bump impacts. Recent frame developments combine to improve the frameset overall. Rear travel went to 100mm, greater tire clearance was built in, and all of the continual evolution resulted in the current Epic Frameset. The model increases rear-triangle stiffness over the last generation for peerless power transfer, while the use of FACT 11m carbon, a dedicated layup and a full carbon shock link also make it a highly capable lightweight full suspension design while offering the most capable handling in an Epic yet. This frameset grade is shared by the Pro, Expert and Comp models.

As it has been re-engineered hand-in-hand with the new Epic, the latest BRAIN design resets the expectation for efficiency, employing a new race-tuned pedaling platform to ensure every watt possible is translated into forward motion, while handily soaking up momentum-killing chatter and big hits alike- all more smoothly than ever. Factor in geometry changes that reflect the nature of current' XC course requirements, riding styles- as well as more 29" tire capability, and the balance of the frame with a 100mm Epic frameset's Position-Sensitive BRAIN fork benefits from RockShox's latest SID SL chassis for next-level steering stiffness that still manages to keep the gram count to a minimum.

Specialized developed Rider First Engineering to ensure each frame size had tube sizes, shapes and lay-ups were maximized for the size. The geometry was built around maintaining the stability required for an XC race bike, with a 67.5° headtube angle that allowed for better descending and quicker steering control. It's a tricky challenge but no team loves tricky challenges more than the R&D and testing group at Specialized, and the Epic Expert maximizes the BRAIN systems, frame and engineering to achieve it. As for general features, all frameset routing is internal, including the capability to run a dropper post, and fitments offer opportunity for wired, cabled or wireless shifting systems.