In line with the changes to XC tracks in recent years, the Epic frame has been completely redesigned to better negotiate the tricky rock gardens and technical singletrack of modern racing. Faster, rowdier and more punchy than its predecessors, the all-new Epic is the best tool to get you to the top step of the podium. XC world champion, Annika Langvad, has already been putting the new women’s model to the test and with great results.
The New Rider-First Engineered™ Epic
Lighter
First introduced with the Tarmac road bike, the Rider-First Engineered technology brings unique layups and tube shapes for every frame size. Our engineers are able to set specific targets for each size so that every rider gets the same intended ride experience. What’s more, the designers were able to maintain an exceptional stiffness-to-weight ratio while also making a saving of up to 525 grams – not an easy task!
Smarter
When Brain suspension was introduced over a decade ago, it revolutionised the mountain bike world. It is the only shock that can differentiate rider and trail inputs, riding firm on smooth terrain and opening up when it encounters a rock or root. It’s the cleanest setup you could want, doing away with lockout levers, extra cables and remotes, so you can ride descents and technical sections with peace of mind and looking great. The Brain 2.0 takes everything awesome about the original and makes it better. It is located closer to the rear axle and with a new layout and oil flow path, damping control, bump performance and responsiveness is vastly more consistent.
Faster
Once upon a time XC race courses resembled leisurely Sunday paths through the park. Now though, the tracks are almost unrecognisable, littered with rocks, roots and technical descents. The Epic geometry has been adjusted accordingly with a longer reach, slacker head tube and custom fork offset to improve the handling. 240g was saved at the new rear platform alone, and paired with the Brain 2.0 technology, the Epic benefits from vast improvements in performance, even while drastically cutting down frame weight. To emulate the performance of the FSR system, there are flex zones engineered in the chain and seatstays. The bike is designed around a 1x drivetrain which means that the designers were able to tune the platform to optimise performance under pedalling forces. Ultimately, the new Epic is stiffer, more responsive and significantly lighter, optimising speed, handling and above all, making sure you have an epic ride.
