2026 Specialized Epic 8 Expert Features
The all-new Epic 8 evolves the formula of fastest through capability, efficiency, and lightweight integration. Modern XC tracks demand more and more capability by the day. Enter Epic 8. Its improved kinematics make it the most efficient pedaling bike we’ve ever tested, while custom valved (and tuned) shocks soak up every bump. It’s a wolf in wolf’s clothing.
If you’re an XC racer or prioritize all-out speed in your ride, the Epic 8 is the bike for you.
UNMATCHED CAPABILITY: The most capable 120mm bike on the planet. You’ll be blown away by how Epic 8’s progressive geometry delivers technical terrain capability alongside fast and efficient climbing and acceleration performance. The absurd lateral and torsional rigidity of the chassis translates to some seriously precision handling, too.
WHAT BUMP?: Compared to the previous generation, the new Epic 8 absorbs 12% more bump and vibration forces than the previous generation, leaving you less fatigued and more powerful over time so you can still push while they suffer.
RIDE DYNAMICS TUNED: The Specialized Ride Dynamics team developed custom valving for Epic 8’s new shock. Our unique Ride Dynamics-prescribed damping characteristics holistically elevate the riding experience. By tuning the dampers alongside the chassis’ leverage rates and new kinematics, we’re able to deliver a bike that rides beyond the sum of its parts.
BIOMECHANICAL EFFICIENCY: By optimizing the kinematics of the suspension, Specialized’s Ride Dynamics team reduced inefficient pedal-induced bobbing by 20%, while maintaining active suspension for effective bump force management, to ensure you remain in the most efficient pedaling position. It’s the most efficient pedaling suspension bike we’ve ever tested.
MORE WITH LESS: With the Epic 8, we didn’t spend a single extra gram to get mega capability from the frame. All models now feature SWAT 4.0 to carry all your trail essentials, and an integrated steering stop to prevent the ubiquitous top tube scar the first time you crash and your bars spin. In fact, the new S-Works Epic 8 frameset has even lost weight (76 grams to be exact) while gaining these new additions.
At a Glance
- The most capable 120mm bike on the planet. 12% more bump absorption and 20% less pedal bob
- Ride Dynamics developed SIDLuxe Select+ shock and SID Select+ fork
- Custom tuned shock features 3 unique damper settings
- Roval Control SL V carbon wheels excel everywhere from world cup xc races to your favorite weekend trail
- SRAM Motive Bronze 4-Piston brakes feature trail-ready stopping power in a race-ready system
- No-compromise GX Eagle AXS Transmission provides smooth shifting all day, specially under load
- SWAT 4.0 in down tube to carry trail essentials
Component Specifications
| Frame | FACT 11m Carbon, Progressive XC Race Geometry, Rider-First Engineered™, SWAT downtube storage, threaded BB, 12x148mm UDH compatible rear dropout, internal cable routing, 120mm of travel |
| Seat Binder | Specialized Alloy 34.9, Steel Bolt |
| Fork | RockShox SID Select+, Ride Dynamics developed 3 position, Debon Air, 15x110mm, 44mm offset, 120mm Travel |
| Rear Shock | RockShox SIDLuxe Select+, Ride Dynamics developed 3 position, TwistLoc remote adjust, Solo Air, 190x45mm |
| Shift Levers | SRAM AXS POD Controller |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission |
| Cassette | SRAM XG-1275 T-Type 12-Speed 10-52 |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission 12-Speed Flattop Chain |
| Crankset | SRAM GX Eagle, DUB, 165/170/175mm |
| Chain Rings | 34T |
| Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB Threaded Wide |
| Front Tire | Specialized Fast Trak, Flex Lite Casing, T5/T7 Compound, 29x2.35 |
| Rear Tire | Specialized Air Trak, Flex Lite Casing, T5/T7 Compound, 29x2.35 |
| Inner Tubes | Specialized Turbo Tube |
| Front Brake | SRAM Motive Bronze, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 180mm rotor |
| Rear Brake | SRAM Motive Bronze, 4-piston caliper, hydraulic disc, 160mm rotor |
| Stem | Specialized XC, 3D-forged alloy, 4-bolt, 6-degree rise |
| Handlebars | Specialized Alloy Minirise, 10mm rise, 750mm, 31.8mm clamp |
| Grips | SRAM Slip on with Twist-Loc |
| Saddle | Body Geometry Power Sport, steel rails |
| Seatpost | X-Fusion Manic, 30.9, XS: 100mm, SM: 125mm, M: 150mm, L-XL: 170mm Travel, 0mm offset |
2026 Specialized Epic 8 Expert
| Bike/Frame Size | XS | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stack | 603 mm | 597 mm | 598 mm | 610 mm | 628 mm |
| Reach (low) | 390 mm | 420 mm | 450 mm | 475 mm | 500 mm |
| Fork Rake/Offset | 44 mm | 44 mm | 44 mm | 44 mm | 44 mm |
| Front Center | 687 mm | 716 mm | 747 mm | 778 mm | 811 mm |
| Chainstay Length | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1117 mm | 1147 mm | 1179 mm | 1210 mm | 1243 mm |
| Bike Standover Height | 748 mm | 755 mm | 760 mm | 769 mm | 774 mm |
| Seat Tube Length | 370 mm | 390 mm | 410 mm | 450 mm | 500 mm |
| Seat Tube Angle | 76.5° | 76° | 75.5° | 75.5° | 75.5° |
| Top Tube Length, Horizontal | 535 mm | 569 mm | 605 mm | 633 mm | 662 mm |
| Head Tube Length | 92 mm | 92 mm | 95 mm | 110 mm | 130 mm |
| Head Tube Angle (low) | 65.9° | 65.9° | 65.9° | 65.9° | 65.9° |
| Head Tube Angle (high) | 66.4° | 66.4° | 66.4° | 66.4° | 66.4° |
| BB Height (low) | 318 mm | 324 mm | 326 mm | 328 mm | 328 mm |
| BB Height (high) | 323 mm | 329 mm | 331 mm | 333 mm | 333 mm |
| BB Drop (low) | 52 mm | 46 mm | 44 mm | 42 mm | 42 mm |
| Trail | 117 mm | 117 mm | 117 mm | 117 mm | 117 mm |
| Fork Length, Full | 530 mm | 530 mm | 530 mm | 530 mm | 530 mm |
Size Guide: 2026 Specialized Epic 8 Expert
