Epic 8 Expert

Product Overview

At the heart of the Epic 8 is a refined suspension platform with improved kinematics, making it one of the most efficient pedaling bikes ever developed. Custom-tuned suspension absorbs more trail feedback than previous generations, reducing rider fatigue and allowing for sustained power output over longer efforts. This results in a bike that feels fast, responsive, and composed across varied terrain.

The progressive geometry delivers a confident ride on technical sections while maintaining sharp climbing and acceleration performance. High levels of lateral and torsional stiffness ensure precise handling, making the bike equally capable on demanding descents and high-speed race sections.

Compared to its predecessor, the Epic 8 absorbs significantly more bump and vibration forces, improving rider comfort and efficiency over time. The Ride Dynamics team has fine-tuned the suspension system with custom shock valving and damping characteristics, ensuring that the bike performs as a cohesive system rather than a collection of components.

Efficiency is further enhanced through optimized suspension kinematics that reduce pedal-induced bobbing while maintaining active suspension. This allows riders to stay in an ideal pedaling position without sacrificing traction or control.

Despite its increased capability, the Epic 8 maintains an impressively low weight. Integrated features such as SWAT 4.0 downtube storage provide practical functionality without adding unnecessary bulk, while an integrated steering stop helps protect the frame during crashes.

Key Features
The Epic 8 delivers 120mm of highly capable suspension travel, combining increased bump absorption with reduced pedal bob for improved efficiency. It features a Ride Dynamics-developed RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ rear shock and SID Select+ fork, both offering three-position damping adjustments. The bike rolls on Roval Control SL V carbon wheels designed for both elite racing and everyday trail riding. Braking is handled by SRAM Motive Bronze four-piston hydraulic disc brakes, while the SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission provides smooth, reliable shifting under load. Integrated SWAT 4.0 storage in the downtube allows riders to carry essential gear without additional accessories.

Technical Specifications

Frameset
The frame is constructed from FACT 11m carbon and features progressive XC race geometry with Rider-First Engineered design. It includes SWAT downtube storage, a threaded bottom bracket, and a 12x148mm UDH-compatible rear dropout. Internal cable routing is fully integrated, and the frame provides 120mm of rear travel. The seat binder is a Specialized alloy model with a 34.9mm diameter and steel bolt.

Suspension
The rear shock is a RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ with Ride Dynamics-developed tuning, offering three-position adjustment via a TwistLoc remote, along with Solo Air in a 190x45mm configuration. The fork is a RockShox SID Select+ with Ride Dynamics tuning, featuring a three-position system, DebonAir spring, 15x110mm axle, 44mm offset, and 120mm of travel.

Brakes
The braking system uses SRAM Motive Bronze hydraulic disc brakes with four-piston calipers. The front rotor measures 180mm, while the rear rotor is 160mm.

Drivetrain
Shifting is controlled by a SRAM AXS Pod controller, paired with a SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission rear derailleur. The cassette is a SRAM XG-1275 T-Type 12-speed with a 10–52 tooth range. The drivetrain includes a SRAM GX Eagle Transmission Flattop chain and a SRAM GX Eagle crankset with DUB interface, available in 165mm, 170mm, or 175mm lengths, fitted with a 34-tooth chainring. The bottom bracket is a SRAM DUB threaded wide unit.

Wheels and Tires
The front wheel is a Roval Control SL V carbon wheel with a hookless rim, 29mm internal width, and tubeless-ready design, built with a DT Swiss 370 hub and Sapim D-Light straight-pull spokes. It is paired with a Specialized Fast Trak tire in a 29x2.35 size using Flex Lite casing and T5/T7 compound. The rear wheel matches the front in construction and is fitted with a Specialized Air Trak tire in the same size and casing. Inner tubes are Specialized Turbo Tubes.

Cockpit
The stem is a Specialized XC 3D-forged alloy with a 4-bolt clamp and 6-degree rise. The handlebars are Specialized Alloy Minirise with a 10mm rise, 750mm width, and 31.8mm clamp diameter. Grips are SRAM slip-on grips integrated with the TwistLoc system. The saddle is a Body Geometry Power Sport model with steel rails. The seatpost is an X-Fusion Manic dropper post with a 30.9mm diameter, offering travel of 100mm for XS, 125mm for small, 150mm for medium, and 170mm for large to extra-large frames, with zero offset.

Accessories
The bike includes integrated SWAT internal downtube storage for carrying trail essentials.

Additional Information
The product ID is 221521.

Weight
The Epic 8 weighs approximately 11.15 kg (24 lb, 9.3 oz) for a medium frame size.