Specialized Epic 9 S-Works LTD UL

The Specialized S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD is a full-suspension XC race bike built for elite racers counting grams on marathon and World Cup start lists. At 8.66 kg (19 lbs 1.5 oz) in a size medium, the Ultralight LTD shaves over two pounds off the standard Epic 9 build through a dialed component package, 110mm of front travel, and 120mm of rear travel. Satin Carbon with Silver Foil graphics sit on the S-Works FACT 12m carbon chassis shared with the rest of the Epic 9 S Works platform.

The frame uses Progressive XC Race Geometry, Rider-First Engineered tuning across sizes, a threaded bottom bracket, 12x148mm UDH rear dropout, internal cable routing, and SWAT BOX 2.0 downtube storage, all optimized for a wireless drivetrain. A RockShox SID SL Ultimate fork (110mm travel, 15x110mm axle, 44mm offset, Debon Air) handles the front end with Ride Dynamics 3-position damping, while a RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate shock (190x45mm, Solo Air) pairs that with a bar-mounted TwistLoc remote for on-the-fly lockout during climbing efforts.

SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS Transmission runs the drivetrain with a 12-speed 10-52t CS-1299 cassette, a SRAM/Quarq XX SL Eagle crankset without power meter (34T, 165mm on SM, 170mm on M through XL), and AXS POD Ultimate controllers with Discrete Clamp. Stopping hardware comes from Trickstuff Piccola 2-piston hydraulic disc brakes with carbon lever blades, titanium hardware, and 160mm rotors front and rear. Roval Control World Cup carbon wheels (28.5mm inner width, DT Swiss 180 internals, 6-bolt, carbon spokes with Ti end pieces) roll on Specialized Air Trak 29x2.35 tires front and rear with Flex Lite casings and T5/T7 compound. A Bike Yoke Divine SL mechanical dropper (100mm on S, 125mm on M through XL), Roval Control SL integrated 760mm carbon cockpit, S-Works Power Mirror saddle, and Supacaz Supalite closed-end foam grips round out the build. Aim the Ultralight LTD at a hilly marathon course or a high-altitude stage race where every saved gram translates into saved watts over the distance.