Specialized Epic 9 Expert

The Specialized Epic 9 Expert is a full-suspension XC race bike that pairs the FACT 11m carbon Epic 9 chassis with a GX AXS drivetrain and TwistLoc-controlled RockShox suspension for riders who want wireless shifting and race-ready geometry without the Flight Attendant premium. Size medium comes in at 10.95 kg (24 lbs 2.2 oz), with 120mm of travel at both ends and the same Progressive XC Race Geometry found across the Epic 9 lineup.

The frame carries Rider-First Engineered sizing, a threaded bottom bracket, 12x148mm UDH rear dropout, internal cable routing, SWAT BOX 2.0 downtube storage, and a layout tuned for wireless drivetrains. A RockShox SID Select+ fork (120mm travel, 15x110mm axle, 44mm offset, Debon Air) runs up front, matched to a RockShox SIDLuxe Select+ rear shock (190x45mm, Solo Air) with TwistLoc remote lockout for on-the-fly compression changes during climbing and sprinting intervals.

Drivetrain runs SRAM GX Eagle AXS Transmission with a 12-speed 10-52t XG-1275 cassette, a SRAM GX Eagle crankset (34T, 165mm on SM, 170mm on M through XL), and a SRAM AXS POD controller. SRAM Motive Bronze 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes use a 180mm front rotor and 160mm rear rotor. Roval Control SL V hookless carbon wheels (29mm inner width, DT Swiss 370 hubs, Sapim D-Light straight-pull spokes) mount Specialized Fast Trak (front) and Air Trak (rear) 29x2.35 tires with Flex Lite casings and T5/T7 compound. Finishing kit includes an X-Fusion Manic dropper (125mm on SM, 150mm on M, 170mm on L and XL), a Roval Alloy XC 2-bolt stem (60/70mm), Specialized Alloy Minirise bar (750mm wide, 10mm rise, 35mm clamp), Body Geometry Power Sport saddle with steel rails, and SRAM slip-on grips with Twist-Loc integration. The Expert build hits a sweet spot for riders chasing a full wireless AXS race bike on FACT 11m carbon with carbon wheels under it.