Epic 9 — The Lightest XC Race Bike Specialized Have Ever Built

This morning Specialized launched Epic 9 — the next evolution of cross-country race performance, and the lightest full-suspension XC frame they've ever produced. Built on 24 years of World Cup-winning innovation, Epic 9 takes everything that made Epic 8 the benchmark and pushes it further.

At Mackay Cycles, the full Epic 9 family is live and ready to order — S-Works at the top, Comp at the carbon entry point, plus the limited-run Ultralight LTD for riders who want every gram chased.

What's new on Epic 9

• 1,589 g frame — the lightest full-suspension XC frame in the world. 206 g lighter than Epic 8.
• 11 % lower suspension friction — refined kinematics deliver more control, traction, and composure at race speed.
• Refined kinematics — more speed-per-watt through optimised leverage and anti-squat.
• Dynamic Trio damping — Wide Open, Magic Middle, and Sprint-On-Lock settings, integrated through Specialized's Ride Dynamics system.
• Body Geometry-derived geometry — balanced for modern XC courses, optimised for efficiency and control.

"The bike becomes an extension of me. You just let the experience ride itself."
— Christopher Blevins, Specialized Factory Racing

The lightest

Mass is the enemy of XC performance. At 1,589 grams, Epic 9 is the lightest full-suspension XC frame ever made. Every gram removed sharpens acceleration, improves handling, and increases speed per watt — weight savings you feel from the first pedal stroke to the final sprint.

The most capable

When speeds are high and lines get chaotic, Epic 9 drops the competition. Lower suspension friction and refined kinematics unlock control exactly when you need it most. For the QLD XC series, technical lines through Finch Hatton and the Pioneer Valley, or training laps that turn into races — the bike rises to meet whatever the course throws at it.

The most efficient

Every watt matters in XC racing. Epic 9 is engineered so nothing is wasted — pedalling input translates directly into forward motion, even when the terrain gets rough.

"The biggest thing I noticed was how well it climbs. That will translate to racing speed."
— Christopher Blevins

The Epic 9 family at Mackay Cycles

• S-Works Epic 9 — $22,500
  The flagship. S-Works FACT 12m carbon, RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant, SRAM XX SL Eagle AXS Transmission, Roval Control World Cup carbon wheels.
• S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD — $20,900
  Limited run. TRICKSTUFF Piccola brakes, Supacaz foam grips, every gram chased. Once they're gone, that's it.
• Epic 9 Pro — $15,500
  Same Flight Attendant suspension brain as the S-Works at a price that makes podium racing realistic. SRAM X0 Eagle AXS Transmission, Roval Control SL VI carbon wheels.
• Epic 9 Expert — $11,000
  The value pick of the carbon family. Same FACT 11m frame as the Pro, SRAM GX Eagle AXS, Roval Control SL V carbon wheels.
• Epic 9 Comp — $7,800
  The lowest entry into the Epic 9 carbon platform. SRAM S1000 Eagle AXS wireless drivetrain, alloy wheels, clear upgrade path.
• S-Works Epic 9 Frameset — $9,800
  For builders and component-spec purists. S-Works FACT 12m carbon with RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant fork and SIDLuxe Ultimate Flight Attendant rear shock included.

Get sized in-store

A race bike at this level only delivers if it fits. Pop into Mackay Cycles at Shop 7, 8-14 Centurion Drive, City Gates, Mackay QLD 4740 and we'll size and fit you on the right frame before you commit. Workshop service, warranty support, and Specialized-trained techs — all included.

Got questions? Call Kyle on 0432 000 162 or email kyle@mackaycycles.com.au.

Pricing reflects Specialized AU RRP at launch and may change. Stock subject to allocation. Visit our store or contact us to confirm size and colour availability.