Specialized Epic HT 2017: Epic becomes rigid -

We started to rub your hands … Specialized begins to reveal what has prepared us for 2017 . The first of his major announcements is a surprise: the new Specialized Epic HT . From now on , talk about Specialized Epic, will not want to say that we are talking about a double suspension, but will discuss a range of double and rigid with DNA designed exclusively for competition.

Do not think that the new Epic HT are just some Epic without rear suspension. Behind this new range of rigid, there is a deep and intense development work that has made Specialized get his lighter bike to date . And then … The Stumpjumper HT? The one that until now was the rigid one for XC par excellence of the North Americans, from now on will be more oriented towards the trail.

And what makes this new Epic such a special bike? Mainly for its new frame, which has been designed entirely from scratch, and its manufacturing process. At Specialized they have focused that each size of the new Epic HT has its own map of fibers , ie in each size sheets carbon fiber will placed differently, thereby achieving a unique and optimal result. The carbon used is the aerospace prepreg type (used in the Japanese high precision industry) and is cut with precision CNC-type plotters. This type of cut achieved optimize the placement of the sheets of carbon fiber reducing overlapping layers . In these ways less material is used, and structural safety is not compromised. The result of all this work casts an impressive 890 grams on the scale (size M S-Works version) something more lighter than 300 grams than the previous model and 4.9% more stiffness in areas such as the steerer. The Epic HT version “no S-Works”, made of 10m carbon fiber, also inherits these improvements and has a weight of 1,180 grams, almost 50 grams lighter than the previous Stumpjumper HT S-Works.

A new design of internal cable routing , called “split housing” , saving an additional 50 grams by not having to resort to continuous ducts inside the box. This new system is also compatible with Di2 transmissions.

The rear triangle adopts Boost system , with all the known advantages of increased rigidity and shorter pods, in particular 430mm . The geometry is also checked, the steering angle goes from 71 ° to 69.8 °, and the reach grows 4mm, the wheelbase being now 23mm higher.

It is also noted that the down tube is straight , as in the past Trek Fuel EX , so a rubber pads is included to prevent the forks hitting the box.

It is also envisaged the launch of the feminine version , which will be called Women Epic HT and HT or Fate was not as previously, as the picture is the same, but adapted to women ‘s needs.

Specialized Epic HT 2017, versions and prices

As for specifications, the S-Works version will mount a special version of the new RockShox SID equipped with the automatic Brain lock and the SRAM Eagle group of 1 × 12 speeds. The range is completed with carbon and aluminum models, with options 1x and 2x, as the frame is compatible with the use of diverters.

Specialized S-Works Epic HT Carbon Di2 – € 9,390