Specialized’s 775g MTB frame

What is the lightest mountain bike frame in the world? Questions like that always bring some heated argument on the internet, however when Specialized released their all-new Epic hardtail with a 775g frame in a medium, that’s seriously light, and Specialized claim it is the lightest production mountain bike frame in the world. We’re pretty sure it’s the lightest mountain bike frame that any one of us can order from a bike shop, but there might be boutique frames out there with paint scraped off that could weigh the same or a little less.

The S-Works Epic hardtail frame sells for $3700, or you can buy the Specialized Epic Hardtail Comp for $3900 – and you get a whole bike. The change in carbon compared to the S-Works frame means a weight gain of about 140g, which is probably easier to swallow for the weight savings.

The Epic hardtail is not just about light weight as Specialized really refined what a hardtail should do. The wanted to make a fast bike, but they know that speed is compromised when comfort and capability are not recognised. So the carbon layup has been optimised so there is reduced overlap in areas that don’t need it, and to keep as much vertical compliance as possible while maintaining the rigidity needed for power transfer. With a move to a threaded bottom bracket shell for reduced maintenance compared to a press fit option, Specialized also upped the seat tube diameter to 30.9mm, opening up the range of dropper posts and increasing how much drop they can have.

With clearance for up to 2.4” tyres, a 68.5 degree head angle and extended reach, the Epic hardtail is fully #newschool for the XC crowd. If you’re after a rocket ship, your option has just landed at Specialized dealers.