This bike wants to be neither fully nor hardtail. The Epic World Cup Expert tries a revolutionary approach on the rear shock to mix the best of both worlds. With only 75 mm travel in the rear, it is significantly more sparsely equipped than, for example, the Scott Spark RC or the Orbea Oiz. With the negative air chamber on the damper, the breakaway torque can be adjusted separately from the spring stiffness. Who chooses the hardest of the three driving modes, will notify that the rear shock will only work when it hits big stuff. Otherwise it will stay locked. So you can benefit from the direct propulsion of a hardtail on gravel roads or in the sprint, but gets some support from the rear shock in fast or hard descents. With lean 10,5 kg, the Specialized Racebike is among the lightest bikes in this category. The handling of this bike remains balanced thanks to a moderate geometry. For all of those who love a good incline, the moderate seating position of the on sporty excursions should be considered pleasant. Finally, here is another killer argument: in price range in light terrain, the Epic World Cup Expert is one of the best models in the in light terrain category. The guarantee of 25 years proves that Specialized is behind its products.