Aleix Espargaró's S-Works Epic in detail - the lightest full mountain bike of the ABR?

Mountain bike 22/02/22 19:52 Migue A.

Moto GP rider Aleix Espargaró parted ways with the Orbea Factory Team for this season, but that doesn't mean he's decided to walk away from competitive cycling. His love of the sport far exceeds the dedication of most non-professional riders and you only have to look at his social media accounts to see for yourself. Aleix is competing in the ABR 2022 with Oliver Avilés and there we have had the opportunity to see the exclusive S-Works Epic that he has rode for the occasion. This is probably the lightest full suspension MTB with dropper seatpost in the race. How much do you think it weighs?

Aleix Espargaró's exclusive S-Works Epic for the ABR 2022

The custom set-ups are designed to meet different needs and objectives, but when you find one as careful and studied as the one on this S-Works Epic, you know immediately that this is a competition bike only suitable for a few. The detail of the frame with almost no paint and with the natural carbon blades is a statement of intent, seeking to reduce weight as much as possible.

The Tune SPEEDNEEDLE saddle made of carbon fibre and aramid weighs only about 85g. Despite the minimalist padding, it is one of the most comfortable models in the hyper-lightweight saddle segment for long rides.

Only the chainstay and bottom bracket area has been painted with this striking geometric pattern. On the rest of the frame, the RAW carbon fibre can be seen.

Complete Sram XX1 Eagle AXS groupset with rainbow finish for the cassette. The oversized CeramicSpeed cage with ceramic bearings has been added to the front derailleur.

Quarq XX1 Eagle crankset with integrated power meter, 36T absolute black oval chainring

RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate shock, at just 227g it is the lightest on the market. This S-Works Epic frame is a version that arrives ready to NOT mount Specialized's own BRAIN system.

Magura MT8 SL brakes with 100% carbon levers, one of the best braking power to weight ratios in the world

GripShift knob for locking suspension and ONOFF button for dropper seatpost

Arundel bottle cage with side entry made of carbon fibre, weighs only 25 g

Zirbel Twister WE01 pushbutton for wireless shifting, possibly the most minimalist and elegant pushbutton.

Handlebar with integrated Geminis Propus stem, the set weighs about 149 grams.

The new RockShox SID SL fork with 100mm of travel and 32mm bars is the brand's lightest fork.

BikeYoke Divine 80mm dropper seatpost, one of the lightest options for those who don't want to give up a dropper seatpost.

GPS bracket to match the paintwork on the handlebars and rear triangle area

The gear control unit is located just below the stem and here we see the effective fuse punch that Aleix has attached to the handlebars in case of a flat tyre in the race.

Roval Control SL carbon wheels (1240 grams per pair) with Maxxis Aspen tyres

After reviewing this truly luxurious set-up, you're probably wondering what the total weight of this exclusive S-Works Epic is, as we had the opportunity to take it up to our weight as it is assembled for racing and the total weight was 9.580 kg. We reaffirm that it is probably the lightest full suspension mountain bike with dropper seatpost of those competing in the Andalucía Bike Race 2022.

Aleix Espargaró's S-Works Epic assembly

Frame: Specialized S-Works Epic
Handlebar: Gemini Propus
Fork: RockShox SID SL Ultimate 100mm
Shock absorber: RockShox SIDLuxe Ultimate
Saddle: Tune SPEEDNEEDLE
Seat post : Bike Yoke Divine
Brakes: Magura MT8 SL
Drivetrain: Sram XX1 Eagle AXS with Ceramic Speed cage in the front derailleur
Shift pushbutton: Zirbel Twister WE01
Cranks: Quarq XX1 Eagle crankset with Absolute Black oval 36T chainring
Pedals: Look X-Track Carbon Ti
Bottle cage: Arundel
Wheels: Roval Control SL with 29mm internal width
Tyres: Maxxis Aspen
Weight: 9,580 kg

Aleix Espargaró's S-Works Epic in detail - the lightest full mountain bike of the ABR?

Aleix Espargaró's exclusive S-Works Epic for the ABR 2022

Aleix Espargaró's S-Works Epic assembly

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