The S-Works Epic 9 won again in Nove Mesto: a detailed look at Laura Stigger's bike

The new Specialized Epic 9 has only been on the market for a few weeks and has already managed to dominate the first two events of the XCO World Cup 2026. First, it was in South Korea with Sina Frei in extreme conditions, and then in Nové Město, where Laura Stigger confirmed once again that the new platform from the American brand is a real leap in the current XCO concept.

In detail: the S-Works Epic 9 with which Laura Stigger won in Nové Město

Stigger's victory in the Czech Republic also serves to confirm something we had already suspected since its presentation. In general terms, we are probably looking at the most refined XCO mountain bike presented to date. A bike that takes the modern 29” concept a step further by achieving something that seemed complicated in recent years: clearly increasing downhill capability and technical performance without significantly increasing weight.

A more capable, more efficient, and surprisingly light Epic 9

With the Epic 9, Specialized has opted for a very deep evolution of its XC platform. The S-Works frame made of FACT 12 carbon reduces the weight to 1,589 grams and comes with a new kinematics that reduces suspension friction by 11%. The idea behind the entire project is to transform more watts into real speed when the circuit becomes aggressive.

The bike maintains 120 mm of rear travel and is combined with an extremely balanced geometry and very high pedaling efficiency.

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The result is a bike that is especially stable in fast and technical areas, but still accelerates with the direct and explosive behavior demanded by modern XC. And there lies precisely one of the great merits of this Epic 9. While many brands have accepted penalizing weight to gain capability, Specialized has managed to maintain an extraordinarily light platform without losing downhill capability, stiffness, or precision.

Another key point is the Ride Dynamics system with three-position damping and the well-known “Magic Middle” mode, an intermediate setting that keeps the suspension active but with very firm support for pedaling. In current circuits, full of constant transitions between technical areas and fast sections, it has become one of the keys to the bike's performance.

Laura Stigger's setup to win in Nové Město

The XCO in Nove Mesto was held in optimal weather conditions and on a circuit that year after year continues to gain followers for its combination of natural terrain, technical sections, and demanding climbs.

For this day, Laura Stigger mounted a S-Works Epic 9 with the integrated Roval Control cockpit, designed to maximize stiffness and completely clean the front end.

The suspension is handled by a RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant fork with 120 mm accompanied by a RockShox SIDLuxe Flight Attendant shock, also 120 mm, integrated within the Ride Dynamics ecosystem from Specialized.

One of the most interesting aspects of the setup is the regular use of the Magic Middle mode as the main pedaling configuration. A very logical choice for circuits like Nové Město, where there are hardly any recovery zones and impacts, roots, explosive climbs, and fast descents constantly alternate.

For braking, Specialized opts for SRAM Motive calipers with 180 mm discs, a combination that prioritizes power and control even on very aggressive descents.

The entire transmission revolves around the SRAM Eagle Transmission ecosystem, accompanied by an integrated Quarq power meter.

The chosen wheels are the ultra-light Roval Control World Cup combined with Specialized Air Trak tires front and rear. The setup is completed with a RockShox Reverb dropper post, a 155 mm Power Evo saddle, and HT M2 pedals.

For especially technical circuits or steep climbs, the team also uses the shock's flip-chip in the high position, slightly raising the bottom bracket to improve climbing performance and avoid hits in compromised areas.

Complete setup of Laura Stigger's Specialized Epic 9

• Frame: S-Works Epic 9 FACT 12 Carbon with flip-chip configuration in high position 
• Cockpit: Integrated Roval Control
• Fork: RockShox SID Ultimate Flight Attendant 120 mm
• Shock: RockShox SIDLuxe Flight Attendant 120 mm with Ride Dynamics and Magic Middle mode
• Brakes: SRAM Motive with 180 mm discs front and rear
• Transmission: SRAM Eagle Transmission
• Power meter: Integrated Quarq
• Wheels: Roval Control World Cup
• Tires: Specialized Air Trak
• Dropper post: RockShox Reverb
• Saddle: Power Evo 155 mm
• Pedals: HT M2

Here you can see the entire range of the new Specialized Epic 9 starting from €6,999.