Limited-edition S-Works Epic launched to celebrate 50 years of Specialized
Fifty years ago, Mike Sinyard was a cycling-obsessed Californian who had seen the next big thing – mountain biking.
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With a deep understanding of the potential that pioneering all-terrain bikes were having in Marin County during the 1970s, Sinyard realised that mountain biking would be transformative. And it would require application-specific components. Hence, Specialised was born.
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The global growth and segmentation of mountain biking since 1974 have been remarkable. Specialised’s headquarters remain in Northern California, but it has become a brand with a worldwide presence and diverse products. However, Mountain biking remains core to the brand and it’s celebrating 50 years with some limited-edition bikes and accessories.
2024 50th specialized epic rear.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Specialized’s S-Works Epic World Cup Forward 50 LTD is a premium build kit version of the brand’s wildly successful XCO and marathon racing bike. Finished with the best components, Specialized’s Forward 50 LTD features a 110mm RockShox SID SL Ultimate 3P fork complemented by a SIDLuxe WCID rear shock, delivering 75mm of rea-suspension travel.
2024 50th specialized epic fork.jpg, by Liam Mercer
The Forward 50 LTD bikes spin ultralight 1190g Roval Control SL wheels with carbon spokes, and rolling efficiency is enhanced with ceramic hub and bottom bracket bearings. Tyre are 2.35in casings, with a Specialized Fast Trak in the S-Works casing and T5/T7 compound up front, trailed by the same specification Renegade at the rear.
True to Specialized’s racing history, the Forward 50 LTD bikes are built with advanced transmissions – SRAM’s POD ultimate AXS controlling shifting an XX SL Eagle rear derailleur. Data integration is provided by a Quarq XX SL crank-mounted power meter.
Light – and rare
Specialized’s S-Works Epic World Cup Forward 50 LTD weighs only 9.31kg (a touch over 20lb), but product planners have ensured it has abundant stopping power.
Potent 4-piston callipers were once only considered necessary for extreme downhill racing bikes, but lighter versions have become commonplace for demanding XCO courses. The Forward 50 LTD’s 760mm wide carbon handlebar mounts SRAM Level Ultimate 4-piston calliper brakes.
2024 50th specialized epic bar.jpg, by Liam Mercer
Beyond the dream build specification, the true appeal of these Specialized’s S-Works Epic World Cup Forward 50 LTDs are appearance and price. A bold and differentiated colourway marks them as ‘edition bikes, and with Specialized only making 250 available globally, you’re assured exclusivity for your £12,500 investment.
If you want to complement your limited edition S-Works Epic World Cup Forward 50 LTDs with a matching colourway helmet, there’s an appropriately finished Prevail 3, too, at £275.
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