Evolution of Speed The lightest, fastest, and most powerful XC race bike of all time The Epic 9 combines 24 years of successful XC innovation into the fastest race bike in the world. We started with the world’s best Epic 8 as a baseline. Then we removed everything that held it back. 206 grams less weight – the Epic 9 is therefore the lightest full-suspension XC race bike in the world. Next, we reduced suspension friction by 11% and optimized the kinematics. The result: unparalleled efficiency, performance, and speed per watt. Speed arises naturally from a bike that is so perfectly tuned to the rider that it becomes almost invisible, allowing only the rider's full potential to shine through.