Beautiful Bicycle: Drop Bar Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup, Where XC Meets Gravel

Setting the Stage, Err…Podium: XC Bikes and Drop Bar Cockpits

Roughly 15 years ago, former pro David Zabriskie–Tour de France stage winner and yellow jersey wearer, Olympics competitor, and 5-time national time trial champion–came to Contender with an unorthodox request: could we custom build a XC mountain bike with a drop bar cockpit? In essence, Zabriskie wanted the ultimate XC mashup–highly aero, and highly comfortable and capable–easily at home on both long climbs and rowdy, chunky trails. Led by some innovative and bespoke work from our head mechanic Graham Greenlee, we delivered on this unique inquiry, along with a “note to self,” to see if the concept would catch on. 

This past August, we couldn’t help but flash a knowing grin when we saw Utah native Keegan Swenson win his 4th consecutive Leadville 100–on a drop bar mountain bike no less, and despite dropping to 14th place after an early flat. (And while we’re at it, a massive shoutout to Melissa Rollins–another Utah native–who won her first ever women’s Leadville 100. Two for two for the homegrown, Wasatch front talent!)

Beautiful Bicycle: Drop Bar Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup

With this evolution in mind, we’re excited to spotlight this Specialized S-Works Epic World Cup cross-country bike, which features a custom, drop bar cockpit. Let’s dive into what makes this build unique. 

• Custom Cockpit: first things first; to achieve his primary outcome, this cyclist chose a Ritchey Superlogic Venturemax Drop Bar Handlebar (Carbon, 46cm, 31.8mm, Black). In addition, he went with an Easton EA50 70mm stem, and SRAM Force brakes. While the more aero positioning is the obvious benefit of this setup, the more subtle advantage is the greater range of hand positions on the bike–drops, hoods, flats–which takes on increasing value during endurance mountain bike rides, when fatigue sets in, and hands become very tender, desperate for relief. 

• Frame: Specialized Epic World Cup carbon frame, featuring a dynamic, metallic red that fades to burgundy towards the back of the bike 

• Groupset, Cranket, Gearing: SRAM X0 & GX AXS Mix, SRAM X0, 34t chainring and 10-52t cassette  

• Saddle & Seatpost: Fizik Vento Argo R3, and 3T Carbon 27.2

• Wheels & Tires: a race ready setup, fast and light, featuring Reserve 28XC wheels, and Vittoria Barzo 29 x 2.35 tires 

Who Are Drop Bar XC Bikes Right For? 

As drop bar XC bikes grow in popularity–Contender is now delivering custom builds similar to this on a regular basis–it begs the question, who are drop bar XC bikes right for? In our view, two personas rise to the top: 

• Cross-country mountain bikers looking for any competitive advantage, including increased aerodynamics and greater hand positions for long haul rides

• Gravel riders looking for greater capability on technical, challenging trails, including modest travel, increased stability, and improved handling 

Learn More

Interested in learning more about drop bar XC bikes, or Contender's customization offering? Feel free to drop by the shop, send us a message, or give us a call at (801) 364-0344.