Introduction
The Specialized Epic is often the bike of choice when it comes to tough off-road bikepacking routes and races. Many of our Tailfin customers use this bike too – it is the most searched MTB on our site when customers use our Axle Finder.
The Epic is currently available in carbon and alloy, and the frames have undergone some changes since their introduction. This guide will show how to fit a SpeedPack (10L) to the Specialized Epic 8, and it applies to other Epic models too.
You can find more information on fitting your Tailfin kit to a full-suspension MTB.
Configure your Tailfin Order
In this example, we’re showing the SpeedPack (carbon, with pannier mounts), which is the newest addition to our range of Rear Systems, but our alloy versions (and our removable versions) are also compatible. The suspension systems featured on all the Epic bikes and their off-road use mean we recommend the ‘Fixed’ Rear System instead of the ‘Removable’ Rear System, which includes either the CargoPack (18L) (formerly known as the AeroPack) or the SpeedPack.
When placing your order, use our Axle Finder to determine which type of axle is required, along with any additional adaptors. Specialized has maintained the same axle type for many years, since switching to the newer UDH/Transmission standards for the 2021+ models.
If you’re not sure whether your Epic is the UDH version, you can check the rear dropouts, where you’ll see a bolt with text ‘UDH’ on it.
We only recommend ‘axle mounting’ for the Epic as it lacks frame mounting points for racks, leaving axle mounting the only option available for your Rear System. By mounting your Rear System to the thru axle, the stresses on your frame are almost eliminated as the weight goes mostly through the wheel instead.
We also recommend the Universal Thru Axle (using the 1.0mm thread pitch driveside end) as it enables users to add 16mm of extenders in the centre, making the axle wider to accommodate SRAM’s T-Type Transmission Derailleurs and BOOST hub clearance. The carbon and alloy arches have been designed to accommodate this range of flex. As it includes the 4 main thread pitch options, you can use it to fit your Rear System to other bikes too. For Epics older than 2021, just the Universal Thru Axle is required with no additional adaptors. It uses the same 1.0mm thread pitch driveside end, too.
Assembly
Use our assembly guides to put together your SpeedPack. You’ll need a Torx (T25) tool and a torque wrench to do this.
Fit the new Universal Thru Axle
Now your SpeedPack is assembled, just one part remains: fitting it to your bike. To do this, you’ll need to install the new Tailfin Universal Thru Axle and SRAM UDH/Transmission adaptor.
Follow the steps below to install the Universal Thru Axle and UDH Adaptor
You can leave the axle fitted even without the SpeedPack attached. It’s normal for threads to show on the drive side – it is just as safe as your original axle, as the number of axle threads engaged with the frame is the same.
See our video guides on fitting the Universal Thru Axle and UDH Adaptor to your bike too.
Attach your SpeedPack
The last step is to attach the SpeedPack to your Epic. It’s often easier to do this standing behind your bike.
See our quick guide on how to correctly attach the Seat Post Connector.
Now you’re ready to ride!
Optional Extras
You can choose to add extra items to your setup to make the SpeedPack best suited to your needs. Our Adjustable Light Mount (seatpost mimic) fits the rear of the Fixed SpeedPack, and if you use the Garmin Varia Radar, our Adjustable Light Mount will allow you to mount it securely. You will require Garmin’s Seat Rail Mount to fit it to the top part of the Adjustable Light Mount fitting.
Note: Mounting your arch to the SpeedPack on the set of bolts further to the front of the bag will allow space for the Varia to be fitted.
Additional products
The CargoPack is also compatible with the Epic. To expand your carrying capacity, you can add to your setup. See below what you can fit on your Epic:
As shown above, you can fit the SpeedPack, 0.8L Top Tube Bag and HydroMount to your Epic.
