2023 Santa Cruz Highball vs 2025 Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection
The Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection size closest to your M is the M. Compare the M instead
What changes on the Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection
Compared with the Santa Cruz Highball in M, the Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection in L places the top of the head tube 9 mm higher and 25 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 36 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +9 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- +25 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +36 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- −0.5°
- Slacker: calmer steering
- Chainstays
- +4 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Santa Cruz Highball, MSpecialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection, LDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Santa Cruz Highball M | Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection L | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 440 | 465mm | +25 mm |
| Stack | 605 | 614mm | +9 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67 | 66.5° | −0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 73.5 | 74.5° | +1.0° |
| Effective top tube | 619 | 641mm | +22 mm |
| Chainstay length | 426 | 430mm | +4 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1145 | 1181mm | +36 mm |
| BB drop | 60 | 57mm | −3 mm |
| BB height | 313 | 313mm | ±0 mm |
| Standover | 704 | 774mm | +70 mm |
| Seat tube length | 430 | 450mm | +20 mm |
| Head tube length | 105 | 110mm | +5 mm |
| Fork length | not listed | 516mm |
Differences are the Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection minus the Santa Cruz Highball. Full charts: 2023 Santa Cruz Highball, 2025 Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection.
Where each sits in its class
Santa Cruz HighballSpecialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection
Each bike is ranked against the other XC bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.
What each ships with
The stock build of each bike's first listed trim. Parts that match are dimmed.
| Part | Santa Cruz HighballGX AXS | Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward CollectionS-Works LTD Forward 50 Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Sid SL Select+ | RockShox Sid SL Ultimate |
| Derailleur | SRAM GX AXS Eagle | SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission |
| Cassette | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM CS-1299 |
| Chain | SRAM GX Eagle | SRAM XX Eagle |
| Crankset | SRAM GX Eagle 148 DUB | Quarq XX SL power meter |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB 68/73mm Threaded BB | CeramicSpeed DUB |
| Tire | Maxxis Rekon Race | Specialized Fast Trak, Specialized Renegade |
| Hub | Industry Nine 1/1 | Roval Control SL Team, Roval Control SL |
| Rim | Race Face ARC Offset 27 | Specialized Control SL 29 |
| Brake | SRAM Level TL | SRAM Level Ultimate |
| Rotor | Avid Centerline Centerlock | not listed |
| Stem | SRAM Atmos 6k Stem | not listed |
| Headset | Cane Creek 40 IS Integrated Headset | not listed |
| Seatpost | Race Face Next | Roval Control SL |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium CroMo | Specialized S-Works Power Mirror |
| Rear shock | not listed | RockShox SIDLuxe WCID Ultimate |
| Shifter | not listed | SRAM Pod Controller Ultimate |
| Handlebar | not listed | Roval Control SL |
| Grips | not listed | SRAM Loc |
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