2023 Santa Cruz Highball R vs 2025 Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection
The M is the Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection size closest to your M Santa Cruz Highball R. We match frame stack and reach. This is a geometry comparison, not a fit recommendation; stem, spacers, handlebars and saddle setup also affect your riding position.
What changes on the Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection
Compared with the Santa Cruz Highball R in M, the Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection in M places the top of the head tube 5 mm lower and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 5 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- −5 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- ±0 mm
- About the same reach
- Wheelbase
- +5 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- −0.5°
- Slacker: calmer steering
- Chainstays
- +4 mm
- Longer: more planted
The two frames
Santa Cruz Highball R, MSpecialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection, MDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Santa Cruz Highball R M | Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection M | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 440 | 440mm | ±0 mm |
| Stack | 605 | 600mm | −5 mm |
| Head tube angle | 67 | 66.5° | −0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 73.5 | 74.5° | +1.0° |
| Effective top tube | 619 | 612mm | −7 mm |
| Chainstay length | 426 | 430mm | +4 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1145 | 1150mm | +5 mm |
| BB drop | 60 | 57mm | −3 mm |
| BB height | 313 | 313mm | ±0 mm |
| Standover | 704 | 764mm | +60 mm |
| Seat tube length | 430 | 410mm | −20 mm |
| Head tube length | 105 | 95mm | −10 mm |
| Fork length | not listed | 516mm |
Differences are the Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection minus the Santa Cruz Highball R. Full charts: 2023 Santa Cruz Highball R, 2025 Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection.
Where each sits in its class
Santa Cruz Highball RSpecialized 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 Highball RR | Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward CollectionS-Works LTD Forward 50 Collection |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Sid SL Base | RockShox Sid SL Ultimate |
| Shifter | SRAM NX Eagle | SRAM Pod Controller Ultimate |
| Derailleur | SRAM NX Eagle | SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission |
| Cassette | SRAM NX Eagle | SRAM CS-1299 |
| Chain | SRAM NX Eagle | SRAM XX Eagle |
| Crankset | SRAM Stylo 6K 148 DUB 34t | 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 | SRAM MTH 716, SRAM MTH 746 | Roval Control SL Team, Roval Control SL |
| Rim | Race Face AR Offset 27 | Specialized Control SL 29 |
| Brake | SRAM Level T | SRAM Level Ultimate |
| Rotor | Avid Centerline | not listed |
| Stem | Race Face Aeffect | not listed |
| Headset | Cane Creek 10 IS Integrated Headset | not listed |
| Saddle | WTB Silverado Medium CroMo | Specialized S-Works Power Mirror |
| Rear shock | not listed | RockShox SIDLuxe WCID Ultimate |
| Handlebar | not listed | Roval Control SL |
| Grips | not listed | SRAM Loc |
| Seatpost | not listed | Roval Control SL |
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