2020 Specialized Epic Hardtail Ultralight vs 2022 Santa Cruz Highball
The XL is the Santa Cruz Highball size closest to your XL Specialized Epic Hardtail Ultralight. 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 Santa Cruz Highball
Compared with the Specialized Epic Hardtail Ultralight in XL, the Santa Cruz Highball in XL places the top of the head tube at about the same height and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket.
- Frame stack
- −2 mm
- About the same height
- Frame reach
- ±0 mm
- About the same reach
- Wheelbase
- ±0 mm
- About the same
- Head angle
- +1.0°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −4 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Specialized Epic Hardtail Ultralight, XLSanta Cruz Highball, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic Hardtail Ultralight XL | Santa Cruz Highball XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 480mm | 480 | ±0 mm |
| Stack | 636mm | 634 | −2 mm |
| Head tube angle | 68.5° | 69.5 | +1.0° |
| Seat tube angle | 74° | 73.0 | −1.0° |
| Chainstay length | 430mm | 426 | −4 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1177mm | 1177 | ±0 mm |
| BB drop | 63mm | 56 | −7 mm |
| BB height | 309mm | 314 | +5 mm |
| Standover | 847mm | 756 | −91 mm |
| Seat tube length | 520mm | 530 | +10 mm |
| Fork length | 506mm | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 125mm | 130 | +5 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 674 |
Differences are the Santa Cruz Highball minus the Specialized Epic Hardtail Ultralight. Full charts: 2020 Specialized Epic Hardtail Ultralight, 2022 Santa Cruz Highball.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic Hardtail UltralightSanta Cruz Highball
Each bike is ranked against the other XC bikes on Quiver, on frame geometry alone. Not your hand position or ride feel.
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