2021 Specialized Epic Hardtail Pro vs 2022 Santa Cruz Highball
The S is the Santa Cruz Highball size closest to your S Specialized Epic Hardtail Pro. 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 Pro in S, the Santa Cruz Highball in S places the top of the head tube 12 mm lower and about as far forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 4 mm shorter, which can contribute to quicker direction changes.
- Frame stack
- −12 mm
- Lower front end
- Frame reach
- ±0 mm
- About the same reach
- Wheelbase
- −4 mm
- Shorter: quicker to change direction
- Head angle
- +1.0°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −4 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Specialized Epic Hardtail Pro, SSanta Cruz Highball, SDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic Hardtail Pro S | Santa Cruz Highball S | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 405mm | 405 | ±0 mm |
| Stack | 608mm | 596 | −12 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 | 1092mm | 1088 | −4 mm |
| BB drop | 63mm | 56 | −7 mm |
| BB height | 309mm | 314 | +5 mm |
| Standover | 762mm | 708 | −54 mm |
| Seat tube length | 400mm | 405 | +5 mm |
| Fork length | 506mm | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 95mm | 90 | −5 mm |
| Effective top tube | not listed | 587 |
Differences are the Santa Cruz Highball minus the Specialized Epic Hardtail Pro. Full charts: 2021 Specialized Epic Hardtail Pro, 2022 Santa Cruz Highball.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic Hardtail ProSanta Cruz Highball
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 | Specialized Epic Hardtail ProHardtail Pro | Santa Cruz Highball |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox SID SL BRAIN | not listed |
| Shifter | SRAM AXS Eagle Controller | not listed |
| Derailleur | SRAM X01 Eagle AXS | not listed |
| Cassette | SRAM X01 Eagle | not listed |
| Chain | Specialized SRAX X01 Eagle | not listed |
| Crankset | SRAM X1 | not listed |
| Bottom bracket | SRAM DUB | not listed |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak | not listed |
| Hub | DT Swiss 350 | not listed |
| Rim | Roval Control | not listed |
| Brake | SRAM TLM | not listed |
| Saddle | Specialized Power Expert | not listed |
Know what is on every bike.
Add your bike to Quiver. Keep its parts, setup, and service history together, then share your build.
Explore the app
