2025 Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection vs 2026 Santa Cruz Highball
The Santa Cruz Highball size closest to your M is the M. Compare the M instead
What changes on the Santa Cruz Highball
Compared with the Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection in M, the Santa Cruz Highball in XL places the top of the head tube 33 mm higher and 50 mm further forward, relative to the bottom bracket. Its wheelbase is 57 mm longer, which can contribute to stability at speed.
- Frame stack
- +33 mm
- Higher front end
- Frame reach
- +50 mm
- Longer frame reach
- Wheelbase
- +57 mm
- Longer: steadier at speed
- Head angle
- +0.5°
- Steeper: sharper steering
- Chainstays
- −4 mm
- Shorter: livelier
The two frames
Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection, MSanta Cruz Highball, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection M | Santa Cruz Highball XL | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reach | 440mm | 490 | +50 mm |
| Stack | 600mm | 633 | +33 mm |
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 67° | +0.5° |
| Seat tube angle | 74.5° | 73.5° | −1.0° |
| Effective top tube | 612mm | 677 | +65 mm |
| Chainstay length | 430mm | 426 | −4 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1150mm | 1207 | +57 mm |
| BB drop | 57mm | 60 | +3 mm |
| BB height | 313mm | 313 | ±0 mm |
| Standover | 764mm | 756 | −8 mm |
| Seat tube length | 410mm | 530 | +120 mm |
| Fork length | 516mm | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 95mm | 135 | +40 mm |
Differences are the Santa Cruz Highball minus the Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection. Full charts: 2025 Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward Collection, 2026 Santa Cruz Highball.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic World Cup LTD Forward CollectionSanta 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 World Cup LTD Forward CollectionS-Works LTD Forward 50 Collection | Santa Cruz Highball90 |
|---|---|---|
| Fork | RockShox Sid SL Ultimate | RockShox Sid SL Select+ |
| Rear shock | RockShox SIDLuxe WCID Ultimate | not listed |
| Shifter | SRAM Pod Controller Ultimate | SRAM 90 Eagle Transmission |
| Derailleur | SRAM XX SL Eagle Transmission | SRAM 90 Eagle Transmission |
| Cassette | SRAM CS-1299 | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission |
| Chain | SRAM XX Eagle | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission |
| Crankset | Quarq XX SL power meter | SRAM 90 Eagle DUB Transmission |
| Bottom bracket | CeramicSpeed DUB | SRAM DUB |
| Tire | Specialized Fast Trak, Specialized Renegade | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Hub | Roval Control SL Team, Roval Control SL | DT Swiss 370 |
| Rim | Specialized Control SL 29 | Race Face AR Offset 27 |
| Brake | SRAM Level Ultimate | SRAM DB 8 |
| Handlebar | Roval Control SL | SRAM Atmos Flat Bar |
| Grips | SRAM Loc | SRAM Standard |
| Seatpost | Roval Control SL | Race Face Next |
| Saddle | Specialized S-Works Power Mirror | SDG Bel-Air V3 Lux-Alloy |
| Frame | not listed | Santa Cruz Highball |
| Chainring | not listed | SRAM 90 Eagle |
| Wheelset | not listed | DT Swiss + Raceface DT Swiss 370 / RaceFace AR Offset 27 |
| Rotor | not listed | SRAM HS2 |
| Stem | not listed | SRAM Atmos Stem |
| Headset | not listed | Cane Creek 50 IS Integrated Headset |
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