2026 Specialized Epic World Cup 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 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, MSanta Cruz Highball, XLDrawn to scale and lined up at the bottom bracket.
Geometry side by side
| Measurement | Specialized Epic World Cup 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 | 612 | 677 | +65 mm |
| Chainstay length | 430mm | 426 | −4 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1150mm | 1207 | +57 mm |
| BB drop | 57 | 60 | +3 mm |
| BB height | 313 | 313 | ±0 mm |
| Standover | 764 | 756 | −8 mm |
| Seat tube length | 410 | 530 | +120 mm |
| Fork length | 516 | not listed | |
| Head tube length | 95 | 135 | +40 mm |
Differences are the Santa Cruz Highball minus the Specialized Epic World Cup. Full charts: 2026 Specialized Epic World Cup, 2026 Santa Cruz Highball.
Where each sits in its class
Specialized Epic World CupSanta 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 | Santa Cruz Highball90 |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | not listed | Santa Cruz Highball |
| Fork | not listed | RockShox Sid SL Select+ |
| Shifter | not listed | SRAM 90 Eagle Transmission |
| Derailleur | not listed | SRAM 90 Eagle Transmission |
| Cassette | not listed | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission |
| Chain | not listed | SRAM GX Eagle Transmission |
| Crankset | not listed | SRAM 90 Eagle DUB Transmission |
| Chainring | not listed | SRAM 90 Eagle |
| Bottom bracket | not listed | SRAM DUB |
| Wheelset | not listed | DT Swiss + Raceface DT Swiss 370 / RaceFace AR Offset 27 |
| Tire | not listed | Maxxis Rekon Race |
| Hub | not listed | DT Swiss 370 |
| Rim | not listed | Race Face AR Offset 27 |
| Brake | not listed | SRAM DB 8 |
| Rotor | not listed | SRAM HS2 |
| Handlebar | not listed | SRAM Atmos Flat Bar |
| Stem | not listed | SRAM Atmos Stem |
| Grips | not listed | SRAM Standard |
| Headset | not listed | Cane Creek 50 IS Integrated Headset |
| Seatpost | not listed | Race Face Next |
| Saddle | not listed | SDG Bel-Air V3 Lux-Alloy |
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