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I can confirm that Specialized will reveal a new generation of the Specialized Epic this month. I can also confirm that the new model definitively rolls on 29" wheels. From what I'm hearing, the folks at Specialized who executively get to make the decision on these kinds of things are not convinced that 32" wheels are universally beneficial for all XC racers and see them as more of a niche solution for very specific scenarios.

32" coming maybe?

WHAT!! Then why are we posting here??

90%+ of SRAM's (and Shimano's) sales are to OEMs, not Aftermarket/enthusiasts. So 90%+ of their direction in products is focused on OEM sales. Not guys on the VitalMTB forum, sadly.

Spec. Epic 9 sometime in April

I was literally just typing up a bitter old rider style drivetrain rant. I just want cheap(ish) durable chains guys. I'm not throwing down $100 for a chain, ever. I'm glad I've got a few ~$65 X01 chains in rotation, they'll last till I get so mad I throw up my hands and just replace everything with a Microshift drivetrain and fully embrace my old man roots.

Modern Bussiness lecture: Just do nothing and wait for the competition to do everything wrong. Exactly the game where Shimano would excel

Stocking up on XX1 chains. Really unhappy with the new SRAM offerings. Next bike might be Shimano. Edit: shoot - are people unhappy with me because I'm not wild about the latest SRAM drivetrain components replacing Eagle, or because I suggested moving from one "S" company to the other?

I just caved and ordered a 2025 Enduro at basically 50%. I’m thinking it might stay in the box until May just in case…

I want ride wrap for my rotors, tired of those things getting dinged up

Yeah, I didn't know they'd released an "EVO" model, either. Apparently "We're not releasing an EVO model for this Stumpy, ever" means "We're not releasing an EVO model for this Stumpy anytime in the next 2-4 months."