Specialized launches the Epic 9 - claiming the lightest full-sus XC frame ever made

If you care about cross-country racing, or just enjoy watching the weight-weenie arms race escalate to increasingly absurd levels, this is worth paying attention to. The headline claim: a 1,589g frame weight (medium, with shock, hardware, seat collar, axle, and water bottle bolts included), which Specialized say makes it the lightest full-suspension XC race frame in production. That's 129g lighter than the nearest competitor, and 179g lighter than the Epic 8 it replaces. To put that complete bike weight in perspective: the top-spec S-Works Epic 9 Ultralight LTD tips the scales at 8.5kg. For a full-suspension mountain bike with 120mm…