The Epic Hardtail has a progressive frame geometry for today's technically demanding XC courses.  Headtube angle is slacker, reach is longer and seat tube angle is steeper.  These changes combined with the lightness of the frame (lightest mass-production hardtail frame on the market!) make it a truly capable race bike.  Due to the longer top tube, your stem length may be about 20mm less than a previous generation bike.  Ideal stem length is 60-75mm.