With a FACT carbon frame, 100mm of travel, and custom SRAM gearing the Epic Comp Carbon is a fast and efficient cross-country trail bike.
FACT IS 9m carbon FSR frame with M5 alloy rear triangle with dedicated 29er geometry, sealed cartridge bearing pivots and 142mm dropouts delivers strength, rigidity, and suppleness to create an uncompromising 100mm-travel Competitive XC bike
S-Works Fast Trak 2.0" front and Renegade Control 1.95" rear 2Bliss ready, dual-compound tires deliver exceptional speed and traction, while minimizing rotating weight
Specialized and Fox put their heads together to develop the FlowControl Mini Brain shock with Brain Fade inertia valve, air spring, and adjustable rebound for the ultimate in racing and trail riding performance; new 2012 tune
RockShox Reba RL 29 fork with 100mm travel, lockout and rebound adjust, allows this 29er to charge technical terrain
Custom SRAM S-1250 10-speed XC double crankset 29er-specific gearing, large PF30 bearings, and alloy arms for smooth, efficient power transfer
SRAM X9 long cage, 10-speed rear derailleur is super-tough and light, yet delivers pinpoint shifts
Strengths: Accelerates and climbs like a hardtail, in a good way, you don't know the suspension is even working. Very stiff, goes where you point it. Brakes, shifting, all excellent.
Weaknesses: The rear hub/freehub sounds like something out of the flintstones it is creaking and rattling so much (after two months of riding...none in the wet). It is still functional...so far....but it sounds like it is going to give up the ghost any second. Rear shifter is floppy loose but it is tightened all the way down...gotta keep an eye on that.
The gearing isn't quite low enough for me...I need to get a new spider & chainrings to lower the gearing.
Bottom Line:
Right out of the shop this is an excellent bike, it is incredible how well it works frankly. I've raced it a couple of times and the bike is flawless. I wish it was lighter but I realize I need to spend more $ for that. The saddle didn't work for me but that is not to be unexpected and easy to fix...my Fizik Aliante Gamma solved that problem. Seats should probably be treated like the throwaway pedals that come w/bikes anyway.
Weaknesses: The Phenom saddle takes some getting used to. Some days it hurts like hell and others it feels fine. I may still revert to my trusty WTB.
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike now for about 3 months after upgrading from a 2 year old Giant Trance X3. The Trance was a great bike for All mountain style riding but way too slow as a XC racer/enduro bike. I felt that no matter how hard I trained I just couldn't get any more out of the Trance. After 3 months on this bike I'm a total convert to 29ers. The speed and acceleration are amazing and this thing climbs like nothing else I've ridden. To make it even better, the roll downhill is exceptional. I can roll at a speed where my riding mate has to peddle to keep up. You have to keep your wits about you though because the bike can get a bit touchy on rough downhills.
Duration Product Used: Silverton Time trial/Heritage trail
Price Paid:
$4100.00
Purchased At: TJ's Cycles, Adelaid
Similar Products Used: I rode a Giant Anthem X29 prior to deciding on the Epic. Both bikes were great but I decided on the Epic because I liked the set up.
Bike Setup: The front Specialized Fast Trak 2.0 was a crap tyre IMO. On the dusty tracks I ride the front kept washing out. I fitted a Schwalbe Noby Nic 2.25 snakeskin tubeless to the front and was amazed at the difference it made. The Specialized Renegade is a great back tyre with plenty of speed and grip. I'll fit a Schwalbe Racing Ralph when the Renegade dies. I also have a Race Face Carbon seat post which is great.
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Submitted by
tirebuster
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno NV
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2012
Strengths: everything
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
Wow! how can this thing climb faster than my HT 26? I have been riding on and off from the 80s till now in many states and lots of bikes and this is a good one! If you like to go fast buy one of these !! I ride a med and mines is 25.7 ready to ride.
Similar Products Used: epic and stumpjumper HT and FSR in 26in,cannondale HT 26,several fishers in 26in orbea 29in and stumpjumper carbon 29in.HT and some others.
Bike Setup: 2012 comp carbon with rovel control wheels,fox taralogic fork XX cranks,
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Submitted by
rob1208lv
a Cross Country Rider
from Las vegas, NV, USA
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2012
Strengths: Light, stiff, smooth,
Weaknesses: PRICE
Bottom Line:
this review is for the 2012 - This Bike is super light, mine came in at 27lbs stock, after I swapped out everything now weights 24lbs with pedals, and I could easily drop a few more if I went with carbon wheels. I think its a little over priced for the parts it comes stock with (joy tech specialized hubs, X7 shifters, cranks, front d, and cassette. - 1 chilli for the value.. The brain is super amazing once its dialed, the absolute best and cheapest upgrade to make on this bike would be tubeless conversion . One thing to note Specialized along with every bike company needs to drop Avid brakes on there stock bikes, as they squeal, and the pistons always stick.
Similar Products Used: Niner Air9, Niner EMD9, Niner RIP9
Bike Setup: Swapped out the x7/x9 drive-train for FULL XO, swapped out the saddle, seatpost for a Thomson masterpiece and rocketv slt, set up tubeless, swapped out the thin tires for swabale, and swapped out the wheels for stan arches
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Submitted by
UCLA ANDY
a Cross Country Rider
from West Hills Ca
Date Reviewed: November 8, 2011
Strengths: Fast,stable, loves to climb like a hardtail
Weaknesses: Squeaky brakes while riding, the seat, could be a tad ligter for a Carbon Bike
Bottom Line:
Love the bike. Took some time to dial it in just right. I can climb over things I use to go around. My climbs are not any easier just faster! The big wheels will give confidence flying downhill.
Bike Setup: Easton Havoc carbon handlebars, WTB Laser seat, Control Rear tire Specialibed Control, Stans no Tubes, switched to 36x32 chain ring because I missed my granny gear.
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Submitted by
isprod
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, Colorado, USA
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2011
Strengths: Fun and fast
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
So I had a ten year old Stumpjumper and decided to upgrade. Rode a bunch of bunch of new bikes and pretty much loved the 29er Epic as soon as I tried it. The only real decision was the aluminium vs carbon frame, but the LBS cut me a great deal on the carbon so that was an easy decision.
The ride quality compared to my old 26 hardtail is almost incomparable. The brain allows tuning the rear suspension to suit your ride style and is easy to tweak during a ride for long climbs or technical descents. The bike climbs like a hard tail and descends like full suss. Like all 29ers it suffers a little in super tight technical stuff, but the upside of the bigger wheels outweighs this I feel.
I race Xterra triathlons and the Epic helped me knock time off all my bike splits compared to last year. Plus the full suss leaves me a little fresher for the run compared to getting beat up on my old hardtail.
I really can't recommend this bike highly enough. It is a chunk of change I know, but if you are looking for a fast "do anything" bike this is it.
At this moment in time, at 100mm travel 29 er, Specialized has created a "perfection". It climbs better than any other full suspension 29er that I've owned or tried above. I love the Brain. It handles incredibly well for a 29er. I have no fear of switchbacks. In fact, with added traction, I relish it.
Going downhill, you can ride it like a trail bike. I think 70.5 head tube angle is just perfect for this crosscountry/trail 29er. The carbon frame is wonderful. If I want to do jumps or tackle some knar, I reach for my 6" 26er or 650B. Everything else this bike is it.
Similar Products Used: Ellsworth evolve, pivot 429, Rocky Alt 29(good bike but not as good a climber), Turner sultan, Rocky hammer 29, Orbea Alma 29,Redline 29
Bike Setup: Stock except XX shifters & cassette, Reverbe post
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Submitted by
Huffimoose
a Cross Country Rider
from Charlottesville, VA (USA baby!)
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2011
Strengths: This bikes rails! It is my first 29'er and I was really debating between a going back to a hard-tail or staying FS. I heard a lot of opinion that if you step up to a 29'er in this area of VA, going FS is not worth it. I have to say BS to that noise! I did a lot of test riding, research and debating before getting this ride and haven't looked back. It feels so sure-footed as that 29'er tire has a nice sized contact patch and just hooks-up. It took a bit of getting used to the new head-tube angle and those bigger wheels just roll and roll. Handling and acceleration, once you get it all set up and dialed in will NOT dissapoint. Brakes and shifting are all good. I see no reason to upgrade a darn thing unless it breaks. Also I was a bit skeptical about the 2x10. I had an older Cannondale that came with that setup (2x9) and it simply did not work well. Specialized got this right. The combo of 29" wheels and gear ratio works well together!
Weaknesses: - Nervous about all I have heard about the rear hub; however, it works fine for me - no problems.
- Would be nice to have brain in front fork as well
- I have had some chain suck when dropping from big to little chainring under load.
- It ain't cheap, but you definately get you $'s worth
Bottom Line:
Quick staring at mine and get your own! I love this bike and so will you. I do not race anymore, but have done my share of XC as well as 12 and 24 hour races. I wish I have this bike then. Great for everyday and race day - no kidding.
My old 26" FS (which is no slouch by the way) has been hanging in the garage. I just don't see ever going back - poor thing.
Bike Setup: Stock and swapped saddle out as well as bars (FSA flat Carbon w/ sweep). Crank brothers pedals. I see no need for upgrades until something breaks - unless you just want to spend $$.
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Submitted by
eric.nm
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Fe, New Mexico
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2011
Strengths: 1) Suspension design / improved Brain w/ 13 clicks of Fade
2) 26er-like maneuverability (I know it's a cliche, but it's definitely flickable)
3) Carbon fiber front triangle with tapered HT is hellastiff
4) 142x12 rear thru axle is an absolute revelation. You will seriously never want another bike without it. Between the Brain and the 142+, it feels like a hardtail (in a good way), except when it's not. If you've ridden a Brain-equipped bike, you know what I mean).
5) Reba RLT 29 is every bit as good as a Fox FIT RLC 29, and perhaps better
6) 2x10 makes you wonder how we ever put up with 3x9. Seriously.
Weaknesses: 1) Phenom Comp saddle is, um, phenomenally uncomfortable (but easily remedied by replacement with your saddle of choice)
2) Sram X7 right (rear) shifter has too much play (covered under warranty)
3) Brain Fade still have noticeable on/off sensation with single hits, especially squared edged ones. Better than previous editions I've had, but still there.
Bottom Line:
Sorry to all of you Spesh-haters out there, but the big red S really knocked this one out of the park. Like, into the upper deck. It is such a complete package. I felt immediately at home on this bike from the very first ride. The Epic 29er just nails the perfect combination of confidence-inspiring handling and intuitive maneuverability on tight switchbacks and twisty sections. The new-for-2011 142mm+ thru axle rear end is a revelation, and pairs up with the Fox made Brain shock to lay down searing acceleration, especially so for a 29er, (though it's much better with the lighter Roval carbon wheels, duh.)
It's a terrific race / endurance bike that easily does double duty as a trail bike. Or is it the other way around: a trail bike that makes for a great race bike? Climbing, tight sections, rollers, switchbacks, acceleration: five stars. Steep or technical downhills? Three and a half stars, only for the 70.5 head tube angle. Stiffness-wise, it's completely unshakeable. Not an all mountain rig, but definitely not twitchy or nervous handling either. Comfortable, yet rocket-fast. And hellastiff through rough, rocky sections; able to hold a line exceptionally well, off-camber or not. Also, perhaps surprisingly, it's as silent as a single speed on the trail.
As for the spec, the 2011 Epic 29er Comp carbon may seem "mid-range" (at $4000 plus? Ouch!), but the performance is simply amazing. The new SRAM 2x10 (24/38T) with an X.9 / X.7 drivetrain is (almost) flawless. The Avid Elixir R SL brakes are silent and have outstanding lever feel and modulation, (but you have to step up to the Epic 29 Expert if you want the contact adjustment. For comparison, I rode both the Comp and the Expert versions of the 2011 Epic 29er. Both have "FACT 9M" carbon front triangles, the difference being an extra G in price, with a spec one level higher on the food chain in the case of the Expert. The verdict? Absolutely indistinguishable performance between the two, except for the noticeably different feel of the Reba Brain fork (Expert) versus the Reba RLT fork (Comp). Not better, necessarily, just different. But as far as drivetrain, brakes, hubs? Blindfold me, and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference.
Lastly, my size medium weighs 26.5 lbs. (w/o pedals), even after my switching to a heavier front tire. The 2011 Epic 29er carbon is almost certainly one of the two best 29er full suspension trail bikes currently in existence. If you value plushness over a solid rear triangle and snappy acceleration, I'd go with a VPP design. Both designs climb exceptionally well. As for me, I'll take the laser acceleration and thru axle rear end of the Brain-equipped Epic 29er carbon any day. THM: Best full suspension bike I've ever thrown a leg over, bar none.
Similar Products Used: 1) 29er dually: Intense Spider 29 (two years); Specialized Epic 29 Expert (w/ Brain fork and other assorted upgrades); Fisher Superfly 100; Giant Anthem 29 (demo'd only)
2) 29er HT: Niner S.I.R 9; Salsa Mamasita; Haro May XC; Kona Unit 2-9
3) 26er dually: Ibis Mojo; Titus Motolite; Stumpjumper FSR Expert w/ Brain; Titus Racer X; Gary Fisher Sugar; Diamondback X-link
Bike Setup: Stock except: 1) Eskar 2.3 (F); 2) stock S-Works Captain 2.0 moved to (R); and 3) Syntace bar / stem (bend preference)
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Submitted by
CasteelG
a Cross Country Rider
from Ogden, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2011
Strengths: - FAST!
- Not just for racing
- Brain and rear suspension performance is much improved over my old '09 Stumpjumper FSR
- 2x10
- Reba RLT
- Warranty
Weaknesses: - The stock wheels are boat anchors
- Rear hub is unsatisfactory
- The Reba RLT should be Brain equipped like the higher end models to match the feel of the rear suspension
Bottom Line:
I had the pleasure of testing an S-works Epic 29er while I was considering options for my next bike. I had been skeptical of the benefits of 29ers, but was promptly converted after a few hours on that bad boy.
Anyway, I ordered this bike the following day as it was the closest thing I was going to get to the S-Works in my price range.
It's great! The 29 inch wheels really help tame technical sections and keep momentum. It's amazing being able to blow through the few sections of my local trails that caused issues on my other bikes.
Another thing I noticed was the much improved performance of the Brain and rear suspension over my '09 Stumpy FSR.
Also, this bike is definitely not just for racing. It's great for general riding in my area as well. The steering is fast, but not twitchy. It definitely requires a bit more finesse than slacker, longer travel trail bikes but I really don't consider that a bad thing.
The only complaints I've had are listed above. Once the wheels are swapped and the fork internals are changed over this will definitely be a 5 Flamin' Chili ride.
