Product Description
Approaching a level of performance historically found only in S-Works, now in 29er trim.
- Super light FACT IS 9m carbon 29er-specific frame with M5 alloy rear triangle and sealed cartridge bearing pivots delivers strength, rigidity, and suppleness to create an uncompromising 100mm-travel Competitive XC bike
- Specialized and Fox blend their brains to develop the FlowControl Mini Brain shock with Brain Fade inertia valve, air spring, and adjustable rebound for World Cup - and local trail - domination
- Custom RockShox Reba 29 100mm fork with Brain features rebound and Brain Fade adjustments to dial in the perfect platform for 29er bliss
- DT Swiss X420SL 24mm-wide 29" rims are sleeved and eyeletted for a sturdy and lightweight package that climbs effortlessly; Specialized Hi Lo hubs and DT Swiss spokes add strength and durability
- Super light, custom SRAM Carbon S-2200 10-speed XC double crankset for 29er with PF-30 spindle and removable spider offers stiffness, performance, and durability
- Custom Avid Elixir CR SL brakes, with tool-less reach adjust and alloy backed semi-metallic pads, offer lightweight, power-packed control for ripping down XC trails
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Reviews 1 - 4 (4 Reviews Total)
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Submitted by
sierra blanco
a Racer
from Texas, USADate Reviewed: April 7, 2012
Strengths: Fast. Comfortable. Handles corners and tight turns like a champ.Weaknesses: Bottle cage a little tough to access. Brains have to be re-serviced every 500 miles to keep warranty.Bottom Line: I drug my feet going to the 29er, mostly because I loved my old bike and was worried about losing a lot of "feel" going to the bigger wheels. I must say I was more than pleasantly surprised. The only thing I miss from the smaller wheels is being able to catch a little air (harder to pull up on front end of bike). As for cornering, accelerating, and all the other places people say a 29er has a disadvantage, I beg to differ. This is a quick bike with great feel, it absolutely flies and is a blast to ride. (Weight of my bike is right at 25 lbs., size med.)
If you want a fast, durable race bike, this is for you. If you're looking for a one quiver bike, this is definitely a great choice.
Favorite Trail: Northshore (Grapevine, TX)
Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$4400.00
Purchased At: Bicycles Inc.
Similar Products Used: 2008 Stumpjumper Pro
Bike Setup: Stock
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Submitted by
cdabiker
a Cross Country Rider
from haydenDate Reviewed: March 28, 2012
Strengths: light, stiff, suspension, climbs well, descends well, fast bike.Weaknesses: price, feels big and slow compared to a 26er...but actually produces faster times when racing the clock which is a strength.Bottom Line: this big rocks it up and slays it down. it is meant for racing but can morph into a great trail bike. but don't take my word... get out and test ride one you won't be disappointed!
Favorite Trail: roller coaster
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$5800.00
Purchased At: lbs
Similar Products Used: other epic models in 26 inch version
Bike Setup: stock with bars changed out for s-works low rise carbon and shimano spds
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Submitted by
Shaunmo
a Cross Country Rider
from Spokane, WADate Reviewed: November 23, 2011
Strengths: This is a very quick bike and accelerates so much better than the 26" version. The bigger wheels make it feel like it has more suspension without all the bob. The 2012 upgrade to Formula brakes are a huge improvement over the poor handling avid. The Sid shock w/ brain drops .25lbs off of the previous year and works like a dream.Weaknesses: Heavier than I had hoped. Causes a lot of bugs in teeth because I can't stop smiling while I am on it.Bottom Line: This is a great bike and one of the fastest FS bikes I have ridden. I tried a Gary Fischer superfly and Trek 29ers and thought they were good trail bikes but the epic is a good trail bike and great race bike. I thought about getting the 2011 but after trying the 2012 with the Formula brakes and Sid front shock it was worth the wait
Favorite Trail: Liberty Lake
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$4400.00
Purchased At: Center Cycle
Similar Products Used: 2010 Epic Expert, AL 26"
Bike Setup: 2012 Epic Expert Stock with the exception: Carbon SLK handlebars, carbon SLK Seat post, and Stans ZTR wheels
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Submitted by
oc-biker
a Racer
from Aliso ViejoDate Reviewed: June 28, 2011
Strengths: Excellent Suspension, solid components, stiff frame. Climbs amazingly well and inspires confidence on the downhills. Sworks tires grip much better than I expected.Weaknesses: Saddle was a torture device (for me), some house brand parts are pretty heavy (post, bars, saddle). Not as light as I would expect a $5K bike to be (26.4lbs w/XTR Pedals Large). Sworks tires aren't durable enough for everyday use.Bottom Line: This bike is so much more fun to ride than my old 26" Epic. I'm able to fly downhill compared to before. I'm now faster than many of my friends who I couldn't keep up with on my old bike. It is a bit heavier and it's noticeable on the climbs. However, it climbs technical, rough trails much easier. Not sure if it's a faster bike on typical course but it sure is much more fun to ride. For all out speed it probably depends on how rough and technical the course is. The best racing platform is probably a 29er HT. However, I wanted a bike that was more fun to ride and would spare my lower back. This bike fits the bill.
I'm very happy with my purchase. I prefer to ride this bike for more technical riding than even my 26" Enduro. This is the best true race bike that can double as a super fun trail bike.
Would have loved to be able to buy the Sworks Epic 29er but it was just too much. This bike with a few mods and the carbon wheels isn't too far off for thousands less.
Favorite Trail: Idyllwild
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$3600.00
Similar Products Used: Epic 26", Aluminum HT 26", Enduro 26", tested Sworks SJ HT 29er.
Bike Setup: Replaced wheelset with Carbon Roval SL (took 1.2lbs off), Replaced the tires with Maxxis IKON 2.2 EXO. Replaced saddle with Selle Italia SLR, Wellgo Titanium SPD pedals, RaceFace Carbon post. Weight is now 24.3lbs. Not too bad for a 29er race bike.
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Reviews 1 - 4 (4 Reviews Total)
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