|
|
Specialized S-Works Epic 29er 29er Full Suspension
Product DescriptionAt under 22 pounds (10 Kg) this is the lightest full suspension 29er in the world. No-holds-barred design, engineering, materials, construction, and specifications combine to make the Epic the only dual-suspension bike to win the World Championships.
User Reviews
Submitted by
Bruce Date Reviewed: January 27, 2013 Strengths: I bought my S-Works Epic from a local racer and loved it from the first pedal crank. It brings a whole new world of riding and challenges as you will be riding faster than you are used to and you'll have to learn new skills to handle the speed and stability. I've dropped minutes off of my regular sections and have entered local XC races as well as cyclocross races and moved up in both catetories. Plan on extra time when you ride as you'll be out doing longer rides.....you don't get as tired or fatiged and the miles just keeping stacking up. Since it has everything, no need to add anything....all the components work perfectly and perform exactly as they should (I have the SRAM XX group). Very durable finish on paint and wheels....this is now my all around bike and it handles everything Western Colorado can throw at it. I don't want to have to buy a new bike every two years and by dropping some big coin for the best, I'm good for a long time. The bike is addictive!! Weaknesses: No weaknesses to speak off......you will spend a little more time keeping it clean as something this nice deserves to be detailed and spec'd out after each ride. Might spend more time talking about this bike to other riders as it does attract attention.......as it should. Also, some of your slower riding buddies will be even further behind, as it sets the bar very high. Bottom Line:
Submitted by
Mike Scott Date Reviewed: November 4, 2012 Strengths: I have had my S-Works Epic 29er for a year. Absolute great ride and the geometry for cross country riding and single track really works for me. Weaknesses: Sram World Cup parts need to be replaced, but done without any problems. Bottom Line:
Submitted by
The Spokes Beast
a Cross Country Rider Date Reviewed: August 15, 2012 Strengths: I bought the frame on release and loaded it with the new Shimano XTR and Easton Haven Carbon wheels. This bike screams-the harder I push it, the more it want to work for me. As 6'3" tall and 260 pounds, it takes all the power I put into it with the right amount of stiffness and transmission to the drive train. Even at my height with a big frame, I feel stable and confident over a variety of terrains and speeds. On rougher, uneven surfaces (including on a diagonal across the trail), I can sometimes let the bike "find" its own way across while maintaining speed because to the larger wheels and stability. The brain works great, even at my weight. Weaknesses: Occaisonal squeaking at the rear pivot point-usually with sudden increases in power and uneven surfaces. I think it just my weight applied torque. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Purchased At: Spoke Wheaton
Submitted by
Jvanlog Date Reviewed: June 18, 2012 Strengths: Low weight, solid geometry, XTR brakes are incredible, BRAIN works Weaknesses: Stock seatpost and saddle a bit heavy for a bike otherwise superlight Bottom Line: 
Submitted by
chad geisler
a Racer Date Reviewed: May 22, 2012 Strengths: First thing -- I've never written a review about anything in my life, and I'll be 44 this year. I come from a triathlon background, having competed for years in road tris (ironman, etc) and then morphed to xterra offroad triathlon -- have qualified and competed at highest level (world championships in Maui, regional qualifiers in TX, etc.). I've raced a Turner Nitrous 26, then a Moots YBB 29r, then a Pivot 429. Then, I bit the bullet and bought to SWorks Epic 29r (Roval carbon wheels, full Sram XX). While the rear brain clunks a bit and the BB doesn't have the clearance of my Pivot 429, this rig is unbelievable. It accelerates like a road bike up the trail. I live in Austin Tx and our local trails are super rocky, Tx hill country. The SWorks eats it up on the climbs and accelerates in the descents without losing control in a way that I never felt on the Pivot (a great bike in its own right). Braking on hairy descents is much better than the Pivot, I suppose bc the bike weighs less (22 lbs v. 27 lbs); or maybe it's the geometry -- I really don't care, but it's indescribable. Cornering on tight switchbacks is better, power transfer to the rear end is amazing. I train with a bunch of cat 1-2 knuckleheads and generally bring up the rear on long training days, especially when hammering, This bike has made me faster. No doubt. Much faster. And I've never had a passion for riding created in the way this bike does it for me. Go get one (yes, it's stupid expensive -- I sold 2 road bikes to pull it off and bought gently used). Weaknesses: low BB clearance, clunky rear brain sound, silly price Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Purchased At: private seller Similar Products Used: Pivot Mach 429 with full XTR and stans rims/CK hubs Bike Setup: Sram XX, Roval carbon wheels
Submitted by
cyclingmagnet Date Reviewed: April 17, 2012 Strengths: A XC specific rig that is designed for speed. When the brain is dialed and you're throwing down, it gives you a rigid platform for standing up on those punchy climbs. The new front fork now gives you the ability to open up the brain manually for longer descents. Fully plush along with the benefits of the 29er wheels. Weaknesses: I think a 15 m front through axle would have been nice and little lighter seat post (nit picking) Bottom Line:
Submitted by
JR
a Weekend Warrior
from Placerville Date Reviewed: March 13, 2012 Strengths: Very light, very stiff, most efficient full suspension bike I have ever ridden. Climbs really well. Handles great. True XC race bike. Weaknesses: Brain suspension feels firm and clunky when activates sometimes. Could not justify price of a new one so I bought used... Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Purchased At: used Similar Products Used: santa cruz superlight, giant anthem 29ers
Submitted by
donlaforet
a All Mountain Rider
from Nevada City, California Date Reviewed: February 13, 2012 Strengths: Very stiff frame, Roval wheelset extraordinary. Bike, like Secretariat, loves to ride. Weaknesses: Initial quality was poor. XX rear der not for everyday use. XX brakes judder. Burns brake pads and chains quickly. Not as happy on rocky trails in Tahoe Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: 6 months Similar Products Used: Ellsworth Epiphany Bike Setup: 180 mm front disc, XO rear der, Twist shifter front der
Submitted by
onza
a Racer
from Santa Clarita, CA USA Date Reviewed: February 8, 2012 Strengths: Beautifully handling stiff carbon frame, Roaval carbon wheels, dialed geometry, rear suspension/rain, and very FAST! Climbs well, kills the descents, and eats up the flowind single track! Fastest bike I've ever ridden! Weaknesses: Front fork, and, imo, front tire. Like the last post, this fork is a downgrade from my stock fork on my 2010 S Works Epic 26er. The SID fork that came on my 2012 is almost like it does not have a brain...just a regular compression adjustment. On my 2010 S-Works Epic the brain worked AWESOME! I do a lot of climbing and racing and am, so far, not very impressed with the SID. I'm hoping that after some more time, and rides I can dial it in a little better. As far as the tires, when the fr tire wears out, I will get something with a little more bite. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Purchased At: LBS Similar Products Used: 2010 S-Works Epic 26er Bike Setup: Stock set up except for replacing saddle and grips 
Submitted by
jplamere1
a Cross Country Rider
from Minneapolis, MN, USA Date Reviewed: December 1, 2011 Strengths: Tough bike, incredibly fast bike, the fastest bike I've ever ridden. The back end, the brain on the back end is amazing, makes the bike so fricking fast and awesome! Weaknesses: The front end. The Brain front fork does not work nearly as well as the back brain. I miss my Lefty, and if I didn't spend so much money on this bike I would put a Lefty on it and have the ultimate bike. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Fisher Creek Trail Duration Product Used: 3 months Price Paid: $9000.00 Purchased At: Eriks Similar Products Used: Cannondale Scalpel, Hardtail Stumpjumper 26" Bike Setup: Stock, carbon Roval wheels, XTR
Submitted by
H8rain
a Racer
from Austin, Texas Date Reviewed: October 2, 2011 Strengths: Lightweight, tubeless 29er carbon wheelset, XTR is awesome. Not sure any bicycle is worth the ridiculous price tag, but it sure puts a smile on my face and definitely makes me a better rider. Weaknesses: Price. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Poison Spyder - Moab Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Price Paid: $9500.00 Purchased At: Bicycle Sport Shop Similar Products Used: 26 epic comp Bike Setup: Factory XTR setup with tubeless conversion.
Submitted by
Clene van Wyk
a Cross Country Rider
from South Africa Date Reviewed: September 6, 2011 Strengths: Lightweight, stiff and responsive. Feels compact despite being a 29er. Well thought out. Weaknesses: Could become expensive and difficult to maintain when not located near a Specialized Dealer. A bit on the expensive side. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Duration Product Used: Less than 1 month Price Paid: $9900.00 Purchased At: WEBIKE Bike Setup: Standard but swopped brakes for Shimano XTR M985 brakes
Submitted by
Knobby4me
a Racer
from Atlanta GA Date Reviewed: August 7, 2011 Strengths: Lightweight, stiff front end, great geometry, FSR, great looks, did I say lightweight.. Weaknesses: rear end is not as stiff as expected, brain takes a few hundred miles to dial in, front inertia brain makes clicking noise in normal operation. Freakin expensive Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Chicopee Duration Product Used: 3 months Price Paid: $3200.00 Purchased At: eBay Similar Products Used: Niner Sir9, Moots MootoX, Epiphany Bike Setup: Bought frame only nearly new. Built with XX, Magura SL, Crest on DT, other high end bits 
Submitted by
OneKYards
a Racer
from USA Date Reviewed: August 2, 2011 Strengths: Lightweight full-suspension, race colors and handles well. Brain technology good on hardpack. Weaknesses: Poor shifting on the rear cassette and will not shift into 11-tooth. Most likely due to poor deraill. hanger design. Renegade tires limited to hardpack terrain. High Price and clunky brain suspension on rocks. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Singletrack Duration Product Used: 1 Year Price Paid: $8900.00 Purchased At: LBS Similar Products Used: Epic Expert, Niner, Santa Cruz Bikes Bike Setup: S-Works with XX drivetrain, Roval Wheels/stock 
Submitted by
Cary Dunn
a Racer
from pine,CO. USA Date Reviewed: June 28, 2011 Strengths: It looks sweet Weaknesses: I got the bike and right away the crank arm hits the chain stay when going up a steep hill.took it in and the shop re-torked the pivot points and assured me that would fix it.road the bike and nothing changed.took it back in and the shop took the whole crank and BB apart and said this might work.(mean while I am not riding or racing this bike that cost 9000.00 dollars) still the crank arm hits the chain stay.I am told that it is ok for this to happen that the chain stay can take it and its OK if it gets a scratch or mark from this.So I have 30 hours on this bike and two races and the BB bearing seizes up.I think it is from the flex in the frame,BB,and swing arm area in this bike,that puts a side tork on the BB and causes the bearing to fail. Also I do not care for the reba front fork,there is 15 clicks of adjustment on it but really to make it work you ride it all the way adjusyed out,may be one click in,and still its not that good.I had to Demo a bike for a race in Winter Park because mine is in the shop(they did pay for my demo) but was really impressed with the front fork of a lot cheaper bike.Specialized is working on this so I am told making a new swing arm for this bike,and I have talked to a lot of people who have the same bike that do not have this problem,but I have also seen some demos the if you look at the swing arm on the drive side you will notice a scatch where the crank arm hits the chain stay.Also note Iam not a power guy I wiegh 158 and am more of a spinner than a pedal masher.Iam going to sell this bike as soon as I get it back look for it on criags list. Bottom Line: Expand full review >>Favorite Trail: Buff Creek Area Duration Product Used: 3 months Price Paid: $9000.00 Purchased At: Bike source Similar Products Used: I have been racing a YETI ASR I get a new bike every year the last 3 bikes have been the ASR Carbon fiber.This is a stiff bike,make the S-works feel like a wet nodel Bike Setup: XC Racing
|
Contests
VideosMTBR on Facebook |
