Submitted by
SAM-L
a Cross Country Rider
from Robina, QLD, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2010
Strengths: reliable, low maintenance, downhill geometry is great, light weight, brain shock anf fox forks
Weaknesses: honestly cant think of anything better i could do
Bottom Line:
its a great bike for both cross country and trail riding, it handles really well going dowhill, the forks and rear shock are just great, havnt had aproblem with anything on the bike yet and ride almost everyday. if you are looking for a cross country bike or a trail bike this specialized does it all great.
Submitted by
MRB
a Weekend Warrior
from Santiago, Chile
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2009
Strengths: Great climber, confortable riding position, good quality components. Superfast in downhill sections. The inertia valve is awesome, when it works.
Weaknesses: Brain is a very sensitive device, which doesn't give confidence, two fails in six months.
Bottom Line:
I have changed from a hardtail to this full suspension bike, the difference is noticeable and I'm very happy with the change. This bike has great traction in climbs and a well balanced geometry, it really feels comfortable when climbing. I've needed some time to get used to downhill in this bike, it is scary fast and I feel it a bit nervous. With this bike, I've really improved my riding and been able to conquer trails I couldn't before.
The suspension is great and brain works as adveritsed, but the problem is that the inertia valve is very prone to failure. In six months I've already changed a complete shock under garantee and now I have problems with the new one. For somre reason the dial that controls the brain sensibility sticks and doesn't let you change it anymore. In very disapointed at this point, people from Specialized have been very responsive but this is a very worriying situation. I simple want a working sistem rather than heving to ask for garantee each three months.
Great bike, hadn't brain problems it would be five chilis
Favorite Trail: Precordillera Peñalolen - La Florida
Duration Product Used: 6 months
Price Paid:
$2700.00
Similar Products Used: This is my first full suspension bike, before that, Trek 6000 hardtail and older Bianchi models.
Bike Setup: Standard Epic Comp components.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
JRose
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver, CO
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2009
Strengths: mmmm Brain, Fox 100RL is like butta, Avid Elixir's are sweeeet (and only available on Specializeds)
Weaknesses: ? you got me...
Bottom Line:
I am reviewing the new 2009 Specialized Epic Comp.
Oh man, I used to ride and XC race on hardtails, and I imagine this is about as close as you can get with a dual suspension bike. I have only taken in out a few times, but it is sweet! I am a big fan of the riding position on this bike since it is much more aggressive than the Trek EX8 or Fisher's HiFi line. The Epic is definitely more of a straight up cross country speed and technical rider's bike than the aforementioned two. If you are looking for an all mountain bike, the Epic with 100mm travel front and back may not be for you. I was kind of skeptical as to how well the Brain system would work, but surprise surprise... it worked amazingly well. The 09 frame/rear suspension design is different than the 08, with the shock positioned in the main triangle. I imagine this balances the weight and center of gravity a bit better than having the shock positioned on the off side of the rear triangle like the 2008 models did.
I have heard of some people having trouble in the past with the Avid Juicy discs, and I imagine that's why Specialized has gone to a custom Avid Elixir Disc brake (front and rear) on the new 2009 bikes. The Elixir brakes are indeed really nice and powerful. I haven't had one ounce of trouble with the brakes or the suspension yet. I have been riding this bike on Front Range trails in CO which involve a lot of climbing and some fast and rocky technical terrain. This bike handles all of the above like a dream. Coming from riding a hardtail, my biggest concern was with climbing, but this bike climbs like a dream and will take nothing away from you on the uphill.
Basically seems like Specialized has addressed problems on older models to make the 09 epic even better than before (if that is even possible. haha). I love this bike.
Jack
Also, the 2009 Epic comp comes in either a black or red frame which are both way sweeter than the silver '08s!
Weaknesses: Brakes are loud when wet/Makes a creaking sound when I weave it to the right before riding(?)Don't know why this is/Rear shock's dustcatcher(stanchion seal) Came loose TWICE. Could not be more disappointed with this.
Bottom Line:
Ok I've only owned this bike for a month, but it's spent more time in the shop than I have had to use it. The rear shock's dustcatcher (stanchion seal) came loose TWICE. Not the fault of me riding but the fault of a poorly maintained shock. I had no idea it needed the correct type of oil since I used the *very same shock as my previous bike* and did not have this problem. So here I am using my old bike as a replacement and my new one that I paid out my ass for is sitting in the shop like a piece of meat on a hook. It's a great bike when it WORKS, this could just be the works of FOX. Great bike, bad shock experience.
Similar Products Used: Oryx Hurricane 250 (full suspension)
Bike Setup: Fox F100RL/Fox Brain Shock with Float R/Avid Juicy 5's/X-9 shifter
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
abikerider
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2008
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up to my post below. After rebuilding the rear caliper and lever with new seals myself and realizing that the lever pivot pin set screw should not be tightened all the way, the rear brake now feels like new. Either the seals were defective or my mechanic used the wrong fluid and damaged the seals. I'm just happy to have my bike back on the trails. For more detail about how I fixed it see my review of the Avid juicy 5.
Submitted by
Mike Schoellkopf
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2008
Strengths: Great climber, great handling, excellent Fox fork, good mix of components, cool anodized blue color.
Weaknesses: Hard as rock saddle and the stem was too short (80 or 90mm) on the medium model; both easily remedied. The rear juicy 5 disk brake has been problematic. After a few months it stopped retracting all the way and was rubbing the rim very badly. After replacing it under warranty the same thing happened. Now I have moved and can't take it back to the original shop for warranty work. I've decided to give the juicy's one last chance by buying the rubber seals and replacing them all. I am disappointed in the brakes to say the least but this was not Specialized's fault.
Bottom Line:
The only full suspension bike I found that was light enough and could climb out of the saddle without bobbing. Great handling and overall quality with the exception of the defective Avid juicy 5 rear disk brake.
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Hecker X, my first dual suspension: not a very efficient climber and the rear suspension was effectively locked out under hard braking. I still liked to ride it though. I also test rode Santa Cruz blur which I didn't think climbed well while standing up. Demo'ed a Trek liquid which ate boulders as if they were pebbles but didn't climb well while standing.
Bike Setup: Stock 2005 set up with the exception of a new saddle, 100mm Weyless stem, Weyless carbon riser hanlebars, and Crank Bros. pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Guy
a Cross Country Rider
from UK/Cambodia
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2008
Strengths: - Excellent ride - feels like a hard-tail, but has the traction and control of full suspension. - Top-notch stock components, particularly the fork. - The Brain Fade simply works. You don't notice the rear shock until you need it. - 3 bottle cage mounts. Fabulous if don't get on with Camelbaks - Stellar after-sales service from Specialized UK
Weaknesses: - Hair-trigger SRAM Front Mech Shifter. - Various problems with the Avid Juicy Fives - Flaky seat-post clamp - Stock tyres (Specialized Fast Track) don't like mud - Stock bars are a bit on the wide side for technical single track
Bottom Line:
The review below is spot on - if you're looking for an armchair, the Epic isn't the ride for you. It's very stiff, and most of the time you'll be wondering if the rear shock is actually there. Then you check the o-ring on the shock after a ride and see you've used the full range.
Coming from 16 years of riding mostly rigid bikes (and the occasional hard tail) this was perfect for me.
The stock set-up is excellent, but next time I would spec a Shimano shifter for the (Shimano LX) front mech - the SRAM push-push system leads to accidental down-shifts on bumpy descents.
The Avid Juicy Fives have been disappointing. They stop the bike, but it's heinously difficult to change the pads. You have to take off the IS/Post adapters to do the job. I've had some low-speed brake judder despite making sure disc torque was correct. And long, wet descents have resulted in shredded pads and warped rotors - though I suspect other brakes might have gone the same way.
I'm a long way from the nearest proper bike shop, but Specialized UK have been wonderful with advice both by email and over the phone. They offered to change the Avids for any other brake, free of charge, and have given many useful answers to even the silliest questions.
This is by far the most I have spent on a new bike - no regrets.
Similar Products Used: - Gary Fisher Sugar - Gary Fisher HiFi - Specialized Stumpjumper FSR - Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup: All stock. See www.specialized.com for the details - it's the 2007 Epic Comp.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Raynham Mass
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2007
Strengths: -Reliable drivetrain, Brakes are crisp, front fork is great and brain does what its supposed to.
Weaknesses: -This is marketed as a full suspension bike, but you need to know that it does not offer all that "plush" of a ride. It does exactly what it you want if you want to be fast and efficient on the trail. This bike is like having a nice hardtail that softens from time to time, climbs excellent, and uses ever ounce of energy you put into the cranks.
Bottom Line:
-This is all the bike I will ever need, or want. I was a fan of the FSR xc becuase if offered a plush feel over terrain, but now that I realized how much more efficient this bike is and how much faster I am...I wouldn't trade it for anything. Again, if you want to have all the benefits of a great hardtail with excellent components, that softens when you wish it would the technology of this bike is for you.
Bike Setup: -Stock, with some specialized bar ends and cranbrothers candy pedals.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Matt Cornell
a Cross Country Rider
from Amherst, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007
Bottom Line:
This is an update of my 7/20/2007 review regarding brakes. Turns out I've had serious trouble with the rear brake: It was making a horrendous racket - like gravel grinding on the rotor. Removed the pads, inspected them and the rotor - looked fine - and brought it back to the dealer today. Long story short, the Avid Juicy pads are CRAP. They replaced them with EBCs, which fixed the problem. Now I have to go back and do the front (started grinding badly).
The bike is very nice (I've ridden it a few more times), great balance, fun on XC, but the brake hassles aren't good. Downgrading review to 5/4.
Submitted by
Matt Cornell
a Cross Country Rider
from Amherst, MA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2007
Strengths: *Terrific* bike! Fast, great acceleration, climbs like a dream, and the full suspension works as promised.
Weaknesses: Useless grips, average pedals (I miss my egg beaters), so-so tires for New England XC, a *tad* heavy in the front (popping a wheelie is slightly more work than I expected), and some brake issues (not fully resolved, but I'm anal so it's probably OK).
Bottom Line:
Very, very fun bike. Within one or two rides I was relatively unaware of the bike - just me and the trails. Highly recommended.
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Saramento, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007
Strengths: Excellent component spec: I love the SRAM shifters (these are my first SRAM shifters/der) and the Juicy 5 brakes. The fork is very plush, even when sag is set to "race" measurements. The shock and brain allow multiple different adjustments to make the bike either hardtail firm or very plush (though I'm a set it and forget it kind of guy). The bike handles very well, though very tight switchbacks are a bit hard to navigate. It climbs very well. On descents, contrary to what I'd read about twitchiness at speed, I've had the bike to about 45 mph and it was still extremely stable.
Weaknesses: The brain gives me too many things to fuss with and it took a bit to get the suspension set like I wanted it.
Now that I have such a great bike, I realize it's me that makes me slow, not my bike.
Bottom Line:
The Epic is an excellent bike. I love riding it and enjoy mountain biking much more than I ever have in the past. If you are looking for a bike that climbs well and is still plush for descending, and will make you ride fast in all conditions, this is the bike for you.
Similar Products Used: I compared the Epic to the Stumpjumper and the Canondale Rush. I climbed a 10 story parking garage with each bike, did some dirt riding, some curb hopping, etc on each. The Rush felt very numb in the rear, the Stumpjumper was a bit soft for my taste (too much bob). I only returned from my test ride with a smile on my face after riding the Epic.
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Eau Claire
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2007
Strengths: Stiff when hammering along, Good specs for price, handles pretty good.
Weaknesses: Very heavy for XC race bike. Small bump compliance is non-existant. I have the '03 so I'm told they worked that out on newer models. The stiffness and small bump compliance is a big weakness on steep technical climbs, break traction too much. Hubs are weak.
Bottom Line:
I did like this bike for the first couple years. I have never abused it, but rode hard. This bike is not meant to be ridden like that for four years. I have replaced every single component - chain, rings, cassette, bearings, hub assembly, rear derailer, and still have a bad problem with throwing the chain, It has been to no less than five bike shops and can't seem to find the problem. Any suggestions? Bottom line is, good bike - not the best choice for a everyday cross country trailbike.
Similar Products Used: Ellsworth epiphany (unbelievable bike which I now own) Cannondale f400 hardtail
Bike Setup: Fox rcl 80 fork, xtr rear, Hayes disc brakes, crank brothers eggbeaters, mostly stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Morristown
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007
Strengths: Climbing is a no brainer on this bike. It is also extremely well balance in technical situations. Standover clearance is unreal. Avid Juicy's are excellent. Seat is surprisingly comfortable.
Weaknesses: 2.0 tires are wimpy, both size-wise and tread wise. Wheels come with narrow gauge spokes, don't appear beefy enough for technical XC riding.
Bottom Line:
Excellent bike for long rides in technical terrain. Very efficient climber. The best bike I've ridden in my 17 years of mtn biking. I loved my Tracer before the frame broke, and didn't think I could find a bike that would suit me as well...I was wrong...the Epic rocks.
Similar Products Used: Intense Tracer, various C'dale susp bikes, Trek Fuel, various hardtails
Bike Setup: Stock, except I am running XT/Sun wheelset with 2.4 Mutano raptor tires.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Squamish B.C Canada
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2006
Strengths: Excellent climber,when my buddies are spinning out I'm digging in.Deore dscs are awesome,power and modulation.One finger always.Brain has worked flawlessly and incredibly for 2 yrs and for having had the running gear done a couple of times and all the pivots and bearings done the brain just keeps on working like it should.
Weaknesses: Bottom bracket hieght is a bit low so you have to finness the cranks sometimes in the choppy slow going.The overall handling of the bike benefits from it,you just have to keep it in mind.I swapped bikes with a buddy who has a etsx70 rocky(also an awesome ride)and he liked the lower center of gravity.The bearing pack and istalation for the back end was a bit pricy 200+ but after 2yrs of punishment its somewhat expected on a fs.Brake system likes pads but for the braking quality I would'nt give them up.
Bottom Line:
Looking for a fsxc ride that has all the atributes of a hard tail but soaks up the bumps when you need it then this ride will rock your trail network,mine still has me smiling when I come home from a few hour hammer in the hills.
Similar Products Used: Test piloted-Rocky ETSX70 and a giant trance.The trance is a nice ride but not in the same league as the others.
Bike Setup: Stockish,put a dean ti seatpost in,xtr rd,fox could'nt rebuild my front shock after I sacked it so I've got a 07 fox vanilla which work well.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Karsten
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006
Strengths: Light, fast and smart. This bike let's the rider stay on the ground and follow the ups and downs, which keeps the momentum flowing. It descends like a God in technical terrain and climbs even better. If the bike is built down to 24-25 lbs, it's probably one of the best XC racer out there. The brain is fabulous.
Weaknesses: I don't like the Avid Juicy 5 brakes all that much; the braking is not as efficient as I hoped for. There's a couple of heavy parts as well, but they can easily be replaced.
Bottom Line:
I was looking for an allround bike to replace my hardtail and I had a FS with lock-out on both suspensions in mind before I discovered the epic. I did a lot of research and after trying it myself, the epic truly deserves its reputation of being a super-fast XC bike.
I use the bike for trial and some downhill as well as XC, and I can't wait to compete on it. I'll probably never ride a hardtail again.
I recommend this bike to the competitive racer, as well as the recreational cyclist. It's beautiful, light and comfortable. Want to win races? Try the epic. Want to ride for fun? Try the epic.
Need a little help deciding. I just bought an '04 hardtail Stumpjumper Pro for $1600. The shop just got in a '05 Epic Comp Disc with Juicy 5 brakes. I can have it for $2150 and ret Read More »
I have the option of saving $500 by buying an Epic Disc Comp 2005 instead of a 2006. Are there any reasons that the 2006 would be worth the extra $500? Can anyone provide input o Read More »
I've narrowed my duallie search to the Specialized Epic Comp Disc, and the Stumpy FSR Expert. Both bike run about the same $. The main difference is the the Epic has the Brain sh Read More »
I've been fighting the front brake on my Epic for weeks, and just listened to it squeak all weekend during a 24-hour race. I'm ready to rip it off the bike, smash it with a hammer Read More »
Sorry to bring up the aged old heated Epic vs. SJ debate again. But I find myself in the middle of it and need some insight from actual owners of both bikes. My LBS has a black 06 Read More »
