With world champ blood lines, the Comp is race-ready right out of the box.
M5 alloy frame rules the Competitive XC category with 100mm of supple FSR suspension, delivering small bump performance and unsurpassed efficiency in smooth terrain
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
S-Works The Captain 2.0" front and S-Works Fast Trak 2.0" rear 2Bliss Ready dual compound tires work together to deliver exceptional speed and traction, while minimizing rotating weight
Custom Avid Elixir R SL lightweight hydraulic brakes with tool-less reach adjust and long-lasting semi-metallic pads keep you in check with superb control and modulation
SRAM's venerable X.9 long cage rear derailleur is super tough and light, yet delivers pinpoint shifts in the worst conditions
Specialized BG Phenom Comp saddle with hollow Cr-Mo rails is a lightweight and minimalist design, tuned for sit bone flex and comfortable climbing
Submitted by
Epic Crisco
a Cross Country Rider
from Pleasant Grove, Utah
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2012
Strengths: FAST & nimble! Amazing climber. I was impressed with the Brain.
Weaknesses: Haven't found any yet
Bottom Line:
I picked up the 2012 Epic Comp 29 as soon as it hit the shop. I had been researching several different bikes for my new race steed (Cannondale Scalpel 29, Santa Cruz Tallboy, Giant Anthem). I took as many of them out for a demo as I could. The Scalpel was a VERY close number 2. From the second I hopped on the Epic, it just felt like we were meant to be together.
I took it down the Bearclaw Poppy in St. George, Utah for it's first ride. I flew down the single track faster than I had ever before. Later on the trip in San Diego it made very technical climbs feel easy. I actually wanted to try hard long climbs just to see if I could do them. I even cleaned a hill that is infamous for being nearly impossible during a race down there. Another rider who witnessed it asked to try the bike out (not believing that the bike, not the operator was responsible) and came back stunned with a huge grin on his face. He swore he would be buying one for himself after he got paid again. Since I just have the alloy frame (and it STILL rocks) I can't imagine what the Carbon is like. Now I understand why everyone I talked to said, I can't go wrong with an Epic.
I can't wait for race season!!!
Submitted by
Noose42
a Weekend Warrior
from Greenville, SC USA
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2011
Strengths: Light, Climbs like a dream, keeps begging for more!
Weaknesses: Its owner is holding it back.
Bottom Line:
I wanted to wait till the buyers honeymoon wears off before reviewing and that has finally happened.
I have taken this bike out on the trail several times and used it to cycle after work on the road to get some exercise on it. Obviously it is not made for the road, but locking out the suspension thanks to the brain makes it enjoyable.
Take it on the trail and it shows you immediately that this is where it belongs. It eats up root and rock gardens and gives a lot of confidence in the rider! I've gone through some hairy situations where i thought for sure my back wheel has taken too much of the brunt and the bike just keeps going, auto correcting a bad fish tail from over braking and so forth.
It honestly just plain out performs and delivers in all areas! A friend rented the Epic 29er Comp so I got to compare the two. The 29er got the nickname the "Tower" since between the two you felt much higher, however after about 20 minutes on the bike quickly got used to the feeling and performed exactly where a 29er should, including ground clearance of the same root/rock gardens. I PERSONALLY prefer the 26 from a control standpoint, since you feel much more "IN the bike" than "On-Top" like you do on a 29er, and for me that translates to pushing myself harder on the trail; a bit more adrenaline!
Fantastic bike that truly lives up to its 4.9+/5 reviews!!
Similar Products Used: Trek Topfuel, Cannondale Rize, cannondale Scalpel
Bike Setup: only change, Specialized the captain Tires I love this tire
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
danil
a Cross Country Rider
from Cha-Am Thailand
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2011
Strengths: Having been an avid cyclist most of my adult life in and around Mammoth Lakes California.. a daily rider from 35-60k I take it very seriously and this bike delivers to the max. It's carbon construction is unsurpassed with regards to weight, but it is not just that. The designers obviously paid a lot of attention to rider needs, as well as balance and function//It has it all. I have never before felt so strongly about a bike..to the extent that I would publicly comment about it..
Weaknesses: You must be a serious rider to max this bike out... but even the Weekend Warriors will fly on this rocket!
Bottom Line:
The bottom Line is this There is in my mind nothing that compares to this model Of Specialized bike. Anywhere.. anytime...
Bought this 2nd hand (2009 model) as my first FS bike. Just love it. It looks great, and rides even better. It weighs less than my old bike (Trek 4500), and soaks up all the bumps, while climbing really well. The rear shock really does what they claim!
I'm more into long cross country rides and a few races, so this bike suits me more than it would someone into DH or big drops. I'm always looking forward to getting out on it again.
Fast too - my first time out I took about 4 mins off my previous best time for my regular 20km loop.
Bike Setup: SRAM X9 and X7, DT Swiss 420, Purgatory front, crossmark rear, Elixir R SL, Fox RL 32, Shimano M540
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
m918
a Cross Country Rider
from Corvallis, Oregon
Date Reviewed: December 19, 2010
Strengths: Sharp handling, good stability, and the brain.
Weaknesses: Steep downhills.
Bottom Line:
Overall, this is the best bike I have ever ridden. Why? With the 120mm fork, the bike handles much more precise than a Stumpjumper FSR, Blur LT, or a Motolite. If you are building this bike to be strictly a racer, then the stock 100mm fork is great.
The brain rear shock is outstanding. I never thought I would find a setup that I liked as well as VPP, or the Triad on the Stumpy, until now. The setup of the brain is definitely a personal thing and takes some experimentation to find what works best for you. For trail riding, I find that 7 click out still provides an efficient ride, but retains the plushness equal to a Stumpjumper FSR.
Bottom line: The Stumpjumper is designed to be the "do it all" bike in the Specialized lineup. However, I think the Epic is a better overall package after putting the 120mm fork on it because of the improved handling characteristics.
Similar Products Used: Blur XC, Blur LT, Titus Motolite, Giant Trance X, Stumpjumper FSR.
Bike Setup: Epic Comp with Crossmax SLR wheels, Carbon Cranks, Carbon Bars, Fox Float32 120mm fork, Bontrager 2.2 front tire.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Lavoiespeed3
a Cross Country Rider
from Québec,Canada
Date Reviewed: September 22, 2010
Strengths: Suspension avant très bien concue. La suspension arrière travaille très bien, quand ont monte une cote la suspension de bouge pas pour nous aider a pédaler sans perdre de puissance. J'utilise un Small et je le trouve trouve le cadre très agressif
Weaknesses: Les pneux devrais être a repensé. Ils travaillent très mal en forêt.
Bottom Line:
Pour quelqu'un qui recherche un vélo très rapide en montagne, sur route et en forêt je vous conseille ce vélo. Très bon rapport qualité prix!
Bike Setup: Stock avec un pneu arrière Maxxis Cross+Mark
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
randyw
a Cross Country Rider
from Buford,Ga.U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: September 5, 2010
Strengths: Without a doubt the brain.I ride the 29'er which is forgiving to start with but the suspension on this bike allows me to stay in the saddle and crank which is what it's all about.
Weaknesses: Only weakness about this product is the rider!
Bottom Line:
The Epic Comp 29er is a great bike in my opinion.As I stated I'm 51yrs.old and this bike has allowed me to ride like I never thought I could ride again.It is strong,reliable,smooth& so much fun.I'm even thinking of racing in 2011.It would be very hard to be better than this bike!
Similar Products Used: Nothing similar about a 17yr. old Diamondback hard-tail that I rode,except it had 2 wheels.
Bike Setup: Stock-maybe younger racers(I'm 51) would want to upgrade shifters & derailers but I'm good with the setup that it came with.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
markjcolaneri
a Cross Country Rider
from Syracuse, NY
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2010
Strengths: Suspension set up is very confidence inspiring. I'm making things I previously had to clip out for. Agile climber, great descender, nice geometry. Not too slack, not too twitchy. Still figuring out the suspension setup but the variability is only a big PLUS in my opinion.
Weaknesses: Seatpost is pure crap, not thrilled with X7 shifters, White handlebars make me a little insecure, I'll be switching them and seatpost out for some raceface carbons before I take much more heat from my friends.
Bottom Line:
Bikes are so expensive these days, for the money, I'd like better components, and I'm not really a SRAM guy, at all! I'm sure I'll change some things around. But overall, I'm EXTREMELY happy with my choice (was looking at used aluminum Yeti ASRs too). If there's an issue there's plenty of Specialized dealers around. Yeti might pose more of a problem. My roadie is Specialized too, so I guess I'm a bit of a Specialized Homer. But,So far So good. Very nice ride!
Submitted by
ambassadorhawg
a Cross Country Rider
from So Cal, USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2010
Strengths: Fast, fast, fast! Super climber and scary fast down smooth dirt. The brain suspension really works, too.
Weaknesses: Kind of harsh when brain opens up over a bump, takes some getting use to.
Bottom Line:
This bike has more clearance than my 2004 Specialized SJ has! It climbs like a true goat. Feels very light and nimble. Ultra smooth rolling feel. Still getting use to this bike after only 3 months but I can say that I am already pushing it harder than I thought I would this soon.
Submitted by
Clint
a Weekend Warrior
from Union City Ca USA
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2008
Strengths: Looks. Best of dualie and hardtail worlds.
Weaknesses: Some LX Components. Wish the wheels came disc brakes ready.
Bottom Line:
Coming from a family of downhillers, My brothers all scoffed and made fun of me when they learned I was gonna buy an XC bike. As a former BMX-er, I needed to have something that LOOKED like a bike. The alternatives were just too funky. Well, sinced I've brought it home they've tried it on their descents and everybody know what? The only bad comment they had were that they didn't like all the reflectors. LOL. In conclusion. GREAT BIKE.
Favorite Trail: Alameda Creeks Trails and all it's connected to.
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At: Craigslist
Bike Setup: Stock except for Salsa stem, WTB saddle and I switched the Avid SD-5's for some BB7's, which in turn required that I switch out the Mavic X225 for some EN321's with XT hubs on both.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
karlsarch
a Weekend Warrior
from Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2008
Strengths: Super-efficient - every pedal stroke propels you forward. The brain shock really works. Very responsive handling. Agressive geometry, but comfortable for 2+ hours of hard riding.
Weaknesses: Stock tires are a little slippy in sandy turns - could be a bit more burly on the edges of the tread.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! I find myself "in the groove" more often and getting that second wind on extended climbs. After coming from an entry-level (heavy) full suspension Giant bike, the difference is night and day. This is a climbers' dream, and it still has enough substance to feel confident on the down. For me, it came down to the choice between the Epic and the Stumpy. The Stumpjumper definitely has a more plush "roll over everything" feel than the Epic, but for the price point I couldn't get the brain on the Stumpjumper. Ultimately, the responsiveness + the brain made this the right choice for me. I got a great price at the Bike shop, probably because they had information that the redesigned 2009 Epic is right around the corner. The bike stock is about 26.5 lbs. but due to its wonderful efficiency it just zips.
Favorite Trail: Alderfer/3 Sisters (at the moment; Moab Slick Rock too)
Duration Product Used: 3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At: Westside Cyclery (La
Similar Products Used: demo'd Giant Trance, Stumpjumper, Gary Fisher G2
Bike Setup: stock, medium frame
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
kohook1
a Cross Country Rider
from Claremont, CA USA
Date Reviewed: June 14, 2008
Strengths: It's an XC bike but it's solidly built. The frame has gussets for strength and the front wheel is laced 3-cross.
The rear suspension super efficient and the Brain Fade shock really works. You can pump uphill and the rear won't move at all until you hit a bump.
The Shimano XT/XTR drivetrain is perfect for an XC bike like this.
Weaknesses: It's heavy for an XC bike, but that's the price you pay for strength.
There's no remote lockout on the fork. You have to reach down to the knob on the crown if you want to lock it out. That gets annoying. You can't easily adjust the clearance between the brake rotor and the pads.
Bottom Line:
If you're used to the efficiency of a hardtail but want the versatility of a full suspension bike, the Epic Comp will suit you well.
Similar Products Used: 2001 Schwinn Moab 2, Giant MCM SE1 Team.
Bike Setup: Stock except for the saddle, which I swapped with an old Fizik Nisene, and the rear tire, which was a Continental Vertical Pro 2.3 when I got the bike.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
JF Bérubé
a Cross Country Rider
from Welland ON CAN
At 28.5 pounds for a medium, the 2006 Epic comp is on the heavy side for todays' strandards (end of 2007). That weight seems to melt away when you're riding thanks to its incredible efficiency.
What makes the Epic so great is its geometry combined with its rear suspension. In my opinion, if xc is your thing, the Epic's rear suspension is quite simply the best on the market. Period. It's ridiculously efficient:
- It works as advertised. You will not lose one iota of energy through unwanted rear suspension bobbing.
- As of today (2008 bikes are out), FSR w/ brain is still the only truly 'bobless' rear suspension on the market. Others will only achieve somewhat similar results through 'pedaling platform' knobs that you need to reach on the fly (sometimes impossible), which is only ok if you're not in a rush. On the Epic, the Brain takes care of this for you so there's no need to reach for a little lever or knob. If you read lots of reviews you will notice that even for the most expensive fs bikes out there bobbing will be mentioned (subtly or not) one way or the other.
- The transition between active suspension and 'no suspension' used to be somewhat sketchy. Since the Brain Fade was introduced, the transition is actually quite smooth and the suspension opens up instantly. The new version of the Brain, the 2008 Flow Control Brain, is said to make that transition seamless.
- The suspension is reliable. Actually, the whole bike is pretty tough. No problem there (I'm sure that you heard of other bike's rear suspension parts that need to be changed regularly, especially pivots).
Keep in mind that the Epic is a xc bike. It's got a xc geometry. It's built for speed. It begs to be hammered in xc trails. This one will be hard to beat. It's definitively worth the investment. It's worth upgrading.
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