Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Marin, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2006
Strengths: Amazing Bike! M5 Frame and Brain rear shock let you climb like a mountain goat and descend with ease.
Weaknesses: Shimano disc brakes seize! Seat post slips gradually.
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing bike and an amazing value! I strongly recomend it. The M5 frame in conjunction with the brain rear shock technology allow for effortless climbing and descending.
I just want to warn everyone about the Shimano stock brakes. To be fair, I basically ride uphill and then down about 4 times a week (about 5,000-6,000 feet in elevation gain a week, I'm about 200lbs.) My rear brake started seizing within about 2 months. Shimano took about 3 weeks to send a replacement for the defective brake(unbled of course). (apparently they misplaced it for a while). Anyway I put a Juicy rear Brake on instead and have not had a problem since.
I now am a little over 6 months into the bike and my front Shimano brake is beginning to seize. I just dropped off my bike to replace the front shimano brake with another Juicy.
One other little minor issue, after about 2 hours of riding I need to re-adjust the seat post as it slides down a bit.
Let me be clear I would buy this bike again in a heart beat! This is a great bike! If you like to ride up and down on varying dirt/rock terrain this is the bike for the value. I just wish it came stock with different brakes.
Submitted by
Jared
a Cross Country Rider
from Indianapolis, IN
Date Reviewed: March 19, 2006
Strengths: Light full-suspension bike. Climbing. Brain shock.
Weaknesses: None
Bottom Line:
I switched to the 2006 epic comp from a 2005 stumpjumper HT. Normal rides vary from technical to fast xc single track. Rides are usually from 7-21 miles long.
I immediately noticed fatigue reduction. The first ride was a 20 miler and my back felt the best it has ever felt. I've always been a devout hardtailer b/c I love the more technical "trials" things you can do with a HT and I've been apprehensive to the switch. I must say that the epic descended and climbed instantly faster and in more control than I thought possible. Pedal bob was not even an issue or even approached annoyance in any way. The brain shock is simply amazing, my opinion the best thing out there and has 100mm of rear travel. You get the best of both worlds (HT and FS) due to its selective dampening tech. Pedal bob was a major factor keeping me from switching and I must say it is not an issue.
I ride with 2 other guys with older epics and several little adjustments have been made to the new frame that seem to be better. Epic comp now has M5 frame which last year I believe was used on some S-Works models, tubing is slightly different in shape (i.e. top tube isn't AS squarish anymore), weight is saved by reducing metal bulk at certain places, chain suck into the chainstay at the crank end has been greatly reduced if not solved by giving the chain plenty more room there (my friends old epic's chainstay has completely worn straight to the metal, mine has a new indentation there that gives plenty more room), the FSR rear linkage seems to be slightly different than the older linkage--possibly weight savings or more efficient, Brain shock in rear has the adjustment knobs in different places (some like the new places better), fox front fork is quality, tough, and plush, and that's all I can think of right now.
Bottom line, this bike is solid, light FS, handles superb, climbs and descends excellent, great parts pkg., Great bike. Can handle super technical and flies.
Submitted by
Derrick Broderick
a Cross Country Rider
from Bowmanville, Ontario
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2004
Strengths: Rear suspension - Brain Shock connected to Horst 4 bar linkage is second to none. Overall fit and finish of the bike.
Weaknesses: Chain Suck!! Front Shifting!!
Bottom Line:
I read and rely on reviews posted on this site, so it's time to give back.
I rode a home made hardtail for several years over what I now consider unchallenging trails. Took the plunge and dropped $3,000.00, plus another $500.00 in taxes to satisfy our greedy Provincial and Federal Canadian Governments! My little hobby suddenly became very expensive. Of course, biking clothes, camelbaks, tools etc. had to be updated as well. I can honestly say, I have not regretted a single cent I've spent. I was a 41 year old, overweight guy this Spring. Riding this bike on challenging trails has allowed me to drop 30 lbs and have the time of my life.
But, back to the bike. It's definately light, fast, accellerating on flats and even moderate hills. When I first got it, I had to get in better shape, just to appreciate it. I ride with my 15 year old nephew, who definately keeps my honest. His riding has improved beyond mine, but we still have fun. The Epic feels like a hardtail. There's no bob when you pedal on flats or expecially up hills. I climbed hills I would have never climbed with my old hardtail. I started looking for hills to climb. If you walk around with a hammer in your hand, pretty soon your looking for something to nail!
The Epic excells on twisty, fast singletrack and rolling hills. It's not a big jumper. Fox F80 fork says NO! But, it will handle small jumps and drop offs nicely. This is a dedicated cross country machine. Contrary to popular opinion, I found the saddle comfortable. The bottom bracket is low, though and will catch on bigger logs. The Pro Roll tires are fast and hook up well in everything but mud. I popped both the front and rear ultralight tubes within a few rides. I went with a standard tube and have had less flats. It's a good idea to carry a spare though.
My only serious complaint is chain suck and and front shifting. The chain suck is a by product of the shifting. The Epic does not like dropping into the granny gear under duress. So, if you think you're going to ride the middle chain ring into a climb to keep your momentum up and drop into the granny as you begin to grind, think again. It won't do it. You grind up in the middle chain ring, while your chain grinds the front deraileur. The distracting noise and un-planned gear selection leaves you walking. Once and a while the grinding is your chain across your chain stay as it sucks the chain between it and the granny gear. But, there is a solution (sort of) young Grasshopper. My LBS owner, gave me a shifting lesson in the parking lot one day. Essentially, the Epic must be downshifted under no weight. So, you must learn free spin the cranks, weightless, while downshifting in that little milli-second of time, just a milli-second before you would normally do it. Changing the crappy Strongarm crank to a better one doesn't solve the problem. The front deraileur is finicky. It's a Specialized thing, so I'm told. A survey of other riders on Specialized bikes on various trails more or less confirms this. I'm thinking of changing the front deraileur, but LBS guys say it won't make much, if any improvement.
If you are a cross country rider, (older guys, listen up) who is tired of your bone jarring hardtail, but wants performance, this is your bike. The hype is not hype. It does feel and climb like a hardtail. It will not be as cushy as some other softails, but you will find yourself giggling up hills and it definately soaks up the bumps, front and back. With the suspension dialed in, it feels seamless, moving from technical to fast to twisty downhill and uphill singletrack like a champ. Which is how you'll feel on a sunny Sunday, at the top of a hill, in the woods with your friends.
Bike Setup: Stock, except for Time ATAC pedals, RaceFace crank and bottom bracket, Aztec Power Lines.
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
steven
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2004
Strengths: very light, excellent riding position.
Weaknesses: none so far
Bottom Line:
cannot fault this bike. the fox front forks are fantastic and although i am anxious about the long term servicability and durability of the fox rear shocks they are so far up to expectations. this bike feels like a hardtail on the smooth stuff with the rear shox only moving when theyre supposed to. this bike is fast cross country and just as good on a tough technical section. if you want a light and fast xc bike, this is for you.
Similar Products Used: also tested trek fuel and jamis fs bikes
Bike Setup: discs fitted, otherwise stock
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Submitted by
Rob Lawrence
a Weekend Warrior
from London, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: August 27, 2004
Strengths: The climbing capabilities are awesome for a FSR. Extremely fast bike. Flexes unbelieveable well. Corners like a dream. Very little "bob".
Weaknesses: Unfortunatley for me there are more weaknesses than strengths. I'm a heavier biker (205lbs) and alot of the stock components on the setup aren't holding up. (The intial cost of the bike hasn't allowed me to upgrade yet) Due to my weight I had to put in a firming kit in the front shocks. A month later I've had to replace the shocks because they're bent. They are the Maitou Skarebs. The rear shock is a nightmare to dial in. Too much air and you fly off the seat too little and you get drag. The pedals are cheap for the overall price. Chain is crap! It broke three times in a month. I've replaced with a stronger one. Within a week of getting the bike I had three flats (pinch flatting from my body weight). Surprised at the quality of some of the parts for the overall price tag. If you are a heavy rider don't get this bike unless you do some major upgrading. Also had to cut the handle bars down way to wide. And another thing when the chain falls off its a pain in the butt to get out because it gets stuck between the bottom bracket and the front rings. It just happened for the upteenth time last night during a race. It took 3mins and 42 sec to get it out.
Bottom Line:
If you are a heavier rider think twice about this bike. It seems to be built for up to 170lb rider Max. If you have the bucks upgrade right away. With all the weaknesses I still luv riding it.
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Guelph Ont. Canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2004
Strengths: The bike lets you climb like a champ.
Weaknesses: I find the brain doesn't react as fast as I think it should. ( I'm 140 lbs ) maybe it's better for full figured riders?
Bottom Line:
Love the way it handles, front fork is a dream, I have had some issues with the chain flipping up over the rail ( is this chain suck? ) Wish I had gotten the disc model with the 04 adjustable brain ( maybe this would help with the reaction of the shock ) For the most part it's made me a lot faster rider ( I've had a lot harder and faster crashes on it )
Similar Products Used: can't realy compare, I've always rode hardtails
Bike Setup: stock set up, changed seat after 10 minutes, (to my old faithful).
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Submitted by
david bailey
a Weekend Warrior
from Bedford , England
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2004
Strengths: Quick out of the box - so simple to set up (i'm a noob to full sus kit) - creates real confidence in any terrain.
I bought this after a couple of tests (mostly parking lots and kurb jumps), because it impressed and because big discounts are available on 2003 models now. Being a bit lardy (200lb) the set up was great, no sign of the 'over rigid' set up some of the bantam weight magazine reviewers have noticed :)
Anyway, took it home and wussed about. Not a good intro: twitchy, saddle not comfortable, etc. After a month, all that has changed. The secret is to go at everything 11/10ths. It just eats it all up. I'm faster, more confident, and looking for bigger challenges.
Fox F-80RLT is a dream. It just works. I've commuted across London in the rain with it locked out (22mile),crashed through shin deep puddles on tractor churned clay with it fully soft, and bounced down wooden steps. No complaints, no errors.
Rear shock is about 65% hardtail. Which is fine, as it instantly reacts to real bumps.
Climbs that used to leave me gasping are now 50% easier. Which means that the bike has me hunting for bigger, nastier ones in the Forest of Dean :)
What would I change? Tyres, Saddle.
Next upgrade? Disks, XT cranks (maybe ...)
Weaknesses: Hates to go slow. Gets twitchy if you are indecisive. :)
Stock saddle is not that comfortable until you've tried about 4000 repositionings, then it works sort-of-ok
Bottom Line:
Over 170lbs? XC and climbs your passion? Then go find one and haggle like heck - get a bargain now. Spend the money that you save over a new model on upgrades once you've explored what you can now do.
Light weight XC racer? Try it, but you might want to compare to the 2004 comp model or the 2003 Pro model (which has SID shocks that are too light for some) at about the same price
Similar Products Used: Hardrock, Rockhopper, Orange Sub 5 (demo), Stumpjumper Comp
Bike Setup: stock, except pedals and lights
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Submitted by
john
a Cross Country Rider
from sheffield,England
Date Reviewed: March 17, 2004
Strengths: Lite,fast,good looks in dream silver,plush ride.
Weaknesses: Needs larger outer chain ring this would make it faster.
Bottom Line:
Great bike, shock and forks the best.Could ride all day,Upgrades had to be done to get disc brake spec cost a total of £250.00 pounds including wheels & XT f/mech. Making a total purchase price of £1340.00 pounds,the shop fitted it all free.If you can get Hope Mini Discs in the s tates get em on, best discs out. Top bike but looks that good wont let it out of my sight.
Bike Setup: Up graded to Hope mini Disc(Hydro) and Mavic xc717 rims.XT front mech as LX sucks
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Brent
a Cross Country Rider
from Rancho Cucamonga, ca
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2004
Strengths: excellent frame material, m4 rules. Best suspension design for xc riding with long hillclimbs.
Weaknesses: could be lighter for its intended use.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike. It has a true cross country geometry to it meaning low bottom bracket,, long top tube, slightly steeper seat tube angle. The brain shock is magic, mine has the 04 shock with the bump threshold adjustment which is great as you get tired and want the smaller bumps absorbed. I got just the frame and built it up myself. It is 25.5 pounds now.I want to get it to 24 pounds and it will be perfect. I don't have a lot of cash to throw at it though. I am going to save up for the carbon link from specialized though as it is a 1/2 pound lighter. Excellent bike. If you are a hardtail holdout buy it. You will love it.
Similar Products Used: demo many full suspension but this is only one I liked enough to buy.
Bike Setup: race face crank, skareb super fork, sram 9.0 drivetrain, v brakes, xtr/517 wheels revolution spokes, flat bar, speedplay frogs
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Submitted by
Alex
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto,Ontario,Canada
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2004
Strengths: The 2004 Epic comp is light, fast and ...did I mentione fast?....very fast!
Weaknesses: As a personal taste,...I wish it would have a different color. I dont think this plain white, does justice for this bike
Bottom Line:
I just purchased my new 2004 Epic comp and I had the chanse to go out few times on some trails. I am VERY pleased with this bike, and I have no seccond thoughts now, that this is the perfect hardtail/full suspension bike!
Similar Products Used: Tested many, many bikes to come back all the time to this model
Bike Setup: Standard OEM. Check their website(XTR rear, LX front, Hydraulic disk brakes,etc)
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Submitted by
David Bonk
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakville, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2003
Strengths: You get both a hard tail and full suspension in one bike. The 'brain' has worked well and kicks in only when needed. The bike has improved my riding dramatically.
Weaknesses: Wish that I went with disk breaks. The rims are freezing up in the winter which leaves me with no breaks. The bike is on the expensive side but I think that is worth the extra as I will be riding it for a lot longer. Other than that the bike has been great.
Bottom Line:
Well worth a look and a test ride. I think that the brain technology will solve the old debate of hard vs. full suspension. I am very happy that I went this route.
Submitted by
jays55
a Cross Country Rider
from Granada Hills, Ca. USA
Date Reviewed: December 14, 2003
Strengths: Quality construction, weight, dealer support, Fox and XTR components
Weaknesses: Haven't found any, yet
Bottom Line:
Anyone who, like me, was riding a hardtail, will love this bike! I stepped up to the comp model to get the Fox Fork and XTR rear derailler, both worth the extra $$. It took forever to get the suspension dialed, because I refused to accept that the settings should be so soft. But, because of the brain, this is the only way to get full use of the wonderful suspension. However, if the tires are not pumped to at least 48lbs, the front end will wash out in corners (a complaint I have heard about the Roll X tires). The above combination has worked great for me and the bike tracks like on rails!
When I first read about this bike and purchased one in June, there was not a bad piece of press to be found concerning it. Lately, the press has turned a bit negative (not enough suspension, racer only, etc), but my love of the platform has not diminished. I am an intermediate trail rider and couldn't be happier! I think this is the best stable platform simply for the fact that it gives away nothing to pedaling input of any level.
I got a great price from my LBS, which made the deal even sweeter. If you are a trail rider (expecially on a hardtail), do yourself a favor and look at this platform. Probably some good deals out there on 2003's for the smart shopper.
Bike Setup: Medium frame for 5'8", 170lb rider. Set suspension and dampening soft (air 75lb ft, 85lb rr, dampening +3 ft, +7 rr. Tire pressure 50lb ft and rr
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Submitted by
Todd Madson
a Cross Country Rider
from Bloomington, MN
Date Reviewed: October 2, 2003
Strengths: Fast. Maneuverable. Brain gives you suspension when you need it. Climbs and descends great, also nice on technical terrain. Did I say fast? The cush is compliant without being overly boingy.
Weaknesses: Too many LX or lower parts. Some say rear suspension is harsh, I'd say it's "firm but compliant". Tires take a bit of getting used to, lateral descents at lower tire pressures can be a bit confusing.
Bottom Line:
This bike was just what I was looking for. I'd ridden a hardtail with ZERO suspension for four years and needed something that wouldn't beat me up constantly on the trail.
I'd take a day or two just to recover sometimes so I knew I needed something with at least front suspension. After trying nearly every bike that I could think of (Giant NRS, Santa Cruz Blur, Specialized FSRxc & Stumpjumper, etc. etc. etc. I could go on...) I had the opportunity to try this one as the Specialized rep had dropped one of the prototypes off at the local shop (Erik's Richfield location) and one of the guys behind the counter (Ed as I recall) was like "you've got to try this".
After riding for a few minutes and laughing out loud at what was happening I knew I needed to get one. Being that I'd just gotten a new road bike it was at least a year away and this was well before the ad hype began as I'd not even heard of it before the day I tried it.
Fast forward a year to July 2003 and I try it again. The store actually took the time to set the rear shock air pressure to my weight range which is critical for this thing to work at all. I see a lot of reviews where the people were not liking the way it was working out of the box but setting it up for your weight is critical. I'm sure some of the naysayers who didn't like the original Epic will probably like the ones with the new IQ settings more since it has more adjustability.
Back to the Epic - at the time Specialized had Epic Bucks on their website which would reduce the price by $100 and my local dealer was blowing out the Epic base model for $365 under their regular price and they were adding the Fox FL80 fork on the front end which contributed hugely to giving the bike a more plush ride over the Manitou Skareb on the original base model. I filed this under the Comp area because the base model with the Fox front fork and the XTR rear derailleur IS a comp model.
Okay, so what about the ride you ask? I really like this bike a lot. I feel as if I can go over more difficult lines as well as bigger obstacles. The bikes suspension feel is probably enhanced by having the Fox front fork but I know know that descents or hitting obstacles is much more pleasant since the rear shock is definetely giving me compliance and suspension feel - it's not the bone shattering feel of an unsuspended hardtail. I still maintain that setting the shock up is the key to getting good performance. With the Fox fork on the front and the rear I can ride for hours without suffering for it later.
The bike seems to excel at being ridden fast. I'm not a racer but I do ride with some friends who tend to get into race mode when we ride (too much testosterone) and I need every advantage I can get. The Epic definetely helps.
There is a down side - the quality control over the parts spec could have been higher. A month and 13 days after I got the bike at 137 bikes I broke a chain. I've NEVER broke a chain in my life before. The shop replaced the chain with no questions asked. Then, 28 days later at 197 miles the cassette body and freehub bearing failed after a long climb. I know I'm probably a clydesdale (5'7" 211 lbs) but that's ridiculous. I also note that the seat while uncomfortable for some comes across as a "replace it with one you really like" type of seat - it is similar in feel to the Selle Italia prolink so if you like that seat it may work for you.
But these are gripes because chains and hubs are common OEM parts and can go bad. I was probably due since I've got over 4150 miles in on my other bikes. And seats are a personal preference for any rider.
Another unexpected bonus of having the Epic is there aren't a lot of them on the trails so you'll get some attention. Try it, you might like it. Bottom line: this bike works for me, it may or may not work for you. Try it! And make sure they set up the shock for your weight for best performance.
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Blur, Santa Cruz Superlight, Specialized Stumpjumper and FSRxc, Cannondale dual boinger, Trek Fuel, Fisher Sugar, etc.
Bike Setup: Machine is actually a base Epic but with Fox float FL80 as front shock and 2003 Shimano XTR rear derailleur.
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Submitted by
Hans
a Cross Country Rider
from Emmen, Netherlands
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003
Strengths: New 2004 model. I like the suspension. Fos float 100 RL is very stiff and plush. The "brain"rear suspension is just SUPER. It has been readjusted for the 2004 model and a bit more sensitive. It gives very good control. A rear suspension that's there ehwn you need it but never hets in the way. Its now equiped with deore 555 discs. A good choice. Weight has improved in the 2004 model. Good value for money.
Weaknesses: The bike makes some sounds, front derailleur LX.
Bottom Line:
I have only driven it for four times but want to give a first impression on this 2004 model. I am so far very pleased, light, stiff, superb suspension. This is a bike for cross country and long/marathon rides
Bike Setup: Fox float 100 RL, fox brain, shimano 555 disc, rear XTR, front LX, shifters LX, mavis 223 rim
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Submitted by
Mark A
a Cross Country Rider
from Tallahassee,FL USA
Date Reviewed: September 2, 2003
Strengths: Beautiful bike, very tight and easy to handle
Weaknesses: Strongarm cranks, stem
Bottom Line:
I am 6'1", 190. My Epic is a large. Fits good. My bike shop recommended a longer stem, and I think they were right on. The bike is very natural feeling to me. Comfortable. On the long XC rides I take, it doesn't interfere. The XTR rear derailleur shifts extremely smoothly, and that helps. I notice that, after I've been riding an hour, if I have the power left in me to pump the pedals, the bike will move as if I just got on it. With my old Enduro Pro, I'd typically start feeling very sluggish, as if the bike was pulling me down, so I couldn't get into the groove near the end of long hard rides. The Epic has changed that for me. I still get burned out, but even the smallest burst of power that I supply gets the bike moving.
