Strengths: Good Geometry, Very nice stiff frame, great Magura Marta brakes, love the fastrack tires, good fox, everything sealed
Weaknesses: Very heavy frame, Brain fade is basicaly useless the xt cranks are way to heavy and way to thick
Bottom Line:
It is a good bike but The frame is very heavy and I would rather ride a Yeti Arc or another hardtail. This bike is good for basicaly going on fast downhill singletrack with the brainfade open all the way and terrible for road or long flat wide trails.
Similar Products Used: Santa Cruz Blur, Many Gary Fishers, Trek Fuel, Kona coilair Dawg Kikapu, Cannondale taurine, Yeti arc
Bike Setup: Stock, Sram Xo shifters and rear derailer, Shimano XT front derailer and cranks Fox F100RLC Sworks carbon bar, Thomson seatpost, specialized saddle, Magura Marta brakes, Mavic 819 rims, Specialized Fast Track Pro tires
Strengths: Lightweight for a Dualie. Auto-Lockout is great for racing, with adjustable settings. Thomson Micro adj seatpost is awesome.
Weaknesses: Grips suck, as do most of Specialized grips. First thing to go. Not a big fan of the seat either.
Bottom Line:
For the Price I paid for it, what a bargain. 1800 BRAND NEW, who cares if its 04! See if you can track one down at a bike shop if your looking for one, the boss just wanted it gone.
Similar Products Used: Enduro Pro, Fuel 90, Intense Spider
Bike Setup: Stock cept seat and grips.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Tracy
a Racer
from Burlington, IA USA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2005
Strengths: This bike is quick and light for full suspension. I dont know what these people are talking about when the say its a bit heavy. Must be some sorts of gram weenies with a death threat for componentry that will shatter. Bike is well spec'd out with xt and xtr. Brain shock is an excellent concept. XTR disc brakes rule.
Weaknesses: Chain suck Chain suck Chain suck. Chain suck like crazy when aggressive with the bike and the rear suspension is active. Luckily for me I developed, refined and redeveloped an anti-chain suck device to alleviate the problem but I also have skills for that and most consumers dont. Another weakness is the rear suspension isn't as active as other bikes like the Giant NRS1 but maybe thats what you give up for the Brain Shock. Touchy touchy shifting that constantly needs nursing.
Bottom Line:
I like the bike, I like it alot. It needs alot more tweeking than my Trek Madone but thats th difference between road and mountain. I doubt I would buy a different brand of mountain bike.
Strengths: XTR/XT componets. The front/rear suspension does as advertised for me.
Weaknesses: None at this time.
Bottom Line:
I'm a 49 y.o. 6-00/240lbs 're-entry' rider (bought my first mountain bike in 1980...a Stumpjumper) who was looking to get back into a recreational physical hobby I enjoyed until work and other 'things' curtailed it. I rode alot circa 1985~1995, then sporadically since then.
I've only test-ridden (and drooled about) FS bikes over the years, but I could never get over the 'bobbing' brought on by my clydesdale mountain bicycling antics (the MB5 kicked butt on the climbs and was spooky on the downhills, but nice on road-work spins with on-road tires...GT Avalanche was barely tolerable on climbs and better on the downhills).
When I read about the "Brain" last year, I thought that'd be the ticket for me, but the EXPEN$E was beyond comfortable for me.
I recently test-rode the '04 Epic S-Works and '04 Marathon back-to-back on Supergo (jumped curbs, pounded up an incline in the big gears to get a 'feel' how the the suspension worked) and felt lust for that S-Works, but that lighter weight was going to lighten up my wallet too much....and the $1200 less Marathon was still a bit out of reach...I also test-rode the '04 Weyles XT/XP, '04 Epic Disc, S-Works Enduro (that's Batman's mountain bike...I think you need to wear a cape to ride that bad boy)
Enter a new 'left-over' Epic Marathon...with its sensible mixture of XTR/XT components....and I could 'manually' lock out the front fork. At my present (an honest) off-road skill level (ie. slower rider), it made sense because I don't ride so fast that I don't have time to reach down and flip that lever...and the OTD price was very right for this consumer off the street.
I'm still fine-tuning the suspension and ergos for me, but I am EXTREMELY satisfied with my purchase...it does everything I want and can do on a mountain bike on and off road. 27.14 lbs for a large FS mountain bike used for recreation? WHOA!!! I LIKE...I LIKE IT ALOT!!!
Similar Products Used: I've owned a few hardtails before and the latest bikes were a Bridgestone MB5 and a GT Avalanche w/Judy SL...very old-school stuff.
Bike Setup: Stock Large frame, Telluride Saddle, Candy Mallets, ProfileDesign Ultra FR medium-rise handlebar, Thomson 110mmx15degree stem, dirt.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Norman, Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2003
Strengths: This bike does exactly what you want it to do. Climbs like a goat, and rails tight single track.
Weaknesses: none to this point
Bottom Line:
I trail tested several of the pedal efficient full suspension bike's before deciding on this one. The bottom line is for my riding style this bike works the best. Right now it's faster than I am, and has made me almost 1 mile an hour faster over the courses I normally ride. The epic is the most efficient of the full suspensions, and the 04 model is even better.
Similar Products Used: Cannondale F1000, Gary Fisher Joshua
Bike Setup: Stock except for Chris King Headset, Easton EC90 carbon bar, XTR Wheelset.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Pieter van Tiel
a Cross Country Rider
from Commugny Switzerland
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003
Strengths: Review for Epic Marathon 2004: Versatile XC bike, well balanced, great geometry, super componants, no manual (un)lock to forget, earlier activation of "brain" tremendeous improvement over 2003. Nice and stable going up and downhill, fast and fun!
Weaknesses: Overdone marketing: wonder what the world look like the day our brains are replaced by an inertia valve... No weaknesses found for the bike so far
Bottom Line:
Early review after 2 rides with 2004 model to report that the 0.5G activated "brain" (vs 1G for 2003) really changes the bike into a much softer ride, both climbing (traction) and descending, while still benefiting from the automatic lockout.
Vs 2003 demo where the bike bumped on an isolated rock on a slight downhill trail the 2004 model's rear suspension activates and swallows the rock as it should. Will try to trick it though and follow up.
Terralogic Fox F100X fork works like a dream. The fork is more important than the rear suspension!
I got this bike as I was fed up with losing heaps of energy on the VRX 300 (a 99 coil fully). It is not so much the weight as the dynamics that determine climbing efficiency for a FS bike. I ride (single) trails with technical downhills often too steep to ride them fast (more trial like). Disk brakes really help :-)
Buying criteria: 1) geometry and general feel 2) suspension system 3) weight.
Similar Products Used: Epic 2003 (2 demo rides of 4 hours each), Sugar 1, Blur (parking lot), Trek VRX 300
Bike Setup: standard
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
David Fambrough
a Cross Country Rider
from Plano, TX
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2003
Strengths: It works: pedals like a hardtail until the suspension is engaged. Highlights: XTR shifters, XTR disc brakes, XT cranks, Thomson seatpost and Fox Float 80 RLC. The frame is sturdy and solid welds considering they're mass produced overseas.
Weaknesses: Maybe a tad heavy for an XC race bike, but I'm not complaining because its a fast accelerator/ascender. For those used to a full-active suspension ride, the Brain (not sure on its long-term durability) will feel harsh and easily bottoms out on big hits. But to those coming from an XC race background or a hardtail, it will feel right on the mark.
Bottom Line:
You're probably thinking: What can you tell from a demo? Well, this is an extended demo/loaner (2 weeks now) while my current ride is being rebuilt. If you're looking for an XC race bike, the Epic is a great choice. Mash the pedals and it flat out goes. The Brain is XC race efficient in the flats and up climbs. The handling is razor sharp and balanced. (The Intense Spider is a little lighter for those counting grams.) However if you're wanting an epic trail bike that soaks up the rough, there are better choices that offer more travel without giving up pedaling efficiency with the current advances in rear shocks -- and won't feel twitchy once the terrain gets technical. Then again, this isn't what the bike is made for. On the plus side, the 2004 models are leaner, offer Brain tunability as well as the option of more travel.
Strengths: does what it says!! this is a pure race bike, even though it is a blast trail riding
Weaknesses: none, the weight is fine 25.5, 1.5 lighter than my fsr s-works from 2001, whats light? loose one pound and get stronger,
Bottom Line:
the bike is as advertised, it climbs like a goat and decends well (not like a intense m1 but well for a xc racer)ALSO NOT MENTIONED HERE VERY OFFTEN IS THE BIKE CARVES CORNERS LIKE A KNIFE!! wether from the front shock, or the correct bike fit this bike begs to be pushed hard and harder then wants to go fast and faster. the combination of the front fork(terrilogic/ f100x/ or brain system) with the brain in the back really makes for a bike that i do not intend to replace for a very long time. i strongly recomend this bike for all riding except dh and free riding. i have put a pounding on this bike this year and i have loved every minute of it. this bike should be rated 6 and 6
Similar Products Used: fsr s-works, giant hard tail
Bike Setup: s=works epic size 25.5 lbs, ssc sl mavic wheels (03), sl easton bars, f100x fox fork, trans am sadle, shimano 2003 group w/hydrolic breaks
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Mount Morris, IL
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003
Strengths: The "brain" works better than i expected!!! I've fallen in love with the xtr shifter/brake lever combo. The fork is very plush. i pretty much love everything that this bike has to offer
Weaknesses: well the second day i had it i got a flat, but it happens to all of us sometime or another. its a little heavy but i'm not a weight freak so the advantages totally weigh out the disadvantages.
Bottom Line:
I'm extremely satisfied. I recently broke the frame of my old bike and needed a new one. the marathon was the bike i needed. the brain is the perfect transition having road a hardtail. It does weigh a little to much but you have to weigh out the pro's and con's. If your pondering over buying it, don't think any longer, its worth the money. i will report back if i find any problems down the road.
Similar Products Used: these are the bikes i test road: Trek fuel 100, Giant VT2 (sucks ass), trek liquid 30, ellsworth dare, kona stinky.
Bike Setup: Everything is stock except for the handle bar (easton monkey lite (carbon) low riser, spd 959, chris king headset.`
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mark Cluttey
a Cross Country Rider
from Coto De Caza, CA,US
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003
Strengths: Brain Shock, Specialized disc brakes, XTR components, Fox forks really impress me etc. Everything the bike comes with I am happy with. I find myself on the paved roads pretty often and it spins like a hardtail due to both shocks locking out.
Weaknesses: Chain suck now and again. Not sure if I was running a bit dry on the front derailler. In soft sand the front wheel plays games with me, I am not sure if that is simply my bad technique.
Bottom Line:
I trained and rode the Vision Quest on this bike and not a single problem or issue. I am using it on the 24 hours of Adrenaline and anticipate no problems. I also do adventure racing and have every confidence in the rig holding up under all conditions.
Bike is great over a long ride, comfortable and reliable.
Similar Products Used: Specialized FSR Enduro Pro. with similar components. great comparitive bike.
Bike Setup: As it comes out of the box. I use Stans Notubes (this country's best kept secret). great for paved and XC trails. I put carbon bar ends on for the long climbs.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
wayne
a Weekend Warrior
from geraldton, western australia
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003
Strengths: does what it claims
Weaknesses: harsh rear end, but hey its a cross country bike not a lounge
Bottom Line:
this is a fantastic bike for epic journeys and fast cross country stuff i had to check the o ring to make shore the rear was working as i couldn't notice it kicking in have been tossing up between this and a enduro pro, but i think i will go the pro as i want something a bit more plush love the xtr gears and brakes they work better than expected i do consider it over priced compared to the enduro pro as you get the same running gear a heap less(hence the 4 chilis)
over all i loved this bike it does what it claims and with style
Submitted by
Ray Bartfolie
a Racer
from Toronto, ON CANADA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003
Strengths: Brain shock does exactly what it claims to do; bike rides like a dream!
Weaknesses: Price, Weight
Bottom Line:
Coming from a hardtail, I was a bit skeptical on all the full suspension claims about increased efficiency, climbing, etc.
After riding the Marathon I have no regrets, and I believe everything Specialized has said about this bike. The brain shock does exactly what it is supposed to do- a seamless transition between fast hardtail riding and smooth, efficient full sup. The bike steers exactly where you want it, rails corners and berms like nobody's business, and sails down rocky decents as cleanly as it climbs them.
The weight is a bit of an issued. As usual with their bikes, Specialized has spec'd this model with a more than healthy dose of their own parts. I changed the stem, handlebar, headset, cranks and tires and ended upsaving a bit of weight, but it is still much heavier than a regular FSR in a comparable price range. Still, the efficiency makes up for the weight penalty. I'm able to race on it, but can still bash it around on the bumps.
The bike comes with a heavy price tag, but that's the cost of having brand new technology the first year it came out. No doubt the price will drop in the next couple years, but the bike is still worth every penny.
The XTR shifters are amazing. I'm a Gripshift fanatic, so I was hesitant about Shimano, but these things are so intuitive, it's hard to believe they didn't think of these before. Those coming from road bike backgrounds familiar with the STI system will appreciate these even more. The XTR discs are powerful, quiet, and feel great. I'm having some drag issues right now, but I haven't really had a chance to analyze how the system works, so I'll reserve comment on that. Perhaps others can expand on this?
The FSR was a design ahead of its time. The Epic has ensured that Specialized will be ahead of the full suspension game for more years to come.
Similar Products Used: Giant NRS1, Rocky Mountain Speed, several Cannondale hardtails
Bike Setup: XTR disc/drivetrain, RaceFace cranks/headset/stem, Conti Explorer Pro tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Rolski
a Weekend Warrior
from Cologne, Germany
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003
Strengths: Good equipment spec. level, trick suspension, cool colour.
Weaknesses: Price (€ 3400 paid, € 3950 list), time to adjust brain shock, seat comfort, non-straight seat tube.
Bottom Line:
Purchased my Epic Marathon on Friday 20th June, after a couple of months of extensive research and test-riding of various bikes, and a lot of questions to several dealers in the area - MTB's are a lot more expensive here in Europe-land....
For the frequent forested / tarmac uphills, the long forest single-track descents, and the occasional steep loose downhills, I decided that the Epic was the bike to go for - as a pretty complete and well specced all-rounder. First couple of hours have proved the decision to be correct - flying up the hills and through the single track, but being slightly left by my downhill-orientated pals when the going got tougher, until - disaster.
Chain SUCK !
Chain well and truly wedged between trailing arm and chainring, having chewed a significant chunk of aluminium and paint away - and left with a bent chain. My "lower torso" was also not amused at being unexpectedly and violently introduced to the head-set.
This absolutely should not happen on a "well-designed" and "proven" frame, which was also checked & set-up by my dealer. For a bike at this end of the market, an engineering oversight like this is a disgrace - and being a Professional Engineer, I am definitely qualified to comment....
First impressions were great, a really stable cross-country orientated ride that absolutely flies, with the suspension working well after a lot of tuning (I'd say that even the refined table that Specialized have released is still at least 10 or 20 psi shy of the correct setting for variable terrain), brakes are great, overall no complaints - and a lot of positive comments from my colleagues after having tried it for themselves.
But very very expensive when compared to some other highly-qualified machinery, and a terrible design oversight which also drops my overall rating.
Will visit my dealer tomorrow to show them the damage, but am not expecting Specialized's "legendary" customer service as Germany's a little way away from the Factory. Will post an update when / where necessary.
Purchased At: Zweirad-Feld, Sankt Augustin, nr Cologne, Germany
Similar Products Used: Votec F7 (available in Germany only), Specialized Enduro, Cannondale Jekyll 1000.
Bike Setup: Standard out-of-the box XTR / XT, Mavic.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Alex Brill
a Racer
from Chappaqua, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003
Bottom Line:
Just wanted to give all my fellow Epic Marathon owners a heads up. I dont have a reason for waiting so long to post this, but for those of you who dont know, the Float 80RLC's that come on our bikes are actually Rloat 100RLC's with different logos, and small restrictors on the inside. If you still have your manual and the right tools, converting the fork back to 100mm is as easy as removing those small restrictors, if you dont have the manual or the tools, just take it to your local bike shop and they'll do it for you in a snap. Just thought you guys might have wanted to know that.
Hey spec forum:
I just finished building up a new (well, new to me) Epic Marathon frame. There's a little wiggle (and by little I mean [I]little[/I]) in the rear suspension. I s Read More »
Looking for some help on a 2010 Epic Marathon build. The bike is in the final stages and I have run into a major problem. The bike is being built with a 3x9 XT/Sram drive train mix Read More »
Race date: Saturday Oct 1st, 2011
Quick Race update,
The new course is up on site with a few revisions. [url=http://www.socalendurance.com]Blank[/url] The course is similar to l Read More »
Just looking to see what the opinions are on this.The difference in price for me is about 400gb pounds.I think I'm right in saying the main differences are e100 fork against a Sid Read More »
