Submitted by
drummertom
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2009
Strengths: Very well-designed rear suspension with the Brain. As equipped, the bike weighs under 27lbs which is wonderful for a full susp. mountain bike. I think my old hardtail weighs around 32lbs, so it was fantastic to go to a FS bike and have it weigh significantly less. I love its ability to act very similar to a hardtail when climbing with relatively rigid rear-end until you need it, at which point it turns into a rock absorption machine!
I ride very rocky AZ trails and it is a life-saver in terms of its comfort going over rough patches as well as the way that the full suspension helps me from being bounced off the trail at high speeds on rocky sections. I don't do 6-foot drops or intense downhills with it, and it's perfectly suited for my XC/low-to-moderate technical riding style.
Weaknesses: The bike can be a little squirrely at times depending on how big of a bump is hit in the rear. Also bottom braket is a little closer to the ground than I'd like and sometimes hits on rocks.
Bottom Line:
This is an absolutely outstanding bike. After riding with it for several months (including 1 race) I will not go back to hardtail and am very partial to the climing ability the Brain affords. It's efficient when it needs to be, feels very confident and solid on downhills, and is the best all-around bike I've ever ridden. It would take a lot to convince me that there is a better FS bike out there under $5k for my riding style. I got mine for an absolute steal on craigslist - even if it had cost twice as much I still would buy it.
Similar Products Used: Trek Full Susp Carbon Fiber MTB circa mid-1990's - no comparison. Ellesworth Truth, various hardtails.
Bike Setup: Setup is more like an Epic Comp than Epic - has Fox Float 100RL front fork, XT dual-control lever shifters, XT front & XTR rear derailleurs, stock everything else.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jove Cana
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2007
Strengths: Great compliance in rear triangle across all speed levels Stable tracking on fast descents Excellent geometry...almost as nimble as my Scott CR1 road bike The Brain is simply brilliant. Works as advertised, maybe even better. In fact, this single feature was the deciding factor for me when I test rode it. It worked better than I could have imagined...ended up paying for it 20 minutes later.
Weaknesses: Many stock parts are mediocre or sub standard for the price: cranks, wheels, hubs (front in particular, rear was an XT), flat handlebar (wtf?!), stem, seat post. Ended up upgrading all of these things...but in the end ended up paying less than the S-Works version with still pretty much the same level of componentry.
Bottom Line:
I love this bike.
The FSR design w/ Brain actuator is brilliant for the kind of riding I do (think heavy, violent, and long distance XC). I can't see myself buying any other XC rig in the near future, until someone else comes up with a reliable mechanism to automatically lock out the rear end. Perhaps a StumpJumper, but all within the FSR family. This is the definition of active suspension, IMHO. The Fox F100 RLC is a good match, but I would have paid for a Fox Teralogic with no hesitation. Certainly for fast rides, the Epic is heads and shoulders above any of the other bikes I've owned or tried.
I own several bikes at any given time. I buy a new bike almost every year and sell something off to pay for the new one. This has given me the rare opportunity to try a large number of bikes, both road and mountain. I also service them all by myself (mostly...dpending if I have the proper tools), so I do get exposed to all the mechanical nuances of a wide variety of bikes. Throughout this experience, there are only a few bikes that instantly light up in my mind's eye up as a clear stand out. The 2003/4 Epic M4 is definitely one of them.
TO sum up? The Epic is light and fast. It is firmly planted going up hills and confidently stable racing down hills. It's rugged enough to take some mild abuse (up to about a 4 ft. drop), but nimble enough to tear through single track at ridiculous speeds.
But, and particularly to those who've already tried other full suspension bikes, it would be best to think about the Epic like a unique type of hardtail, not a plush full suspension. Once you frame it like this in your mind, it's easy to appreciate what an excellent machine it truly is.
4 for value becuase I was compelled to swap out many stock parts. 5 for overall, because it really is just about everything you could want from a full suspension XC rig. If you're a similar kind of rider, buy it and look no further.
Similar Products Used: 2004 Giant Trance 2...all stock except for stem and handlebar. I still have this bike too, but I rarely ride it now that I have my Epic.
Bike Setup: (2003/4 Epic M4 version, after swapping out stock stuff): Thompson Elite X4 stem, Truvative Team Carbon Riser bar and seat post, Truvativ Firex crank and outboard BB, XT pedals, Bontrager Race Light Disc wheelset w/ Hutchinson Mosquitos, 6" Avid Juicy 7 hydros, XTR shifters, SRAM PG990 cassette, Fox Float R rear shock, Fox F100 RLC fork (excellent!).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
John Mahoney
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006
Strengths: The Brain is awesome. It makes the bike perfect from riding on the road to taking big hits on single track. It is awesome, and definitely lives up to all the hype.
Weaknesses: For some reason the Brain stopped working (wouldn't lock out the shock). Fox over hauled the shock for $130 and now it works better than when I first purchased the bike. I am thinking the shock may have been defective because the bike went from being pretty good when I first bought it to being incredibly awesome after the repairs.
Bottom Line:
This bike is incredible when everything works right. It is well worth the money.
Submitted by
Greg Wencl
a Cross Country Rider
from Pella, Iowa. USA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2006
Strengths: Excellent climber performs well downhill, original 80mm shock some what sketchy on fast technical downhills. Great Geometry for and XC-Rider and is light enough to race with. The brain is insanely excellent in all conditions. Hardtail/Fullsuspension combo...
Weaknesses: Original Tires lacked my enthusiasm...everything else up to par. The Front Avid break broke, but was replaced for under 60 bucks.
Bottom Line:
This bike has taken plenty of abuse. I have replaced many pieces on it, but I'm sure I have put on at least 5,000 hard XC miles on it. I have been through 3 rear derailleurs, and the Fox Float brain combo is running nearly perfect. I broke the frame once, but specialized replaced it for me. Overall, if you're looking for a bike that is extremely fast, and you can rack the miles up on, this is the one for you. I love this bike.
Similar Products Used: Kona Dawg, Garry Fisher Sugar...Big Sur...Hoo Koo E Koo.
Bike Setup: Marazochi Marathon S front fork...100-105 travel with a 30 mm climbing mode. Panaracer Fire XC Tires. Kool Stop brake pads..new derailer hanger, dearailer and rear stay. Salsa chain ring protecter, XTR chain, and cassete.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Glenn
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005
Strengths: Keeps the rear end glued to the trail over rocks and roots. Quick steering (I cut the bars to 24") Wicked nice on technical climbs, and great tracker on down hill runs.
Weaknesses: wheels and tires go the upgrade route rapidly. May be a little jittery for someone who is looking for a park ride.
Bottom Line:
This bike may not be for everyone. It is all about XC and speed. The Geometry demands a certain level of skill in the techy stuff but is perfect for fast XC on a variety of trail types. It is the best suspended climber I have been on, and you can almost ignore roots and rocks (OK.. I did say almost). Good manners on the flats and good trail feel in the technical stuff make this a great bike for serious XC'ers and those who want to be.
Bike Setup: Pretty much full XTR (after upgrades)except for specialized crankset and front derailer, Mavic CrossMax wheels mounted with New G pythons, Fox Float Shock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Justin Carrick
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2005
Strengths: This bike rides amzingly like a hartail on road....yet when the brain kicks in offroad, you get so much comfort and control. Totally brilliant. Have to admit to being sceptical when I was first told of it...but trust me...it's good.
Weaknesses: nothing major. The tyres that specialized provide with it wear out in a flash...I have only done about 250 miles thus far and they are visibly deteriorating. And they are very suseptable to thorns and flint. Nothing a slime tube doesn't sort though
Bottom Line:
as mentioned....was unable to understand the concept of how this suspension worked until I tried it. Give you so much control. Beautifully balanced bike. Not too heavy considering its FS either. Performs superbly onroad and offroad...climbs awesomely with little bob. I cannot speak highly enough of this bike...am so glad I bought it.
At £1500 it would be a little steep for the level of componentry offered...but picking it up at Evans Cycles for £1k was a real result. If you like a mix of riding...with a hearty smattering of trails, woodland and pushing it a bit...but still need to get about here and there on road...this bike is a must.
Bike Setup: Fox floats, Rockshock Dukes, Deore components
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Lars Dalgas
a Racer
from Denmark / Europe
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2005
Strengths: The feel, the ride, the looks. You get value for every pedal stroke on this bike. Easy to set up.
Weaknesses: The worst thing? 11½ hours in a plane to California! The winter in this xxxxxxx country is dark, cold and wet! but ok, you can't blame the bike for that. NO weaknesses!
Bottom Line:
First Epic I ever rode was Filip Meirhages own Epic! Wonderfull bike! After that I just had to get one my self.
Have to admit that even though its heavier than my hardtails it is faster! And it is much better for my neck injury also.
I love this bike! Makes XC much more fun. And by the way: I find it beautiful too.
Best advice? If you're a XC racer who wants to ride faster. If you're anyone who loves trailriding without big jumps
Buy one!
If you're into heavy DH? If you're into urban things? If you're into big hits? If you're into roadracing? Buy one and get out on the trail and start having FUN!
Oh yes I almost forgot:
The guys at Specialized helped me a lot when I bought my M4 hardtail from Denmark .. picked it up in SF.. Splendid service! The same with this one, no holes bared when I've had questions!
Favorite Trail: Most of Wilder Ranch Santa Cruz AND Mt. Tamalpais!
Duration Product Used: 1 Year
Price Paid:
$4700.00
Purchased At: Cykelklubben Aarhus (LBS)
Similar Products Used: Tried the Santa Cruz Blur and Heckler, The Cannondale Scalpel. Owns 2 Specialized hardtails, a M2 and a M4
Bike Setup: Custom build. Full XTR. Skareb lite. Rithey WCS stem and bar. Flite seat on Thomson. Wheels with XTR and mavic tubeless rims (custom)Prefered tire in California Hutchinson Python, in Europe Michelin Comp S Light
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Greg Wencl
a Cross Country Rider
from Forest City, Ia, USA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2004
Strengths: The Brain works exactly how described. It is a wonderful climber, and is speedy going down as well. Good weight for a full suspension bike. 29 Ibs
Weaknesses: The seat.....
Bottom Line:
I love this bike, it handles like no other, and is light for being the bottom end epic. The original Roll X Tires were great, but they didn't last me. Or maybe I just ride to much, which says alot about the bike. Im a college kid, so the bike stays in my room, which is very bad for my studies since when I see it, I need to take it out. Great bike for the intermediate XC-Rider and even intermediate racer. It could use some upgrades, but I knew what I was buying and was okay with it. If you get it you will be happy no matter where you ride.
Similar Products Used: Gary Fisher Sugar... Specailzed Hardrock
Bike Setup: LX, XT, Avid- VBrakes, Duke XC, The Brain, Fire XC Pro tires.. Mostly Stock
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Powder Springs
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2004
Strengths: Great climber. Brain shock works like a champ, although my 200 lbs and somtetimes hard downhilling makes me wish for more travel. Keeps me mostly planted in my seat, even on long steep climbs it rides like a hardtail.
Weaknesses: Skareb forks. I read the reviews here when I started having flex issues, with my front tire scrubbing. I got a good deal on the bike, but could have used from some bike shop guidance on changing the spring for my weight. Might have lasted longer. I' a little disappointed in this lightweight fork on an otherwise capable downhill bike.
Bottom Line:
Great bike, except for the front forks... They're weak..
Bike Setup: Mostly stock, with Avid Mecanical brakes and Mavic/Shimano Disk Wheelset.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Leon Kleppe
a Weekend Warrior
from Indonesia
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2004
Strengths: With the set-up I have I can tackle anything without fear. The never expected such an incredible combination of weight, strength, balance, handling and responsiveness was possible.
Weaknesses: (1) In the wet (mud) it suffers from chain suck a lot more than my other bikes. (2) Specialized web page does not tell you where/how to order replacement frame parts [RD Hanger plate + attachment screws].
Bottom Line:
Brilliant uphill or downhill ON ANY SURFACE.
04_EPIC_Tech_Manual.indd downloaded is a poor effort by Specialized. How about is Specialized correct page 6 and provide part numbers for sourcing Replaceable Derailleur Hanger plate and all its screws, and provide information on how to order all those parts.
Bike Setup: 2003 XTR hydraulic groupset, 2004 FOX Talas RLC forks, Monkeylight riser bars with Thompson bracket, Crank Bros handle bar grips and Candy pedals, Marvic 823 tubless rims with Schwalbe Little Albert tires, Selle seat on Thompson seat post (with setback).
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Sigigns
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004
Strengths: technical/rough climbing
Weaknesses: weight, rear end, cable routing
Bottom Line:
OK straight up, this bike and me were/are totally incompatible. Don't know why, but i hate it so much. I have owned full suspension in the past and it hasn't been to bad, i just lived with bob and got on with it.
My old hard tail was aging, and i was going to update with something new and shinny, had my eye on a yeti arc or klien attitude, but got a good deal on the epic and from all the reviews in mags, it was about the only full suspension i was considering. On the urban trail test ride i did, it felt really good, not like my old manitou which you sort of wound up and rode with the suspension bob, the epic you just pedalled and it went. all good, so i bought it. First ride nearly killed me, i bought a medium, but with the low standover hight it is either the same as a 16inch or it need a longer seat pole. put that in and it was ok, longer stem too and it now fit OK. The thing downhilled like a rocket, but rode like a pig as all the pressures were down, out with the shock pump. Now it rode ok. Anyway solved all problems after first few rides to get setup right, except that i just didn't like it, the rear end is harsh, its heavy, although i must say that the wheelset was nice and light, a pleasant surprise. Last month i got my hardtail back of my freind who i was introducing to mountain biking (his 1st bike is a trek 9.8!) and took that on a ride of our little just going for a spin loop, and i was instantly faster, more comfortable and there was a grin rather than a grimace on the face. Took the epic for another couple of rides and then parked it, never to be ridden again. and i'll go back to hardtail thank you.
Like i said, i hate this bike, but i did find a few good things, it climbed up steep and rough climbs very well but smooth climbs not so good. It was a little better on steep decents, with better rear wheel control. Oh it did take the roughness of a track out, but it gives you that detached from the trail feeling that full suspension has and i don't think i like.
Well i never thought i'd be a hard tail holdout, but i guess i am.
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Mil;l Valley, California
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004
Strengths: For a cross country rider this is a great ride!! Feels like a hardtail on smooth stuff, rear shock silently assists with traction on climbs, on descents, the rear shock really absorbs the bumps and maintains rear wheel contact. This bike is noticebly faster on descents than my S Works hardtail for a small wieght penalty
Weaknesses: Brain shock is not super sensitive on high frequency stutter bumps. I think the new 04 Brain has a sensitivity lever to improve feel.
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for a cross country rider transitioning to full suspension. the Bike weighs a couple of pounds more than comparably equiped Hardtail, but the traction and comfort benefits far outweigh the weight disadvantage.
For the rider used to using a hardtail. You can really feel the additional traction on technical climbs and descents. When under hard braking, no adverse affects to the suspension so you can use the brake whenever you need just like a hardtail.
Geometry is close to my M4 Sworks, so maneuvering on tight singletrack is a breeze. I do small jumps on this bike, 1-2 feet over exposed boulders, and you can feel the suspension take the load with no problem. Freeriders and riders that require more suspension should look to the new Enduro with the Brain technology.
Most fun I've had mountain biking in a long time
I ride 4-5 time per week with no mechanical problems so the Epic is definitely a production worthy frame with no reliability problem spots. 5 chilis for Value and Overall Rating
Similar Products Used: I have only used Hardtails so no FS comparisons. Ride Trek and Specialized products.
Bike Setup: XT, Crank, XTR Rear Derailler, XT FR Derailler, Manitou Skareb Elite Fork, Easton CT2 Carbon Flat Handlebar, Mavic 317 Disk Wheels, Avid Mech Disk Brakes, IRC Mythos Tires
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Alexander Pols
a Downhiller
from Huntsville
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2004
Strengths: Suspension: Fox Float R(rear), Fox Float 80rl, good XT components, manic rims
Weaknesses: pedals, tires, Handlebars all low end products
Bottom Line:
Good Bike for the price. The 2005 are coming out so this is perfect time to pick up a good cheap frame and build your dream for cheap. Only buy if you drop off and big jumps, if you are stickly a trail ride buy a Hardtail and spend your money on the front shock, gear components, and Tires. If you like to ride real aggresive I suggest this bike with some slight modification depending on the height of the jump or drop off.
Submitted by
Basi
a Cross Country Rider
from Helena, MT
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004
Strengths: Ride, suspension
Weaknesses: component mix
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike after sneaking around it for a while at my LBS (the BEST there is in Montana - Eric, you rock!). I wanted to upgrade to a full suspension ride after an unsuccessful try with the Red Bull Lousie. I HATE bob!
The Epic does exactly what I have been looking for. It is fast and climbs well and there is no bob in the rear end, period. It is not as plush as other full suspension bikes out there but still does a very good job in cushioning my ride. Even smaller drops are easy and the bike can take it. The other posts that are comlaining about this bike should ask themselves one thing: why did you not test-ride it for a while on your local trails and then deiced that it is not for you? If you are looking for an enduro or downhill bomb this is certainly not the right bike!!! If you do not like the ride at least look at the bike and give an honest rating. One chili? B.S.!If you like climbing up the hills like a goat and still want a good, stable platform for high-speed descents, well, buy it. My only gripes are the mixed components, especially the sub-par hubs on this not-so-cheap bike. But I liked the concept and could not find anything remotely equal. Besides, I bought this ride as a shop demo with the much better Fox fork already installed, so I saved substantially over the '03 price. I will upgrade to disc brakes soon, a set of sweet Tune King&Kong hubs are on order and will be built with DT Swiss XR 4.1d rims. Brakes? Why, Hope M4s in the front and Mono Mini in the rear!
The value rating reflects my opinion would I have bought the bike at full price. At my price it should be a full 5 flamin' turds.
Similar Products Used: Red Bull Louise, Ibex Trophy 880 LX
Bike Setup: Fox Float RL fork, Ritchey Comp straight bar, Thomson Elite seatpost
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
D Tampa
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterford
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004
Strengths: This bike is great. The rear shock once tuned to your weight works really well. You can sit down in the saddle almost an entire ride comfortably. I bought the bike with a Fox Float front fork which appears to be very hardy. My bike is all XT with some of the Specialized brand parts (strongarm crank, bar and stem). The tires are listed Specialized Pros 2.0" but they are more like 2.5"! Overall, I love the bike. It's built like a tank and feels heavy when you pick it up. However, when you ride it it performs like a lighter bike. It climbs really well with the brain suspension. Downshills it is really steady and feels like you can keep accelerating without losing it. I ride alot of cross country and this bike seems perfect for that purpose. Even as outfitted with XT I think it will be very durable.
Weaknesses: Specialized componentry. I used to have a specialized crankset that wore down pretty quick. I am alittle leary of the Strongarm cranks but time will tell. The wheel set that came with the bike is adaquet. Again it has a Specialized front hub (we'll see how this holds up). Weight is also an issue but the bike does not feel or track heavy once it's moving.
Bottom Line:
This is a great Crosscountry bike that eats up anything Wisconsin will have to offer it. I am not sure if I would recommend it for down hill. But overall it is a great performer. A little heavy but not noticible once you get moving on it. I might recommendthis bike for veteran riders that like forgiveness of a dual suspension but the speed and climbing of a hardtail. However, the standard XT set up epic I think is plenty of bike for anyone to enjoy. I gave it five chilis becauseI do not think there is a better x-country bike out there (period)
Similar Products Used: Specialized Enduro, Trek Fuel
Bike Setup: XT drive train except for crankset (Specialized Strongarm) Fox Foat 80R front XT rear hub, Specialized front (I forget what rims came with it, I think they're WTB or Mavic) Specialized Pro tires Aheadset w/ Specialized stem and bar.
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