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Submitted by
Carlos Alfaro
a Cross Country Rider
from Alexandria
Date Reviewed: September 25, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Alexandria Neighborhoods | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | SPOKES ETC. Bicycles BV | | Strengths: | Smart auto-suspension,perfectly calibrated geometry,ability to maintain control at high speeds,super plush feel when brain is fully active | | Weaknesses: | You really need to spend time finding a precise PSI and sag to fit your average ride type and rider weight.Id like better frame components like handlebars ,SP, stem etc.stock seems to cheap and aluminum grade is low | | Similar Products Used: | I work as a bike builder at a bike shop,ive ridden almost every bike,personaly I used to be a Hardtail person myself | | Bike Setup: | XTR, fox terralogic,CK hubs and headtset,all the carbon goodies.super smooth Michilin road tires...bikes built to destroy neighborhood streets,trails and parks, suspension set up to be able to stick to ground like a porsche.overall built like a fast road/mtn Hybrid...rivals roadies in the downhill. | | Bottom Line: | IF YOUR LOOKING TO BUY AN EPIC,you really need to know that the epic is NOT a normal full suspension FSR. Consider it a mutant hardtail.you need to keep that in mind.if you drop more than 5 feet,your done,get a stumpjumper!if not the only way to go is custom,create and engineer a epic XC rig to meet your exact needs on the trail you ride.with the epic,the rear sus. isnt about travel and jumps,but its abilty to stick to the ground and control the bikes overall agilty under stress from the ground.excellent acceleration machine.last note...get a terralogic fork from fox,together with rear brain, unbeatble combo,Front and Rear go from fully complaint to stiff for speed accel like none other in perfectly prescise unicen.BUY THE EPIC | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Gelme
a Cross Country Rider
from NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2600.00 | | Purchased At: | Narooma Cycles | | Strengths: | good forks, looked good, that's about it | | Weaknesses: | Well it has been awhile riding this bike, and I have got rid of it. Basically the frame sux, I think my initial excitement over getting a dual suspension machine covered the inadequacies of the idea of the brain. Obviously the stock componentry of the bike was a little disappointing, but generally for the money it wasn't too bad. I just couldn't figure out why I kept falling of the stupid thing. I changed set ups a few times, thinking that my position was off. But no, I kept falling, then I just put it down to rider error (I wasn't going to blame the bike, it cost me enough money!). I kept blaming rider error, I trained on my skills and still kept falling off. Finally I had one last big accident and hurt myself pretty badly, this time I blamed the bike, basically the brain was not reacting quick enough to bumps, at high speed you get an initial spine jolting hit then plushness which at speed made trying to keep upright very hard. In my mind this defeated the purpose of a dual suspension rig. So I got rid of it and bought a fully active frame, (Ellsworth distance). I haven't crashed at that rate ever again. A mate described riding a Specialized as like riding an ironing board, and after some thought I would agree that these bikes share many characteristics with ironing boards. So if you are after a cross country racer look elsewhere. | | Bike Setup: | Ellsworth distance, Fox Float 100RL forx, XT group set. | | Bottom Line: | Buy something else, shop around there are better deals on bikes with some actual character. Don't get confused by the mumbo jumbo the sales guys go on about with the Brain set up. Yes I am going back on what I said a couple of years ago, but with good reason, just be careful, it is alot of money to dish out for something that at the end of the day will not return the love that you give it!!!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
bob berman
a Cross Country Rider
from bluffton, sc
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | cycleworks | | Strengths: | Holy crap this brain business is unbelievable. MTB is right to just crank it up and ride like a nut. I can't believe how fast I can ride over roots and rocks and junk and it just smooths out the route. Shifts are smooth, geometry is perfect, all my numbness and pains from my cannondale are gone. Seat is comfortable and grips are great. Just ride this and you'll see. Front forks and the brakes are perfect | | Weaknesses: | I would have bought the Stumpjumper expert but I couldn't get comfort from the seat as you can't adjust it down when you need or want to. Paint isn't at good as my old cannondale and it seems to chip easily. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale rush, Stumjumper, Jamis | | Bike Setup: | stock except I put on Crank Bros pedals, didn't like the ones it came with. | | Bottom Line: | I'd buy this again in a heartbeat.I would have bought the Disk Comp model but I couldn't find a size large within 300 miles and every dealer said you can't order till 2007. Sorry SRAM I realy wanted those but anyway the bike is just fantastic. It hugs the curves and can turn so much better than my cannondale without getting squirrely in sharp switchbacks. If you want a tough bike to ride for hours, this is it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Pocatello, Idaho, USA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | West Fork Trail - Pocatello, Id. | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Climbing, Technical terrain, down hill, everything, etc!!! | | Weaknesses: | I haven't found any! | | Similar Products Used: | Nishiki FS-2, Specialized Stump Jumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock with upgraded Shimano XT front derailer, and Control Stix Stubby bar ends | | Bottom Line: | I have the 2006 Specialized Epic Disc. This bike is awesome! It has improved my climbing so much! The bike makes me feel like my fitness at the beginning of the season is at mid-season form, but it is not. This is because the geometry, weight, awesome Specialized Pro tires, and the BRAIN keep this bike hooked up, almost assisting me up the hills. Truly, this is the best climbing bike I have ever ridden. It climbs better than hard tails, because the brain reacts to the terrain, and keeps the rear wheel connected to the ground, even over small rocks and sticks. Take the time to set up the front and rear shocks, and you won't believe how well this bike climbs, descends, etc. If you are on the fence about this bike, talk your local bike shop in to letting you test ride it on a local trail. You won't appreciate this bike until you've taken it off road. The shop's parking lot will not do this bike justice. I am 43 years old, and I feel like I have just discovered the sport of mountain biking all over, because this bike is so fun to ride. I have been mountain biking since the late 80's, and have even worked in a bike shop, raced, etc. I have ridden a lot of bikes, and this is the BEST bike period. Thanks Specialized!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from Adelaide, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 4, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Shepards Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Second Hand | | Strengths: | The brain! This is awesome technology! The bike climbs up short technical climbs really well, and due to the lack of sag, still has enough travel when it comes to the downhill sections. The Deore disc brakes are the best value hydraulic brakes on the market. | | Weaknesses: | Long flat climbs (roads/fire trails) aren't this bikes cup of tea. It is designed to be a racing bike, not something for riding fire roads. The Specialized componentry is crap. I have owned a Bighit before and I found the same problem. I you can spare the extra cash just go for better components. If your at all harsh on your gear I can expect that you will wreck them. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Bighit Comp (2003), Specialized Hardrock A1FS (2002) | | Bike Setup: | Stock with ODI grips | | Bottom Line: | I am currently in the process of replacing all of the Specialized gear. If you look on EBAY you can get some really cool stuff. Thomson seat post, Selle Italia Flite Genuine Gel Saddle, Ritchey Pro Stem and bars, XTR Casette and Chain and XT cranks will be getting put on any day now, and new wheels are next on the list. These are parts that I would recommend replacing to get the most out of the bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cris
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix, Arizona
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | . Stable platform
. Speed
. Comfortable geometry
. Deore Disc brakes are awesome!
| | Weaknesses: | . Bottom bracket too low (easy fix though!)
| | Bike Setup: | . I've spent over $1,300 in upgrades over the last 2 years:
Chris King hubs, Mavic SL wheels, Maxim saddle, 100mm fork upgrade, XTR drivetrain, XT cranks. | | Bottom Line: | I've had this bike for almost 2 years. I couldn't be more satisfied with it! I've tried other products as once in a while I get the itch to buy a new bike. However, no other bike has matched my Epic. This bike is fast & furious! On rocky trails in Phoenix, it performs really well! I've put over 2,000 miles on this bike riding all over AZ, Calif, Colorado, Utah. This summer I'll be taking it to Oregon to ride the McKenzie River trail. Last year I traversed 210 miles of the the San Juan Trail between Telluride, CO and Moab, UT. I had some problems with the original wheels (hubs) at the end of that trip. The original shimano hubs were crap! I recently upgraded to MAVIC SL wheels and Chris King hubs ($1,000 upgrade!) The original saddle wasn't too comfy. I tried several saddles and I finally found a Maxim saddle (same saddle used by Titus on their bikes) and it's great! The original brakes are still on this bike and after 2,000 miles the pads are still working great!
The biggest complaint everyone has about this bike is its low bottom bracket. I concur! You hit so many rocks even on non-technical sections. I spoke to my local bike shop (LBS) about it. I was thinking of buying a new fork to solve this problem. However, we found out that my bike came stocked (as many Epics do) with an 80mm FOX fork. They were able to increase the fork travel to 100mm very easily and only charged me $30 for it. FOX advised my LBS that this can be done only on some forks (50/50 chance!) I was lucky because mine was one of those "upgradable" forks. Unbelievable... 20mm of extra travel on the fork made a big difference! This fixed the whole issue with the low bottom bracket. The bike rides much better now and I feel more confident going through technical sections! I wish I knew about this easy and inexpensive upgrade before!
I've spoken with my LBS about the Specilized Epics. They truly feel that the the original 2003 model has been the best Epic Specialized has released. Specilized has tweaked so much with the Brain and they feel the new models don't perform as good. However, I think this is a matter of personal opinion!
Love this bike!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Bmore, MD
Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Light Street Cycles | | Strengths: | Very tight and efficient ride. The Brain shock works really well. Fox Float Fork is plush and the lockout makes for an awesome climbing bike. | | Weaknesses: | Front fu$%in derailleur. The LX I had on my old Stumpjumper was passable, but this thing just doesnt work with the XTR rear. | | Similar Products Used: | 99 M2 Stumpjumper. 03 Santa Cruz Blur. | | Bike Setup: | Original plus Crank Bros Mallet-M pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike has everything you need for almost any mountain descent and can handle road climbs really well at the same time. At almost 30lbs for a large I would expect this bike to feel slower but it really doesnt. Im skeptical of service issues with hydraulic disc brakes (mechanical is just so much easier to adjust and service) but so far they've been right on. The saddle is definitely a racing style saddle, but the fox shock softens the ride enough to make this ok. If you dont mind the price and your not racing off cliffs this bike will do anything. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Buffalo, NY
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Local shop | | Strengths: | Ride, brakes, some of the components, forks, fast | | Weaknesses: | front Derailleur is junk, seat, pedals, grips, but all easy fixes. But the ground clearence is alot lower than my old bike. Most comparable bikes may be the same, but I hate it | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | eggbeaters, wtb seat, yeti grips | | Bottom Line: | I went from a giant atx 770 with nothing and totally worn out, to this. Now I see why you should wear a helmet on the trails! I feel like a pro with this thing! I used to be able to keep up with everybody on the trails, now I'm blowing them away. You can spend more time riding, and less time worring about rocks, roots, etc.
The only problem I have is the ground clearence. I catch my pedals way too many times. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dizzy
a Cross Country Rider
from MB, NJ USA
Date Reviewed: December 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere the peddler crew roams | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | The Peddler | | Strengths: | BRAIN SHOCK!!!, The rad red color, and pretty much everything else on the bike | | Weaknesses: | Small amount of chain suck but after adjustment no more problem | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Epic S Works | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for new easton monkey light handle bars, shimano disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | Best bike ever. Got a great deal on it from my bike shop and it is the best setup for me | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Peterson
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT
Date Reviewed: December 7, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | The Bobsled | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | The brain rear suspension is excellent; it acts like a hardtail on smooth terrain and a full suspension on the bumps. Great fork and the disk brakes this an excellent all around ride. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals had to go and the handlebar width makes it difficult to navigate through tight trees. | | Similar Products Used: | Rocky Mountain Instinct, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for I upgraded the pedals to Time ATAC's. | | Bottom Line: | Sweet all arround cross country bike. I haven't rode any other bike that can climb and decend this good. Slightly heavier than I'd ideally like, but very durable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Peter Gelme
a Cross Country Rider
from NSW Australia
Date Reviewed: August 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mount Dromedary NSW | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2450.00 | | Purchased At: | Narooma Cycles | | Strengths: | Awsome forks (Fox Float F80RL), Brain Shock system, frame strength. | | Weaknesses: | Poor rear hub, crap saddle, crap stem, crap peddals, crap tyres. | | Similar Products Used: | Iron horse hard tail (pales into comparison with epic) | | Bike Setup: | I have changed a few things to suite me, added, Selle Prolink gel flow saddle, Easton EA70 stem, Easton EA70 riser bars, Crank bros Candy SL pedals, XT rear disk hub ODI lock on grips. Xtension PYDER tyres (kind of like Hutchinson Pythons, and I also extended the travel of the forks to 100mm, very easy to do. | | Bottom Line: | This is an awsome bike, it took me about a month and a half and a few broken ribs later to get the set up right but now I swear by this bike, it corners stongly, climbs over loose rocks, hardpack, soft dirt etc without skipping a beat. The brain shock took a bit to get used to, but once i got a feel for it I love it.
The only gripe I have for such an awsome bike with so much great gear on it, is why WHY WHY did they stick a deore hub on the back, by far this is the strangest decision made by specialized, basically it sucks. Also the stem looked crap, so I wacked the EA70 stem from my old bike onto it, then the BG saddle, is anything but body geometry, my arse is still recovering from the torture it dealt out. I am not a fan of shimano pedals so that was also something I got rid of.
Sounds a bit gloomy, but lets face it, no one gets on a bike and finds it is perfect without changing a thing on it and most things can be swapped fairly easily if you have got a good bike store, the only pain was the rear hub, to replace meant a wheel rebuild.
Overall this is a great XC racer, it is not a free ride bike, nor is it a down hill machine, it is bred for XC and if this is your breed of riding definately look at the EPIC. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tommy
a Cross Country Rider
from Salt Lake City, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Wasatch Front | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1749.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Center | | Strengths: | Brain shock, Fox Fork with the lock out dial, Disc, FLO RED!! | | Weaknesses: | I heard the cranks could be better, but the seem OK to me. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumpter, Giant VT2. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for the bushings being removed from the 80mm fork to make it 100mm, and gold Specialized platform pedals from a P2. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the shizzle!! I'm an ex-BMXer and I like to stand and pump. I never found a FS I liked. I tried the Giant VT2, and it was pretty good. Then I tried the Specialized Stumpjumper with the three way shock in the back. That was cool because it could be "locked out." Then I tried the Epic and I was sold. The Fox Float 80RT fork is sweet, especially because of the lock out dial. On the trail I can lock out the forks, down shift, and stand and pump up stuff that others are walking. When I rode the bike in the parking lot of the store it was so nice. Stiff when needed, soft when needed. I love it! If you want a soft, pillow like ride, this isn't your bike. One G of force is required to make the Brain shock work. It's not totally plush and it a little bumpy on the wash out stuff. But if you want a bike that is stiff going up and sweet going down, this is it. My bike is 29 pounds on my digital bathroom scale. It's not really that bad for a FS. I think I'll upgrade the bars, stem, and cranks when I'm ready to the same parts on the S-WORKS Epic. But for now, this bike is the bomb. It goes up like a goat and down like a rocket. There are hardtails, there are softtails, and then there's the Epic in a class of it's own. There's a reason the Brain shock was voted the #1 innovation of the century. That's because it ROCKS!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Floyd G.
a Cross Country Rider
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Wissahickon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Drive Sports | | Strengths: | Well built, maybe overbuilt, climbs very well, also a very good CC descender, and that cool "Flo Red" color! | | Weaknesses: | a bit on the heavy side thought on the trail you do not notice it. Parts selection could be better but for the price I paid I'll sleep ok at night. | | Similar Products Used: | Scalpel, ProlFlex 856 | | Bike Setup: | Stock exept, 03' XT cranks, Rocket shifters, SRAM 9.0 cassette and chain, Easton Monkeylite bar, Thomson seatpost, Prolink saddle | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. I have only had it three weeks but was able to thoroughly thrash it this weekend in Jim Thorpe. It feels nimble on the trail to me. I was able to float through very rocky downhills with ease. Going uphill is a dream come true. Traction, traction and more traction! I didn't have to dismount even on the steepest pitches. The back wheel really seems to hook up and not let go. The Specialized Roll-X tires might have something to do with that as well. It just feels solid! I did have some chainsuck however. It happended when double shifting to the small chainring. It didn't occur enough for me to find it frustrating though. It might be the LX front derailleur. I'm considering upgrading to XTR. We'll see? I found it easy to dial in the suspension. I consulted the online guides for Fox and their recommendations work well for me. I'll only make minor changes after this weekend.
I think the parts selection for this bike is a bit on the weak side. But I got the bike at a great price compared to what it was selling for last year, $2600. This was an 03' leftover. The last one in my area the distributor said. Lucky me! Disk versions of the bike for 04' start at well over 2 grand so I'll take it! I've already made several upgrades. The most major ones being the cranks. The Specialized stock ones are junk! I have not upgraded the wheels yet but I can probably lighten the bike by at least a pound and a half by going to Dave's Speed Dream wheels. The stock wheelset are bricks! When it's all said and done it will go from about 28.1lbs to about 25.5lbs, maybe less if I change my saddle as well. I don't mind the upgrading because that's part of the fun to me! I want to find a reason the upgrade the Deore brakes but they work so well, no fade whatsoever and I like the modulation. That's my take on it. Enjoy the ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
tom
a Cross Country Rider
from North Carolina
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | any single track | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | Swingarm has no play at all!! clean, well made.
Very sturdy/no flex. Still looks new after a year of hard riding. Durable | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | C'dale Raven/Jekyll, Giant ACS, friends Tracer | | Bike Setup: | stock with: new seat, stem, bars,ATAC pedals, and chain and Stans No Tubes | | Bottom Line: | I am posting this review after one solid year of riding.
This bike is better now than it was new. Since I properly adjusted the shock about nine months ago all I have to do is go ride. No flex at all in the rear end. I am probably 190lbs with all riding gear. (camel bak/helmet/gloves etc) and the best thing is you can go hammer every day and not have to worry about it. Just clean and go ride again.
Parts do not give a bike a weakness, just causes frustration. Change them!
I'm not sure about the new 04 frame because lighter is not always better.
Never weighed my bike, I just go out and race and ride.
Bottom line is this bike can handle all cross country applications.
May change to 4" fork in the future.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sablotny
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Rosa, California
Date Reviewed: March 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Stabbin Cabbin Rampage | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Flo Red Paint, classic double-diamond frame design, great suspension basics: Fox Brain & F80RL fork | | Weaknesses: | Weight (28.8 pounds LG). Cheap, heavy wheelset; heavy frame | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized & Bridgestone hardtails, '99 K2 Razorback, Santa '99 Cruz Sooperlite, '03 FSRxc, '01 Sugar 2 | | Bike Setup: | Stock now... soon getting back to XC position (flat bar, long stem, ditch the BG saddle, shop for lighter wheelset, pray for cheap F80X/100X to show up on Ebay) | | Bottom Line: | Just got the bike, taking it thru its paces on all my favorite trails that I've been riding for 15 years. First thought: the Brain works. Maybe 2-3 times on a 20 mile ride I can feel a hard "edge" to the opening of the inertia valve with "horizontal" impacts, like hitting a grapefruit-sized rock on a creek crossing. But I can bunnyhop & land XC-sized jumps with plush, FS feel. The bike really needs a TIV fork to give balanced suspension feel. I don't mind the LX shifters & Deore brakes. They won't stop me from leaving many XTR-equipped riders in my dust. But no bike billed as an XC-racer should weigh 28.8 pounds. I'll have to drop some bux on a nice disc wheelset, like the CC Laser Disc Lite setup, to shed 1.5 pounds from the bike. If I can get the Epic down to 26.8 pounds (final weight for my K2 with 3" of coil travel both ends), I'll be happy. It'll just be an expensive journey getting there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy martin
a Weekend Warrior
from louisville, KY.
Date Reviewed: March 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Otter Creek Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1890.00 | | Purchased At: | ST.Mathews Schwinn | | Strengths: | Lateral stiffness, Great cable placement, Very tuneable Suspension | | Weaknesses: | For the retail price the drive train specs are pretty piss poor. The strong arm cranks way too flexy. The stout wheels won't last long if your over 190lbs. | | Similar Products Used: | santa cruz superlight, giant nrs | | Bike Setup: | Specialized components- Handle bars,stem, stout wheels, Skereb fork, lx/xt drive train, deore disc brakes, body geometry seat. | | Bottom Line: | The bike is fantastic but I had to change a few things. I put on titec hell bent bars, xt disc wheels,xt drive train including the new two piece cranks and I got rid of that crappy seat. Now this bike absolutely flies, jumps and climbs like nobody's business. I have ridden this bike for one year this month and I have completely tested every facet of this machine, even with all the abuse it still feels new. There is no sign of wear in the pivots and its still laterally stiff. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
GI Jim
a Weekend Warrior
from Calgary, Alberta
Date Reviewed: February 22, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Canmore Nordic Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bow Cycle | | Strengths: | The Epic is a GREAT suspension design. It rides like a great hardtail until it gets into the bumpy stuff, then the brain takes over and smooths everything out. XTR rear derailleur, FOX 80mm fork, and the Deore Disc brakes (best value in mountain biking!) are great parts that will work for a long time. This bike may feel heavy on the showroom floor, but it feels light and fast on the trail! Very easy to ride. | | Weaknesses: | Part spec for this amount of cash is a bit of a joke. Parts that need to be upgraded immediately are: Chain, Seat, Seatpost, cranks and BB. Next to be upgraded should include Wheels, stem, pedals, tires and bars. | | Similar Products Used: | 2001 Giant NRS (great part spec, but the suspension on the Epic works like a dream!). 2000 GT Idrive. | | Bike Setup: | Upgraded to a Chris King headset, Thompson seat post, Selle Italia Ti saddle, Conix 904 chain, Time pedals, XT shifters, XT levers, XTR front derailleur, Avid disc brakes (the Deore's work GREAT, but I like the reliability of the Avids so I made the swap), Yeti lock on grips. I look forward to changing the cassette, wheels, tires, cranks and BB prior to the start of the riding season! | | Bottom Line: | If you purchase this bike you should have the bikeshop make as many component upgrades as you can afford, or just step up to the plate and get the top of the line model. The Epic is a great suspension design with components that will work straight off of the showroom floor, but after a few months of riding the cheap components will start to fail, leaving you stranded on the side of the trail with a $2000 paperweight.
Highlights of the parts spec are the Deore brakes, XTR rear derailleur, and the FOX fork (upgrade to 100mm of travel if possible). The LX shifters and front derailleurs work fine, but for the cash I paid for my Epic XT components should have been stock.
I purchased my Epic days prior to the 24 Hours of Adrenalin race here last year and it performed flawlessly! It is a great suspension design that allows the rider to climb as if on a hardtail and decend with confidence. This bike comes with 80mm travel in both ends, so if you are the kind of rider who lets their bike take them down the gnarly stuff, this isn't the ride for you. This bike requires quite a bit of finess and bike handling skill in order to maximize its trailability.
That being said, if you are searching for the holy grail of XC nirvana, your search is over. The Epic climbs just as well as the Giant XTC, but it blows it away when the trail heads down. The rear suspension of the Giant tends to lock up under hard braking while the Specialized remains active over the rough stuff, regardless of brake or pedal input. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Raleigh NC
Date Reviewed: January 4, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | New Light | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | This bike rocks! Coming off a superb XC HT..an old steel SCOTT Team, I was not ready for the orgasmic ride this red rocket gave me. Braking with the M555's is flawless..no fade, and great modulation. The fox 80 up front is stout and just enough that I feel like I'm getting more than the old Judy's but still lots of rigid strength. The back Fox Brainiac thing seems to do wonders for my riding...I do not notice any pedal induced bob nor do I feel like I'm being robbed of energy..I feel it working esp on the long rough sweepers and tight corners. The set up is critical, a pound or two one way or the other greatly affects the ride in the back. After a bit of riding, I had it set so that only the roughest stuff came close to using all the available travel. | | Weaknesses: | It isn't the lightest horse in the stable. | | Similar Products Used: | Tested a C-dale Jekyl, a Fisher Suger and a Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | At this time its all stock save for my Frogs. STR in the back, LX up front. M555 disks, Fox 80 up front and the Brain thing in the back. The rest is pretty stock S stuff. | | Bottom Line: | I'll wait to see if i NEED to change anything..initally I thought i wanted to swap our the 8*/6* bar for a flat to mimic my ride a little better but after the first few rides, I am pretty comfortable. Climbing is a new skill to learn as the weight and the mush in the back dictate a change in climbing style.
I can shave a few oz's with some select stuff..post and stem and seat could all be lighter but as it sits..stock off the rack..the bike rocks! I rail corners and descend with a HT line and fly over stuff that used to make my teeth chatter. The geometry is very forgiving yet aggressive enough that I don't feel like I am riding a Barcalounger... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Richard Liebert
a Weekend Warrior
from Philadelphia, PA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Valley Green Single Track | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2390.00 | | Purchased At: | BikeSport | | Strengths: | XLG Frame has appropriately long wheelbase, very stable platform for tall person. It actually fit me out-of-the-box which is very rare. Brain actually works exactly as advertised. Finish is excellent. | | Weaknesses: | Seatpost is cheap, saddle is cheap, some chain suck,don't know why yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stump Jumper vintage 1998 | | Bike Setup: | FSA CF Cross Country bar, Bontrager saddle, Thompson set-back post, fatter hand grips, will replace pedals and chain soon. Diore brakes work very well. | | Bottom Line: | This bike handles extremely well, especially when climbing and/or traversing rocks. Suspension works extremely well once set up correctly for rider and conditions. Deore hydraulic disk brakes are very smooth and powerful. I am very happy with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd Young
a
from Washington, DC
Date Reviewed: December 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Schaffer Farm, Maryland | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Catonsville bike shop (LBS) | | Strengths: | The Rear suspension on this bike really works like it is advertised!! Front suspension really soaks up the bumbs. | | Weaknesses: | Felt that the rear wheel/tire set up is heavy and would also change the low rise bars to a high rise bars. (just a personal preference) Other than that there are none!! | | Similar Products Used: | Owned a K2 Proflex 4000, test rode the following before making my decision, Trek Fuel, Jamis Dakar Comp, Giant NRS's | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock from the LBS/Specialized Dealer | | Bottom Line: | The Epic Comp is a solid performer. Its light, nimble, handles great and accerates quickly. I have ridden this bike only a handful of times and find it much easier to get through the tough stuff where I Dont think I would have been able to on my old bike. The rear suspension has not flexed once when climbing, it locks out and keeps that rear tire firmly planted on the ground, but when its time for the rear suspension to work it smooths out the trail. I have not noticed any peddle bob whats so ever and I have come out of the saddle to try to get it to bob still nothing. The Front suspension also works just as well, it rally soaks up the bumps. Just take the time to set up the suspension on this bike. The componet level is a good mix. The disk brakes stop you on a time (after breaking them in). I have not had any issues with the tires, although I flated both tubes on my last ride, when I got into the tires to replace the tubes specialize uses a super thin tube. I guess to save weight. I ordered the large frame and weight 200lbs. Maybe Specialized should consider using a thicker tube for us big guys on big bikes. Finially this bike just plain looks awesome. I can tell you that I have not one regret buying this bike and can't wait to get a good 5 plus year of riding out of it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregg Soster
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbus, OH, USA
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | a dry one | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Source - Westerville | | Strengths: | Great stock suspension Fox front & rear & Specialized Brain on rear Fox shock. $ link rear suspension works very well. Shimano 555 disc brakes work very well. Bike likes to climb and the rear suspension kept traction even on very root infested wet climbs. Stock tires worked well in mud for me, don't know why others have complained. Frame weighs less than 29 pounds, felt very quick and easy to get front end up and over obstacles. | | Weaknesses: | Deore LX front derailleur should have been XT as should the shift levers, they work fine now but worried about down the road how well they'll hold up. | | Bike Setup: | Frame size is small. Fox Float RL front shock, Fox Float R rear w/ Brain. Shimano XTR rear derailleur, Deore LX front Derailluer, Deore LX Shifters, Shimano 555 Hydraulic disc f&r. Specialized Strongarm crank 170mm. Tires are Specialized Roll-x Pro. | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike, rear suspension really does work, rides like a hardtail until you take a bump then it kicks in. Take your time setting up the shocks, adjust sag on front and rear. Be sure to get the new Epic shock numbers from the Specialized web site for setup. Lots of good tech tips for the bike on the site as well (motor oil on the pivots after wet rides) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray aka " the hobbit" Edwards
a Cross Country Rider
from Hamilton, New Zealand.
Date Reviewed: November 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any trail at Big Rock, Tokoroa, NZ | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycology (LBS) | | Strengths: | The total package. The frame design with its low center of mass providing superb single track handling combined with a groupset that allows you soak up the bumps, climb like a rocket and descend with confidence. | | Weaknesses: | Tires. The Roll X just dont coped with kiwi trails. LX front derraillier should be at least an XT although it works fine. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Santa Cruz Superlight, Gary Fisher Sugar, Giant NRS2. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for IRC Mythos XC tires for a harder compound. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. It is a step above everything else I tested for the way I ride and the trails I ride. I'm 50,weigh 67kgs ( 145 lbs ), a former Triathlon World Champ and love to ride fast flowing single track, up and down hill plus a good measure of the technically challenging trail. This bike has no bob and a great positive feel like you're connected to rails.I take moderate jumps up to a meter off the gruond in my stride. This is my F1 Ferrari. If you are into big jumps, a dh person or freerider look for something else. If you think its too heavy either lighten up the motor ( lose some body weight, its cheap ), the components or choose a different bike. But if you wanna feel whats it's like to have a V12 between your legs check this bike out in the dirt( not in the show room ). I'll hold on to this bike for 2-3 years and then upgrade to the latest Epic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a
from King Of Prussia
Date Reviewed: November 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything ROTHROCK | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | The fox up front rocks, deore brakes (555) are awesome, and the brain that works as advertised | | Weaknesses: | weight, retail is way too expensive and the tires will tear on you, deore rear cassette that ways a ton | | Similar Products Used: | enduro, stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock... with some tire boots | | Bottom Line: | This is the most incredible XC bike I have ridden (XC! not freeride etc.) After setting up the brain shock in the rear this bike climbs and descends incredibly. The brakes inspire confidence. Some people b*tch about the LX components but in reality they perform great (although the bike costs too much for em) Otherwise the setup is good. It might be heavy, but it will speed up your ride times coming from a hardtail. After working a bit maybe ill upgrade wheels to trim off weight.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ko
a Weekend Warrior
from arvada, co, usa
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | apex trail & anything technical and hard | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | frame design, fox fork is great, brain shock works as advertised, absolutely no bobbing at all,no matter how hard you pedal, don't have to worry about switching to lockout because its always locked out until it feels bumps or landing jumps, and shimano disc brakes work awesome | | Weaknesses: | xtr rear derailer, had it readjusted twice in 3 monts, brain shock is great for rocketing up hills, but isn't sensitive enough over smaller bumps and sometimes feels like it reacts late | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro, k2 tirade, giant nrs | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | i ride 2 to 3 times a week as hard as i can and this bike takes a pounding very well. never need to worry about parts falling off or breaking like my previous hardtail that needed new parts all the time because of my abusive riding style. this bike is also rockets up hills as efficient as a hardtail(unlike my previous k2 that kept bobbing and sagging and making me work harder than i need to) but with the benefits of a full suspension setup when going over big rocks, bumps and water bars. all in all i think this bike is great for any kind of riding, whether you're a cross country racer or just a trailrider. this bike is well worth the money i spent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
billy bob
a
from land of forbidden, CA
Date Reviewed: November 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | I have the 2004 comp disk model, solid frame. brakes, brain shock works awesome, FOX fork, 1/2lbs lighter frame. | | Weaknesses: | tires suck, FOX needs to update there user manual for the rear shock setup. but other than that, i really have no other complaints. | | Similar Products Used: | specialized stumpjumper, trek 8000, gt idrive 1000, scwhinn Homegrown | | Bike Setup: | Completely Stock other than panaracer fire XC pro tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike really works the way it is suppose to. climbs like a hardtail and smooth on the decends. brakes stop on a dime. as long as you have the correct air pressure it works great. it takes a few hours of riding to get it dial in but once it is, u wont be disappointed. The Fox Rear shock manual is out dated and incorrect on the pressure settings. they have you set it up with too much pressure. plus the chart doesnt translate lbs into kg correctly. The upside is that specialized gives you a technical updated sheet for the rear shock setup. i would reccommend this bike to anyone that is doing XC RIDING. anything other than that, then you just straight up looking at the wrong bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
BARRY
a Cross Country Rider
from NORWICH CT USA
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all at hartmans | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Sunshine Cycle | | Strengths: | Everything about this bike is great. It climbs better than a hardtail because it can absorb any bumps on the wy up the trail but be firm like a hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | The headset started making a loud snapping noise that required the replacement of the bearings and the freehub completely let go on me making it so I could not pedal. I would say both are rare incidents and there is nothing you can do about it. (They both were replaced under warranty) | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll, Gary Fisher sugar 3, and Trek vrx | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike has allowed me to ride trails that were not possible to me on the bikes I listed above. It is a great climber and perfect on downhills. I would recommend this bike to all cross country style riders. It is much better than any hardtail unless you enjoy the pounding and harshness that they offer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Chandler, AZ, US
Date Reviewed: October 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | pima & dynamite | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | Brain Shock in rear, Fox float 80 rl in front, XTR rear dr. After downloading the pdf setup file from specialized the suspension is killer. Good tires. | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat is like a board, Seatpost, cranks and BB should be better qualitr | | Similar Products Used: | GT I-Drive | | Bike Setup: | Stock, wit Specialized Milano seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is the best thing since toast. Lite for a dual suspension (28 Lbs in Large), pedals and climbs like a hardtail, absorbs bumps like s full suspension. I wish the brain shock was a little more sensitive. Holds a line well, very forgiving, brakes are very good once broken in. I think the disk brakes actually reduce fatigue. If you set the bike up properly using the new setup file from Specialized, the bike is great. The old setup was too stiff and bouncy. The bike lives up to it's hype.
On the down side I did experience one episode of chain suck while shifting while pedaling over very rough terrain. I also replaced the stock seat, which looks like a good seat for racing but a poor choice for recreational riding. The Deore brakes drag very, very slightly. The stock cranks, bb, and seat post are substandard for a bike with a list price of $2600.
Buy this bike if you want a reasonably light dual suspension bike that pedals like a hard tail. It's great for recreational riding or club level racing.
Don't buy this bike if you want a superlight light hardtail and can't stand the thought of lugging tow or three extra pounds around. Buy the pro, marathon or SWorks version if you plan to race in a competive manner.
Don't buy this bike if you can't ride worth a damn, or plan to abuse it in free ride/Downhill it will be expensive if you crash and it's the wrong bike for you. Don't buy this bike if you want a princess and pea super plush ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Oceanside, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Lake Hodges and Flightline | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Cool brain, Fox fork, disc brakes, red color. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy, some cheap components for the price. Stock seatpost creaks (I am waiting on my Thompson setback post to be delivered). The deore brake handles feel weak to me (and smaller than XT handles I'm used to), but I haven't gotten the brakes broken in properly yet. I haven't experienced chain suck, I believe because I upgraded crankset to XT. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 7000 | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Epic disk large w/ upgrades: S-Works carbon riser bar, XT crankset, Thompson stem and setback seatpost, Oury locking grips. For now. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is so much more fun to ride than my hardtail Trek, and the coolness factor is through the roof. However, I still can't believe that you could spend $2k on a bike and still need to upgrade components. Upgrading is half the fun, though. After a few upgrades, I believe I have the near perfect bike. I love this thing. Five turd rating overall for new technology and super fun to ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tim Matthews
a Cross Country Rider
from Issaquah,WA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | pacific bicycles | | Strengths: | Brain shock, Fox all around wide handle bars | | Weaknesses: | none | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 6000(owned) worked for a bike shop so too many to list | | Bike Setup: | Rl 80 in front with the fox brain system in back, xtr/lx comp, dual headlamps, shimano xt disc brakes 6" rotors | | Bottom Line: | LOVE the bike. Best thing ive rode. I havent had it too long so i cant be for sure, but man this thing climbs. The brain system quickly and confidently locks out the shock and it just brings you up the hill no problem. Downhill is great too, the rear shock has nice adjustments and you can dial it in for YOU..not a factoy preset. It soaks up stuff liek a freeride but with plenty of stability with wider handle bars, smaller cockpit. It sooo sturdy and hates going slow. This bike is extremely fast. Dont buy it if your rich, buy it if you ride. Love the bike, im getting back into racing havent done it for about 6 years( im only 16!) but anwyays, have fun out there guys and grab this bike while you can. TTYL he yand chek out my website for west coast and east caost clubs www.geocities.com/crakakrew | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lance Butts
a Weekend Warrior
from Hartland, MI, USA
Date Reviewed: September 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Island Lake, both loops | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1845.00 | | Purchased At: | Central Park Cycles, Okemos, MI | | Strengths: | The brain, overall looks, product set, and quality. | | Weaknesses: | Some of the mounting hardware is starting to rust, specifically the seat post fastenening assembly and the riser bar mounting bolts. Experienced chain suck on second ride. | | Similar Products Used: | None. This is my first mountain bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock w/Bell computer. | | Bottom Line: | I like this bike, I don't know if I love it. The reason is because this is my first mountain bike. I have absolutely nothing to compare it to. I raced motocross for a number of years and it is a hell of a lot lighter than my motocross bike. (hehe). Perhaps from my motocross years I find myself trying to jump everything I can find on the trails. The brain is amazing. As a test, the first thing I did was slam into a few curbs expecting a jolt, or at least some sense of on/off. What I experienced was a total seamless application of the rear suspension engagement. Same on the trails, roots disappear, climbing uphills I peddle through the roots while my friends (experienced) are riding around them. I am in total control on uphill climbs. Feels great.
I do wish I had more experience with other bikes. Every ride, people stop me and ask how the bike rides compared to others. I can only answer from an inexperienced perspective. I do feel lucky to start with this bike.
Even though I have had the bike for only a month, I have ridden about twenty times. There are a number of trails on the way home from work so I stop every weekday.
I have read a number of reviews with many complaining about the seat. Well, my ass does fatuge after about 10 miles and I experince some numbness in my left foot. I may experiment with different seats.
Also, I read about chain suck on this model. Yep, I experienced it too. Only twice in twenty rides, but it was there. Not sure how to correct it but a quick back peddle releases the chain.
I did buy a lighting system for my helmet. I can't wait to try some night trail riding. Being in Michigan, I expect to ride into November. I probably won't do the spiked tire thing. I am digg'n this stuff. Great cardio/thrill seeker mix. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Will
a Racer
from Annapolis, MD, USA
Date Reviewed: August 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Frederick Watershed, MD | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Capitol Bikes | | Strengths: | Amazing bike. Only ridden 3 times: first time was a local 18 mi race, then one easy ride and then the Wild 100 (100 KM race w/ 7000 ft of climbing in WV). 11 hours in the mud and it worked flawlesly. Its like a ridgid bike and a dual sus bike all at the same time - the best of both worlds! Climbs as efficiently as my hardtail but has the traction of a dual sus bike. Tuning took a little while, but when dialed in, it is awsome. Brain shock is great. Lateral stiffness is impressive (significantly better than NRS) which is important as I'm a big guy (210 lbs). Love the frame and Fox fork. Option to have up to 4 bottle cages is wonderful for endurance events. Disks work quite well (mine shipped w/ Deore). | | Weaknesses: | got rid of seat (switched to WTB) and chain (switched to sachs) immediately. As is typical for many bikes, weaknesses are in hidden parts: cheap BB, cheap Cassette, clunky R wheel. Bike is a bit heavy for the price. All weaknesses are easily remidied w/ upgrades that I'll do over the next year. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Bridgestone MB-3, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Size Lg Epic Disk. Swaped out riser bar for flat bar w/ 5 deg sweep. Also got rid of those awful grips and put on some Ourys (my fav - great for big hands). | | Bottom Line: | I strongly recommend this bike if you can come up with the 2K. I've spoken with several other Epic owners at races and the only complaint I've heard is from the folks who bought models w/ V-brakes. They all wish they'd have gone for the disk version. I love my new bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a Cross Country Rider
from Reno, NV
Date Reviewed: August 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All Tahoe Trails | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Nice components, but you pay for them$$
Fox Fork is NICE!!!!!!(Best part of the Bike)
Quality craftsmanship | | Weaknesses: | Brain shock, Horrible at small bump absorbing. I am selling mine on Ebay..(I can sell it used and get a new NRS) | | Similar Products Used: | Fuel 90, NRS 2, Sugar | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike is a little over priced. It should be in the $1500-1800 range. For the money I would buy an NRS and put a Fox Fork on it(that's what I am going to do) | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelly Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood CO
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Westside Cycling | | Strengths: | The "brain" shock works very well. Automatically locks itself out unless a bump is encountered. Took a few rides to get the brain shock dialed in, but since then it has been flawless. The bike is a rocket, heavy or no, it really goes. Hayes hydraulic disks really really work well, wet or dry. Initially I thought some of the components that came on the bike were shabby, but they have held up extremely well. | | Weaknesses: | mmm...Its so nice I'm afraid someone is going to steal it? | | Bike Setup: | stock (new seat) | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to an earlier review of mine. This bike is phenominal. I am a big guy (6'6" 290lbs) and I have now riden this bike over 1500 miles. Everything on the bike has withstood the punishment I have dealt it. The brain shock works extremely well. The front fork is perfect it absorbs both big and small bumps like a champ. You can ride this bike almost anywhere. I have taken it down some moderate single track as well as ridden several centuries. About the only thing this bike was not made for is big drops. I cannot recommend this bike enough. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Dunedin
Date Reviewed: July 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Linger and Die | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Browns Avanti Pro Cycle Centre | | Strengths: | Has to be the ride! The Brain does exactly what it says it will. Very little copromise for the beefit of having HT climbing and FS in the rough. The front Fox is so smooth. The front lock out works well and is easy to use (but hard to remember!). | | Weaknesses: | The Hayes Disks have been nothing but trouble with drag impossible to fix.(Back to the supplier and all). Some chain suck and rear wheel tricky to mount due to protruding linkage. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS tested but reas suspention not as active in al situations. | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than longer seat post. | | Bottom Line: | This is my first FS bike so I cant compare to others. Not as fast on the road as a hard tail and heavier than my last bike but overall it is a great bike to ride. Increased my ability and enjoyment over rougher DH sections and outperforms my old hardtail on any rough section you can stay in the seat and pedal through. Good on the climbs with no bobing once the front is locked out. (Why not have a brain on the front too?).
As a mainly recreational rider in my 50's, this bike is the ideal mix of reliability, performance and comfort. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Port Angeles, WA
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | This is actually my wife's bike, but I don't think that she'll ever write a review so...here goes. I like the build. It's not super-light and that seems to be one of the main gripes that people have with the frame. It is however a very fast bike. It climbs like a goat and descends with confidence. It is certainly not a "plush" feeling bike, but it is not hardtail-harsh either, somewhere in between. My wife loves it because she doesn't have to worry about any suspension duties. The Fox fork is also great as is the XTR rear mech. | | Weaknesses: | I may try and lighten it up a bit. Maybe some Crossmax XL discs, XTR discs, etc... I'd also like to get an aftermarket replacement shock to the Fox Brain that comes stock. I think I saw that Manitou has one in the works. The way it is, there is virtually no adjustment to the shock. That is pretty weak if you ask me. It is too heavy to race but it feels light on the trail. Also, I'd say that it is certainly overpriced with the weight/suspension issues. | | Similar Products Used: | Other bikes; Enduro Pro, Foes FXR, Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Shimano 959 pedals | | Bottom Line: | I'd say all in all that Specialized has a nice bike in the Epic. They need to lighten a little and redesign that shock where it has more adjustability. The Epic is not the be-all-end-all cross country full suspension rig, but it is a step in the right direction. Also, this bike is fun to ride. It doesn't kill you on the climbs and is fun on the descents as well. Perfect bike for someone who wants a carefree, disc brake bike. They need to lower the weight, price, and fix the shock. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
brent
a Cross Country Rider
from calgary, alberta , canada
Date Reviewed: July 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | jumpingpound | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Brain shock- darn thing works! Fox forks- plush, solid. Reasonable weight, agile and stable. | | Weaknesses: | Tail end is heavy- all that metal... some clunky components for the price | | Similar Products Used: | fisher sugar 2/3 disc | | Bike Setup: | Stock- w/shimano discs... changed out seat for WTB Laser5, pedals to Ritchey logic comps V.3 | | Bottom Line: | This is a XC bike- those of you looking for a downhill/freeride dropper better look somewhere else. I switched over to full suspension with this bike after holding out on my increasingly creaky M2 Pro. I like the solid hardtail ride on the climbs and whoopdydoos, and the traction and line holding suspension on the downhills. This is a fast bike- I'm cutting a lot of time off my usual rides. It is a bit heavy in the tail end- I'm going to gradually change out some components to lighten it up by a pound or so- primarily on the wheel/hub set. Specialized cheaped out in some places (LX comps), and splurged where it counts- on the fox forks, XTR rear derailleur. Also- I was initially disappointed to get deore rather than hayes discs, but I am won over now. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Denver
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Apex | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheat Ridge Cyclery | | Strengths: | Yes...Yes...Yes...Wow! Excellent XC bike. Brain locks on the climbs and opens on the decents. Fox fork is perfect. XRT rear derailer. Disc Brakes. The awesome red paint. | | Weaknesses: | None...OK the seat. I replaced also. | | Similar Products Used: | Yeti Kokopelli Disc, Stumpjumper FSR Comp, Fisher Sugar 2+ Disc, Fisher Big Sur (my old hard tail). | | Bike Setup: | Stock...except for seat upgrade. (Thanks to the advice on this site). | | Bottom Line: | This is a fast bike...really fast...I am still trying to wipe the smile off my face...
I have owned only hard tails. I wanted a solid cross county bike with some plush on the tech descents.
I am not a racer or a technical wizard. But I love this bike...especially after I dialed it in. You have to download the revised set-up guideline from Specialized's web site. (Thanks to the posters on this site for that advice.) I also think it should be pointed out that there are two adjustments: compression (air pressure) and rebound (dampening) (both based on your weight). I demo rode an Epic Comp with just the compression/air adjustment and did not like the rough ride. Once I changed the rebound speed, I fell in love.
This bike lives for speed. I achieved record times ascending and descending my favorite technical ride.
Everyone talks about the uphill...the down hill is awesome. The bike does not "bounce" after a drop off. It compresses, absorbs the hit, and then immediately locks down into traction mode. That is the word "traction". This bike really holds the trail.
The Shimano 555 hydraulic disc brakes are awesome stoppers...a total improvement to v-brakes.
Bottom line, this bike is fun and feels "solid". I did not like the bouncing/bobbing feeling of other full-suspensions. This bike was built for speed and fun.
***Thanks to everyone who has posted to this site. The good, the bad, and the ugly really helped me decide which bike would work best for me. Keep posting!
***Thank to MTBReview.com for making this site a tool for the rest of us to use.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
davide valentini
a Cross Country Rider
from italy
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | brain works as promised, excellent frame stiffnes | | Weaknesses: | suspension valvle rarely opens on ascents, slightly tall bb (for my tastes), on smooth and steep descents the brain stays closed so you can't wheight the rear end opening the head angle (this limits your confidence managing difficoult terrain) | | Similar Products Used: | blur (better descending frame), many hi end italian steel hardtails (with very low bb), santa superlight | | Bike Setup: | hope discs (but deore worked great), crossmax sl, thomson laidback | | Bottom Line: | ascending you have an hardtail (but with so much extra weight), descending you have a good bike, not as smooth as 3,5 inches should allow and with steep angles on smooth terrain. The weight is a bummer if you race the bike.
Specialized should: take off a pound from the frame, make the sensitivity of the brain tunable (so you can have some suspension also uphill, and not only 3 pounds more than a hardtail | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Cross Country Rider
from NC
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Frame and fork, rear shock, linkage, sealed pivots everywhere | | Weaknesses: | Most of the Specialized stuff, Might as well not even come with a seat!! I didn't even ride it. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant/Cannondale | | Bike Setup: | King wheels, RF stem, Flat bars | | Bottom Line: | Bought this bike on a whim. Wanted an FSR XC Comp. LBS only had Epic Disk. Having come off of two consecutive 5" travel bikes was a HUGE difference. Rode it a few times to get it dialed in and now am very happy with performance.
You have got to download the instructions from the website (Specialized) and then adjust to your riding. It takes several rides to accomplish this. Once it is set it is very fast, which it was meant to be!
I switched out to flat bars with bar ends and now feel more comfortable climbing.
I am 5' 8" and have a med, if you are any taller get a large
Thanks for the honest reviews, helped me in my purchase. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Keith Mitchell
a Cross Country Rider
from Redondo Beach,CA
Date Reviewed: June 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Couch Canyon- E-wok-Goat | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Aquarian Bicycles | | Strengths: | The rear suspension works as promised. If you spend the time to read the manual, you can get the rear shock dialed.
The frame design is perfect for the true cross country rider. If your looking for a plush ride, this ain't the bike. It's a stiff ride, so if you like the hard tail feel. But tired of getting your back end pounded. This is the bike for you. It's Faaaaassssstttttttttttttttt...... | | Weaknesses: | LX components got to go. A bike at this $ should at least come XT. Also the seat is as hard as a rock. "Pitch It" Get a terry. you will thank me. And the deore disk's are ok, but they should atleast put on some hayes HFX disks! | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Stumpjumper Comp. | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR Package, Easton Bars & Stem, Chris King Head Set & Hubs and Hope disk brakes. Got it down to 25 lbs... | | Bottom Line: | This Bike is bad ass. I got it dialed in just perfect. If you are a serious cross country rider. Go take a test ride. You will become a Believer to. I railed some trails, like I never railed them before. Pick a line and let it rip, It almost takes over for you. And climbing, it's and outright Banshee....................................... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego CA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble area | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Great rough decending with burly fork and properly set-up rear. Disc brakes help with speed work and long decents. | | Weaknesses: | I find the (XL)frame soft torsionally. In slow,technical stuff there is quite a bit of flex. Though I have not ridden many new duel bikes to compare it to. My old GT LTS was much stiffer. The brakes drag with lots of downhill use and moving bike around. I think the rear drags because of the flex but I am told most designs do this. A weak response, but I pass it on.
Heavy stock parts like rear hub and seatpost.
Chain suck almost every ride til I changed chain. Then still sometimes.
The rear, drive side pivot bulges enough that it makes wheel changes tricky as the chain does not cleat it with out careful poking around. | | Similar Products Used: | GT LTS, various Hard tails. | | Bike Setup: | stock, with these changes:Grip shifters, Syncros seatpost, shimano959 pedals, XT crank & BB & cassette, Bolt on grips, WTB Mutanoraptor tires, XTR chain | | Bottom Line: | A pretty smooth bike for the rough stuff. But there is a clunk at times when the rear activates. Mildly annoying alone, but with the noisy Fox fork it can sound like you are really rattling along sometimes.
I don't buy the all in one idea though.
Technical climbing is good, but not too technical, because of the flex.
Unless you are using a lock out front fork, the bike bobs quit a bit with the soft Fox fork on smooth ground. Fox makes a fork with the same technology as the rear shock but for some odd reason it is not included with any Epic. I find that a mistake. You can reach down and lock-out however.
Next year I hear many bikes will be equipped with similar "stable platform" technology from Fox, Manitou and others both front and rear, so this heavier dedicated design may fade away. The shocks will be also be available to upgrade previous designs. It will be interesting to follow.
Also next year this particular "smart" rear shock will have an adjustable threshhold like their current fork. A smart idea.
The real bottom line? Good bike, but I wish I waited until next year. Everythings gonna change... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from New Mexico USA
Date Reviewed: May 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bucking Mule Falls-Wyoming | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Back Country Bicycles-Wyoming | | Strengths: | Brain technology works as advertised (absolutely no bob even with out of the saddle sprints, efficient suspension action on rough terrain), Frame geometry allows for stable handeling, specialized moved the bottom bracket higher than the 2002 FSR (allows for improved technical pedaling), Fox fork is smooth and laterally free of flex. Note: for people fearful of shock failure take note that the shock and link is behind a straight seat tube, thus taking much of the stress off of the shock as compaired to conventional FSR suspension. Shock failure should not be a problem with this bike. | | Weaknesses: | Depends on your riding style;(Free riders/down-hillers look else where, perhaps the big hit or Giant's line of XTC free ride bikes) the suspension is not as plush as conventional 4-bar/FSR design, it responds to bumps then immediatly locks out following the bump/s. Suspension is more plush than Giant's XTC NRS design but not as plush as a trek fuel. Setting up the suspension will take at least a couple of hours. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant 2001 XTC NRS, Specialized2002 Enduro, Kona 2002 Stinky. | | Bike Setup: | Large 2003 Specialized Epic Disc in flo red color with shimano deore m555 hydraulic disc brakes. Stock except a specialized sport speed zone computer, Shimano 656 platform clipless pedals, and Lizard Skins Chain Guard. | | Bottom Line: | The brain technology works great, it is a little harsh going up hill on small bumps, but responds perfectly to medium/large bumps. This is a true XC efficient machine. Setting up the suspension will take hours. It does not bob, therefore, you must take the bike on the trail and pressurize it to the recommendations, then ride and see how it responds/feels. Make frequent psi adjustments to get the perfect feel. I run exactly 100psi and weigh about 175 pounds in full gear. This setup will bottom following a 3 foot drop to flat. I also found that running the rebound at about 1-2 clicks from full slow keeps the brain shock from immediatly locking out. This allows for smooth transitioning from active to lock out. The geometry is dead on, this is not a typical twitchy XC bike. The steering is slow and easy to control, even on long steep climbs. In addition the bike is easy to control in steep technical descents. At first I did not like the harsh feel of this bike as evidenced by an earlier review of the epic pro after a test ride. However after reading many articles on proper setup and talking with my lbs, I decided to buy one. I have no regrets. Many people give the epic a negative review, however, they may just need to properly set up the suspension. The componetry is proper in this price range and the bike looks great. Weight is not an issue for me, this bike weighs about 27 pounds, however, I have been riding a 31 pound Enduro over the last year. Email me if you have any questions or have specific questions. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Foothill Ranch, Ca USA
Date Reviewed: May 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiting | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock 'N' Road | | Strengths: | Great Suspension front and rear. Good components for the money. Nice Hayes Hydraulics. Looks good (non-vital). | | Weaknesses: | A bit pricey, but it is new and different. | | Similar Products Used: | Have ridden GT LTS, Mtn. Cycle XCS, Stumphumper, demo'd base Epic in the dirt. Parking lot demo and consideration of NRS2, VT2, Enduro, Stump, Fuel80, Jamis XC comp and XLT 1.0. All nice bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for a WTB Laser saddle to replace the stinkin' BG seat. | | Bottom Line: | The guys at MV Rock 'N' Road are a great, helpful crew. At the price I paid I am pleased with this bike. Especially with Hayes, Fox Forx, XTR rear. The Epic just felt right for me. I like the handling, the no-bob Brain set up, the Fork performance and the red color. Most of all the climbing ability of this bike is what impressed me the most. The Epic just hooks up on the climbs. I'm in the process of getting into better shape for the climbs, and my demo of this bike sold me. I climbed better, easier, smoother than ever before.
There are probably better bikes on the downhill, but it descends well and I'm still messing with the suspension settings. I dig it on the downhill single tracks.
If it is too heavy, I don't notice it.
I began my search with a $1,500 budget and found some good bikes at $1,200 or 1,300 (Fuel90, Dakar). NRS2 and VT2 didn't spark anything in me at $1,500 plus. I wanted a complete bike that would be worth upgrading if I desired to. My riding buddies have Blur and Truth which are nice but out of my budget. I considered the base Epic at a reduced price, but the Vee brakes and the Skareb held me back.
As a 40 year old former BMX'er and Motocrosser looking for some thrills and an outdoor workout a couple times a week, this bike works for me just fine.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from The Swamp, FL
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | still won't tell | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Frame design with stock suspension | | Weaknesses: | Stock pedals, seat, seatpost | | Similar Products Used: | See my "first review" for this bike | | Bike Setup: | Has not changed except fine tuning seat position. Also shortened the stock chain and chain suck ceased to occur. | | Bottom Line: | After 6 months there are no complaints. Still extremely happy. Occasionally ride something else but always glad to be back in the saddle again. Others who test ride it love it too! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlo
a
from Italy
Date Reviewed: May 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | appennines (Romagna-Italy) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Surfing Shop - Milano Marittima | | Strengths: | Specialized costruction - superb geometry - amazing brain suspension system - great fork - performs in any condition | | Weaknesses: | ? | | Similar Products Used: | nothing like this | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup; replaced stock components with:
- selle italia SLR (135 g) saddle
- ritchey wcs stem
- thomson setback seatpost
- extralite "The Bar" handlebar (carbon/ergal composite)
- sram cogset
*** saved over 800 g *** | | Bottom Line: | This thing simply rocks...
I like climbing and I don't miss my old S-Works M2 hardtail at all; on flat bumpy trails this thing feels like a hovercraft, I'm sure it's the fastest way from point A to point B (my back is grateful).
I thought I didn't need a full-suspended bike, now my downhills are twice as fast (and safe); since there's no sag, you get a full 9 cm back wheel travel.
That fox float RL is a great, performing, stiff and precise fork, it really does make the difference.
I think racers should consider abandoning their hardtails for this weapon, especially if they normally race on rough terrains; the bike is a bit heavy, but it handles great and it is really effective - plus you can recover more than a kilogram swapping out some components.
People who (like me) like spending days out in the wilderness will definitely love this bike; when you ride for hours and hours you want downhill performance and driving comfort, but also you don't want to waste a lot of energy pedaling uphill...
I give 5 full chilis for overall rating, 3 chilis for value because I think my bicycle should not cost more than my motorbike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tristan
a Cross Country Rider
from Cambridge
Date Reviewed: May 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fells | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Brain shock. That's the core reason to consider this bike. I'm truly amazed at how well it works. Tires stay on the groud and I fell like I'm floating, only bobbing on the bumps. I was a hard tail hold out who didn't liek the extreme bounce and cushion of full suspension, and this bike has given me the ultimate segway. Also, the disk breaks are great in the mud. | | Weaknesses: | I switched from a 21 lb. Ibis hardtail so the weight was a bit tough to stomache at first (my Medium is about 27.5 lbs. stock, my Dad's Small is about 26 lbs.) Once I began riding I stopped noticing though. Like others note, LX derailer up front, Stongarm cranks, LX shifters, etc. could stand to be upgraded. | | Similar Products Used: | Ibis Alibi, full xtr. (lighter, but less comfortable) | | Bike Setup: | Stock but switched the pedals for Shimano 959's. The originals (which I think were Shimano 515's) became clogged to easily in mud and snow. | | Bottom Line: | It's pretty amazing, plain and simple. Hard tail efficiency and full suspension comfort. This brain shock technology is not a gimmick. It works and I am VERY happy with it. As components wear I'll improve them. The front shock is nice and plush as well. If I were a competitve racer I might look for a lighter bike, but since I'm someone who just likes to ride, it's perfect. Helps that I got a great deal on it as well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kelly Johnson
a Cross Country Rider
from Lakewood
Date Reviewed: May 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Westside Cycling | | Strengths: | The "brain" shock works very well. Automatically locks itself out unless a bump is encountered. Took a few rides to get the brain shock dialed in, but since then it has been flawless. The bike is a rocket, heavy or no, it really goes. Hayes hydraulic disks really really work well, wet or dry. | | Weaknesses: | Some components (shifters, crankset) are somewhat lacking considering the price of the bike. Stock chain had "sucking" problem. Bike shop replaced chain and suck has disapeared. Seat is horrible. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, added: night explorer headlight, new seat. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is sweet. I can ride on it all day long with no problem. Uphill, downhill, on-road, off-road it makes no difference, this bike can take it all. Great looks and excellent functionality, what more could you want? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
mike
a Cross Country Rider
from andover, ma, us
Date Reviewed: April 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the one i'm on | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2350.00 | | Purchased At: | lbs | | Strengths: | As advertised, suspension will unlock on rough terrain. Breaks have not been a problem even when covered in mud. Fox front shock is very rigid. This bike performs, very fast. | | Weaknesses: | For the price, some of the components are less than wonderful. Also, the weight for a cross country bike is not good, but I could stand to lose a couple pounds too. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS-1 | | Bike Setup: | stock, add mavic 3.1 tubeless and Michellin wilderness tires | | Bottom Line: | When purchasing I went to six different bike shops who carried specialized and other bikes, everyone of them recommended the epic. Perhaps it is a marketing gimic laced with incentives from specialized, but given the new technology it seems more sincere.
Noticing the comments on the v-brake version, seems people who don't like the bike are the ones who test it, not those who buy it and get a proper set-up. The set-up is key and once dialed in its tough to argue about performance. Make sure if you are considering this bike and you are testing it out, get the proper pressure in the shocks and mess around with the rebound. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted
a Cross Country Rider
from Concord, CA
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Diablo - North Peak Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2199.00 | | Purchased At: | Encina Bikes | | Strengths: | Being my first full suspension bike, I cannot compare it to other full susp. bikes, but it is really sweet to ride. The rear wheel stays planted on the trail, giving me much more control and enabling higher speeds on technical singletrack. I was worried about going to disc brakes because they seemed to grab when I rode my friends Superlight on a short ride, but I just wasn't used to them. The modulation is really nice and doesn't change when they heat up. It climbs like a hardtail and soaks up the bumps coming back down... great bike! | | Weaknesses: | The front fork (Fox Float 80RL) is not as rigid as the Marzocchi Bomber on my hardtail. I notice it flexing at higher speeds (above 20 mph). The chain suck was terrible until the dealer replaced the stock chain with a Sram - chain suck gone. Better front derailleur would be a plus - LX just doesn't quite cut the mustard. | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 GT Avalanche w/Marzocchi Bomber fork (stock). | | Bike Setup: | All stock except seat (Specialized BG Comp leather off my hardtail) and Sram chain (replaced free by dealer). | | Bottom Line: | I really like this bike. This is my primary form of exercise and I just can't get enough, and this bike makes a workout that much more enjoyable. I will probably upgrade to lighter aftermarket bars/stem, seatpost, cranks, in the future. But overall this bike is a great piece of equipment right out of the box. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MFrizza
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA USA
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Noble Canyon/Anderson Truck Trail/Mission Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicyclewarehouse | | Strengths: | The Brain shock does exactly what it is supposed to do. The bike corners really well. It demands hills. Really treats me well on rocky technical sections. The Fox fork up front is really legit. For the purist who wants to feel the rear suspension bob while he/she pedals on flat terrain, this probably isn't the right bike. But for someone who would like to enjoy the wonders of auto-lockout, then take this marvel of modern technology out for a test-ride...on a trail...not just in a parking lot! | | Weaknesses: | Chain has gotten sucked up a few times...this seems to be a common complaint. So far, this hasn't caused any problems for me. Also the bike is heavy, but I don't care. I will make up the time riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Would have seriously looked at the Blur with its VPP suspension as well as the whole gambit of $1500ish trail bikes, but when this thing went on sale...I asked the Lord for guidance, and he told me to buy the bike. So really, I'm just doing God's work. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. I will probably change the travel from 80 to 100, which is apparently pretty easy to do. Now that I have a nice bike finally, I guess I'll be investing in high-end parts when stuff starts breaking. | | Bottom Line: | I'm faster.
It's helping me take my riding to the next level.
I'm better equiped to handle difficult, rocky terrain.
People stare at my bike when I unload it from my car at the trailhead. It makes me feel like I just bought a set of fake boobs. I like it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Wolf
a Cross Country Rider
from Turlock
Date Reviewed: March 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tahoe Rim Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2030.00 | | Purchased At: | Funsport, Modesto | | Strengths: | Brain shock works as advertised! No bobbing, great climber, great handling, rear wheel sticks to the trail. | | Weaknesses: | None really, but the seatpost is pretty basic compared to the Easton I had to leave behind. | | Similar Products Used: | GT iDrive 3.0 | | Bike Setup: | XTR shifters, Terry Fly saddle, XT rear cassette, Shimano 545 pedals. | | Bottom Line: | Great cross country bike, especially for the price. At first glance the Shimano disc brakes didn't seem as high quality as the XT's on my old bike. However, once on the trail they seemed just as good, if not better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Caliendo
a Cross Country Rider
from Birmingham, AL , United States
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mtn. State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bob's Bikes | | Strengths: | Brain technology-awesome | | Weaknesses: | None-yet | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I am new to this sport and really enjoy riding. I rode alot of motorcross until my buddies moved away. The Epic seems to be a complete bike. HT & FS all in one. I like not having to lock on/off the suspension. The bike creates a feeling of control. I need to continue riding and work on my motor (Heart). I would recommend this product. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Trevor Black
a Cross Country Rider
from Honiara, Guadalcanal,Solomon Islands
Date Reviewed: March 14, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Freedom Machine, Victoria Australia | | Strengths: | Quality of the finish, overall package for the money. Bike climbs and handles better than I could have hoped for. | | Weaknesses: | Seat - thanks to these reviews I had the seat swapped prior to delivery. None other to date, but there is an chronic annoying clanging eminating from in the vicinity of the front derailer. I can't see any paint chipped off anywhere so I imagine its the chain slapping around in there. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 98 (stolen 5 Dec 2002). I had this bike 5 months and had the opportunity to ride it several times a week. I never wanted another bike, I liked this so much...the King is dead, long live the King etc. | | Bike Setup: | Mavic Crossmax XL, Easton monkey lites and stem, Selle Italia trimatic 2 (included in the purchase price). I'm considering a set back seat post, other than that the bike is sweet. | | Bottom Line: | The frame that I have is different from all the pictures - it looks identicle (save color)to the marathon with a brace from the seat-stay to the top tube.
The bike exudes quality and looks brilliant. I could have bought a Blur or Sugar for similar money from Thailand, but chose the Specialized primarily because of these reviews and the way the bike looks.
Thanks for the advice - The bike rides as well as the reviews state and I'm now (finally)over the loss of my Trek.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Landon
a Racer
from Kalona, IA USA
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sugar Bottom | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Northtowne Cycling | | Strengths: | Fantastic rear suspension if you take a little time and set it up. I thought you could feel the shock lock and unlock on the demo ride but in the woods it's seamless. If it didn't have the o-ring I wouldn't know I'm getting full travel. The same applies to the Fox Forx Float RL. Soo smooth! Having said that, it is a very stiff frame and feels like a race bike which is what I wanted. The color red is striking. When I first saw it about my breath away. | | Weaknesses: | I wanted the Marathon but the color Carbon is well, ugly and I couldn't stand the wide riser bars and Strongarm cranks and Shimano 515 pedals. The dealer upgraded the Epic Disc to what I wanted at a lower cost and it comes in RED! | | Similar Products Used: | I've raced Specialized full suspension bikes for 6 years and have been pleased with them but this is the best yet! I saw no reason to try any thing else. I did rent a Gary Fisher Sugar last year but didn't care for it. | | Bike Setup: | Things I traded out are as follows. Easton carbon flat bar. Richey WCS headset. XTR shifter and brake calipers. Hayes disc rotors. XT crank set,front derailleur and bottom bracket. Shimano 959 pedals. Conti tires. Thompson setback seat post. Stan's NoTubes kit. | | Bottom Line: | There has been a lot of negative talk about the Epic but I'm glad I got one. I've been able to get 3+ hours in the woods and I can't wait till spring. It climbs very well and eats up the bumps. Sprints like a hardtail on smooth sections. It's doesn't pogo like my FSR did with out of saddle efforts.
I just wish Specialized would spec better components, the Epic seems overpriced for what has.
It could be lighter but it carries the weight low so it doesn't feel heavy. With stock wheels it now weighs what my old bike did with race wheels so when I can afford new wheels from Dave's Wheels it will be lighter.
A comment on the XTR shifters. I got them for the disc brake levers and calipers. Love the brakes and the shifters are ok but if you are sticking with V brakes I'd go with the rapidfire shifters.
I wasn't sure about the seat but so far it feels good.
If you are an amateur cross country racer you'll love the Epic after you upgrade to your favorite parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
daniel gorner
a Cross Country Rider
from england
Date Reviewed: January 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything goes | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | clive mitch' truro u.k. | | Strengths: | EPIC DISK (HOPE MINIS) frame is just right, its Small, quick, an fun. And Looks the bizz. forks are very good also fox 80RL. Lock out is great. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck/stuck sometimes, seat, fat tires. | | Similar Products Used: | rocky mountain x- country | | Bike Setup: | hope minis, race face bars, x-lite stem, tioga factory mud tires, telluride seat | | Bottom Line: | Very good bike, very good fun, Swap bars / seat an your laughing. good climber. fast. Keep that shock clean an you will be o.k. Also rides nice on the road ( thats got to be a bonus?) go get one then!!!! Enjoy! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Sean Fay
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Northshore Grapevine | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2450.00 | | Purchased At: | Bikes Plus | | Strengths: | No doubt the fact that you ride full plush on flat and bumpy stuff, but it becomes a hardtail when you need it to. It's amazing to experience the climb. No sagging or bob. I'm a heavy guy (210lbs) and even though the bike is heavier than my old hard tail, the only time I notice it is when I pick the bike up, like when I take it off the rack. I don't notice it on the trail or in the climb. I like having the disc brakes, that is a real plus. I think this is the best setup to buy (EPIC Disc-best bang for your buck). | | Weaknesses: | LX front derailer componets and LX shifters. My plan is to wear these out and then replace them. Also, the handle bar is not flat enough nor is it a composite material. I had to upgrade that. The seat sucks too. Oh and the tires are the worst. But those are easy to replace. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz blur and heckler. Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock minus handle bar, seat and tires | | Bottom Line: | The best XC bike on the market! Not just a good idea, but a great product that should set the standard. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Painter
a Weekend Warrior
from Faversham, Kent , England
Date Reviewed: January 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Nant Yr Arian | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2750.00 | | Strengths: | This bike works really well for high speed trail work . I expect this was the design brief which they definately have achieved. The bike is a great handler with quality parts it it has a low center of gravity and good leg clearance.
In short
-Looks pimpy in red
-M4 ORE Down tube manipulations
-I cant detect any deflection from multi pivot design
-New Generation design
-Bike handles great
-Bikes budget has gone in the correct places e.g quality Fox suspension unit
- 'Disk' definately best version of EPIC for more muddy environs , deores are quality stoppers with good lever feel
- Oversized front quick release helps tracking and fox forks are rigid
- Godd value if consider 5 years of R+D which went into it | | Weaknesses: | This is a good design and seems to work well for higher speed trail work. However however my first rides have been slightly disappointing in that England has been pretty wet and muddy of late which is to be suspected in winter. The bike works brilliantly above 15 mph which seems to generate enough bump force to allow the intertia valve to be active and switch between suspension/hardtail. My problem lies in the fact that with claggy mud it can be hard to get a bike above 5 mph if lucky and at this speed its is hard to generate enough force to engage the suspension. At times it feels as if you can be carrying 2 pounds worth of suspension parts without deriving any benefit from it. However no bike is at its best in winter mud which is probably still the domain of the hardtail than risking wear on all pivots etc
However this is early days and I cannot wait till spring with dry trails to really let rip on a bike which should be in its element. I'll report back after more writing when I have had more time to judge performance
Mostly nit picking as it is all pretty sound gear but:
-Chain suck from Specialized chainset
-It would be nice to have had more name brand componentry for stem, seatpost, bars etc
- riser handlebars need more rise than 0.75"
- rear hub seems a heavy bit of metal
- 100 mm travel fork would be good (apparently you can swap shim stacks toachieve this though)but could be done as stock, also the fox brace is bit close to wheel for wet conditions
| | Similar Products Used: | alu hardtails + single pivot suspension but this product is beeter than both these designs | | Bike Setup: | As factory fitted although planning to upgrade stem, rear hub, bars and seatpin to lighter brand name items
- a seatpost with more deflection may be a good addition as low speed trail deflections still get passed on to rider through this design | | Bottom Line: |
This bike is probabley up there with the best fast trail bikes. It is the start of a new generation and builds on proven technology. Buy this if you want to beat your buddies. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Neser
a Cross Country Rider
from West Palm Beach, FL, USA
Date Reviewed: January 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Amelia Earhart Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2250.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Generation | | Strengths: | Great at climbing/handles very well on the trails | | Weaknesses: | ME! | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper Pro | | Bike Setup: | Stock (Fox front and rear shocks, Hayes hydraulic dics) except for Easton Monkeylite riser and sram XO grip shifts | | Bottom Line: | This bike weights about 1.5 lbs more than my Stumpjumper Pro does, but the only time you notice the weight is getting it out of the truck. It out climbs and accelerates faster than my Stumpjumper. There is no ‘bob’ and the rear shock works as advertised. The front fork is also from Fox and it is one of the best (albeit heavy) shocks I have ever ridden. I am not concerned at all about the weight of the bike because it doesn’t seem to effect its performance and because I weight in at 200 lbs.
On the trail it corners and tracks with precision and it is like having four-wheel drive when it comes to rolling over obstacles. It is plush enough when it counts, but it never feels mushy.
Overall a great bike. It climbs like there is no tomorrow and the disc brakes work great.
I would recommend it for any XC enthusiast trying to out run and out climb his buddies. A few of the people that I ride with race this bike and they are very happy with its performance.
I would definitely recommend the grip shifts as this bike likes to accelerate and the Shimano shifts couldn’t keep up.
If you are in the South Florida area, go see Lee @ Bicycle Generation for a test ride.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martin
a Weekend Warrior
from Jupiter, Florida
Date Reviewed: January 1, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Still locating favorite | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Bike Generation | | Strengths: | bike seems to work so well that you have to check to see that the rear is actually moving! Front setup still being fine tuned. Hayes brakes are quiet and will put you over if you are not careful. Top quality even down to the tires. | | Weaknesses: | None as of yet! | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose and Jamis | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2003 Epic Disc | | Bottom Line: | My back forced me to buy a much better bike than I started out to get. I rode many other brands and styles , but when I rode this one there was no other choice that came close! The dealer had a lot to do with the final decision as his mechanic and himself were able to answer All my questions and were of the most professional people I met while doing the " look and see routine" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Cross Country Rider
from The Swamp, FL
Date Reviewed: November 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Can't tell you or it would no longer be my favourite | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction | | Strengths: | Balance of squish and firm.
Specialized reputation.
| | Weaknesses: | Stock brakes, rear hub, Brain shock with limited adjustment options. | | Similar Products Used: | Proflex 856, Sugar, FSR, Razorback, KHS XFT Pro | | Bike Setup: | Stock except: switched to Avid Mechanicals, SPD 959, Thomson setback seatpost, shortened handlebars by 3inches. | | Bottom Line: | Have not had it long enough to find major fault with it. The bike porn reviews' criticisms are personal taste issues. I like a firm ride with cush when you need it. On solitary bumps when the rear activated, the first few times, I though I had an instant flat. Now I know the feel.
Bike weight is not an issue; mine is so I want a frame that can hold up to me. As much as I hated paying for the "new technology", after being on my old hard tail all summer after cracking the frame of my previous FS bike (out of warranty, different brand), I am very satisfied so far... Now if the air shocks just prove my phobia about non-coil&oil suspensions unfounded I'll be exstatic (sp?). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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