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Specialized
Epic Marathon
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Submitted by
Max
a
from San Francisco, Ca, USA
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Good Geometry, Very nice stiff frame, great Magura Marta brakes, love the fastrack tires, good fox, everything sealed | | Weaknesses: | Very heavy frame, Brain fade is basicaly useless the xt cranks are way to heavy and way to thick | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, Many Gary Fishers, Trek Fuel, Kona coilair Dawg Kikapu, Cannondale taurine, Yeti arc | | Bike Setup: | Stock, Sram Xo shifters and rear derailer, Shimano XT front derailer and cranks Fox F100RLC Sworks carbon bar, Thomson seatpost, specialized saddle, Magura Marta brakes, Mavic 819 rims, Specialized Fast Track Pro tires | | Bottom Line: | It is a good bike but The frame is very heavy and I would rather ride a Yeti Arc or another hardtail. This bike is good for basicaly going on fast downhill singletrack with the brainfade open all the way and terrible for road or long flat wide trails. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matthew
a Downhiller
from Costa Mesa
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Aliso Woods | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Two Wheels One Planet | | Strengths: | Lightweight for a Dualie. Auto-Lockout is great for racing, with adjustable settings. Thomson Micro adj seatpost is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | Grips suck, as do most of Specialized grips. First thing to go. Not a big fan of the seat either. | | Similar Products Used: | Enduro Pro, Fuel 90, Intense Spider | | Bike Setup: | Stock cept seat and grips. | | Bottom Line: | For the Price I paid for it, what a bargain. 1800 BRAND NEW, who cares if its 04! See if you can track one down at a bike shop if your looking for one, the boss just wanted it gone. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tracy
a Racer
from Burlington, IA USA
Date Reviewed: January 5, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything colorado vs. IA | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Tech in Cedar Falls | | Strengths: | This bike is quick and light for full suspension. I dont know what these people are talking about when the say its a bit heavy. Must be some sorts of gram weenies with a death threat for componentry that will shatter. Bike is well spec'd out with xt and xtr. Brain shock is an excellent concept. XTR disc brakes rule. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck Chain suck Chain suck. Chain suck like crazy when aggressive with the bike and the rear suspension is active. Luckily for me I developed, refined and redeveloped an anti-chain suck device to alleviate the problem but I also have skills for that and most consumers dont. Another weakness is the rear suspension isn't as active as other bikes like the Giant NRS1 but maybe thats what you give up for the Brain Shock. Touchy touchy shifting that constantly needs nursing. | | Similar Products Used: | Sometimes get to putz around on my best friends NRS1. | | Bike Setup: | Mostly XTR with a lil mix of xt. Onyx hubs on all 3 of my wheelsets. | | Bottom Line: | I like the bike, I like it alot. It needs alot more tweeking than my Trek Madone but thats th difference between road and mountain. I doubt I would buy a different brand of mountain bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tony Chambers
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: November 20, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Sherwood Pines | | Strengths: | Excellent Quality
good forks
good rear | | Weaknesses: | none - apart from the seat snapping off! | | Similar Products Used: | Spesh FSR | | Bike Setup: | riser stem, Hope M4's & Hope Hubs | | Bottom Line: | After the first ride i was disappointed when compared with the Spesh FSR. Now i have had it a while and got used to it its excellent.
Snapped the seat bolt but that was just getting abit carried away.
The bike takes off well on the flat or up hill and the m4's stop it dead.
Good Bike - next will one will definatelty be a specialized better still a Specialised. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nano
a
from Winchester, Ca., USA
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Strengths: | XTR/XT componets. The front/rear suspension does as advertised for me. | | Weaknesses: | None at this time. | | Similar Products Used: | I've owned a few hardtails before and the latest bikes were a Bridgestone MB5 and a GT Avalanche w/Judy SL...very old-school stuff. | | Bike Setup: | Stock Large frame, Telluride Saddle, Candy Mallets, ProfileDesign Ultra FR medium-rise handlebar, Thomson 110mmx15degree stem, dirt. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a 49 y.o. 6-00/240lbs 're-entry' rider (bought my first mountain bike in 1980...a Stumpjumper) who was looking to get back into a recreational physical hobby I enjoyed until work and other 'things' curtailed it. I rode alot circa 1985~1995, then sporadically since then.
I've only test-ridden (and drooled about) FS bikes over the years, but I could never get over the 'bobbing' brought on by my clydesdale mountain bicycling antics (the MB5 kicked butt on the climbs and was spooky on the downhills, but nice on road-work spins with on-road tires...GT Avalanche was barely tolerable on climbs and better on the downhills).
When I read about the "Brain" last year, I thought that'd be the ticket for me, but the EXPEN$E was beyond comfortable for me.
I recently test-rode the '04 Epic S-Works and '04 Marathon back-to-back on Supergo (jumped curbs, pounded up an incline in the big gears to get a 'feel' how the the suspension worked) and felt lust for that S-Works, but that lighter weight was going to lighten up my wallet too much....and the $1200 less Marathon was still a bit out of reach...I also test-rode the '04 Weyles XT/XP, '04 Epic Disc, S-Works Enduro (that's Batman's mountain bike...I think you need to wear a cape to ride that bad boy)
Enter a new 'left-over' Epic Marathon...with its sensible mixture of XTR/XT components....and I could 'manually' lock out the front fork. At my present (an honest) off-road skill level (ie. slower rider), it made sense because I don't ride so fast that I don't have time to reach down and flip that lever...and the OTD price was very right for this consumer off the street.
I'm still fine-tuning the suspension and ergos for me, but I am EXTREMELY satisfied with my purchase...it does everything I want and can do on a mountain bike on and off road. 27.14 lbs for a large FS mountain bike used for recreation? WHOA!!! I LIKE...I LIKE IT ALOT!!!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Norman, Oklahoma
Date Reviewed: December 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Clear bay | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Millers | | Strengths: | This bike does exactly what you want it to do. Climbs like a goat, and rails tight single track. | | Weaknesses: | none to this point | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale F1000, Gary Fisher Joshua
| | Bike Setup: | Stock except for Chris King Headset, Easton EC90 carbon bar, XTR Wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | I trail tested several of the pedal efficient full suspension bike's before deciding on this one. The bottom line is for my riding style this bike works the best. Right now it's faster than I am, and has made me almost 1 mile an hour faster over the courses I normally ride. The epic is the most efficient of the full suspensions, and the 04 model is even better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pieter van Tiel
a Cross Country Rider
from Commugny Switzerland
Date Reviewed: November 11, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Le Nain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Berthoud | | Strengths: | Review for Epic Marathon 2004: Versatile XC bike, well balanced, great geometry, super componants, no manual (un)lock to forget, earlier activation of "brain" tremendeous improvement over 2003. Nice and stable going up and downhill, fast and fun! | | Weaknesses: | Overdone marketing: wonder what the world look like the day our brains are replaced by an inertia valve... No weaknesses found for the bike so far | | Similar Products Used: | Epic 2003 (2 demo rides of 4 hours each), Sugar 1, Blur (parking lot), Trek VRX 300 | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | Early review after 2 rides with 2004 model to report that the 0.5G activated "brain" (vs 1G for 2003) really changes the bike into a much softer ride, both climbing (traction) and descending, while still benefiting from the automatic lockout.
Vs 2003 demo where the bike bumped on an isolated rock on a slight downhill trail the 2004 model's rear suspension activates and swallows the rock as it should. Will try to trick it though and follow up.
Terralogic Fox F100X fork works like a dream. The fork is more important than the rear suspension!
I got this bike as I was fed up with losing heaps of energy on the VRX 300 (a 99 coil fully). It is not so much the weight as the dynamics that determine climbing efficiency for a FS bike. I ride (single) trails with technical downhills often too steep to ride them fast (more trial like). Disk brakes really help :-)
Buying criteria: 1) geometry and general feel 2) suspension system 3) weight. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Fambrough
a Cross Country Rider
from Plano, TX
Date Reviewed: October 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | dorba.org | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | It works: pedals like a hardtail until the suspension is engaged. Highlights: XTR shifters, XTR disc brakes, XT cranks, Thomson seatpost and Fox Float 80 RLC. The frame is sturdy and solid welds considering they're mass produced overseas. | | Weaknesses: | Maybe a tad heavy for an XC race bike, but I'm not complaining because its a fast accelerator/ascender. For those used to a full-active suspension ride, the Brain (not sure on its long-term durability) will feel harsh and easily bottoms out on big hits. But to those coming from an XC race background or a hardtail, it will feel right on the mark. | | Similar Products Used: | Ventana Panterra and El Salt, SC Blur, Klein Palomino, GT i-Drive, Titus Switchblade, to name a few. | | Bike Setup: | XT/XTR drivetrain with XTR disc -- ultra sweet. | | Bottom Line: | You're probably thinking: What can you tell from a demo? Well, this is an extended demo/loaner (2 weeks now) while my current ride is being rebuilt. If you're looking for an XC race bike, the Epic is a great choice. Mash the pedals and it flat out goes. The Brain is XC race efficient in the flats and up climbs. The handling is razor sharp and balanced. (The Intense Spider is a little lighter for those counting grams.) However if you're wanting an epic trail bike that soaks up the rough, there are better choices that offer more travel without giving up pedaling efficiency with the current advances in rear shocks -- and won't feel twitchy once the terrain gets technical. Then again, this isn't what the bike is made for. On the plus side, the 2004 models are leaner, offer Brain tunability as well as the option of more travel. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
a con
a Racer
from rocherster
Date Reviewed: September 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | does what it says!! this is a pure race bike, even though it is a blast trail riding | | Weaknesses: | none, the weight is fine 25.5, 1.5 lighter than my fsr s-works from 2001, whats light? loose one pound and get stronger, | | Similar Products Used: | fsr s-works, giant hard tail | | Bike Setup: | s=works epic size 25.5 lbs, ssc sl mavic wheels (03), sl easton bars, f100x fox fork, trans am sadle, shimano 2003 group w/hydrolic breaks | | Bottom Line: | the bike is as advertised, it climbs like a goat and decends well (not like a intense m1 but well for a xc racer)ALSO NOT MENTIONED HERE VERY OFFTEN IS THE BIKE CARVES CORNERS LIKE A KNIFE!! wether from the front shock, or the correct bike fit this bike begs to be pushed hard and harder then wants to go fast and faster. the combination of the front fork(terrilogic/ f100x/ or brain system) with the brain in the back really makes for a bike that i do not intend to replace for a very long time. i strongly recomend this bike for all riding except dh and free riding. i have put a pounding on this bike this year and i have loved every minute of it. this bike should be rated 6 and 6 | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Mount Morris, IL
Date Reviewed: September 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anything technical | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Kegel's Bicycle | | Strengths: | The "brain" works better than i expected!!! I've fallen in love with the xtr shifter/brake lever combo. The fork is very plush. i pretty much love everything that this bike has to offer | | Weaknesses: | well the second day i had it i got a flat, but it happens to all of us sometime or another. its a little heavy but i'm not a weight freak so the advantages totally weigh out the disadvantages. | | Similar Products Used: | these are the bikes i test road: Trek fuel 100, Giant VT2 (sucks ass), trek liquid 30, ellsworth dare, kona stinky. | | Bike Setup: | Everything is stock except for the handle bar (easton monkey lite (carbon) low riser, spd 959, chris king headset.` | | Bottom Line: | I'm extremely satisfied. I recently broke the frame of my old bike and needed a new one. the marathon was the bike i needed. the brain is the perfect transition having road a hardtail. It does weigh a little to much but you have to weigh out the pro's and con's. If your pondering over buying it, don't think any longer, its worth the money. i will report back if i find any problems down the road. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Cluttey
a Cross Country Rider
from Coto De Caza, CA,US
Date Reviewed: September 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiting Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Rock n Road | | Strengths: | Brain Shock, Specialized disc brakes, XTR components, Fox forks really impress me etc. Everything the bike comes with I am happy with.
I find myself on the paved roads pretty often and it spins like a hardtail due to both shocks locking out. | | Weaknesses: | Chain suck now and again.
Not sure if I was running a bit dry on the front derailler.
In soft sand the front wheel plays games with me, I am not sure if that is simply my bad technique. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Enduro Pro. with similar components. great comparitive bike. | | Bike Setup: | As it comes out of the box.
I use Stans Notubes (this country's best kept secret). great for paved and XC trails.
I put carbon bar ends on for the long climbs. | | Bottom Line: | I trained and rode the Vision Quest on this bike and not a single problem or issue.
I am using it on the 24 hours of Adrenaline and anticipate no problems.
I also do adventure racing and have every confidence in the rig holding up under all conditions.
Bike is great over a long ride, comfortable and reliable. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wayne
a Weekend Warrior
from geraldton, western australia
Date Reviewed: July 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | the next one | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | does what it claims | | Weaknesses: | harsh rear end, but hey its a cross country bike not a lounge | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this is a fantastic bike for epic journeys and fast cross country stuff
i had to check the o ring to make shore the rear was working as i couldn't notice it kicking in
have been tossing up between this and a enduro pro, but i think i will go the pro as i want something a bit more plush
love the xtr gears and brakes they work better than expected
i do consider it over priced compared to the enduro pro as you get the same running gear a heap less(hence the 4 chilis)
over all i loved this bike it does what it claims and with style
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray Bartfolie
a Racer
from Toronto, ON CANADA
Date Reviewed: June 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Sporting Life Bikes | | Strengths: | Brain shock does exactly what it claims to do; bike rides like a dream! | | Weaknesses: | Price,
Weight | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS1, Rocky Mountain Speed, several Cannondale hardtails | | Bike Setup: | XTR disc/drivetrain, RaceFace cranks/headset/stem, Conti Explorer Pro tires | | Bottom Line: | Coming from a hardtail, I was a bit skeptical on all the full suspension claims about increased efficiency, climbing, etc.
After riding the Marathon I have no regrets, and I believe everything Specialized has said about this bike. The brain shock does exactly what it is supposed to do- a seamless transition between fast hardtail riding and smooth, efficient full sup. The bike steers exactly where you want it, rails corners and berms like nobody's business, and sails down rocky decents as cleanly as it climbs them.
The weight is a bit of an issued. As usual with their bikes, Specialized has spec'd this model with a more than healthy dose of their own parts. I changed the stem, handlebar, headset, cranks and tires and ended upsaving a bit of weight, but it is still much heavier than a regular FSR in a comparable price range. Still, the efficiency makes up for the weight penalty. I'm able to race on it, but can still bash it around on the bumps.
The bike comes with a heavy price tag, but that's the cost of having brand new technology the first year it came out. No doubt the price will drop in the next couple years, but the bike is still worth every penny.
The XTR shifters are amazing. I'm a Gripshift fanatic, so I was hesitant about Shimano, but these things are so intuitive, it's hard to believe they didn't think of these before. Those coming from road bike backgrounds familiar with the STI system will appreciate these even more. The XTR discs are powerful, quiet, and feel great. I'm having some drag issues right now, but I haven't really had a chance to analyze how the system works, so I'll reserve comment on that. Perhaps others can expand on this?
The FSR was a design ahead of its time. The Epic has ensured that Specialized will be ahead of the full suspension game for more years to come.
In closing: This bike is money well spent.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rolski
a Weekend Warrior
from Cologne, Germany
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Altenburg | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3400.00 | | Purchased At: | Zweirad-Feld, Sankt Augustin, nr Cologne, Germany | | Strengths: | Good equipment spec. level, trick suspension, cool colour. | | Weaknesses: | Price (€ 3400 paid, € 3950 list), time to adjust brain shock, seat comfort, non-straight seat tube. | | Similar Products Used: | Votec F7 (available in Germany only), Specialized Enduro, Cannondale Jekyll 1000. | | Bike Setup: | Standard out-of-the box XTR / XT, Mavic. | | Bottom Line: | Purchased my Epic Marathon on Friday 20th June, after a couple of months of extensive research and test-riding of various bikes, and a lot of questions to several dealers in the area - MTB's are a lot more expensive here in Europe-land....
For the frequent forested / tarmac uphills, the long forest single-track descents, and the occasional steep loose downhills, I decided that the Epic was the bike to go for - as a pretty complete and well specced all-rounder.
First couple of hours have proved the decision to be correct - flying up the hills and through the single track, but being slightly left by my downhill-orientated pals when the going got tougher, until - disaster.
Chain SUCK !
Chain well and truly wedged between trailing arm and chainring, having chewed a significant chunk of aluminium and paint away - and left with a bent chain. My "lower torso" was also not amused at being unexpectedly and violently introduced to the head-set.
This absolutely should not happen on a "well-designed" and "proven" frame, which was also checked & set-up by my dealer. For a bike at this end of the market, an engineering oversight like this is a disgrace - and being a Professional Engineer, I am definitely qualified to comment....
First impressions were great, a really stable cross-country orientated ride that absolutely flies, with the suspension working well after a lot of tuning (I'd say that even the refined table that Specialized have released is still at least 10 or 20 psi shy of the correct setting for variable terrain), brakes are great, overall no complaints - and a lot of positive comments from my colleagues after having tried it for themselves.
But very very expensive when compared to some other highly-qualified machinery, and a terrible design oversight which also drops my overall rating.
Will visit my dealer tomorrow to show them the damage, but am not expecting Specialized's "legendary" customer service as Germany's a little way away from the Factory.
Will post an update when / where necessary.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Brill
a Racer
from Chappaqua, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Can never choose just one | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Employee Purchase | | Bottom Line: | Just wanted to give all my fellow Epic Marathon owners a heads up. I dont have a reason for waiting so long to post this, but for those of you who dont know, the Float 80RLC's that come on our bikes are actually Rloat 100RLC's with different logos, and small restrictors on the inside. If you still have your manual and the right tools, converting the fork back to 100mm is as easy as removing those small restrictors, if you dont have the manual or the tools, just take it to your local bike shop and they'll do it for you in a snap. Just thought you guys might have wanted to know that. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tewks
a Weekend Warrior
from Santa Rosa,Ca USA
Date Reviewed: June 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | plenty | | Strengths: | Suspension,brakes,handling. | | Weaknesses: | None found yet,maybe tires... | | Similar Products Used: | Kona King Kikapu,Specialized FS-Works Pro. | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far,except pedals,added Shimano M959's. | | Bottom Line: | Have a GT Xizang,great X-Country ride,was just ready for full suspension.Not a freerider,just like to pound the trails.Am really impressed with the Fox suspension,didn't need a bunch of travel,and with the Brain,it WORKS! Wanted disc brakes,so the Marathon was the one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Corona, CA
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Sullivan Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Epic shock is active when needed and totally rigid on flats and climbs with small bumps. Frame color is sweet. | | Weaknesses: | Weight!!!!Changed my entire spec hoping to save some weight. I did but I am still in at 25.8 lbs for a small frame. Made in Taiwan for such an expensive frame? | | Similar Products Used: | None, but have owned and ridden Ventana Marble Peak, Merlin Fat Beat, Specialized FSR Comp, Cannondale hardtail, Trek Y, numerous road bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR including new XTR wheelset. Chris King headset, Thompson post and stem, Easton EA 90 straight bar, Michelin Wildgripper Comp tubeless, WTB saddle. | | Bottom Line: | For what I paid for this bike I could have either gotten an S-Works with no wheel upgrade or a Santa Cruz Blur with the same configuration. For the type of riding I do in So. Cal.(mostly fireroads and some singletrack), the bike is perfect and I'm happy with the choice I made. I would prefer a little less weight but that's how it goes when you want disc brakes and a frame/fork combo that is built for durability rather that gram counting. I am extremely pleased so far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alex Brill
a Racer
from Chappaqua, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Employee Purchase | | Strengths: | The ultimate climber, perfect component mix, awesome suspension system. | | Weaknesses: | I dont like the front hub, not because it's bad, just because I never trust parts like that from the manufacturer. (Just like I hate CODA parts on a Cannondale) | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, doesn't compare | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for better pedals (Speedplay Frogs) and Stan's No-Tubes system. | | Bottom Line: | This is an incredible system. It works as promised to a tee. I can sprint up hills bob free , and take the bumps on the way down. I wouldnt reccomend it for BIG drops, only because the initial impact is absorbed more by the shocks blowoff then the brain system. I would go up to four feet as of drops, but not past, thats at least my experience. HEAVY??? I dont know what everyone is talking about. The marathon comes from the factory at about 25.6lbs, still a great weight for a full-suspension bike, but get soo much lighter when you make the obvious upgrades. Hell with my speedplay frogs to replace the m515's (miserable pedals anyway, those damn 515's), and stan's notubes, my bike wighs in at 23.9 lbs. Thats an incredibly light wieght. I can only imagine putting a carbon fiber handlebar on, lighter saddle, and possibly some chris king hubs. You would have a Full-Suspension bike in the superlight weight category. The bike came with better components than listed in all the catalogues. You get those beautiful 2003 XT cranks, not the Specialized strongarms, god I hate factory components. I love everything about this bike and would highly reccomend it. Definatley if you get the employee price. I gotta give it full chilli's for value because I got the employee price, and overall, this bike is a pure champ, and my new race rig. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jock
a Weekend Warrior
from Brooklyn, NY, USA
Date Reviewed: April 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | still looking | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bay Ridge Bicycles | | Strengths: | This is the best mountain bike I've ever ridden! | | Weaknesses: | Weight, but that can be worked on. | | Similar Products Used: | None! | | Bike Setup: | Stock, so far. | | Bottom Line: | I just took delivery. The bike even came with better components than expected. Mine came with XT cranks instead of the junk Stonglight. I'm new to the part of the country, so I have not ridden the bike on a trail yet. If anyone can point me in the right direction... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M. Speaks
a Weekend Warrior
from Marietta, Ga. USA
Date Reviewed: April 5, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiting Ranch (OR.Co. CA.) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Temple City Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Rigidity, stability in corners, ergonomics. | | Weaknesses: | Weight | | Similar Products Used: | KHS FXT Team | | Bike Setup: | Stock with no-tubes. Fork set to 100 m.m. | | Bottom Line: | This is an update on an earlier review. I like the bike more each time that I ride it. In fact, other than it being a bit on the heavy side, I am extemely happy with it. My lap times on our local trail have improved noticably. The bikes best features are it's rigidity and stability, great tires and handlebars, awesome brakes and shifters. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a Weekend Warrior
from San Jose, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | anywhere in Santa Cruz mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | Trailhead Cyclery, San Jose | | Strengths: | This bike handles very well; you seem to be able to just motor up the rocky slopes. Suspension seems like magic; firm and efficient on the smooth stuff; plush and easily controllable in the fun stuff | | Weaknesses: | price, although it still seems like a fair deal | | Similar Products Used: | This is my first full suspension bike; old mount is Bontrager Race Lite | | Bike Setup: | Stock except Notubes and Bontrager SS Revolt tires | | Bottom Line: | I still ride the Bontrager on smooth terrain, but I really look forward to getting on the Epic and riding the trails. It is hard to believe it climbs so well (it is about 1.5 lbs heavier than the Race Lite), but it really is much better when the hills are anything but perfectly smooth. The XTR shifters/brake combo are great and very easy to learn, and the XTR disks are fantastic. Fox front and rear are very comfortable and seem like plenty of travel (esp. coming from a hardtail...). Great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Beck
a Cross Country Rider
from SLC, Utah
Date Reviewed: February 25, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Red Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3470.00 | | Purchased At: | Canyon Bicycles | | Strengths: | The bike climbs like a hardtail, yet decends like a traditional FSR. Very close attention to detail. The component spec leaves little to be desired. Very fast XC, or trail bike. | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, C'Dale Scalpel, Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | Stock. XT cranks, XTR disc brakes and shifters. Fox Float 80 RLC. | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. From the color to the component spec, this bike is the bike to have. Buy this bike if you are a XC racer, or like fast trail riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jimi Hunter
a Cross Country Rider
from Los Gatos, CA
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Wilder Ranch - UC Santa Cruz | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Wheel Away, Campbell, CA | | Strengths: | Plush front forks, great climber, brain shock works flawlessly. Solid feel, XTR shifters work great | | Weaknesses: | The frot disk made a lot of noise the first 5-6 rides - lately it's been quiet | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro (borrowed) Santa Cruz Superlight, AMP Research B4&B5, Giant 990, Ritchey Team Comp Specialized Rock Hopper | | Bike Setup: | Changed seat (didn't even try the one it came with) and upgraded the pedals to 959, cut handlebars to 23" | | Bottom Line: | I first rode an Epic at the XTERRA in Half Moon Bay in August. I put a deposit on one in September and it finally arrived in January. The single biggest advantage this bike has is "NO BOBB" it climbs like a hard tail and goes in and out of suspension without me even knowing it. The bike has a real solid feel like the Santa Cruz only lots more suspension. It's just over 26 pounds - a lot lighter than the Specialized Enduro. It's not whippy or unreliable like my AMP was. This bike goes right where you point it. I'm assuming the front brake is broken in and will remain quiet, so I'm giving it 5 chili peppers! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
M. Speaks
a Weekend Warrior
from Marietta, Ga. 30064
Date Reviewed: February 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Whiting Ranch (OR,Co, CA.) | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Temple City Bike Shop | | Strengths: | Rigidity, rear suspension, XTR Shifters and disk brakes, great tires and handlebars, long top tube (fits me well). | | Weaknesses: | It is heavy. There has been a lot of debate on this point, but the bike is definitely on the heavy side. The bike that this replaced weighs about 25.5 lb.s and I would estimate that the Marathon is a couple of pounds heavier. A lot of lb.s for the price. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS FXT Team (95 model, but upgradely regularly). A light weight, full suspension cross county bike. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except I installed Stan's no-tubes system fr. and r. and set up the front forks for 100 mm. of travel(if I am going to use such a heavy fork, I want all 100mm of travel). | | Bottom Line: | When I ordered the bike back in October, the brochure provided to Specialized dealers indicated that the bike comes with F80X forks. In November, I noticed that the web site showed a spec change to a F80RLC (??) with disk tabs only. My bike came with a 2002 model Float 80RLC fork (and manual)with V-brake mounts! What a disappointment to find last years model fork on a $3000+ bike. That aside, the bike seems to work really well, but it will take a lot of money to get the weight to a reasonable level. At this price, it should have come with better forks, crank and a lighter front hub.
Temple City Bike Shop is an awesome dealership -- that's why I went so far to buy this bike. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ted Ecker
a Cross Country Rider
from Moab, Utah
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Bear Wollow, GW forest, Virginia | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3200.00 | | Purchased At: | Rim Cyclery, Moab | | Strengths: | Great Spec., Subtle flat grey anodizing, Fantastic handling and brakes. New XTR shifters are totally intuitive, learning curve nearly non-existant. | | Weaknesses: | I'm not a weight weenie, so I won't go there. Let's say I've ridden a lot of heavier bikes that were not nearly as good. Can't say that I've found anything to fault yet. | | Similar Products Used: | Have ridden lots of fs bikes over the years, from some of the early "fred launchers" through many of the latest, yet this was the one that finally got me off the hardtail. I test rode the rep's demo several months ago, and realized this was just what I have been looking for. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for 180 XTR cranks and 959 pedals. These upgrades and tax put the bike at just under $3900. Worth every penny. Full '03 XTR except hubs and front deraileur. | | Bottom Line: | Have ridden Amasa Back, Fins 'n things, Slickrock (twice), and Flat Pass. The rear "brain" shock does it's thing in a way you hardly notice. On steep, ledgy climbs it just goes, I can climb things in the middle ring while seated that used to be standing granny gear grunts. On semi level rock gardens, just shift up and pedal, let the bike do it's thing, it is amazing (remember I'm coming from a hardtail). Down steep rocky drops covered with loose babyheads and toasters it is the most confidence inspiring bike I've ever ridden in my 19 years of mountainbiking. This thing loves tight singletrack lines and lives to climb. I'm giving it 5 chilis for value when compared to the much more expensive S-Works, with it's retro v-brakes. Overall, FIVE SMOKIN' CHILIS!!
Highly recommended to those who enjoy epic (PI) all day hammer fests. This bike will quickly get you as deep into the back country as you care to get, and back out again without hastles. Then it leaves you wanting to immediately turn around and do it again. ride on! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Herbert
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | great north walk epping - marsfield etc | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3800.00 | | Purchased At: | the freedom machine, melbourne | | Strengths: | Awesome handling and light for a stock full sus machine. This bike feels like a Ferrari. The Brain rear shock seems to work extremely well. The Fox Float 80 RLC fork is also excellent, with plenty of adjustability. | | Weaknesses: | The pedals (m515) it comes with are horrible. I changed for my 959s immediately. The S-works Roll X tires with kevlar bead are light but I got a pinch flat on my first ride. Check the pressure and rear shock adjustment to make sure this is not a regular event. | | Similar Products Used: | tested other Epics (they were all sweet)
used some cheap and heavy full sus bikes | | Bike Setup: | stock, except for the 959 pedals. Fox Forx Float 80 RLC, Shimano hydraulic XTR discs with XT levers, XTR rear, XT cranks and front der, Thompson elite post and Specialized body geometry seat, mavic 317 disc rims and S-works Roll X tires. | | Bottom Line: | I'm certainly no expert, but I'm mighty pleased so far. I have had this machine for about 2.5 days and have been on 3 rides. The brain, which is the heart of the beast, works very well right out of the box. There is no discernable bob in the rear on the flat, but it just cuts in immediately over anything remotely rough. The rear shock is sooo smooth, I have had to ride over rough stuff and then get off to check the travel indicator to make sure it actually moved. I have had full travel and not noticed a thing. I am 230 lbs, so the bike gets a workout, but it feels very solid and tight, but light and easy to throw around at the same time.
I would have thought that for a top end bike like this Specialised could have thrown in a shock pump. Get one and get your shocks adjusted to your weight, it makes a difference.
The Thompson post and Specialized seat are light and comfortable. The seat looks like a torture instrument, but I have ridden 3 times in 2.5 days and I have no soreness in my butt or back. Granted, these have been 45 minutes rides each, but that's all I could spare through the week.
I will update in a while after I have hopefully shed a few pounds and had some more fun. Only 4 chilis for value at this stage, because I am still sore over the 6,600 Aussie that I paid for this beast. But no complaints about the bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oliver Engelbrecht
a Cross Country Rider
from Surrey
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Leith Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Evans Cycles | | Strengths: | New XTR shifter Rock. The shifters feel natural the why specialized set it up (old XTR Rear mech.)The shifting is smooth. The bike handles well and the brain works well too. The Fox forx 80 RLC is smooth and stiff. Fantastic XTR spec, and value. Looks great
| | Weaknesses: | Stem on the bike looks cheap. Handle bars are a bit wide (640mm). | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized stumpjumer FSR Comp | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Marathon Strandard with XTR crankset and Front XTR deraileur | | Bottom Line: | Only had this bike for 2 days now (have previously test ridden Epic comp)
Super fast cross country bike. Fantastic stifness. Brain altra reponsive and both fox shox are smooth and responsive. Bike corners beautifully and power transfer is direct and immediate. Will give update after a months riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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