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Submitted by
Stephen Dean
a Racer
from Gainesville,Georgia,USA
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Gainesville State College/Tumbling Creek | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | This bike is lite weight, stable, efficient, excellent power transfer which is comparable to a hardtail, great paint scheme, and very fast compaired to other bikes I have ridden. | | Weaknesses: | I have already noticed a little issue with the "chain suck" that the other reviews have mentioned, this seems to be a problem with all Epic models. The bike is lite-weight, but considering the top of the line build kit it could and should be lighter, other brands and models with the same components are most likely a little lighter. I believe this to be due to the complex and "beefy" linkage design of the Epic's rear suspension system. | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 Trek 9.8 Elite(full XT), Cannondale Scapel 3000 (loaded XTR/Mavic Crossmax SL), Cannondale F2000(mixture of top of the line parts), KHS 704XC F/S bike (mid to top of the line parts),2003 Specialized Epic comp, Haro top-flight hardtail and Cannondale F700. | | Bike Setup: | XTR dual control shifters, XT front and XTR rear derail. RockShox SID TEAM Fork, Mavic 517 rims with a Specialized Stout front hub(9mm skewer) and DT Swiss Onyx rear hub, Specialized alloy stem and seatpost, Bodygeometry saddle, Avid single digit TI V-brakes, Specialized PRO ROLL-X 2.0 tires (folding kevlar), Deore XT cassette, Time ATAC pedals, Deore XT hollowtech crank. The bike is stock for the EPIC PRO model except Titec Enduro XC handlebar upgrade was made from the Specialized Allow low rise bar. Cateye wireless computer, and Specialized alloy water bottle cage. | | Bottom Line: | This is the most efficient XC racer I have ever raced ridden or even laid eyes upon. That is saying alot if you look at all the high-end mountain bikes I have owned and raced over the years. The EPIC PRO is designed with getting you to the finish line as fast as possible. It is obvious it was not designed for comfort as compared to most XC full suspension race bikes which have overactive rear travel and suspension setups. If you want to race and possibly win, then look to the EPIC PRO. If you want comfort or a 12 to 24 hr racer or even a recreational purpose bike, then you should keep shopping. Racers only need apply when it comes to this bike, otherwise you will not be happy! From a racers perspective I give this machine 5 out of 5 Flamin' Chilis!!!!! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
seamus boyle
a Cross Country Rider
from saint john, new brunswick, Canada
Date Reviewed: July 12, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$850.00 | | Purchased At: | darlings island bike shop | | Strengths: | i really like the brain rear shock and the shifters and brake levers all in one. | | Weaknesses: | the "V-Brakes" do not work very well in wet or muddy conditions other than that i have not found any weaknesses | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | this bike is great. it is very fast and very light. The brain allows you to ride very fast due to the fact that there is no "bob" and it makes the ride more comfortable while riding on rough terrein. this bike is insane in the membrane | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from Idaho
Date Reviewed: April 26, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Pretty much everything with the exception of the LOUSY fronT hub. | | Weaknesses: | FRONT HUB, FRONT HUB, FRONT HUB, FRONT HUB, FRONT HUB, FRONT HUB, OH YEAH DID I SAY FRONT HUB? BE WARNED!
It is a sealed hub, and after only a few months became loose. I couldn't tighten it, took it to my LBS. They couldn't fix it, and called Specialized to get a warranty hub. Specialized denied it! This is my 3rd Specialized. I was very loyal until this problem. I have checked other websites, and both the front and rear hubs are crap, and Specialized is denying a problem. My LBS is offering to pay for the hub, but why should they loose money? I am going to pay to have the hub replaced, and will never recommend Specialized to anyone again. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rock Hopper
Speciaizedd Stump Jumper, and Specialized Epic Disc | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Beware! Specialized does not warranty their parts. They take the cop-out attitude and say it is "wear damage", or "bad maintenance". No way! Check out other websites and fan reveiws. This is a problem all over the world. Wake up Specialized! I am very sad! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rusty Wouters
a Cross Country Rider
from Smyrna, GA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | anything with dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay april 2005 | | Strengths: | can you say stable platform? after putting a little over 500 miles (in 6 months) on my old rig, a specialized fsrXC, i decided i couldn't keep up if my bike bobs. since i got this bike i roll past any bike that has bob. for those people that say "this bike is too stiff... whaa" THAT'S THE POINT! sometimes i can hardly believe the rear sus. is actually activating so i put the o-ring at the base and ride a little. yep, it works. this bike is a race. it was never designed for that plush all-mountain feel. the only use is to get you over the finish line first. not comfortably, but fast. the sus. was designed to hook you to the trail, which it does beautifully. someone at the bottom was complaining that that this wasn't what he thought it was. well, it's not a stumpjumper. it's not an enduro. it's a hardtail with better traction. | | Weaknesses: | after putting about 300 miles on my epic i would have to say that the SID team fork, though light, is not really that functional (unless you weigh 140 pounds). it flexes like a mofo which causes brake rub and well, you go slower. the other itch i have is chain suck. i hope specialized has realized they designed the chain stay a little too close to the chain rings. even with new rings and chain i still get chain suck occassionally which is a hassle. you have to pedal backwards to unstick while maintaing balance (it never happens while going fast). let's see, the other weakness is the STI levers. yeah, yeah... i know their designed to reduce weight and you can shift under braking and all that other garbage. well, the problem lies when you hit anything technical where you have to shift you weight forward i guarranttee you will shift unexpectedly. and the throw is sooo long when pushing down on the ever. ok i'm done griping. even with these flaws, i'm getting another brain very soon. except because of my new residence i'm getting it on an enduro!! | | Similar Products Used: | I've never ridden anything similar to this bike, nor do i expect to. the epic really is one of a kind. | | Bike Setup: | SID team, 2001 Crossmax ceramic coated black and aero bladed, answer protaper carbon bar, fsa replacement chainrings, michelin wildgripper comps tubeless (the ugly green ones), fizik saddle, salsa stem, modified XTR STI shifters, XTR rear, XT front, XT cranks, Avid ti rim brakes | | Bottom Line: | This bike does exactly what it suposed to do. It hauls ass. There is a reason this is the first ever full sus bike to win a world cup cross country race. It's in the brain. The brain is the best idea since sliced bread. i will never get another bike with out it. my next bike is the 2004 sworks enduro that has a brain. the new sworks stumpy has a brain. i guess i don't like wasting so much energy into the sus while pedaling. This bike has its glitches, but it's still the fastest full sus bike. the performance of this bike far outweighs the weaknesses i mentioned above. i would keep riding this if i didn't need a longer travel bike the rough stuff i love. Q: who should buy this bike? A: anyone who hauls ass. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Crash
a Weekend Warrior
from Lawrenceville, GA
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$940.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Awesome design. Decently lightweight for a full suspension. | | Weaknesses: | None found yet. | | Similar Products Used: | KHS models. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2003 Epic Comp. | | Bottom Line: | I just got this bike used off of Ebay but so far it's great. Cleaned it up a bit and everything is working flawlessly. The brain shock is very unique. Can't wait to get it out on the trail but the weather just turned nasty. Will add to my review as I get more experience with the bike.
This is a serious bike for cross country. Unlike some others I'm not too hard on a bike so I expect everything to hold up well. The build quality and components appear to be top notch. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian Spooner
a Cross Country Rider
from Brea CA
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Ana River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | La Habra Cyclery | | Strengths: | Very responsive, longer top tube (compared to stumpjumper), excels at climbing, just enough travel for all XC trails, 3 waterbottle cages = battery plus two bottles, | | Weaknesses: | Took a few rides to dial in the suspension | | Similar Products Used: | 2002 Specialized Stumpjumper M4 | | Bike Setup: | Full XT w/ pod shifters and v-brakes, Mavic 819 wheels, Fox RLT 80mm fork, Thomson stem/post, king H-set, & Conti tires | | Bottom Line: | If your a person coming off of a hardtail wanting the comfort of a full suspension but the responsiveness of a hard tail this is the bike you want. I am a taller rider 6'3" 200lbs who just couldn't make an XL stumpjumper work. I was too compacted in the front of the bike even with a laidback Thomson post and 135mm stem. The necessary laidback post positioned my COG too far back. Which in turn caused my climbs to suffer. It was even worse when the shock was locked out. I missed the longer front end my old KHS alite 4000 hardtail had. The longer front end on the Epic allowed for better climbing (compared to the Stumpjumper) and the overall feel of the bike improved as well especially over technical terrain. I was able too get the adjustable inertial valve with my bike allowing for the fine tuning between a 3/4g and 1g. I would recommend holding out until the 05' model comes out with the new shock. Riders who are on Enduros or any other freeride XC type bike would not appreciate the handling of these bikes. But for us mountain bike purists who started out on hardtails and climb 3 hills to go down one will enjoy the time and effort that went in to designing this fully capable XC bike. There is enough travel for the decents and rigidity for the accents. Remeber 15 years ago we did do everything on a hard tail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve Moss
a Racer
from Woodstock, GA
Date Reviewed: June 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Windy Gap | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Roswell Bikes | | Strengths: | Good Component spec. Strong Frame. The Brain. | | Weaknesses: | Stock seat, handlebar, tires and seatpost. Should be top end for the money. | | Similar Products Used: | 01 Stumpmy fsr pro, Titanium hard tail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except flite seat, sworks carbon flat bar and ec70 stem and eggbeater S. | | Bottom Line: | I moved back to a HT from the 01 FSR because it was much more efficent. I alway felt like my energy was being sapped by the old FSR design. When I saw the new SJ's with propedal I thought that that would be the way to go but while looking I tested the epic pro.
It had everything I wanted as far as spec goes and I really liked how the brain worked. It had the feeling of my HT when it was needed and the bump absorbtion of the FSR. The more I ride it the more I like it. You do have to brace for the first hit but you know after that you can just pedal through stuff.
The Epic is a bike for people who can appreciate the strengths of both HT and FS designs and embrace those benefits without letting things like small bump compliance get anoy them. If you ride fast you will love it. If you poke along and like to ride slow you won't. It is a race bike and does what its intended to do, GO FAST. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pottz
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Monica CA
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Fast & Technical | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Responsive, XTR Components, Sturdy, Gearing, Nimble, No Bob, Fast and it has a great look ("...oh you have a hardtail too?" "Nope!"). | | Weaknesses: | Paint (chips easily), Shocks are difficult to dial in, Wide handlebars, Headset bolt. Anyone who paid 3K for this bike is nuts! | | Similar Products Used: | None. | | Bike Setup: | Stock - A combination of components that prioritizes performance without the $5K price tag. | | Bottom Line: | CAVEAT: Let me preface this by writing that this is my first mt. bike. I have no idea what is meant by a "plush" ride. With that said...
PROBLEMS: I stripped the headset bolt trying to tighten it with the correct size wrench. The suspension is difficult to dial in. I am not sure (even after reading the manual and supplement to the manual) that I have totally dialed it in. The front fork is not stiff (a function of weight) and not plush (a function of the 80mm travel). The rear "brain" does not always activate on small bumps.
THE RIDE: The bike setup, as stated in an earlier review, is smart - economical where feasible while maximizing performance. On large bumps (or a series of bumps) the "brain" clearly activates. The ride is fast, the bike responsive and lively. The bike is well balanced and climbs steady with no bob. It is light yet sturdy and feels tight.
BOTTOM LINE: The more I ride this bike the more I like it. I get on other peoples bikes and think, whoa, give me my bike back. I do not think it offers a “plush” ride, but rather a combination of full suspension and responsiveness willing to accept exactly what it was designed for. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Pace
a Cross Country Rider
from Pensacola, FL
Date Reviewed: April 20, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Oak Mt, AL | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1750.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Light weight, sturdy, feels like a hardtail, soaks up bumps, nimble. | | Weaknesses: | Used warranty on forks once, need to again. Some components weren't tightened to spec i.e. cranks(dealers fault). | | Similar Products Used: | Schwinn, McKinley | | Bike Setup: | Rock Shox SID, XT front derail, XT Cranks, XTR derail, Maviic 517, Avid Ti V-brakes | | Bottom Line: | As a first time shopper on eBay, I felt that I paid a good price for this bike ($1750). It had most of the components that the $4000 bikes. After riding springy suspension bikes for 4 years it was nice to have a stable platform to ride from. Sure my other spring loaded bikes could take the big hits without a glance, but I suffered in pedal performance.
I've put it in shop for its normal tune ups, and had to change the rear S Works tire for the IRC. I like the adjustability set up for the forks that I have, but I'm tired of the problems that I'm having with them. I would like to change them out for Fox 100's. I would like the disc brake and Cross Max rim upgrade, but too much $ for this bike. I will consider it on the S Works Disc for my next bike. I can see where some people may not like the XTR shifter/brake levers, but I removed the thumb control and now rely on only the shift lever up/down for change. I find it simple to master and don't prefer to have any of the old method of shifters. Rear gears have been quite smooth in shifting, but the front needs to have the XTR equipment to match.
I've been pretty abusive to this bike, but know that it was not made for the real big hit stuff, try the P1 or a down hiller. I ride for XC for trail length and excercise. I am looking to enter some Cross country triathalon type events and it feels like this will be a good medium level bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Thom
a Cross Country Rider
from Kirkland
Date Reviewed: April 11, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | 3 9 6 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | Woodinville bikes | | Strengths: | Tracks sharply like a hardtail, climbs like a hardtail | | Weaknesses: | Its ALL stiction. If a freeride/big hit bike is a barcalounger, this is a church pew. Feels like a hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Stumpjumper which died in under 2 years | | Bike Setup: | Swapped parts over from multi-point failed upgraded Stumpjumper. Avid mech discs, twist grips, XTR, smoke-dart, manitou fork, rock ring, ATAC pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I notice a lot of people that are happy with this bike have never ridden a REAL full suspension bike before, coming from hardtails or new to the sport. Its really a Hybrid bike, and the Brain-fart suspension should end up in history right along side the U-brake for bad ideas. I would have never bought this bike but I found out the hard way that the Specialized "lifetime frame warranty" is totally bogus. That only covers anything that doesn't break. If anything breaks it comes under their one year guaranteed-hassle warranty, and even with that I hade to replace a few frame parts on the Stumpjumber FSR, which I liked but it wouldn't hold together. Let me note here that I am 51 years old, old geezer, 200pounds, ride only technical single track and NO AIR, just pure clean aggressive X-C like these bikes are supposed to be designed for. So when the main frame on the FSR went toast, the VERY HELPFUL bike shop offered to upgrade me to an EPIC pro frame for only $200. (which ended up being $270) this is on top of paying $2000 for the FSR less than 2 years ago.(JUST before the prices dropped) The rationale is that the Epic should be much sturdier than the FSR. I hope it is because this bike is NOT nearly as fun to ride as the stumpjumper. I can't even tell its suspension and yes I dropped the pressure WAY down per Specialized web site and this is the "adjustable" version of the shock, including that little lever which I have as soft as it can go.
Well luckily being a Specialized, the frame will only last a year or two, and then maybe I can get a REAL suspension frame. I am EXTREMELY dissappointed with this bike, even though it LOOKS really cool with the white manitou fork an blue stem.
The Specialized Body Geometry saddle was fine with the FSR, but feels like a ROCK with this bike. I have a WTP lazer on order.
I have had 2 rides on this bike so far. Its a bad joke of a design, unless you like riding a hardtail but feel guilty for haveing a cheap and reliable bike so want the headaches and expense of suspension without the cush. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bar
a Racer
from Israel
Date Reviewed: December 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Matzman | | Strengths: | Brain works great, got a good grip while climbing. Very fast on technical singe tracks, open up’s hard tails. Very good components for the price. Tires! Color | | Weaknesses: | Hard to carry on the back while running because of the low top tube. Seat tube bottle cage is very low. Handlebar is wide and heave and pedals are crappy (I’ve putted flat Ti handle bar and TIME attac alloy). | | Bike Setup: | XTR STI, SID team, Mavic517/onyx, avid Ti. | | Bottom Line: | Racing animal (ask fillip-world champion-on Epic), fast at all terms, beautiful, brain works great (waiting for the 2004 brain that will work even better). | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
steve
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson
Date Reviewed: October 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Pretty light, stiff. | | Weaknesses: | NOT full suspension | | Similar Products Used: | Many different Full suspension bikes. Own a santa cruz superlight and Jamis Dakar. | | Bottom Line: | Feels like a hardtil more than half the time. I was wishing the shock would activate, but after half my ride gave up hope and braced myself for the harsh ride. Uphill, it does not dig in or follow the contour of the trail like a good suspension bike. Going down, it only works sometimes, usually in a series of bumps it will be harsh for the first impact and then activate for bumps that quickly follow, but then locks again if the trail smooths out for more than one second. If you like a hardtail, don't bother carrying the weight of full suspension. For hardtail riders afraid of suspension bob, this bike is for you, until you see the light and realize that plush is the only way to go. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
T.R. Toffoli
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft Collins, CO USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | fast and technical | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | Lees Cyclery | | Strengths: | stiff frame, great suspension, decent components, awesome razor sharp handling | | Weaknesses: | price | | Similar Products Used: | is anything similar? | | Bike Setup: | stock w/ bontrager ti bars, 8 year old onza ti pedals, xt v brakes, flite saddle | | Bottom Line: | i have been riding BMX for the last 7 years or so and recently decided to get a new mountian bike as i thought it was a shame to have such good riding right out my back door going to waste. apparently i missed al the "epic hype" last year because i really dont care what some magazine tells me i should think. in fact, i swore i'd never ride a full suspension bike until i learned about the epic. after one demo ride i bought the bike.
i have only ever ridden stiff-ass hardtails (klein, cannondale and my giant tomac that the epic replaces) and this bike climbs as well as they do, handles way better and is so much more stable on descents that i can't describe it. there is no comparison, it's a stiff hardtail bike that gives when you need it to, perfect.
The epic is a great bike. it's a CROSS COUNTRY bike, not a "like dude bro" downhill bike. mountain bikes arent made to be jumped, if you want to jump ride bmx, which will increase you MTB skills by 10,000%.
the epic is a good idea. like all new good ideas it will become more refined over time. specialized did a good job and i'm not a snob so i dont care if my bike isn't some handmade botique thing, i dont need someone's name on my downtube to prove how cool i think i am.
the only complaints i have are the not so great specialized components (seat, riser bars) which i tried but switched out almost immediately and the fact that my brain shock developed a case of "sink" where it would tend to sag as i rode it (where it should have been locked out) it has been replaced (warranty) and the new one sinks a small amount before fully locking out. i'm still not sure if this is right or not and if anyone has had similar experiences i would be interested in hearing about it. anyway...good bike, good execution, for xc riders who want more control. posers, go home. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Livermore, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Weaknesses: | Pricey, Okay stock components, | | Similar Products Used: | C'dales hardtails, SRAM drivetrains. | | Bike Setup: | 03' XTR shifters, drivetrain, v-brakes, lots'o SRP ti bolts, Easton monkeylite sl, Ritchey WCS stem, Crossmax wheels, Race Face Next crank/rings, FSA ti BB, Thomson seatpost, (custom build from ground up). | | Bottom Line: | I am pleased with my investment. I have had the opportunity to purchase an Epic Pro frame only and custom build it. It weighs in under 24 lbs and cost less than a stock one at the local stores. My C'dale hardtails weigh in at about the same. After first ride I fell in love with it. I have used other full suspension bikes with too much bob and having to deal with that lockout! I'd rather not have to worry about that and concentrate on having fun-RIDING! It is a capable and effecient bike but pricey as previously stated. I would recommend this bike to those (hardtailers) holdouts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Michael
a Cross Country Rider
from Winona Lake Indiana, USA
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The one I'm on | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Summit City Bicyles in Fort Wayne | | Strengths: | Everything you read about with regard to the rear shock...is true. It's fantastic. The new XTR shifters are outstanding as well. This bike if very fast....I about killed myself the first time out, I was amazed at the speeds that I could attain on the bike. It climbs and decends very well. | | Weaknesses: | I've not found any yet and I've put about 100 miles on the bike at the time of this writing. I'm very pleased with the bike and would highly recommend it to anybody out there in search of an outstanding XC bike. The other bikes in the Epic family are nice, I went with the Pro because of the higher end components. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 Trek 6000
Looked at Trek's Fuel 98 and Liquid 30 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Simply outstanding. I've ridden the bike hard now for 100 miles and I'm certain it will take the beating I give it for a thousand more. Also, if you are within 100 miles of Fort Wayne IN and don't visit the guys at Summit City, you are making a big mistake. Dave and his crew are nothing short of awesome and go the extra mile to make sure you are a satisfied customer, Tim and the service guys are #1 in my book! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Kearney, NE, USA
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2715.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Shed | | Strengths: | Good components mix (xt , xtr, sid, mavic 517, avid ti brakes), solid frame, four waterbottle spots, nimble, weight of 25 lbs for a medium, great stand over height | | Weaknesses: | shock set-up, fitting waterbottles in the main frame triangle is tight, | | Similar Products Used: | tested fuel 98, nrs-1, sugar 2+, santa cruz superlite, turner xce. Previous owned Hardtails (dean scout, cannondale m800, bridgestone mb-3) | | Bike Setup: | Stock except for eggbeaters and scott at2-lf | | Bottom Line: | The only problem I have had is with setting up the rear shock. The bike came with a fox shock manual with direction on setting up the rear shock according to the riders weight. The ride following this shock set-up felt harsh and my legs were made of rocks. Read a review on mtb review and the reviewer suggested to go to specialized.com and get the supplemental manual. According to the supplemental, the fox suggestion settings equaled to a 240 lb rider on the supplement (my weight is 170 lbs). Also the fox suggestion of the rebound was to slow. Once with the supplemental settings, the bike rides great.
About other reviewers complaints about the bike's weight. My bike weighted 25 lbs, fully stock with the reflectors, shimano 515 pedals, and the frisbee. This is about the same weight of the Trek 98 I test rode. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob Lansing
a Cross Country Rider
from Bacolod
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | cross country | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$150.00 | | Purchased At: | bacolod | | Strengths: | if looks could kill!! | | Weaknesses: | this product sucks!!! very heavy!! almost got killed in downhill because did not travel!!! spent about 20000 for helmet because it breaked!!!!! | | Similar Products Used: | specialized enduro | | Bike Setup: | full XTR | | Bottom Line: | better buy a hard tail coz it is more affordable and lighter!!! never ever buy this frame again!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joe
a Cross Country Rider
from Ashland
Date Reviewed: April 16, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | combines the best of full-suspension, and the best of hardtails together | | Weaknesses: | Does not unlock fast enough on bumps, a little rough | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur- better because it stays unlocked, therefore it complies with bumps better. | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | This is a good bike if you are looking for the advantages of a full-suspension and hardtails blended into one bike. Pretty cool rear shock design. No this bike will not "drive the final nail into the hardtails coffin" because it is heavier. (26 pounds with some XTR and a SID, come on) This bike does not soak up bumps as well as it does in theory. I went and bought the Blur. (highly recommended) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside, CA
Date Reviewed: April 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Santa Ana River Trail | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Cyclery USA - Riverside | | Strengths: | Excellent control on the downhills. Superior power transfer on the uphills. It does not bob! The hubs are smooth (fast) | | Weaknesses: | New XTR shifter/brake levers seem to be a little stiffer on the braking than conventional brake levers. However, the shifting is excellent. | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode Marin, Trek, Giant, Fisher. Owned a Giant hardtail. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, S-Works carbon bars | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike so I'm not trying to compare it to a plush ride long travel bike. Compared to a hardtail, well. there's no comparison. You can stand on it on the big hills and the power transfer is awesome. On the downhills, the control is excellent; it just eats up the bumps, humps, roots and rocks. Above all, it is FAST! and I'm not too proud to say that it is faster than me!
I love the bike. My wife has the womens model. (Recently, she put slicks on it and kicked ass in a half century on the road)
If you like a fast quick handling bike and don't give a rip about being able to jump off the roof of your house, buy the Epic. Your trail buddies will get a great view of your back! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Aris
a Weekend Warrior
from Sydney, Australia
Date Reviewed: February 15, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3336.00 | | Purchased At: | Chain Reaction, Cronulla, NSW | | Strengths: | Feel the suspension!! (but only when you need it) | | Weaknesses: | None for me | | Bike Setup: | XT front, XTR rear, XT hollowtech cranks, XTR shifters-brakes, Ti v-brakes, SID team, Mavic X517 rims, Onyx rear hub..etc | | Bottom Line: | Had not bought a bike in over 8 years sticking with my SCOTT rigid bike, had bought it 2nd hand back then and it had full XT groupset. Front suspensions seemed attractive later on but I never got around to it. Full suspension bikes did not seem versatile enough as I do a lot of city ridding during the week to work and back, to beers, to Centenial Park etc. So I never bought anything else.
Recently, after becoming disappointed with the very high prices in Sydney real estate I thought stuff buying a flat, just start looking for a bike. So the search was on. For some reason I just went to the Specialized cite for a browse. Being greek, the name "Epic" cahught my eye as did the outrageous claims. Nevertheless, this had been the only other MTB bike I would ever become interested in. Had a look at the COMP in a local store and fell in love with the look of it, the weight everything.
Then I thought about forking out the money for a few weeks. Then I went ahead and after thinking about it for 5 minutes bought the PRO. Best move EVER!! I love this bike, works as promised and never having had ridden full suspension before, I can do the stupidest things with this bike and not kill myself. Today however I went a little too stupid and slammed my elbow on a rock as I was flying over the handle bars.
Why am I telling you all this?? Dunno, just love this bike. I wish I had a bigger bed to sleep with it every night so I can give it the love it gives me every day... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Burroughs
a Racer
from Athens, TN, USA
Date Reviewed: December 27, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Ocoee Whitewater Center | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | The Outdoor Store | | Strengths: | This bike comes w/ smart factory specs. An awesome combination of components that are thrify where needed, but performance is prioritized. No sacrifices, but not $5000. like the S-Works. This bike is light, agile, and a smoking climber. | | Weaknesses: | Spec'd with riser bar with too much sweep for XC racing. | | Similar Products Used: | 2000 S-Works FSR XC, 1998 Cannondale F1000 | | Bike Setup: | Rockshox SID Team w/ 80mm, Fox rear shock w/ "Brain", XT,XTR drivetrain, Avid Ti rim brakes, Specialized Roll-X tires, | | Bottom Line: | This bike has everything good about a hardtail racing thoroughbred combined with the versatility of a full suspension (when it is needed). I'm riding a hardtail when I need one, and a FS XC machine the terrain is rough. This is a FS bike that I can stand on while climbing and still have rear suspension w/o "bobbing." Awesome climber! I don't think there is any better racing bike on the market! I am amazed by the "Brain" on the rear Fox shock. I stepped "down" from a 2000 S-works FSR XC to this bike. This one was less expensive, but far outperforms my old bike. I would highly recommend this bicycle for any serious mtn. biker/racer, especially someone switching from a hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave Kirkman
a Cross Country Rider
from Durango
Date Reviewed: November 13, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Love 'em alll | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Local Bike shop | | Strengths: | Climbs like a hardtail, and yet decends like any full-suspension bike should. | | Weaknesses: | Little on the heavy side (6 lbs). Comes with crappy components. | | Similar Products Used: | Nothing yet.......... | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Epic Pro, 100mm Fox Fork, XT/XTR all around,Chris King headset,tubless tires. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is awsome!!!!! However, if you are a weight weenie,this is not the best bike for you. I could only get it to about 24-26 lbs.The only major complaint I have about it is it comes with horrible components. It took me about a month to replace almost everything the bike came with. The only origanal things I have are the bottom bracket, and the handel bars.(I'm still waiting for pricepoint to ship my new XTR front and rear derailler.) Now that I'm done with the cons, let's get to the pros. No bob what so ever on the climbs.
Yet it decends like a downhill bike!!! I give it four flamin' chillis for value,
('cause of the components) and five overall. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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$ 3040.00
