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Submitted by
drummertom
a Weekend Warrior
from Tucson, AZ, USA
Date Reviewed: April 27, 2009 | | Favorite Trail: | 50-Year Trail & 24-Hour Course | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$500.00 | | Purchased At: | Craigslist.org | | Strengths: | Very well-designed rear suspension with the Brain. As equipped, the bike weighs under 27lbs which is wonderful for a full susp. mountain bike. I think my old hardtail weighs around 32lbs, so it was fantastic to go to a FS bike and have it weigh significantly less. I love its ability to act very similar to a hardtail when climbing with relatively rigid rear-end until you need it, at which point it turns into a rock absorption machine!
I ride very rocky AZ trails and it is a life-saver in terms of its comfort going over rough patches as well as the way that the full suspension helps me from being bounced off the trail at high speeds on rocky sections. I don't do 6-foot drops or intense downhills with it, and it's perfectly suited for my XC/low-to-moderate technical riding style. | | Weaknesses: | The bike can be a little squirrely at times depending on how big of a bump is hit in the rear. Also bottom braket is a little closer to the ground than I'd like and sometimes hits on rocks. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Full Susp Carbon Fiber MTB circa mid-1990's - no comparison. Ellesworth Truth, various hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Setup is more like an Epic Comp than Epic - has Fox Float 100RL front fork, XT dual-control lever shifters, XT front & XTR rear derailleurs, stock everything else. | | Bottom Line: | This is an absolutely outstanding bike. After riding with it for several months (including 1 race) I will not go back to hardtail and am very partial to the climing ability the Brain affords. It's efficient when it needs to be, feels very confident and solid on downhills, and is the best all-around bike I've ever ridden. It would take a lot to convince me that there is a better FS bike out there under $5k for my riding style. I got mine for an absolute steal on craigslist - even if it had cost twice as much I still would buy it. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jove Cana
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2007 | | Favorite Trail: | Hardwood Gills | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | D'Ornellas | | Strengths: | Great compliance in rear triangle across all speed levels
Stable tracking on fast descents
Excellent geometry...almost as nimble as my Scott CR1 road bike
The Brain is simply brilliant. Works as advertised, maybe even better. In fact, this single feature was the deciding factor for me when I test rode it. It worked better than I could have imagined...ended up paying for it 20 minutes later. | | Weaknesses: | Many stock parts are mediocre or sub standard for the price: cranks, wheels, hubs (front in particular, rear was an XT), flat handlebar (wtf?!), stem, seat post. Ended up upgrading all of these things...but in the end ended up paying less than the S-Works version with still pretty much the same level of componentry. | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 Giant Trance 2...all stock except for stem and handlebar. I still have this bike too, but I rarely ride it now that I have my Epic. | | Bike Setup: | (2003/4 Epic M4 version, after swapping out stock stuff): Thompson Elite X4 stem, Truvative Team Carbon Riser bar and seat post, Truvativ Firex crank and outboard BB, XT pedals, Bontrager Race Light Disc wheelset w/ Hutchinson Mosquitos, 6" Avid Juicy 7 hydros, XTR shifters, SRAM PG990 cassette, Fox Float R rear shock, Fox F100 RLC fork (excellent!). | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike.
The FSR design w/ Brain actuator is brilliant for the kind of riding I do (think heavy, violent, and long distance XC). I can't see myself buying any other XC rig in the near future, until someone else comes up with a reliable mechanism to automatically lock out the rear end. Perhaps a StumpJumper, but all within the FSR family. This is the definition of active suspension, IMHO. The Fox F100 RLC is a good match, but I would have paid for a Fox Teralogic with no hesitation. Certainly for fast rides, the Epic is heads and shoulders above any of the other bikes I've owned or tried.
I own several bikes at any given time. I buy a new bike almost every year and sell something off to pay for the new one. This has given me the rare opportunity to try a large number of bikes, both road and mountain. I also service them all by myself (mostly...dpending if I have the proper tools), so I do get exposed to all the mechanical nuances of a wide variety of bikes. Throughout this experience, there are only a few bikes that instantly light up in my mind's eye up as a clear stand out. The 2003/4 Epic M4 is definitely one of them.
TO sum up? The Epic is light and fast. It is firmly planted going up hills and confidently stable racing down hills. It's rugged enough to take some mild abuse (up to about a 4 ft. drop), but nimble enough to tear through single track at ridiculous speeds.
But, and particularly to those who've already tried other full suspension bikes, it would be best to think about the Epic like a unique type of hardtail, not a plush full suspension. Once you frame it like this in your mind, it's easy to appreciate what an excellent machine it truly is.
4 for value becuase I was compelled to swap out many stock parts. 5 for overall, because it really is just about everything you could want from a full suspension XC rig. If you're a similar kind of rider, buy it and look no further. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Mahoney
a Weekend Warrior
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Granada Cyclery | | Strengths: | The Brain is awesome. It makes the bike perfect from riding on the road to taking big hits on single track. It is awesome, and definitely lives up to all the hype. | | Weaknesses: | For some reason the Brain stopped working (wouldn't lock out the shock). Fox over hauled the shock for $130 and now it works better than when I first purchased the bike. I am thinking the shock may have been defective because the bike went from being pretty good when I first bought it to being incredibly awesome after the repairs. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel, Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float fork | | Bottom Line: | This bike is incredible when everything works right. It is well worth the money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Wencl
a Cross Country Rider
from Pella, Iowa. USA
Date Reviewed: February 21, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Hall Ranch...Lyons, CO | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Eriks Bike Shop, MN | | Strengths: | Excellent climber performs well downhill, original 80mm shock some what sketchy on fast technical downhills. Great Geometry for and XC-Rider and is light enough to race with. The brain is insanely excellent in all conditions. Hardtail/Fullsuspension combo... | | Weaknesses: | Original Tires lacked my enthusiasm...everything else up to par. The Front Avid break broke, but was replaced for under 60 bucks. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona Dawg, Garry Fisher Sugar...Big Sur...Hoo Koo E Koo. | | Bike Setup: | Marazochi Marathon S front fork...100-105 travel with a 30 mm climbing mode. Panaracer Fire XC Tires. Kool Stop brake pads..new derailer hanger, dearailer and rear stay. Salsa chain ring protecter, XTR chain, and cassete. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has taken plenty of abuse. I have replaced many pieces on it, but I'm sure I have put on at least 5,000 hard XC miles on it. I have been through 3 rear derailleurs, and the Fox Float brain combo is running nearly perfect. I broke the frame once, but specialized replaced it for me. Overall, if you're looking for a bike that is extremely fast, and you can rack the miles up on, this is the one for you. I love this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Glenn
a Cross Country Rider
from Arlington
Date Reviewed: October 12, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Cedar Hill State Park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1350.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles Inc. Hurst Texas | | Strengths: | Keeps the rear end glued to the trail over rocks and roots. Quick steering (I cut the bars to 24") Wicked nice on technical climbs, and great tracker on down hill runs. | | Weaknesses: | wheels and tires go the upgrade route rapidly. May be a little jittery for someone who is looking for a park ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much full XTR (after upgrades)except for specialized crankset and front derailer, Mavic CrossMax wheels mounted with New G pythons, Fox Float Shock | | Bottom Line: | This bike may not be for everyone. It is all about XC and speed. The Geometry demands a certain level of skill in the techy stuff but is perfect for fast XC on a variety of trail types. It is the best suspended climber I have been on, and you can almost ignore roots and rocks (OK.. I did say almost). Good manners on the flats and good trail feel in the technical stuff make this a great bike for serious XC'ers and those who want to be. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Carrick
a Cross Country Rider
from UK
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | South Downs | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans Cycles | | Strengths: | This bike rides amzingly like a hartail on road....yet when the brain kicks in offroad, you get so much comfort and control. Totally brilliant. Have to admit to being sceptical when I was first told of it...but trust me...it's good. | | Weaknesses: | nothing major. The tyres that specialized provide with it wear out in a flash...I have only done about 250 miles thus far and they are visibly deteriorating. And they are very suseptable to thorns and flint. Nothing a slime tube doesn't sort though | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh MTRAX1000L | | Bike Setup: | Fox floats, Rockshock Dukes, Deore components | | Bottom Line: | as mentioned....was unable to understand the concept of how this suspension worked until I tried it. Give you so much control. Beautifully balanced bike. Not too heavy considering its FS either. Performs superbly onroad and offroad...climbs awesomely with little bob. I cannot speak highly enough of this bike...am so glad I bought it.
At £1500 it would be a little steep for the level of componentry offered...but picking it up at Evans Cycles for £1k was a real result. If you like a mix of riding...with a hearty smattering of trails, woodland and pushing it a bit...but still need to get about here and there on road...this bike is a must. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lars Dalgas
a Racer
from Denmark / Europe
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Most of Wilder Ranch Santa Cruz AND Mt. Tamalpais! | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$4700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cykelklubben Aarhus (LBS) | | Strengths: | The feel, the ride, the looks. You get value for every pedal stroke on this bike. Easy to set up. | | Weaknesses: | The worst thing? 11½ hours in a plane to California! The winter in this xxxxxxx country is dark, cold and wet! but ok, you can't blame the bike for that.
NO weaknesses! | | Similar Products Used: | Tried the Santa Cruz Blur and Heckler, The Cannondale Scalpel. Owns 2 Specialized hardtails, a M2 and a M4 | | Bike Setup: | Custom build. Full XTR. Skareb lite. Rithey WCS stem and bar. Flite seat on Thomson. Wheels with XTR and mavic tubeless rims (custom)Prefered tire in California Hutchinson Python, in Europe Michelin Comp S Light | | Bottom Line: | First Epic I ever rode was Filip Meirhages own Epic! Wonderfull bike! After that I just had to get one my self.
Have to admit that even though its heavier than my hardtails it is faster! And it is much better for my neck injury also.
I love this bike! Makes XC much more fun. And by the way: I find it beautiful too.
Best advice?
If you're a XC racer who wants to ride faster.
If you're anyone who loves trailriding without big jumps
Buy one!
If you're into heavy DH?
If you're into urban things?
If you're into big hits?
If you're into roadracing?
Buy one and get out on the trail and start having FUN!
Oh yes I almost forgot:
The guys at Specialized helped me a lot when I bought my M4 hardtail from Denmark .. picked it up in SF.. Splendid service! The same with this one, no holes bared when I've had questions! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Wencl
a Cross Country Rider
from Forest City, Ia, USA
Date Reviewed: September 16, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Hall Ranch, Lyons CO | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Eriks Burnsville MN | | Strengths: | The Brain works exactly how described. It is a wonderful climber, and is speedy going down as well. Good weight for a full suspension bike. 29 Ibs | | Weaknesses: | The seat..... | | Similar Products Used: | Gary Fisher Sugar... Specailzed Hardrock | | Bike Setup: | LX, XT, Avid- VBrakes, Duke XC, The Brain, Fire XC Pro tires.. Mostly Stock | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike, it handles like no other, and is light for being the bottom end epic. The original Roll X Tires were great, but they didn't last me. Or maybe I just ride to much, which says alot about the bike. Im a college kid, so the bike stays in my room, which is very bad for my studies since when I see it, I need to take it out. Great bike for the intermediate XC-Rider and even intermediate racer. It could use some upgrades, but I knew what I was buying and was okay with it. If you get it you will be happy no matter where you ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Cross Country Rider
from Powder Springs
Date Reviewed: August 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | International Horse Park | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Strengths: | Great climber. Brain shock works like a champ, although my 200 lbs and somtetimes hard downhilling makes me wish for more travel. Keeps me mostly planted in my seat, even on long steep climbs it rides like a hardtail. | | Weaknesses: | Skareb forks. I read the reviews here when I started having flex issues, with my front tire scrubbing. I got a good deal on the bike, but could have used from some bike shop guidance on changing the spring for my weight. Might have lasted longer. I' a little disappointed in this lightweight fork on an otherwise capable downhill bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Mostly stock, with Avid Mecanical brakes and Mavic/Shimano Disk Wheelset. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, except for the front forks... They're weak.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leon Kleppe
a Weekend Warrior
from Indonesia
Date Reviewed: August 6, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Singkong tunnels | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Aang's Bike Shop | | Strengths: | With the set-up I have I can tackle anything without fear. The never expected such an incredible combination of weight, strength, balance, handling and responsiveness was possible. | | Weaknesses: | (1) In the wet (mud) it suffers from chain suck a lot more than my other bikes. (2) Specialized web page does not tell you where/how to order replacement frame parts [RD Hanger plate + attachment screws]. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | 2003 XTR hydraulic groupset, 2004 FOX Talas RLC forks, Monkeylight riser bars with Thompson bracket, Crank Bros handle bar grips and Candy pedals, Marvic 823 tubless rims with Schwalbe Little Albert tires, Selle seat on Thompson seat post (with setback). | | Bottom Line: | Brilliant uphill or downhill ON ANY SURFACE.
04_EPIC_Tech_Manual.indd downloaded is a poor effort by Specialized. How about is Specialized correct page 6 and provide part numbers for sourcing Replaceable Derailleur Hanger plate and all its screws, and provide information on how to order all those parts. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Sigigns
a Weekend Warrior
from Australia
Date Reviewed: July 28, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | technical/rough climbing | | Weaknesses: | weight, rear end, cable routing | | Similar Products Used: | Manitou FS | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | OK straight up, this bike and me were/are totally incompatible. Don't know why, but i hate it so much. I have owned full suspension in the past and it hasn't been to bad, i just lived with bob and got on with it.
My old hard tail was aging, and i was going to update with something new and shinny, had my eye on a yeti arc or klien attitude, but got a good deal on the epic and from all the reviews in mags, it was about the only full suspension i was considering.
On the urban trail test ride i did, it felt really good, not like my old manitou which you sort of wound up and rode with the suspension bob, the epic you just pedalled and it went. all good, so i bought it.
First ride nearly killed me, i bought a medium, but with the low standover hight it is either the same as a 16inch or it need a longer seat pole. put that in and it was ok, longer stem too and it now fit OK. The thing downhilled like a rocket, but rode like a pig as all the pressures were down, out with the shock pump. Now it rode ok.
Anyway solved all problems after first few rides to get setup right, except that i just didn't like it, the rear end is harsh, its heavy, although i must say that the wheelset was nice and light, a pleasant surprise.
Last month i got my hardtail back of my freind who i was introducing to mountain biking (his 1st bike is a trek 9.8!) and took that on a ride of our little just going for a spin loop, and i was instantly faster, more comfortable and there was a grin rather than a grimace on the face. Took the epic for another couple of rides and then parked it, never to be ridden again. and i'll go back to hardtail thank you.
Like i said, i hate this bike, but i did find a few good things, it climbed up steep and rough climbs very well but smooth climbs not so good. It was a little better on steep decents, with better rear wheel control. Oh it did take the roughness of a track out, but it gives you that detached from the trail feeling that full suspension has and i don't think i like.
Well i never thought i'd be a hard tail holdout, but i guess i am.
| Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Mil;l Valley, California
Date Reviewed: July 1, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | China Camp | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$700.00 | | Purchased At: | Frame only ebay | | Strengths: | For a cross country rider this is a great ride!! Feels like a hardtail on smooth stuff, rear shock silently assists with traction on climbs, on descents, the rear shock really absorbs the bumps and maintains rear wheel contact. This bike is noticebly faster on descents than my S Works hardtail for a small wieght penalty | | Weaknesses: | Brain shock is not super sensitive on high frequency stutter bumps. I think the new 04 Brain has a sensitivity lever to improve feel. | | Similar Products Used: | I have only used Hardtails so no FS comparisons. Ride Trek and Specialized products. | | Bike Setup: | XT, Crank, XTR Rear Derailler, XT FR Derailler, Manitou Skareb Elite Fork, Easton CT2 Carbon Flat Handlebar, Mavic 317 Disk Wheels, Avid Mech Disk Brakes, IRC Mythos Tires | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike for a cross country rider transitioning to full suspension. the Bike weighs a couple of pounds more than comparably equiped Hardtail, but the traction and comfort benefits far outweigh the weight disadvantage.
For the rider used to using a hardtail. You can really feel the additional traction on technical climbs and descents. When under hard braking, no adverse affects to the suspension so you can use the brake whenever you need just like a hardtail.
Geometry is close to my M4 Sworks, so maneuvering on tight singletrack is a breeze. I do small jumps on this bike, 1-2 feet over exposed boulders, and you can feel the suspension take the load with no problem. Freeriders and riders that require more suspension should look to the new Enduro with the Brain technology.
Most fun I've had mountain biking in a long time
I ride 4-5 time per week with no mechanical problems so the Epic is definitely a production worthy frame with no reliability problem spots. 5 chilis for Value and Overall Rating
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alexander Pols
a Downhiller
from Huntsville
Date Reviewed: June 19, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Eastern Shores Cycles | | Strengths: | Suspension: Fox Float R(rear), Fox Float 80rl, good XT components, manic rims | | Weaknesses: | pedals, tires, Handlebars all low end products | | Similar Products Used: | KHS Alite 4000 | | Bottom Line: | Good Bike for the price. The 2005 are coming out so this is perfect time to pick up a good cheap frame and build your dream for cheap. Only buy if you drop off and big jumps, if you are stickly a trail ride buy a Hardtail and spend your money on the front shock, gear components, and Tires. If you like to ride real aggresive I suggest this bike with some slight modification depending on the height of the jump or drop off. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Basi
a Cross Country Rider
from Helena, MT
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Mt. Ascension Backside | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Great Divide Cyclery | | Strengths: | Ride, suspension | | Weaknesses: | component mix | | Similar Products Used: | Red Bull Louise, Ibex Trophy 880 LX | | Bike Setup: | Fox Float RL fork, Ritchey Comp straight bar, Thomson Elite seatpost | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike after sneaking around it for a while at my LBS (the BEST there is in Montana - Eric, you rock!). I wanted to upgrade to a full suspension ride after an unsuccessful try with the Red Bull Lousie. I HATE bob!
The Epic does exactly what I have been looking for. It is fast and climbs well and there is no bob in the rear end, period.
It is not as plush as other full suspension bikes out there but still does a very good job in cushioning my ride. Even smaller drops are easy and the bike can take it.
The other posts that are comlaining about this bike should ask themselves one thing:
why did you not test-ride it for a while on your local trails and then deiced that it is not for you? If you are looking for an enduro or downhill bomb this is certainly not the right bike!!! If you do not like the ride at least look at the bike and give an honest rating. One chili? B.S.!If you like climbing up the hills like a goat and still want a good, stable platform for high-speed descents, well, buy it.
My only gripes are the mixed components, especially the sub-par hubs on this not-so-cheap bike. But I liked the concept and could not find anything remotely equal.
Besides, I bought this ride as a shop demo with the much better Fox fork already installed, so I saved substantially over the '03 price.
I will upgrade to disc brakes soon, a set of sweet Tune King&Kong hubs are on order and will be built with DT Swiss XR 4.1d rims. Brakes? Why, Hope M4s in the front and Mono Mini in the rear!
The value rating reflects my opinion would I have bought the bike at full price. At my price it should be a full 5 flamin' turds. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
D Tampa
a Cross Country Rider
from Waterford
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | This bike is great. The rear shock once tuned to your weight works really well. You can sit down in the saddle almost an entire ride comfortably. I bought the bike with a Fox Float front fork which appears to be very hardy. My bike is all XT with some of the Specialized brand parts (strongarm crank, bar and stem). The tires are listed Specialized Pros 2.0" but they are more like 2.5"! Overall, I love the bike. It's built like a tank and feels heavy when you pick it up. However, when you ride it it performs like a lighter bike. It climbs really well with the brain suspension. Downshills it is really steady and feels like you can keep accelerating without losing it. I ride alot of cross country and this bike seems perfect for that purpose. Even as outfitted with XT I think it will be very durable. | | Weaknesses: | Specialized componentry. I used to have a specialized crankset that wore down pretty quick. I am alittle leary of the Strongarm cranks but time will tell. The wheel set that came with the bike is adaquet. Again it has a Specialized front hub (we'll see how this holds up). Weight is also an issue but the bike does not feel or track heavy once it's moving. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | XT drive train except for crankset (Specialized Strongarm)
Fox Foat 80R front
XT rear hub, Specialized front (I forget what rims came with it, I think they're WTB or Mavic) Specialized Pro tires
Aheadset w/ Specialized stem and bar.
| | Bottom Line: | This is a great Crosscountry bike that eats up anything Wisconsin will have to offer it. I am not sure if I would recommend it for down hill. But overall it is a great performer. A little heavy but not noticible once you get moving on it. I might recommendthis bike for veteran riders that like forgiveness of a dual suspension but the speed and climbing of a hardtail. However, the standard XT set up epic I think is plenty of bike for anyone to enjoy. I gave it five chilis becauseI do not think there is a better x-country bike out there (period) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob T.
a
from Edmonton
Date Reviewed: April 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Valley of the Five Lakes | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Strengths: | Excellent Climber, Great technical manouverability. | | Weaknesses: | Low bottom bracket clearance. No disc ready rims or hubs. | | Similar Products Used: | 2004 Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Scarab fork, Shimano Disc brakes, Hope Hubs, Mavic 317 rims | | Bottom Line: | Having ridden this bike for a year, I continue to be impressed with it's performance on rough technical trails. The frame is particularly strong on the small (16.5")setup due to the top tube/down tube weld which meet. This is different from the other sizes which have a gap between the top and down tube. Although the Epic was intended for XC racing, this weld adds rigidity to the frame and makes for a light, durable trail bike. A 100-125mm fork upgrade may further increase it's performance as a trail bike by raising the bottom bracket height. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Georg
a Weekend Warrior
from Bangor ME
Date Reviewed: March 27, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | University Forest, Orono Maine | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Brain shock. I don't know how it works, but it lives up to the hype. | | Weaknesses: | the saddle is none too comfortable | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper hardtail. Stumjumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Marathon S fork. '04 XTR group. Mavic Crossmax wheels | | Bottom Line: | No Bob. Stiff on the road, plush on the trail. Nice weight. A friend who has one told me to ignore the pressure settings for the shock and use half of rider weight in psi and it rides much better with this advice. The riding around here is forest single track connected by dirt logging roads. The brain suspension handles both without adjustment | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Raúl Garcia
a Cross Country Rider
from Caracas, Venezuela
Date Reviewed: March 25, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Caracas specialized dealer | | Strengths: | I like the brain suspension | | Weaknesses: | Have a problem with crank and chain, they stop sometimes with the bottom frame, specialized solve the problem with 2004 frames, they put a hole in the bottom frame. How resolve the problems the 2003 owner? | | Similar Products Used: | Scalpel Cannondale. | | Bike Setup: | fox fork, xtr crank, mavic wheels. | | Bottom Line: | Extraordinary bike, you feel a rigid bike, only active the suspension when we need. I upgrade with fox 80RLT (wanderful) XTR group, mavis wheel, 26 lbs weight, maximus in hard trail, very speedy ride. I would like specialized solve the problem (chain/crank/frame) with 2003 owner. But made in taiwan? No problem the construction quality is very good. I will recomended the 2004 EPIC, do not buy a 2003 model. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pontus A
a Cross Country Rider
from Gothenburg, Sweden
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Swedish forest trails, Bohusleden and the Alps | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Purchased At: | CykelSpecialisten/Gothenburg/Sweden | | Strengths: | Love the Brain Suspension. Works very well in the Swedish forests etc. Will bike in the Apls and see how it will work there. | | Weaknesses: | The Saddle...Feels like it´s made of concrete! Think the could have put XTR back and XT in the front! | | Similar Products Used: | Have some other Specialized bikes like Spec FSR XC Comp... | | Bike Setup: | Brain susp back, RS DUKE Susp fork, XT back, LX Front, Avid Breaks.... | | Bottom Line: | Great bike! The Brain Susp works great in the forest. When you drive on the flat gravel tracks it´s hard and when you ride on hardcore tracks with roots n stones the susp, works great! Great comfort! Have been biking with the bike now for about 5 moths and have been riding on about 500 km´s of dirt tracks.
Very fast bike and fun to ride! Will upgrade the bike with Disc Breaks and a new saddle etc!
Will ride the 360 km long Bohusleden on the Swedish west coast soon and it will be intresting to see how the bike works then!
The Brain susp is easy to handle.
Got my bike with a Rock Shox DUKE fork. Recommend this bike!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Austen George
a Cross Country Rider
from Chandler, Arizona
Date Reviewed: February 3, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Desert Classic | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Great geometry, good componentry. | | Weaknesses: | Specialized BG saddle is crap. After an hour of riding I felt like I spent a week in solitary with Mike Tyson. Paint is easily scratched. Neex better tubes and some slime to avoid frequent flats here in the desert, the thorns go right through the Spec Pro tires. | | Similar Products Used: | Mongoose 6.7 DX, GF Sugar 2. | | Bike Setup: | Fox shocks front and rear, Spec. crank, LX front der, XT back der. Mavic Crossmax wheels w/ Spec. hubs. Avid brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike so far. I got it on closeout from last years models and saved about $500. A little pricy at retail, but if you find one on sale or used worth the $. Componentry is well paired, I have yet to break anything. Bike is a little heavy compared to other FSR's I have ridden, but not a big deal. Haven't figured out the BRAIN shock yet, but it seems to be working. Will probably upgrade the brakes to disc sometime soon. I am 200lbs and the Avids are hard pressed to stop me sometimes. All in all, great bike for anyone wanting the best CC bike around. Take the saddle off immediately and use it for a doggie chew toy. Get something with some PADDING! Cheapest pos I have ridden yet. Five flaming poo pies for the bike and one flaming poo pie for the seat. Or are they flaming dildo's? Whatever....great ride. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Oliver wolter
a Cross Country Rider
from Alamogordo
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | RimTrail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Crazy Cat (TX) | | Strengths: | Extremely plush but firm suspension. BrainSys is amazing.
| | Weaknesses: | Non so far | | Bike Setup: | Standard 2004 Epic with upgrades: 618 wheelset on XTR´s instead the pesky 221´s and the complete Avid 7 instead the 3er. | | Bottom Line: | I weihgt in at 240 lbs and I thought a fully would never really work for me. But the Fox is an amazing setup which couldn´t work any better. The Float RL is plush but never shaky. The Brain in the rear is adjustable and works exceptionally well. No pushing into the suspension when I stand up and power it - I never thought this would be possible. And at the same time gives a smooth ride over the roughest terrain. The Front Fork has to be locked when you stand up and power it - which is no problem.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mitch J
a Cross Country Rider
from Ballwin,MO,USA
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Berryman-Potosi,MO | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Big Shark Bicycle Company | | Strengths: | The Epic does what it says. Climbs well, handles like a Specialized(quick but stable), and opens up to suck up bumps as well as any cross country bike I've ridden. | | Weaknesses: | 1)The frame design is a little heavy. 2)I did have some clearance issues on the chainrings with the chainstays. The 2004 bikes have a redesigned stay with some relief for this problem(this may not be the norm but they replaced mine with a 2004 chainstay). 3)The 80mm forks most of the bikes come spec'ed with is inadequate. 4)Price! Specialized(and Fox) is proud of this bike. | | Similar Products Used: | 1999 S-works FSR | | Bike Setup: | non-S-works Epic frame, mostly 2002 XTR, Manitou Black Elite 100/120mm weight-? don't know, don't care | | Bottom Line: | Being an ex-cross country expert racer that also qualifies for the clidsdale class(220lbs), I've always had to compromise suspension performance for efficiency. I've run ungodly amounts of pressure in my rear shocks to prevent downward pedaling forces from swatting the best suspension designs under my weight. The Epic allows me to run normal(if not low) amounts of pressure while remaining firm when I'm exerting hard efforts. The best part is that I actually use all of the Epic's travel more often making it ride better than many five inch travel bikes I've ridden. 2004 bikes are half a pound lighter and are at least offered with 100mm forks. They've also fixed the chainstay thing. As far as price goes, if you buy a poorly working bike and have to buy a stable platform shock to make it work then you are in the same range. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robert Pretorius
a
from London UK
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kingsclere | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans Kingston | | Strengths: | Best of both really, climbs like a hardtail and decends like a softail. Light, agile and responsive. The lockout shox are a bonus with the brain on the rear shox. | | Weaknesses: | None noticed. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek VRX 200 | | Bike Setup: | Factory standard with Scareb lockout forks, XT rear, LX front, Avid brakes. | | Bottom Line: | Normal retail price is £1500, bought my baby at the end of year sale in 2003 for £1000. It loves to climb as much as it loves downhilling. A truelly remarkable piece of equipment this bike has with its rear 'brain' suspension. No power is wasted with your downstroke, the 'brain' only allows the rear shock to work when it detects rough terrain. The components are all very good. Will upgrade the front brake to disk in the later part of 2004. You will not be disapointed with this bike no matter your level of experience. Its fast and light enough for the serious enthusiast and racer. Its good to look at. And it is a plush ride for the weekend biker. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kevin Kincaid
a Cross Country Rider
from Seattle
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Skookum | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Nice geometry, uninterupted seat tube, climbs like a four legged animal. Precision steering with a shortened neck (90mm). Rear end is indeed very stiff...one of the best linkage systems I have felt. | | Weaknesses: | Brain Shock does not engage very often, or stay open very long | | Similar Products Used: | First of its kind. Brain is the first rear suspension stable platform auto locking shock | | Bike Setup: | If I told you, you would probably rob me | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line is the bike is very cool but the rear isn't as responsive as the hype claimed.
Specialized knows this, so I called them asking if I could buy the new 04 brain that is fully adjustable and swap it out on my bike. They said call back in December...that is when they plan to release the 04 tweakable brain shocks for aftermarket. I bet this will give it 5 chillis across the board, but for now, 3 to 4 chillis.
I bought the Epic comp frame and built it up from scratch, so this review could be applied to any level epic review. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
P Sieb
a Cross Country Rider
from Antelope
Date Reviewed: November 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | ForesthillDivide w. Clementine connector | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$15000.00 | | Purchased At: | bike emporium | | Strengths: | Great climber, great frame | | Weaknesses: | Skareb shock(although very light), component setup, huge riser bar, chain suck | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Jekyll w.lockout rear, intense, sc.blur, trek fuel 90, gf.sugar 2+ | | Bike Setup: | upgraded to Fox float 80, XT/LX, avid brakes, cut down bar | | Bottom Line: | An entry level XC race bike. Great climber. The brain is exceptionally cool/sometimes frustrating. Perfect for those who don't like to waste time on pidly things like drinking water while tearing up a ride. Would recommend a rear manual lockout switch for those who want a guaranteed cushy ride with the easy lockout. You get this bike for the brain. It'll throw you off on a quick bunny hop sometimes. I find myself standing mostly on downhills like I was riding a hardtail with this bike. I've thrashed it pretty good so far on some downhills/jumps too. I'm waiting for it to "pop" but it hasn't yet. You get what you pay for with the component setup. Easily upgradable, except for going disc$. It's worth it.
Stay hardtail v.s. getting other low end full suspensions if you want to stay fast.
I also chose specialized due to their good customer service with frames. It's like having good insurance.
I've gotten some wicked chain suck with this bike on some gnarly downhills. There's not alot of travel with the suspension either so realize it's primarily a cross country speedster.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luis Hernandez
a Weekend Warrior
from Guadalajara, Jalisco, MEXICO
Date Reviewed: November 18, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Next one to ride | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Dependable product, fast, great rear suspension, good looking frame | | Weaknesses: | Little heavy, poor Skareb comp fork. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 80 | | Bike Setup: | Black Elite 100mm fork, Candy SL pedals, Wildgripper tires, Race Face Deus stem, Easton EA70 handlebar, Avid SD7 levers, Avid Mech Disc brake (rear) | | Bottom Line: | After a year of use, this is my impression with this bike:
1) I really enjoy riding it. The best thing about this bike is having a rear suspension that works only when it's needed. I have learned how to tune the "brain" for the kind of riding I will be doing and it works great (yes people, the "brain" IS tunable, and the 2004 model has yet another option). Pure pedaling power while absorbing bumps on the road. No bob, no need for lock-out, fast climbing and fast descending. Of course, it's NOT a plush bike. Remember, the "brain" works ONLY when it "feels" a bump, which requires 1G force (Approx.). I don't understand people who complain about not having FS all the time. Don't you now how to read? What part of the "... activates only when it "feels" a bump..." didn't you understand? This is a race-oriented bike, a "mix" between a FS and a hardtail. It is intended for someone who wants a fast bike that can absorb bumps and stick to rough terrain (I have even noticed that the rear shock activates on climbing, of course, not all the time and not on every situation).
2) Just a month ago I noticed a small fracture on the fork (manitou skareb comp) where the arch joins the legs. I read the reviews (of course, in mtbreview.com) about this product and it seems that it happens very often. Basically, this fork proved to be deffective. I emailed answer products and they offered me (no questions asked) an upgrade to the '04 Black Elite fork. I was thinking about the Fox Float 100RLC but the upgrade to the Black Elite was $450 cheaper, so I accepted. It's a shame such a good bike came stock with this poor fork.
3) Perhaps this is a minor detail for most riders, but for me it's an important detail: how many FS frames let you carry 2 bottles inside the front triangle? Believe me: it MAKES a difference between carrying a camelbak or not. Comfort, you know?
4) Of course it is not perfect: it's a little heavy (which must be solved with the new 2004 frame) and I think 60-65% of the weight is on the rear, which makes the front "nervious" when you climb.
5) I find very stupid saying this bike is a poor value just because "I don't like the fact that's made in taiwan". I beg you people, use your head when you place your comments here, this is not your common chat website.
6) After a year, I still find people on the trail that keep looking at my bike, specially on the rear suspension. Even my friends make comments. It's a nice-looking bike. I like it.
Bottom line: one of the best FS race-oriented bikes on the market. Want to have a light bike? Buy a hardtail. Want to feel full suspension all the time (bob included)? Buy any other FS bike. Want the comfort of a FS bike and the pedal efficiency of a hardtail? Buy an Epic.
That's it. Have a nice ride!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Austin, TX
Date Reviewed: October 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Hill Ranch | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1499.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Sport Shop | | Strengths: | Climbing, rear suspension, balance | | Weaknesses: | pedals | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel | | Bike Setup: | Stock but it came with a Fox Fork | | Bottom Line: | My first full-suspension ride. If you get this bike with a Fox Fork, you will get a great deal for under $2,000. I'm 5'7", 150 lbs and the Medium size fits me very well. Climbs like a scalded ape. Turns great. Gotta love "the brain" which actually works. On technical declines the thing feels like you're downhill skiing. Perfect for trails around Austin. Buy one and you might not go back to a hardtail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg Cavanaugh
a Cross Country Rider
from Gallup
Date Reviewed: October 27, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Pete's Wicked Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$950.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Geometery, Brain Shock, Roll-X tires, wieght, lively feel | | Weaknesses: | Duke All mountian fork, Chain suck, "body-geometery" saddle. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR Extreme | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2003 Epic (standard). Duke fork, Specialized Cranks, Mavic 221/Stout wheels, Avid brakes, Roll-X tires. Got a killer deal online, it was a demo. Changed saddle to Selle Italia Flite, and put on Shimano clipless pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I found this bike to be super efficient, and quite comfortable. I just did a 30 mile "epic" ride on Saturday and the Epic lived up to its name! I suppose one might wish for alittle more travel, but the bike did not have a harsh ride like others have talked about. In fact this was just as plush as my old FSR with a coil-over and 4 inches of travel. They said this bike was a racer, but it worked great as a trailbike, and we have alot rocks here in New Mexico.
The strength in this bike is its ability to climb. My ride on Saturday has an aweful/annoying 6 mile climb that was made much shorter thanks to the Epic. I am normally the last one to the top and this time I kept right up with the boys!! This bike just feels so lively...like it wants to go!
I think this is a great bike. The rear shock works well and took very little time to get used to. I would suggest this bike to anyone looking for efficiency, and full suspension comfort.
For those complaining about weight my bike came stock about 26 LBS. This was plenty light, especially for 950 bucks. I couldn't find anything lighter for the price, let alone with the brain shock technology! Quite whining and get some legs... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tino
a Weekend Warrior
from Granada Hills, Ca.
Date Reviewed: October 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Cycle World - Reseda, Ca. | | Strengths: | Brain Shock (Really works!), Fox Float 80rl fork and overall build quality. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes, tires and chain. | | Similar Products Used: | First bike. If you're going to do something, do it right from the beginning. | | Bike Setup: | All stock as the 03 Spec. Epic came but I got the Fox Float 80RL's with the bike at no additional cost. | | Bottom Line: | I looked at the Giant NSR but decided to go with the Epic for a few reasons.
- The bike has a great suspension package which is fully adjustable. You don't need to fuss with locking out the rear on climbs or when hammering. It stays locked out until it hits a slight bump and soaks it right up. The front is fully adjustable as well and has a lock out (manual).
- The frame build and welds all look great. No cracks or holes on the welds that can spread.
- The tires that came with the bike are horrible. I've tried running different pressures but can't get them to feel good. I've converted to the Stans no tube system since I was getting a flat or two per ride.
- The brakes are not very good in my opinion. After a lot of adjusting, the LBS got them to the point where they feel OK but I'm going to be upgrading to a disc system in the near future. If you can afford to do it, get the Epic Disc from the Get-Go.
- The chain that came with the bike was very weak. It busted on me when I had about 150 miles on the bike. I regularly serviced it and just had a tune up on the bike completed by the LBS. I changed it out for a Whipperman when it busted.
- I've taken a few hard spills with it and everything held up just fine. The paint job on it is very good and seems to hold up quite well.
The bottom line is that this bike is a very good one which will last someone quite a long time. I couldn't find a better one for the price. It would be nice if it were less expensive but you really get what you pay for. Want $4000 quality? Don't expect it out of a $1700 bike.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Long Valley, NJ
Date Reviewed: October 1, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Brand, some of the components | | Weaknesses: | Not sold on Brain Technology | | Similar Products Used: | Blur | | Bike Setup: | Pretty much stock | | Bottom Line: | Ok heres my post finally. After 6+ months of heavy riding I feel this is an honest post. For starters the bike is made in Taiwan, not the US. Lets just settle on this. Specialized conducted a test where they had employees in the US facilities make this bike and employees in the Far East make it. Overall the Far East made it cheaper and actually better. In turn, Specialized has/is moving all production over there so if you want a "made in the USA" bike I would look at others. Ahem!
Now, the review. I like the bike. On the flats its a hardtail, on some bumps the suspension kicks in. It does what its supposed to do. Bottom line, I think the Blur is a much nicer ride. Seriously. If your worried about time trials and making every second count ok fine, buy an Epic but you know what, your going to get sick of it after a while, Trust me. I dont like how the suspension only works when you hit something at a specific pace. Sometimes the suspension doesnt go off, even for little hits. If you could adjust it maybe I would feel different about it but right now you cannot. I like to just know that the suspension is always working. Also, try bunny hopping on this bike without killing yourself. Good luck. Somethings are meant to be on a bike, others arent. I just am not crazy about this. I DONT like the fact its made in Taiwan now, I dont like the fact that you cannot adjust the brain shock, I dont like the weight of this either. Bottom line, buy a Blur. You wont go wrong there. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Weekend Warrior
from Columbia, SC
Date Reviewed: September 12, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Outspoken | | Strengths: | Brain, build quiality. | | Weaknesses: | Not set up for easy disc brake add on | | Similar Products Used: | Schwin clear creek, haro | | Bike Setup: | Fox front fork, Times pedals | | Bottom Line: | Great bike if your switching from a hardtail to FS for the first time. Ok weight but needed a better front fork. My only issue is that for the money it should be disc ready. I am more than happy with this purchase but will wind up putting 400-600 into a disc conversion down the road. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jamie
a Weekend Warrior
from Wells, Somerset, UK.
Date Reviewed: September 4, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Quantocks & Mendips | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | King's Cycles, Taunton. | | Strengths: | Brilliant Brain! Great Climber. | | Weaknesses: | Not quite the all rounder I was looking for. | | Similar Products Used: | 1998 Trek 6000, Specialized Enduro, Giant NRS 2. | | Bike Setup: | Stock. | | Bottom Line: | I borrowed King's cycles test Epic for the weekend, and gave it a good thrashing up on the Mendips. It climbed better than my old Trek hardtail. They are similar weights, but the Epic just had more control. Often it feels like the rear suspension isn't working. Although by that I mean that you don't feel the 'bounce'. You don't feel the bumps either though. A look at the O ring on the shock tells you how hard the suspension has been working, while you've just been riding and pushin' those pedals. On the steeper, rougher down hills, I found that I ran out of suspension a little too quickly, but then the mendips can be really boldery in sections. It was in these areas that I was wishing for a little more travel.
In the end I bought an Enduro, which I am happy with. Ideally I would have one of each. The Epic was so good on 95% of the trail, and definately quicker over all round my mendip course, but I'm not racing. I spend time waiting for my friends at the top of hills as it is. I am quite happy to spend a little more energy on the uphills and feel a little more secure on the downhills, so the Enduro was the winner (for me) in the end (just).
However, the Epic is street's ahead of most 3-4 inch travel bikes. There is no need for on the fly adjustment. No flicking to locked out and back, it happens seamlessly and in a beautifully efficient way. It felt perfect for my riding style. I am a 5'7" male, weighing ~180lbs and was riding a medium frame sized bike. The riding position is great, quite a reached fast position that I personally like. I have had to have a longer stem put on my Enduro to mimic this.
The brakes on the epic I rode were poor, but the brake blocks were really very worn, so I shouldn't comment. I also noticed a little tendency for the front wheel to slide, although after letting a bit more air from the tyre this became better.
All in all, if the trails you do are mostly roots and stones (rather than larger rocks), I would say that this is a great bike for you. Also, I would imagine it would be great for longer rides and big climbs. If that sounds like you I would highly recomend test riding it. It felt SO different on the trail than it did in the bike shop carpark. It came a live and loved speed. It was a HELL of a bike.....
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve
a Racer
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: August 29, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Safety Center | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | UC Cyclery | | Strengths: | Brain | | Weaknesses: | Weight | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Attitude Race | | Bike Setup: | Fox80 | | Bottom Line: | Most innovative FS bike on the market. Great for hardtailers that want to make the transition to FS. Only issue: After <10 rides (albeit, hard rides) the Brain valve failed (sprung a leak and sagged). Fox replaced it - no questions asked, but can't give it 5 overall chilis - a failure is a failure. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Albert Golbas
a Cross Country Rider
from Tujunga, CA
Date Reviewed: August 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Verdugo Mountains | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | A guy who got the bike as a gift | | Strengths: | Good stable frame, Fork,rear BRAIN and Mavic Wheels | | Weaknesses: | Breaks, weight | | Similar Products Used: | Trek hard tail. First full suspension bike. | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock except the rear break pads, replaced with larger ones. | | Bottom Line: | Purchased this bike BRAND NEW at an incredible price as you can see from a guy who never even rides a bike. I think it is a great bike for the most part.
Positives:
1) I especially love both the front and rear suspension for their ability to handle rock gardens like it is a ride at the beach.
2) The wide handle bars and the stiff frame gives me excellent control particularly while I am going down hill.
3) Wheels Mavic wheels do a good job and stay tuned. To bad I can not say the say about my old Trek bike.
4) The extra 3 gears I have (27 Speed) over my old bike provides extra climbing power at times.
Negatives:
1) Weight, I think when my budget allows, I'd like to shave a few pounds off of this bike to make it a little lighter. I feel the weight at times, when going up tough hills. 2) Rear Break pads. I had trouble with rear breaks since the day I bought the bike. 7 rides into this new rock climbing machine, my rear pads were almost stripped down to their metal.
3) The stock tires are cheap and will be replaced soon with Panaracer SMOKE. I am just trying to get maximum use of them before they go in the trash.
All in all, if you can afford it and you are a decent serious rider then buy it. I think it is a pretty good bike and deserves a solid 4. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JP
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego
Date Reviewed: August 19, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | Stiff frame, brain, Fox Fork | | Weaknesses: | Weight, price and stock tires | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, Superlight, Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Easton Monkeylight HB, Panaracer Smoke & Fire tires | | Bottom Line: | I've just converted to a full suspension from my old Specialized and I have to say, the Epic is one awesome bike. Climbs like a dream and cruises easily over rock gardens. I've got more confidence in my riding due to the rear suspension and I'm able to roll over bumps with sacrificing efficiency. The technology is great and I don't have to worry about flipping a switch to lock out the rear on tough climbs. The Fox Float Fork that came stock was an added bonus, great fork. Didn't have to pay extra so it saved me some bucks. The stock Specialized Roll-X tires were the only downside. They truly were terrible, can't grip anything to save it's life. Had to swap them out with my old Panaracer set now the ride is much more stable. When budget allows, I want to upgrade some parts to save some weight. Overall, a great bike for those still hesitant on going full suspension. It will not disappoint. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brad
a Cross Country Rider
from Edmonton, Alberta
Date Reviewed: August 15, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything Technical | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2200.00 | | Purchased At: | Revolution Cycle | | Strengths: | Geometry, climbing, stiffness | | Weaknesses: | high price, low-end component spec, Manitou fork | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSRxc, Rocky Mountain Instinct | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Marathon, Magura Louise Discs, Mavic X317, wheelset, eggbeaters | | Bottom Line: | The brain works as advertised!
As many reviews have said: if you're used to a squishy full suspension rig your probably not going to like the stiff ride when the shock is locked out. But if your a cross-country rider or used to a hardtail, you'll love having an active rear suspension when you need it, and zero suspension bob when you don't. I honestly think it climbs better than my hardtail and obviously descends better, but the geometry of the bike has definitely improved my riding ability.
The only downside to it right now is the price but it should come down over time(so I can only give it 4 chilies for value). I would also recommend changing the fork, I replaced the stock Manitou with a Marzocchi Marathon so the front end feels as stiff as the rear.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul
a
from Acworth
Date Reviewed: August 13, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Many | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | pretty light weight, accelerates like no other F S bike I have ever riden, very responsive on tight track, rear shock brain is as good as it gets for racing.
| | Weaknesses: | did not like the seat or wheels that came stock and I did agree that the front shock is a little too soft. | | Similar Products Used: | Carve, Sugar, Divinci | | Bike Setup: | stock | | Bottom Line: | Rented this bike for 3 days of riding in and around Durango Colorado. I ride a hard tail at home and worried about riding a FS bike for the first time on trails of this calibre. The bike operates just like my hard tail except when the brian engages the rear shock. I have to say, I am extremely impressed by this bike. It was buttery smooth on the downhills and climbed as well as my 22lb hard tail. I honestly believe the excellent geometry and the rear shocks brain made its ability to accelerate in the flats better than my hard tail too. I am in the process of pricing them now. Buy this bike! Ditch tubeless wheels though. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brennan Schafer
a Racer
from Englewood, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: July 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1699.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Village | | Strengths: | The rear suspention works. It works on the first bump you hit. It even works great off dropoffs. It handles great and is incredible at racing. | | Weaknesses: | None so far. When I bought it the Fox Forx Float 80 RL came on it, but I've heard people have had problems with the scareb. | | Similar Products Used: | None really.
| | Bottom Line: | If you are in the market for a high preformance bike you have to take a look at the epic. At lease demo it (on the trail, not the parking lot) because you will see truely how great this bike is.
The Bottom Line is:
-It climbs better that any other full suspension bike
-desends better and faster than any hardtail | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
larry summerfeldt
a Cross Country Rider
from keswick, ontario, canada
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | sidewinder | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | boyds source for sports | | Strengths: | Frame technology, tires. | | Weaknesses: | seat, pedals. | | Similar Products Used: | none, first full susser. | | Bike Setup: | stock except flite seat, eggbeater peddles, mars elite fork, avid arch rival brakes and flat bar. | | Bottom Line: | This bike does exactly what it was designed to do. It stops pedal induced bobbing. It also likes to go fast, the more speed you ride at, the more you will like this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Terkonekto
a Weekend Warrior
from New Hampshire
Date Reviewed: July 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Everything (except front shock and seat - see below) | | Weaknesses: | Crappy Skareb fork. Way to squishy feeling. Seat is also rock hard. | | Similar Products Used: | GF Tassajara | | Bike Setup: | Stock except RS Duke All-Mountain XC front shock, Easton Carbon Monkeylite bar, Easton seatpost, and WTB Rocket V saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Great bike. Just change the front shock (doesn't belong on such a great bike) and seat. A little heavier than other XC bikes but will still move. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a Cross Country Rider
from West Chester, PA
Date Reviewed: June 30, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Strengths: | Name | | Weaknesses: | Alot | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, Scalpel | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Ok heres my post. Overall I like the bike. The brain does what its supposed to do most of the time. I cant however give it 5 flames for a few reasons. Its a bit heavy. The components arent great. I DONT like the feel of a hardtail all the time. If you are a XC racer where thats all you do all the time, fine. This bike is for you. If your not, which 99.9% of us ARENT I think the Blur or Scalpel is better. I have a Blur and I gotta tell you, its hands down the best out there, by far. The Epic is creative, it does open doors to new technology but I just dont like it. I like to feel suspension now and then. I want to feel confident when I see a rock or a stunk or a ditch that I have suspension and I know WHEN its going to kick in. Sometimes depending on how hard you hit something the suspension doesnt even kick in on this puppy! OUCH! After a few long rides I was sore and tired. Call me an old bag but most of us dont race all the time and I think bikes like the Blur, Scalpel or even the Intense Spider (sweet ride) are better all around. Theres my post. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Evansville, IN
Date Reviewed: June 22, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Tsali | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Dan's Competition | | Strengths: | The acclaimed specialized brain technology does exactly what it is supposed to: there is absolutely no peddle induced bobbing while sprinting, corning, and most importatly, while climbing. The rear shock is very smooth and has ample adjustability to dial in the rear suspension for rider weight, riding style, and trail surface. The avid brakes work quite well, and the specialized cranks, although a bit too short, are rigid and do not flex under heavy peddling. And of course the xt rear derailieur shifts flawlessly. | | Weaknesses: | The major weakness of the epic is the component selection specialized has used for this bike. For $2,000 the bike should be speced with xt and xtr shifters and derailiers. Furthermore, the Duke fork should have been upgraded to perhaps a sid or fox fork or really anything that has a little more adjustablility and stiffness. The front end of the bike is too smooth in comparison to the rear suspension and makes for a little uneven ride when hammering through rough sections or a rutted and heavily rooted climb. Also the Lx front derailieur will not stay in adjustment and will not shift easily into the lower rings. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR, Elsworth Truth, Giant NSR | | Bike Setup: | Fox brain shock, Duke fork, avid brakes, xt rear, lx front, lx shifters, crane creek head set, specialized bars, cranks, bottom bracket, and stem, mavic 221 rims, specialized tires, time alium peddles, | | Bottom Line: | the bottom line is this is probably the most well-performing bike on the market for the price. The epic does what it has been claimed to do, it corners, climbs, and sprints, and descends like bikes in the $3,000 and up range. My only major complaint is it could use a better component group consisting of xtr xt drivetrain, and perhaps a race face or truvativ crank set. Overall this is the best bike I have ever ridden and would reccommend it to a beginning weekend trail rider or an experienced sport racer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jay
a Cross Country Rider
from Dallas, TX
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay, New in Box | | Strengths: | This thing is wild! It took me a few rides to really set the shocks up both front and rear, but I'm finding the right combination now. This bike is meant to be ridden fast. Remember, F=ma? If "a" isn't big, you have a hardtail. BTW, this is a hardtail with suspension when needed, not vice versa! At speed, it's like riding in a Lincoln. You will just squish right through the bumps. Lock out the front, and you have a screaming machine on the flat lands. It will accelerate like it has a Nitrous button. The front shock is amazing and does offset the cost somewhat. We're talking about a $500+ Fox Float boys and girls... Something no one has mentioned is that the frame geometry works really well when the suspension is activated too. Since Epic doesn't have to worry about pedal bob, the frame geometry is set up to be smoother when it is active. The linkage is much simpler than some of the wild things we are seeing some of the other guys doing. Remember, the more complex the linkage, the more room for failure and there are performance trade offs too. | | Weaknesses: | It is somewhat pricey when you look at some of the components. I got a really good deal, like 6 chili's, but for most, it's probably more like a 3-4. I'd like to do discs, but didn't want to spend the money for the Disc version because I could do it cheaper with better components myself. All in all though, the components that are cheap are also ones you'd replace. The shock is incredible, so that does increase the value a little to me. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FS/FSR, Blur, Sugar+ Disc | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock for now. I'm changing the wheels to UST discs soon though. Will likely do XT or XTR shifters and a carbon bar if I have to take the grips off to do the brakes. | | Bottom Line: | This is a bike that's meant to be ridden fast. It's a HARDTAIL OTHERWISE! A lot of people gripe that the "brain" doesn't work. I beg to differ, set it up right, ride it like it's supposed to be ridden, and the brain is very predictable and works beautifully. Remember our little physics lesson earlier? F=ma, it's simple. That mass isn't moving up or down unless F=1G. Think about it and ride accordingly. If you ride slow, what's your little pansy butt need a FSR for anyway? Maybe you do, so go buy something else, this bike isn't for you. For those of you who want a lot of forgiveness when it's called for, this is your bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ian robertson
a Cross Country Rider
from cardiff, WALES, uk
Date Reviewed: June 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | The Wall, Afan Argoed | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Don Skene, Cardiff | | Strengths: | The Brain - it does all the thinking for you. Great climber. Accurate handling, great forks (Fox 80 RL). Looks great in red! | | Weaknesses: | um... I have to set the saddle right back - and I'm not big! | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC. Tested Marin Mount Vision and Cannondale F800 | | Bike Setup: | Time ATACs, X-lite carbon XC riser cut to 25", Panaracer Fire XC Pro tyres | | Bottom Line: | It took me a while to get used to this bike after riding a hardtail, I was always wondering if the rear sus was working or not, but now I just ride and let the bike get on with it!
As has been said before, once you get up to speed the bike feels so good! It feels like it comes alive under you and the bike enjoys going FAST! If you are going slow or struggling then it can just feel like another hardtail.
Take time and play with the settings on the brain and try to achieve a good balance between fork and shock.
You CAN set the sag if you want to. Sit on the bike and wait 20 seconds, it will sink down and you can set the sag in the conventional way, however I just found the shock pressure and rebound settings that suited my trails best.
I have never enjoyed riding so much since I bought this bike, it just encourages you to go further and faster. Buy one. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James Edgar
a Racer
from Santa Barbara
Date Reviewed: June 13, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, Sugar, Scalpel, Spider | | Bike Setup: | DISC model with various upgrades. | | Bottom Line: | It is unfortunate to hear all the riders who obviously wanted a piece of the hype that is the 'epic' and then were dissapointed. If you want to go fast and race, then the epic is unbeatable. Yes, the weight might be a little more than the other XC FS bikes, but I just take a piss before the race to make up for it. If you need a little more cushion, by a slower bike that will suply it, bob and all. The brain needs to be adjutable? Why, so you can get off mid-race and tinker with it before you tackle the down hill section? Then when you are on the flats at the bottom you can re-adjust it? I don't think so. This bike is the fasest XC FS race bike available. If you want the softer slower ride of many competitors, don't be dissapointed when you accidently a racing machine. Have you ever come across a racing car with loose suspension an shocks? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Luis Hernandez
a Weekend Warrior
from Guadalajara, Jalisco, MEXICO
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo | | Strengths: | FS with NO pedal bob. Great Geometry. Looks cool. | | Weaknesses: | Tires; a little bit heavy; handlebar 2 wide. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 80 | | Bike Setup: | Avid SD 7 levers and V-Brakes, Michelin Wildgripper Hot-S tires. | | Bottom Line: | I'm a rider who likes FS bikes. At first I felt this bike like a hard tail and wasn't sure if I made the right decision, 'cause I was used to the plush feel on the Trek Fuel. But after some weekends... wow! Now it's the opposite: I don't like bobbing on the Trek. But stop comparison and focus on the Epic:
1) Want the latest and best technology (until now) on FS bikes? This is the one. Why? Simple: suspension works ONLY when it's needed and you don't have 2 worry about it. No other bike has it (or do I need and update?).
2) This bike is "race-oriented". So if you're looking for a "plushy" ride, look elsewhere. The "brain" will activate only when it "feels" a bump, and it may require some force on the hit to activate.
3) I don't understand why so many complaints about the "brain getting confused", "I would like more adjustments on the rear shock", "you don't know how the Epic will react", etc. First, READ SHOCK DOCUMENTATION AND SPEND SOME TIME ADJUSTING IT. Second, I beg you evaluate the bike for what it is. Yeah, of course, I also would like more adjustments; less weight; and to be Roland Green. C'mon...
4) Let's be honest: it's not the lightest FS bike you can buy. But I rather have a heavier bike than a "bobbing" bike. Another point: I read Moutain Bike review and one of the experts mentioned "I'd rather buy a Gary Fischer Sugar with lockout control, it's lighter and cheaper". Sure. But think about your favorite trail: "flat terrain, lockout. Some bumps, release. Oh, here comes the steep climb, lockout. And now descend, release, pronto! Then, no slope but some bumps. Should I lockout? Or not?". Ja, ja! No thanks.
5) Geometry: when some friends told me about Specialized bikes geometry advantages, I didn't really understand it (and I still don't, technically speaking). But after riding the Epic, I can tell you it makes difference. I don't know if it's the best, but just give it a try on race day and you'll agree with me.
6) Get rid of the Roll-X's. Surprised me to read in the same Mountain Bike Mag edition (read above) these tires were picked as "the best" by one of the editors. For me, these are the worst tires I ever had, and some friends agree with me.
7) Good-looking bike. Yes, I know, performance is important. Weight, stiffness, components, price, brand name. You have to think about all of it. But, once again, let's be honest: would you pay > $1,500 for a bike nobody will notice you just bought it but you? Not me. I feel good when people looks at the rear suspension and make comments. Wouldn't you buy a bike that makes you feel good?
Finally, I think it's the best FS race-oriented bike right now. Is it perfect? Of course not. Better than Blur, Spyder, Fuel, Sugar, etc.? This is subjective. But one thing is clear: FS bike with no pedal-bobbing = Epic. Don't you think it's outstanding (5 chili's) that no other FS bike can offer you that? And for the value, just 4 chili's 'cause of poor tires and wide handlebar.
Have a good ride! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from wilmington, de
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill, MD | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1895.00 | | Purchased At: | wooden wheels | | Strengths: | Strong, sturdy frame. Strongarm cranks. Nice handeling. Fast on Singletrack. Brain shock. Good tires and seat. | | Weaknesses: | Frame a tad heavy. Brain shock takes some getting used to. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 8000, Trek Fuel, Fisher Sugar. | | Bike Setup: | stock. Matatou Skareb Fork, Strongarm Cranks. Shimano drivetrain. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike if used for it's intended purpose. This bike is made to be ridden cross country on singletrack. Handels very well and has a nice mix of components. The Skareb fork is very good for lighter riders. Anyone over 200lbs may break it. I am only 150 so no complaints. The Brain Shock does on fact work. If you enjoy the feeloing of a hardtail on the smooth singletrack but want just a little help on the roots and rocks than this bike is perfect. This bike is not intended for large drops or jumps. Overall I feel that the bike has good components, handles well and the weight is not really an issue. Also, the Brain Shock does work as Specilaized claims. Are there better bikes, sure. But if you have been looking for a hartail/FS hybrid than look no further. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Roebuck, SC
Date Reviewed: June 6, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1449.00 | | Purchased At: | Great Escape | | Bottom Line: | Yo, dude -
The brain IS adjustable.
The problem with DEMO reviews is demo-ers SELDOM know enuf about what they are talking about, due both to limited ride time as well as not doing their homework.
Let the reader beware.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MellowCat
a Cross Country Rider
from Cincinnati, Ohio
Date Reviewed: June 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anything in Moab | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Strengths: | Frame is nicely made, very sturdy. Parts kit works ok. The rear suspension is more like traction control than suspension. It assists with keeping the tire to the ground, but adds little ride comfort. Roll tires are great. Handling is outstanding. The bikes loves fast singletrack. | | Weaknesses: | Price. weight. Manitou Fork broke during one ride, the lock out stuck on! The "Brain" is just ok really. It works correctly about 75% of the time, the other 25% of the time you get hit through the seat just like a Hardtail. Also the rear end of the bike seems to sway side to side during hard efforts. | | Similar Products Used: | Test ridden many different Full suspension bikes. | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock except Easton Riser bar and Time pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I liked the bike, but debated the true value of the "Brain" for my riding style. I think if you could build up a really light version of this bike you would have a great 24hr race machine. When the "brain" becomes adjustable I think Specialized/Fox will be on to something. Buy it if you like the latest in technology. If your a Hardtail hold out like me, keep waiting, or just ride your hardtail and have fun. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Roebuck SC
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | singletrack | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1489.00 | | Purchased At: | Great Escape | | Strengths: | The brain. | | Weaknesses: | Manitou front shock feels a bit squierelly (Them little gray critters) but the jury is still out on that. Front shock is more plushy than the Judy XC on my Fisher | | Similar Products Used: | First FS bike. Former ride - Fisher Kaitai. | | Bike Setup: | Bone stock - no disc brakes. | | Bottom Line: | (cont. of my review below)
This bike excels at speed, and climbs like a hardtail, just as advertised. From reading these reviews, I guess some people LIKE bob.
My first ride was in dry conditions, and I was able to flow and cruise downt the trail like never before. It was the best ride I'd ever had. Til the rear tire blew out, which means I had to walk it 2 miles + back to the trailhead. From this I can tell you it not really that heavy. Whay are we - six year old girls???
Next ride was the muddiest, sloppiest, worst ride I'd ever had. (Of course, it was also my first time with clipless pedals, resulting in the requisite crashes for SPD newbies) Still the clipless helped me motor thru some of the mud. But the bike wasn't really any different than my hardtail for this ride.
But what both rides taught me is that this bike is intended for SPEED. It excels the faster you ride it. If your ride style is slow and plodding, or you expect to encounter LOTS of mud year round, this prolly isn't the bike for you.
But at speed, it swallows up bumps, small drop offs and whoops very well. EXCELLENT ride.
The ONLY reasons I can think this bike doesn't rate at LEAST three chilis is (1) the rider is a slow plodder, (2) they LIKE bobbing on their bike like its a pogo stick, or (3) they don't understand the technology, and what this bike is intended for.
My rating - 4+ chilis (didn't get 5 cuz its my first FS bike)
Sorry guys - I call it like I see it.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bob
a Cross Country Rider
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: May 24, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Walnut Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Conte's | | Strengths: | No bob. Top-notch workmanship. Great Handling. Lifetime warranty. | | Weaknesses: | If you're used to active full suspension, there is a period of adjustment. | | Similar Products Used: | C'dale Raven II | | Bike Setup: | Full XTR Disc | | Bottom Line: | I have a Marathon but wanted to point out that the Epics have 90mm of travel, not 80. And, as pointed out, you get the full 90 (I believe the Blur setup is with 10-15mm of sag out of 100). That being said, the Epic probably doesn't ride as plush as a Blur. I thought I had made a mistake at first as the bike was much harsher than my Raven. But, I bought the bike to get rid of the mushy bob of the Raven and to hammer hard. After adjusting my riding style (IE getting my butt up off the saddle and sprinting up hills I used to "spin" up) the bike came into it's own. Recently, on a trip to Douthat (21 mile singletrack loop, 5000' of total climb) I found out how great this bike is. Lock out the fork, and you have a rigid bike for the looooooong climbs! Great! The secret to the rear is that the faster you go, the more it reacts. It is a race bike that is meant to be hammered hard. My local trails are not terribly rough. I make regular trips to the mountains which are a little rougher. If I rode very rough, rocky trails all the time, I would have gone with a plusher bike. I wanted something to hammer on and the Epic is great for this. The workmanship is impeccable and there is a tremendous amount of technology going on in all areas of the frame. Great bike! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Walter
a
from Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | All the hype concerning this bike is true. | | Weaknesses: | Feels wierd. Weight(do u care?). Price. Manitou Skareb. Rims(X221?). | | Bike Setup: | GT Zaskar | | Bottom Line: | This is my friends bike. The rear shock is truly superb and revolutionary. 0 bob. As for 80 mm of travel, remember: you are getting a FULL 80mm as this bike has 0 sag. Others may have 100 mm, but b'cos of sag, u end up with 80. Geometry is superb(for XC).
Sorry Manitou. When I read MBA about Manitou lockout failure, I thought it was a one off thing. NO! My friends lockout is screwed as well. It didn't work.
The bottom line is that this bike lives up to all its hype. Is it better than a blur/spider?
You be the judge. If you want total bob free, epis is the only way. If you can live with a bit of bob, blur gets my nod for trail and spider for racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Squeaker
a Racer
from Indianapolis
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | I love all trails for different reasons | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | 2g | | Strengths: | GEOMETRY....one more time GEOMETRY + It's a FS that autolocks cmon!!! | | Weaknesses: | I actually can find no weaknesses ....whatever weakness that someone finds - is probably a manifestation of their own shortcomings. | | Similar Products Used: | I haven't "owned" any similiar products - but so what...I can judge the bike on it's own merit....if your the type of person who compares every bike to another bike then your most likely a crybaby anyway....everything is subjective...every bike is different...adapt....grow! | | Bike Setup: | It's tricked out.. | | Bottom Line: | I'll admit I'm posting this in part to offset all of the jackasses who are submitting one turders....LLLLAAAAAAMMMMEEE -
This bike rocks...it's a cream of the crop FS RACE bike - no other way to put it. One guy states that it comes in 4th behind the Blur, Spider etc..... even if this is true (which it is not) this would mean that it's still better than 150 other FS bikes????, and then he goes on to give it 1 turd....what a fickin idiot....They should give IQ tests before people post. The crap about the shock becoming "confused" forget about it...that's crap also.....spend some time SETTING UP THE FICKING SHOCK PEOPLE...SET THE REBOUND...SET THE STROKE.....GEEEEZUZ (for your weight)...it's a mechanical device that reacts when the trail "changes" the shock kicks in on around 1gram of offset!!!!....so when your on a trail (this is for the idiots) the shock will most likely be active 70 to 90% of the time! Exactly what you want - because trails have very few totally smooth surfaces., but when they do you have the stiffness automagically - and you don't have to REACH down and lock out!!! This is where it beats every other FS race bike hands down....LEts not forget that it's a RACE BIKE..idiots OK? If your some fat 200 lb slob that bounces around the trail, and considers his "epic" ride a 4 hour jaunt - even though he only went 10 miles then DON"T BUY THE BIKE....If you want a go anywhere big hit rolling mattress THEN DON'T BUY THE BIKE....as far as the weight thing goes - this is also CRAPOLA!!!! I've never seen a bike that shipped stock that was a nice weight - there all heavy until you trick em out. (and if you don't race then why do you care?) The fact that you can get an S-works down to 23 elbows just by taking off the heavy pedals, and putting on race tires means that it's just fine for racing...swwweeeeeeeeettt. besidea one thing that everyone forgets about is the GEOMETRY on this bike!!!! It rules!!!! its speed freak geometry...My ride is at 25lbs, which is 2-3 lbs heavier than my previous hardtail race bike...and I am straight up faster....GEOMETRY!!!!...I can't even tell that it's a bit heavier until a actually grab it and pick it up -- it rides like a 23 lb bike.....no doubt.... Are the blurs of the world, spiders etc.... bad bikes..of course not...is the epic better? Who knows - but I would guess that it is - just based on STIFFNESS when you need it automagically... YEEEAGAGAGAAAAA - READ THE MBA Action article - these guys spent a month with the bike, and they give it an honest and true breakdown....and I'm in total agreement...they don't lie, and they don't have a "bias" against Specialized that some people seem to have. Oh and Price - who cares - every top o the line FS race bike is 3-5g depending on your pick..and the Epic is no different. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave T
a
from Salinas, Ca. U.S.A
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | ??? | | Weaknesses: | Weight - 6+ pounds.
Lack of tuneability
"Brain" shock easily confused
NOT MADE IN THE U.S.A
Price | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth Truth, SC Superlight & Blur, FSR XC's, Fisher Team Issue Sugar, Trek Fuel 98/100 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Comp | | Bottom Line: | I wrench at a shop P/T. I get to ride ALOT of cool stuff (including the Epic) and I have a fair amount of seat time on all of the above mentioned rigs.
First of all - IF this is the "Holy Grail", why is Manitou working on a shock to REPLACE the "Brain"?????
Specialized should have stayed with their parent company Merida's idea of the bike, a tuneable shock with pos./neg. air chambers.
Second - It's too heavy. 2nd gen. Blurs & the Intense Spider are 5.2 - 5.5 pounds, spec them with the new 5th Air from Progressive and you'll loose another 1/4 pound.
Third - The "Brain" gets confused in alot of situations, locking & unlocking at inopportune times giving the rider a lack of confidence in what the bike is going to do.
I'm not going to slam Specialized but there are better, more affordable bikes available that cater to what the vast majority of trail users want...All-Day-Comfort, Performance & mostly a FUN bike to ride.
- In my opinion the best value combining price & performance
are : 1) the Blur, 2) Spider & Truth, 3) Fuel & Sugar Team Issue, and 4) the Epic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pete Quinlevan
a
from DC
Date Reviewed: May 20, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Riders | | Strengths: | Name, components | | Weaknesses: | Doesnt live up to the hype | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, Intense SPider, Sugar 1 | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I bought the bike after is was used as a demo. Heres the real deal folks. Its an interesting setup. The rear shock is pretty cool but y'know what, I didnt buy a FS bike so that I could feel all the bumps. After reading the other posts I agree with alot of them. The shock on these bikes needs to be adjustable. I crashed HARD when I tried to bunny hop over some logs and rocks. Sometimes the shock works, other times it doesnt. Depends on how hard you hit something. The bike is a bit heavy. Theres just alot going on here. Also, heres a bit of reality, 99.9% of us DONT really race hard core. I know Specialized is marketing this as a XC race bike but please, stop it. Those who want a race bike fine, but for most full suspension on the Blur or the Intense is really the way to go. No comparison. If Specialized could make the shock adjustable in the rear, shave some weight off the bike, I think it would be better. Not the best but better. I dont think this bike is the "holy grail" of anything, its just a differnet approach to FS riding, thats all. Its not a bad bike its just not really what I want nor what alot of other people seem to want. I also FIRMLY believe that the 100mm of travel you can get these days IS the way to go. This 80mm of travel is just becoming so old school now. Most bikers today want a nice ride they go off on after work or on the weekends, that can compete in races if they choose but that will ease the daily bumps and grinds of everything else without giving us bob when we climb. Am I correct? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark Kozak
a Weekend Warrior
from Roebuck, SC
Date Reviewed: May 17, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | I'm reading that the Manitou scareb comp is getting low reviews, but come stock on teh Epic. Is anyone ahving problems with tehir scareb???? | | Bottom Line: | I'm still demo'ing this. See question above. Thanx. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Seth
a Racer
from Williamsport, PA
Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Razor | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Shop | | Strengths: | Name, components | | Weaknesses: | Alot | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, Intense, C-Dale Scalpel | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Ok heres my post and its not a beauty. One word to describe this bike: OVERRATED! The bike's new "brain technology" no doubt brings another demension to mountain bikes. The problem with the bike is that the shock is not adjustable and this problem creates other issues. There were so many times when I was racing it that I either did want the shock active or just didnt. You have no control over this. To bunny hop on this ride is like playing Russian Roulette. Until Fox or Specialized can come out with a fully adjustable rear shock this bike is getting one chili from me. It is a bit on the heavy side as well. The components are good, the company is good, they are trying to change the way we approach bikes but to be honest bikes like the Blur or Spider are just as good if not better. I have read previous posts here and I completely disagree with the last post. The Blur IS a XC race bike. The Blur is super quick, responsive and made with alot of incredible designwork to it. VPP clearly works. If not than why is there a 3 month wait to even get this bike!? The Scalpel is nice as well I just think Cannondale has enough problems to worry about right now and everyone knows their frames tend to crack. I have had so many people ride this Epic and everyone pretty much says the same. "Interesting technology, well thought of but not to ride into the ground. Go with the Blur." I know, selling another Brand on Specialized site is not the coolest thing to do but thats just the truth and thats why this site is here in the first place. Keep it moving. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
wood
a
from Virginia
Date Reviewed: May 10, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Ed's | | Bottom Line: | Wow, John paid $3,000 for a stock Epic? Not too bright if you over paid by that much! Why did you sell your Blur to begin with? Bottom line....the Epic and Blur frames almost weigh the same so you can't complain about weight. It all comes down to ride preference. If you like a "waterbed" plush trail bike, the Blur is for you. If you like a fast XC bike that you can race competitively, the Epic is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Cross Country Rider
from Hackettstown, NJ
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Marty's | | Strengths: | Decent components. Comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | Alot. Weight for one thing | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | You cant compare this bike to the Blur, or any other for that matter. Heres the deal, the bike is a good bike. When your riding it feels like a hardtail. When you hit a bump, plsssshhhhh shock kicks in. Thing I dont like about it is that if I wanted a hardtail I would have just kept my Stumpjumper. I like the feel of FS bikes. Yes this bike climbs like a hardtail but to be honest, its not the Blur. Not even close. This bike is heavy. I DONT like the fact that all Specialized are now made in TAIWAN. Yes, TAIWAN. I am not sold on the fact that you cannot tune the rear shock. Its not a bad bike, its creative but I just dont like that hardtail feel all the time. Sick of this damn thing. Give me my Blur back! PLLEEEEEEAAAAAAASSSSSSE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dennis Gustafson
a Racer
from Lake Orion
Date Reviewed: May 8, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | KLH Bikes & Fitness | | Strengths: | Front and rear suspension, Brain, Great out of the box components for the price, Looks great, runs fast. | | Weaknesses: | Tires, Thought it was my spring legs until I replaces the tires with Michelin Comp-s lites, then realized the true speed and performance of this bike | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NSR2,Stumpjumper FSR | | Bike Setup: | Out of the Box except tires. | | Bottom Line: | I didn't just demo this puppy, I have put on 600 miles and road it for a week on all the classic trails in Moab. Have also raced in three Sport races this spring with dramatic results over last year (Still need to quit partying, yea right). In the last race my competitors complained about the hills and the technical parts of the trail! The Epic made them invisible to me. The rear suspension engages when needed especially on Porcipine Rim, Climbs great especially on Slick Rock, and is the fastest bike I have ever raced. I really like that you can lock out the front suspension for race line starts and long flat single track. Can you tell I have become a brand enthusist for this bike. No buyers remorse here, i just want to ride my bicycle. My wife and kids miss me.. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ryan Howe
a Cross Country Rider
from Renton, WA USA
Date Reviewed: May 7, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Anywhere on Galbraith | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1650.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles West | | Strengths: | Bike does exactly what Specailized says. Suspension works great. Reasonable price for revolutionary new technology. Bike looks awesome. | | Weaknesses: | I do wish the shock allowed for adjustment of how much force it takes to blow off the inertia valve. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Enduro, Trek Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | Full XT drivetrain, Easton carbon bar, Thomson stem, Avid mechanical discs, Duke Race fork | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike, for the type of riding I do. I ride cross country and do not delve into freeride or downhill too much. That said this bike works great. There are however a couple things to be aware of when you are setting this bike up. Anyone who writes a bad review either didn't set the bike up correctly, or is doing some other kind of riding.
1. Allow yourself at least a couple hours to get it dialed in. This is a trial and error process. Bring a shock pump with you.
2. Go to the Specialized web site and download the supplement to the shock manual. This is a great reference for getting the shock set-up. For example, my LBS told me to run 98psi in my shock. Refering to the above mentioned document I found 74psi to be the appropriate starting point for my weight, and I went down from there. By the time I found the right pressure for me, I was riding at 55psi, and now the shock is sucking up most any bump I encounter.
I am thoroughly convinced that anyone who tried the above and still doesn't like this bike is, um, shall we say, retarded? Either that or a crotchy old man stuck in his ways still riding a totally unsuspended bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Martyn Nash
a Cross Country Rider
from Wales UK
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Llanddowror | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Cheltenham | | Strengths: | Looks, the future, race history to be confirmed. | | Weaknesses: | New product, possibly cost of replacement Brain | | Similar Products Used: | Most Specialized bikes | | Bike Setup: | Stock standard Epic | | Bottom Line: | After seeing this bike I knew buying a new S-works HT was a difficult choice then had the chance to upgrade the frame, after seeing a few Epics on the Trails, so smooth and just what I was after. For a long time the guys of my new riding group were always staring in admiration at the bike, one was jealous...Always a talking point, once you set up the suspension and try and make sure you have fox up front too you cant go wrong. It is the future of mountain biking. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Rachester
Date Reviewed: May 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | Billy is incorrect. Both frames were weighed on a scale at LBS. M4=M5. Is not worth the extra $. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Billy
a
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: May 3, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Bottom Line: | Eric is incorrect. The S-works frame is lighter then the M4 frame. The m5 material is slightly lighter, but main difference is in the S-works frame using aluminum and ti bolts in suspension and brake boss. No big deal because both frames are excellent. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eric
a
from Rachester
Date Reviewed: April 9, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | frame is lighter than s-works, flo red | | Weaknesses: | none yet | | Similar Products Used: | stumpjumper | | Bottom Line: | A medium frame, is lighter than a medium s-works. No other comments. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
DaFireMedic
a Cross Country Rider
from Upland
Date Reviewed: March 31, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Various singletracks at Mammoth Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Competitive Edge | | Strengths: | The rear suspension. No pedal bob whatsoever and plush when activated. Works great. I rode a friends Trek Fuel 100 (great bike) but he has to keep the suspension so stiff to prevent pedal bob (I am the same height and weight as him) that you lose much of the benefit of having full suspension. The Epic climbs great and handles beautifully on tight singletrack. Read Mountain Bike Action's review, it's a good article, although I agree with Mountain Bike Magazine's desire to see more adjustability, particularly the amount of force needed to activate the rear suspension. On a lesser note, the first thing everyone says when they see it is "Man...thats a good lookin' bike!" | | Weaknesses: | I guess the weight, but not nearly as bad as some have made it out to be. One local has gotten his large Epic down into the 23's (a regular Epic, not an S-Works). My stock XL weighs a little over 28 lbs, but with another $1000, I have figured out that I can get into the 24's, for a total investment of under $2700-$2800, less than a Santa Cruz Blur and with a better suspension. I am told that the M4 frame weighs about a 1/2 pound more than the M5 S-Works frame. I may upgrade components in the future, but I don't feel the need to right now because the bike just doesn't feel heavy at all, and I am coming from a 22 lb hardtail. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper Hardtail, Trek Fuel 100, Trek Fuel 90 | | Bike Setup: | Stock Epic XL | | Bottom Line: | You gotta try this bike on a trail. The suspension works just as advertised. Hard core calorie counters will probably look elsewhere because you will never be able to get the bike down to 22 lbs, but 24 pounds is well within range at less than the cost of most of the higher end bikes, and with a much more efficient rear suspension. I use a 100 oz H.A.W.G. on my back anyway, so I can't really complain too much about weight, but I am happy as heck with this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gareth Taylor
a Weekend Warrior
from Hereford, Uk
Date Reviewed: March 21, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Forrest of Dean | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | Coombes Cycles 01432 354373 | | Strengths: | First of all before you even get on it, what a wicked looking bike! I suspect as with all uk riders my bike came in black not red. I would say the frame is well built with good welds etc, the spec is good with XT on the rear & LX up front as with the shifters & a strongarm 2 crank. For some reason my bike came with Rockshox Duke XC's not the Manitou Scarab fork as shown but the Rockshox has no lockout so i will see how I get on as my local bike shop Coombes Cycles have said they will gladly sort me out with the manitou if I want it.
Right, the rear shock. I like it! It works well & is loads better to ride than a normal fully susser on climbs & general road, a bit weird at time although I 'spect I'll get used to it!
| | Weaknesses: | Brakes! My bike is specced with Avid V-brakes & I really dont like V-brakes anyway & I will be upgrading to discs in the future. I dont know why as every other reveiw on here says other wise but I find on the flat the bike very slow & quite tiresome, its really putting a lot of strain on my legs considering im not going that fast. But Im talking general comuting & short grass / hard dirt because as of yet I havent had chance to get it in the woods. Although Iv adjusted the saddle back Im finding that the ride position is wrong for me, Im not particually tall @ 5'10 & I seem to be more upright than I should be. Im thinking of trying a flat bar & a longer stem but we'll see how I get on over the next month or so. I may change the tyres as it sounds like a landrover at the moment & i think they could be slowing me down. | | Similar Products Used: | None!Wait till next years bikes start being luanched, then we'll see some competion! | | Bike Setup: | As specced in the specialized book but the as said the saddle is right back & the fork is a Rockshox as opposed to a Manitou. As of yet I havent had chance to experiment with the adjustment on either the front or back suspension, but will once iv got settled with it. | | Bottom Line: | Nice bike to ride over the rough stuff. Im glad I bought it but need to sort out the ride position & brakes. Cant wait to take it through some tricky stuff in the woods or a nice downhill section. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mr Simba
a Weekend Warrior
from Birmingham
Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Kinver | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Evans | | Strengths: | This is for the S-Works M5 EPIC Frame - I moved to this from an M5 Hardtail (after thinking for years that f/s was a 'gimmic' for xc) and I can not belive how quick and focused this bike is in comparison, The only time I feel it is not as responsive as the h/t is on the road on the trail is sprints and climbs better, the rear almost feels like it is glued to the track! - It decends like a dream and there is no so sag you get the full travel when you need it, You also can not tell when the shock is locking on or off it's that plush.
Everyone who rides it wants one from mates who are downhillers used to 8"+ for the xc riding to mates who are died in the wool h/t users - everyone is in awe of this bike the first comment is usually 'thats amazing!' | | Weaknesses: | As I bulit it up from the frame none that I can see the detailing and usual Specialized quality is superb | | Similar Products Used: | There's nothing similar to this! | | Bike Setup: | S-Works M5 Epic, Mavic Crossmax, Thompson, Raceface, Magura Hs 33's, Selle SLR, XTR. | | Bottom Line: | I love it! - Its the fastest bike (xc) you can purchace at this moment in time. You will be amazed and like me end up laughing like an idiot at the end of your favorite single track - but don't worry you will have stoped by the time your friends catch up :-)
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
A Pro
a Racer
from Europe
Date Reviewed: March 4, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Purchased At: | sponsered by specialized | | Strengths: | Its an epic!! | | Weaknesses: | None! | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Sworks ht | | Bike Setup: | XTR | | Bottom Line: | Da Bomb | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Carlos
a Cross Country Rider
from Houston
Date Reviewed: February 26, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Lane | | Strengths: | read bottom line | | Weaknesses: | mavic 221's, shimano 515's | | Similar Products Used: | I-Drive, NRS, Fisher Sugar, and hardtails | | Bike Setup: | stock except michelin comp s tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is amazing. At first i was hesitant because of the weight: read "product weakness" below everyone else's review, but after riding this bike there was absolutely no room for comparison to the best full suspension (NRS) or the best hardtail (custom, XT). It has the speed, turning, and everything else a well designed hardtail has yet the on demand traction without the bob of a full suspension. this bike is unlike anyother, the truly best bike out there. i typically dont give perfect scores, and i dislike the mavic 221's on this bike which would be grounds alone to give it only 4,but until you try this bike for yourself you wont understand why it deserves a 5 across the board. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Kenny T.
a Racer
from Deerfield Beach, Florida
Date Reviewed: February 19, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any north of San Fran | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Generation | | Strengths: | For a heavy and lazy rider like myself, It requires less energy to ride. The frame does not flex like my superlight. This results in putting the power to the ground. | | Weaknesses: | None. Weight? I could loose a few pound and I can't remember the last time I climber for more that 5 min. Oh ya, the Fontana Village(NC) race, there was a climb there. | | Similar Products Used: | Almost any FS made in the past 6yrs. | | Bike Setup: | This is the setup, not components. Try this and post what you think! . . . 10lbs. less psi. than Specialized recom. and the rebound 2-4 clicks in from all the way out. Most of the pedal hitting problem is because the slow dampening allows the rear to pack down (it never gets a chance to return to the top of the stroke) when hitting repeated bumps. This is working great for quite a few people in florida and I would like to get a more national opinion. | | Bottom Line: | If you don't buy one now, you will in a year or 2. Remember a few years ago, people were talking about how great the superlight was. Now everyone has one. They are a day late and an epic short. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Wilfredo Miranda
a Racer
from Guaynabo,PR
Date Reviewed: February 8, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Salinas | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4985.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Stop | | Strengths: | Very rugged frame, however it handles very well. Goes down hill like a bullet. After setting up the bike propperly, haven't had any problems climbing. Handles very well single trails with lots of roots, loose rocks & hard pack. And the Brain works as expected. On that final sprint you got your hard-tail advantage in the bag. | | Weaknesses: | The frame it's a bit on the heavy side. And to get that BABY under 24 pounds you got to spend some bucks !!! Also you cant spend a while seting up the propper setup for your bike. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FRS, TREK Fuel | | Bike Setup: | S-Works Epic M5 Frame, Full 2003 XTR, Magura Disk Brakes, Mavic X3.1 UST with Titanium spokes, Hutchinson Python, Rock Shox SID Team, Triple TI egg beater, Easton EC-90, Chris King. 23.5 pounds. | | Bottom Line: | Up to this point the bike is evrything that I expected. Like I said if you want to keep it lite you got to spend some more money. But it's avery durable frame and it should last the whole season without major problems. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
I. Hammer
a Cross Country Rider
from Eugene, Or
Date Reviewed: February 6, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | any | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Hutches | | Strengths: | Very fast bike up and downhill. Quick handling. Inertia valve kicks @ss! this really does work well, especially at higher speeds. | | Weaknesses: | component group sits near a $1000- $1500 bike price range. Some parts are heavy but easily upgradable. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR, Fisher Sugar, Giant NRS, Intense tracer, Ellsworth truth | | Bike Setup: | carbon bars, carbon seatpost, thompson stem, 959 pedals, Xt cassette, XTR rear derailleur, CrossRide wheelset, Rocket V saddle, Panaracer fire xc 2.1 | | Bottom Line: | This bike is truly amazing and needs to be ridden fast to appreciate how well it perfoms. I'm selling my Hardtail! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
TA
a Racer
from Austin tx 75757
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | New twizzler | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Fast handler that seems to have no shortfalls other than uphill. | | Weaknesses: | A bit chunky and seems to struggle going up. Chainsuck | | Similar Products Used: | S Works H tail, Fisher Supercaliber, SC Superlight, Klein Palomino, Fuel 100 | | Bike Setup: | Not stock!!! Frame Epic Medium with full 2002 S-Works kit, (XTR, Crossmax, Sid Race) | | Bottom Line: | At 26 pounds I would have to say Specialized needs to work a little on the weight--that being said it's the damn best 26 pound bike I have ridden. The thing is fast and handles the tight singletrack much better than my Superlight. Is it a better bike than my 22 pound S-Works, no, mostly based on the fact that it is still slower on courses with a lot of climbing. The traction is better than an H-tail but if your technique is solid on the H-tail than you can climb faster.
It Does it allow me to hit rough stuff much faster and be smooth on really nasty stuff.
Chainsuck is not cool. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Steve R
a Cross Country Rider
from Poros, Cali,
Date Reviewed: January 30, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | would tell you but would have to kill you | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Schortmans Cyclery - thanks Kenny! | | Strengths: | Climbs like a mountain goat on an 8 ball of tweek. Looks like a million bucks. Turns very quickly with the handling to match. Very nice 90mm of plush travel when activated, thanx to the quality of Fox. The fork is actually really nice, I thought it was going to be crappy.The geometry is very comfortable, one of those bikes that makes you want to ride all day. The low center of gravity due to the shock location definitely makes the bike confident at high speeds. I could talk until i'm blue in the face and still not be able to finish..........By far the "Holy Grail" of design!
| | Weaknesses: | the stock avid brakes suck
the Lx casette is heavy
the seatpost is heavy
the stem has rise (preference)
| | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 2 | | Bike Setup: | Mavic Cross Ride wheelset, specilaized enduro 2.1 tires, Answer carbon 1" rise bar, Kore 0 degree stem, Woodman carbon seatpost, Eggbeater pedals, XT v-brakes and levers. | | Bottom Line: | By far the best advancement in Cross country mountin bike design since the suspension fork. The bike does everything Specilized claims.....amazing! Even things they don't tell you, stuff you find out on the trail. Taking a demo ride in the parking lot of the local bike shop doesn't cut it, you must ride one on the trail to see how revoloutionary this product is. The parts spec is right on for the price considering the 4 years of R&D and technology put into the design. Most other bike manufactures cannot afford this this type of support, that is why they must licence thier 4 bar link systems from specilized............including Giant Bicycles. The M4 and M5 alloys are some of the best frame building materials available, light and stiff. YOU MUST RIDE ONE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Randy
a
from Anderson
Date Reviewed: January 29, 2003 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | The brian does keeps the bike from bobbing! | | Weaknesses: | Rides like a heavy hard tail in the choppy stuff. On the big stuff - you get your nuts rattled for a millisecond -then the shock compresses you till you bottom out - then your nuts are rattled again! My but was sore, not to mention my nuts. | | Similar Products Used: | Everything | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Too much confusion.....time to put this demo under someone else. Hope I never have to ride this one again! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from New York
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Rocky Point | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | -Super efficient
-climbs like a mountain goat
-handles extremely well
-Brain shock is a revolution not an evolution. This thing really works and will only get better in years to come.
-Looks great | | Weaknesses: | -A little on the heavy side
-Stock parts spec. is not my favorite
-The stock saddle might as well be called "dildo on rails".
-The bottom bracket could be slightly higher(can be fixed with longer travel front fork) | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Adept Race, Cannondale Scalpel 800, Tomac 98 special Pro, Cannondale Jekyll 3000 | | Bike Setup: | Specialized EPIC with full XT/XTR, Easton carbon flat bar, OURY grips, WTB rocket V laser saddle, Hayes disc brakes, Rock shox DUKE SL fork, Mavic 517s w/ XT hubs. | | Bottom Line: | Well, i originally ordered the EPIC marathon model, but the marathon kept getting delayed over and over again and i couldn't take it anymore(i believe because of the new XTR). Also, i didn't want to spend that kind of money at the time. I told my LBS that i wanted my money back and i would wait until a later date and get something a little less expensive. Turned out that they gave me an option to purchase a baseline EPIC pretty much fully customized with whatever i want on it for an excellent price(the base EPIC and the marathon are the same M4 alloy frame. Only difference is the parts spec. The S-works is the only frame that is different). I told them i would take it and they built it up for me in 2 days.
First test run i did was in the P-lot of the LBS and BAM, chainsuck. Brought it back inside slightly pissed and told them what happened. They adjusted whatever they needed to adjust and it hasn't happened ever since after hours of riding.
Lets just say this thing is extremely efficient. The rear brain shock does everything they were saying. Going uphills on this bike is too much fun. It flies! Zooming on a downhill section with roots and ruts, the rear absorbs and soaks the bumps nicely. Very solid feel to the frame and very confidence inspiring. Once the going starts to climb and the rear locks up, it's like turbo boost kicking in in a turbo-ed car(if any of you know what i'm talking about). Unbelievable, you really feel the difference in pedaling efficiency when it locks up with a burst of acceleration. No tendencies to do wheelies on the steep uphills. The rear gives nicely on uphill roots and logs and will lock back up once over them for maximum efficiency.
Now the handling. I do mostly tight singletrack(only thing that's really available by me) and this bike is perfect for it. The responsiveness and crisp and solid feel is excellent. Turn in is almost telepathic and does exactly as you want. I believe the low center of gravity of this bike may play a roll in how it handles because it really is fantastic. I always just want to fly through everything with this bike. I love it.
No for the things i don't/didn't like. The bike is a little bit on the heavy side but it's nothing to bark at. With my parts spec on it's a little lighter but obviously it can be made even lighter. The rear shock's brain technology makes up for it.
The bottom bracket could be a little higher. I scrape my pedals once in a while on sharp turns or short and steep mounds.
And the stock seat. The specialized body geometry seat, like i said, should be called a "dildo on rails". Use your imagination as to why i don't like it.
I'm going to rate this bike on how i have it set up. For the stock setup i will rate it with 4 flamin for value and 4 for overall because i don't like the handlebars it comes with or the stock part spec. But for my bike 5 and 5. Try and see if your LBS will work with you to customize the bike for a good price if you don't like the way it is or you can just get the higher models(disc, comp, pro, marathon, FSR s-works). It's worth it, trust me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
eric t
a Weekend Warrior
from Marina del Rey, CA
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Downieville Downhill | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Strong climber, nice spec. | | Weaknesses: | too heavy for what you get. Delayed reaction suspension. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS-1, Intense Tracer, Specialized FSR-XC, Klein Adept, Fisher Sugar 1 | | Bike Setup: | Demo'd an Epic Pro with XTR (new shifters/brake lever combo). | | Bottom Line: | This bike is aimed at a particular type of rider, and I guess I'm not that kind of rider.
The suspension works as promised. Feels just like a hardtail on the climbs, which in my opinion isn't necesarilly a good thing. In my experience, a good suspension bike climbs better (weight penalty aside) than a hardtail since the rear wheel hooks up so much better.
It does provide a bit of cushion on the downhill, but with caveats. The suspension doesn't react immediately, so it's a bit 'strange feeling' when you hit that first bump in a big field of bumps. Of course it doesn't have much travel once it does get going, but it does lighten the sting a bit.
Overall, it you love your hardtail and are thinking about going FS, give it a test ride and see what you think. Otherwise, I'd consider a number of other bikes over this. You can build and FSR-XC that's weighs less and performs better going down and going up. The suspension is much more active, but works well and there's no weight penalty when compared to the Epic.
If you like to climb with that "hardtail" feeling, ride an NRS. It won't bomb on the climbs (just like the Epic) but the suspension WILL react when you hit a bump on the climb. You can build an NRS (or get an NRS-Air) that weighs about the same, and gives you roughly the same benefits with none of the drawbacks of the Epic.
Don't hate the bike since I think it serves it's purpose, though I don't too many people that want a bike for that purpose. 2 chilis.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
ANGEL ZAYAS
a Cross Country Rider
from PUERTO RICO
Date Reviewed: January 17, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | MONAGAS BAYAMON | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1700.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike stop Puerto Rico | | Strengths: | FAST AS HELL!WAY BETTER THAN MY HARDTAIL.EPIC TECHNOLOGY IS GREAT."THE TALK OF THE TRAIL" | | Weaknesses: | A BIT HEAVY IF YOU GO TO THE TRAIL TO CARRY THE BIKE.HEY,THE BIKE IS SUPOSE TO CARRY YOU! SO IF YOU RIDE IT YOU WON'T FEEL IT. | | Similar Products Used: | GIANT ATC2. | | Bike Setup: | CHANGE FOR A FLAT BAR FOR A BETTER RACING POSITION.WILL UPGRADE REAL SOON. | | Bottom Line: | IF YOU ARE A HARDTAIL RIDER LOOKING FOR SUSPENSION, THIS IS IT.HARDTAIL ON CLIMBIG PERFECT ON DOWNHILLS.IT IS REAL FAST, GREAT CONTROL ON TECHNICAL SINGLETRACKS(NEED TO CHANGE THE WIDE RAISERS FOR FLAT)
ALL EYES WILL BE ON YOU!IT LOOKS GREAT. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Troy Lupcho
a Cross Country Rider
from Vernal, Utah
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | Can You Moo | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | Supper efficient climber and sprinter. No side to side movement from the suspension. Rock solid on fast single track trails.
| | Weaknesses: | Lack of disc brakes. I'm also an X.O. Gripshift user so I was a little thrown off balance with the rapidfire. | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Scalpel
Specialized S-works FSR | | Bike Setup: | Stock base model epic. I used a demo model. | | Bottom Line: | Bottom line... All the mags are talking about the lack of adjustment to rear suspension, penalty of weight in the frame, and some spec flaws. Sorry, this bike absolutely kicks A$$!!! I thought for sure the whole brain technology thing was a gimic. A solid and purist C-dale rider I left for a ride on a demo bike with my rep already sure I was going to hate this bike. WRONG!!!
The new Epic is the fastest, most agile quickest handling cross country full suspension bike around. No questions asked. The bike I rode came with V-brakes, I only ride disc. Came with rapid fire shifters, I prefer gripshift. Only had 80 mills of front travel with the manitou shock, I prefer the 100 mill lefty, and when I finished my ride I noticed none of the above because the ride was so damn sweet I could do nothing but grin and giggle.
20 miles of single track in Northeastern Utah known as "Can You Moo" I tried to get the bike to do what they said it would not do, and not do what they said it would do. Epic won and I got beat. Unbelievable!
After finishing the ride my rep Byron looked over to me and asked "So what did you think?". Still laughing I responded,
Order me up the S-works frame NOW, this is the bike I want for the 24 hours of Moab next year. I just got the frame, will be building it up soon, and yes I will be riding it next year in the 24 hours of Moab race. My team placed 3rd this year and I had the second fastest lap. I guess come October 2003 I will know what the Epic is capable of.
As far as all the reviews from the mags. Stop comparing this bike to hardtails. If a pound or two on the bike is what is hindering you from hauling A$$, then maybe you need to look at your A$$. This bike at 24 to 25 pounds is quicker and more fun to ride than any 22 pound hardtail on the planet. Yeah hardtails are for purists, but so are toaster ovens and typewriters. As for me... I have a microwave, computer system, and an Specialized Epic which will stomp all over your a$$ hammering trackless hardtail.
"t-boy"
1985 BMX World Champion | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Robenne
a Cross Country Rider
from Holiday
Date Reviewed: January 12, 2003 | | Favorite Trail: | All of them | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | UBC of Tampa | | Strengths: | Veiw previous review. | | Weaknesses: | Rear brakes. | | Similar Products Used: | View previous review. | | Bike Setup: | View previous review. | | Bottom Line: | It’s been two months since my last review and I feel it is time to update you on what I think about the EPIC. This bike is a sweet a$$ ride. It’s fast, solid, and climbs like a Billy Goat on steroids. I’ve put this bike through some tuff a$$ riding, with no mercy or worries about scratching it, denting it, or dinking it, and this bike kicks butt. It has done some down hill screaming in Tennessee and Virginia; as well as a number of technical, smoking single track rides in Florida. As for the a$$ clowns that keep comparing the weight of this bike to a hard tail, Hello, it’s a full suspension and is listed as such. I’ve experienced chain suck twice. Once when I first bought the bike, the second time when I was axle deep in mud (last weekend) and guess what, so was every one else, even the guys on the Cannondales. I have had bad luck with the rear brakes and this would be the only complaint that I have. Buy the entry level Epic and upgrade it as needed. Unless of course, you can afford the best at the get go! I will be upgrading to disc brakes and a 15 degree stem soon. I'm still giving it 5 Flamin' Chilis, even though I've had problems with the rear brakes because overall the bike kicks butt. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jarod
a Racer
from Houston
Date Reviewed: December 30, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Memorial Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Barn | | Strengths: | Flashy looks, eye catcher, easily available | | Weaknesses: | Price, weight, how many times can "specialized" be put on a frame? | | Similar Products Used: | FSR, SC superlight, SC Blur, Klein Palomino | | Bike Setup: | Stock setup straight ffrom shop, price is so high couln't swing any upgrades to make it lighter. | | Bottom Line: | Hmmmm? I've notice that a lot of the negative reviews on this bike are being taken of this site. So I decided to put my 2cents in. I'm sure this one won't stay up for long. Obviously MTBR has a close relationship with specialized. look, this bike is for only a certain type of rider. If you like a bike that is plush, has a lot of travel and climbs great, look elsewhere. I purchased this bike on impulse and have suffered ever since. The bike has no defects, but it is not an enjoyable ride. after an hour in the saddle I can't wait to get off this bike, it is more uncomfortable than my hardtail. The bike does work like advertised but the part spec is sub par and unlike other heavier FS bikes , you can "feel" the weight on this bike. Make sure you tst ride over and over before you purchase one. Believe me, you won't have a problem finding a shop that has one in stock.
P.S. ask the shop guys if any of them own one. Hmmmm...? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: December 28, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Otero Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | not gonna | | Strengths: | the concept behind the bike | | Weaknesses: | not actually getting the concept right | | Similar Products Used: | FSR's, Rocket 88's, and a Superlight | | Bottom Line: | The bottom line is that this "will" be a great bike eventually, (maybe next year? ) The idea behind the bike is great, but I don't think they should have brought this bike to production yet, cause they were not able to "realize" the idea.
It feels like the bikes rear suspension has a delayed reaction, you hit a set of stutter bumps and as soon as you adjust your body position to deal with them the suspension finally activates and then it's like your body is out of whack with what you thought your body and your bike was doing. Or when you just hit one bump in a smooth section it does nothing to deter the bump and then the suspension activates and you get that "wallow" after feeling for a sec till it stops??? It was weird.
In the end I have to say that besides a select few racers I don't know why anyone would really need this bike? The ONLY time a hardtail is better than a dulie in a race is when your sprinting/standing, that's it! And in my opinion IF that is sooo important to you than a bar lock out is a more sensible solution. By auto locking out the rear shock you loose the benifits of traction and lessening the amount of fatigue on your body. And even though they call it the "brain" it isn't smart enough to know to engage the suspension BEFORE the bumps start. :)
I think that for 99.9% of riders the S-works or stumpjumper FSR is a way better choice. it's lighter, Waaaaaay cheaper and a better value, it makes a great race bike or a great trail bike, and you can get a remote lock out for the rear shock if that is important too you...
I can't give it a hight value rating because of the cost, and due to the fact that the rest of the family of FSR's are such a better value, and I can't give it that hight of an overall rating cause I think untill you can adjust the way the brain works in more detail that the concept is not yet realized... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben Dover
a Racer
from San Francisco,CA , U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: December 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | All in Frisco | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo ( used ) | | Strengths: | Its aluminum,paint( red paint)it fits my personality,nice rainbow strips, and the tires hug the road( not the trail ) like a dream. | | Weaknesses: | On my first ride out on a beautiful, rainy Sunday morrning, I delivered my first pizza and man-o-man, it was a mess! Pizza all over me and greese, ewwwwwwww, yuck ! The shock exploded all over my wet, chiseled body.O JOY, it was a giant mess. The handle bars were so slippery, so very slippery, yes i mean slippery. And finaly the seat, man the SEAT, it was so rough on the skin, it gave me a big rash. I had to bike down to the local market and buy rash powder, and this handsome asian boy help me, i mean.......... yea thats it the bike was a big dessaster | | Similar Products Used: | Pacific MTB, Sationary Bike, snowboard, tri-cycle, and AB Master | | Bike Setup: | stock, but with a gel padded seat and none slip grips | | Bottom Line: | This bike is not made for the rigorous and sometimes traitorous pizza deliveries in the tough hills of San Fancisco | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jean-Marc Barbeau
a Cross Country Rider
from Surrey, UK
Date Reviewed: December 23, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Leith Hill | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Evans Cycles | | Strengths: | Responsive, good energy transfer, no sag or bob. Feels like a hardtail but soaks bumps and drops as good as any short/medium travel FSR. | | Weaknesses: | None, this performs as hyped for a cross-country and trail bike. | | Similar Products Used: | There aren’t any other products that are close. This is a new Genre. | | Bike Setup: | Standard. 2 Test rides (1 x 4hr Enduro, & 1 x 2hr general hack) | | Bottom Line: | This is the next phase of evolution in X-country mountain biking and trail riding. For those of you complaining about weight, buy a higher spec or look at your fat gut and lose a few pounds there. As for those of you that say it’s not plush enough THIS IS NOT A FREERIDE OR DOWNHILL BIKE. If you need to ride a freeride bike to handle single track then improve your riding skills or look elsewhere. As an S-works this bike can weigh sub 24lbs, and the extra 2 odd pound premium in weight will be more than saved by energy efficiency over rough terrain and faster descending.
This bike is fast; it allows you to keep maximum speed over all terrain conditions with the exception of massive drops and boulders (but that’s DH or freeride territory). You can’t help but ride fast and hard on this bike as it inspires confidence and begs you to let go of the reins. The bike grips in the corners, is nimble on descents, and yes it climbs like a goat.
On the day that we had a general hack, I launched the bike off some 6-foot drops, jumped it over 12 foot jumps and not once did the rear shock bottom out. The bike soaked the landings beautifully and the travel was well used.
I weight 162 pounds and am 1.76m tall so this bike was ideal for me. If you are considerably heavier adjust the shock properly and test ride it to make sure it’s right for you.
I’m not saying this is the perfect x-country machine, but it is as good as it gets at the moment, my order is in for the Marathon.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jared
a Weekend Warrior
from Chanhassen
Date Reviewed: December 18, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | the farm | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | I am a big specialized fan and trust their products. The specialized dealer helped set the bike up just right for me. | | Weaknesses: | I was very excited and looking forward to trying and maybe buying this bike and was very disapointed. Too much hype?It did not seem any more efficient than other four bars, very hard to bunny hop, I would rather have the suspension working all the time or be able to personally turn it on and off. It was a very uninspired ride. Not lively. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized FSR's, Rocky mountain RM6,Klein Mantra, Amp B4. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Ride before you buy. This may be the bike for you but it is not for me. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott pennell
a Racer
from portland
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | all | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | lakesidebicycle | | Strengths: | start the new year with technology look at mountain bike action january bike show las vegas buy what you want their all out their they have come and gone | | Weaknesses: | people say the weight my s-work large was 6 and some lb you what light get and AMP who was the finding man behind it all Horst Leitner | | Similar Products Used: | Dagger with AMP rear end was nice in it time Sant Crus Heckler PLUSH Race for two season 00Specilize FSR-Sworks the BEST I,m 47 full suspension save your body | | Bike Setup: | S-work frame- 2002 full XTR $600 the new xtr is nice so is the price when the cranks are $450 -fork off my fsr with lock out -wheels Mavic crossmax off the fsr and all the other good stuff that my lovly wife pilar let me buy and the frame is red and so is the fork it is a racing bike and red turns heads | | Bottom Line: | As all the other riders say it is a true it fast it climb it goes down it is for racing it is not a play bike it is not plush as the 2000 fsr mine weight is 25lb take off the michelin and add hutchinson 24 and a half can,t waiting for next years racing going to have a ball Dec 17 2002 maybe Santa will bring you one if you have been nice I was Happy New Year it will be on a EPIC | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Eddie
a
from Boone, NC
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Iron Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Most efficient bike ever, great geometry, good looks | | Weaknesses: | Slightly funky flex in curves | | Bike Setup: | Stock with different tires, 8-speeds, and a thumbshifter for the rear | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. I was extremely skeptical until I got to ride a demo in late summer. I ordered one the next day. You've heard all the good things about it. The only unmentioned drawback is the rear end's weird flex. Because the shock is only on one side, it flexes in strange ways as you go around bumpy curves at speed. Specialized minimized the problem by stiffening the rear linkage, but I still notice it. That's the only complaint I have, though. The weight issue is not really an issue to me, since the frame is almost as light as most on the market. At least I know it's not likely to break on me. If you want to count grams, buy a road bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Roy Cozmic Coyote
a Racer
from Apache Junction, Arizona
Date Reviewed: December 17, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Thunder Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo Bicycle Store, Chandler Az | | Strengths: | Climbing in or out of the saddle is a breeze, i ride the small frame and its quick and nimble in the twisting rocky single trac here in the Arizona desert, and still has the wheelbase to make it a great decender | | Weaknesses: | the seat sucked on my team, i Xchanged it for a Flite Titanium, an the handle bars were to wide an to flat, we do alot of rocky twisting decends so for a more upright position i changed to a 2" rise Answer that is just a tad lighter, the small frame doesnt have a water bottle boss on the seat tube the larger frames do, Specialized claims there was "NO ROOM" on the small frame, i disagree a side pull cage would be ideal on the small frame | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel owner, Ellsworth[test ride] | | Bike Setup: | my Epic is the "industrial black" team frame totally XTR, Flite Titanium seat, Answer 2" riser bars, Shimano 959 pedals, Specialized S Works "X" tires on Mavic's | | Bottom Line: | I put on the first professional mountain bike races in Arizona back in teh late 1980'a the 1987 The State Championship was a first for Arizona, and started the state wide race series as ORBA = off-road bicyclist of arizona it's known today as MBAA, mountain bike association of arizona so ive seen all the racers come an go the first Champion "Joe Breeze", the "King of the Mountain" Ned Overend, Mac Attack John Tomac, the Gentle Man David "Tinker" Juarez, "Suzie Q" Susan DeMatte Wiens, her hubbie David Weins, an seen all the products come an go, an all the innovations from 1983 till 2003 ive owned an still own alot of bikes including a BIO PACE equipted Schwinn, and a Schwinn Paramountain "Ned Overend" Signature Model that still is a awesome climber now 20 years later BUT this Specialized Epic XTR equipted bike is the biggest thing since rock shox, i cant believe how this bike hammers up hills then decends them with ease, rocky, water ruts, sand, snappy turns, rolling single trac with big hits that would send me off the seat with "rear shock recoil" on other F-S bikes but the Epic doesnt have a rebund in the butt, on my very first ride i took my Epic to my favorite local trail called Thunder Mountain or by the younger crowd "Hawes Trail" my new Epic kept me VERBALIZING i just kept cheering with delight, as for chain suck come on kids thats a set up problem not a manufactur problem, as for broken frames, every maker has broken frames, but they'll all brake when they fall down a cliff or out of the back of a pickup at 80 mph then claim it "just broke" | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ben
a Racer
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: December 6, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Centennial Park/Shuniah Mines in Thunder Bay, Ontario | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Superior North Outdoor Center | | Strengths: | Works as promised, which is extremely well. Geometry is great too. Fast, fast, fast. | | Weaknesses: | A bit heavy, but the tradeoff in efficiency is definitely worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper (hardtail and fsr), Enduro expert | | Bike Setup: | Stock right now, but not for long. | | Bottom Line: | If you ride or race xc, this is the bike for you. Specialized calls it the holy grail. Amen. If you read the Mountain Bike test of it, you will know they didn't like it. That was a dissapointing article, because this is a sweet bike. It seems that the people who complain about the whole Brain thing are the people who have only ridden it for an hour or so. The people I know who own and have spent more time on the Epic love it. This bike is awesome. Buy it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Scott
a Racer
from Portland, Oregon, USA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Washington Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Kissler's (cheapest place in town) | | Strengths: | Bike Weight, Adjustability of Manitou fork (rebound, lock out threshold, and preload all external) and ride of the bike. | | Weaknesses: | Price is my only complaint, but it is a new product so give it a few years and the price will come down. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, Santa Cruz, Cove, Cannondale. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except I added hayes hydro brakes. | | Bottom Line: | It depends on how you ride and who you ride with. This bike begs to be ridden hard. I have nicknamed the EPIC the "working mans" full suspension bike. It is light (not as light) like the old Stumpjumers yet performs and takes abuse (won't take the really big hits) like a an Enduro. A sweet ride, but will make your pocket book a little lighter for a while. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Weekend Warrior
from Memphis
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Stanky Creek | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4200.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS frame, Parts online | | Strengths: | Best looking bike I have seen in a while. Works well enough that I don't notice it working (thats how I know its doing a good job). Pedals like a rocket, handles great. | | Weaknesses: | Rear shock mount placement won't allow anything bigger then a 6 inch disc rotor. S-works has a black linkage with silver paint job, all other models have a silver linkage with every other color of paint job....coulda made it match LOL. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized S-works 2001 FSR, Ross Mt. Ranier hardtail | | Bike Setup: | S-works M5 frame (Dream Silver), Chris King Headset & Spacers(blue), Crossmax tubeless Disc, Michelin Comp S tubeless, Hellbent DH riser(blue), Titec Carbon 100 bar ends, Syntace Screw-on Moto grips(blue), Thomson Stem and seatpost(silver), Tioga Multi-control Saddle, Race Face signiture Ti Bottom Bracket, Race Face Next Lp Crankset(blue), Sram PC-99 Chain, Sram X.O rear Derailluer, Sram 9.0 Shorty shifters, XTR Front Derailluer, XTR Ti Cassette, Avid Mag Brake Levers, Avid 2003 Mechanical Disc Brakes 8" front rotor 6" rear rotor, Avid Full Metal Jacket Brake line system, Gore Ride-on shifter cable system, Easton Flatboy Cully Pedals, 2001 Sid SL front Shock. | | Bottom Line: | Ok, I saw the Epic for the first time online when it debuted at the end of May and I didn't believe it worked until I saw the video clip they had on the site demostrating the new rear shock. After that I was sold. The following day I went into my LBS and was hanging around talking to the guys...the owner showed up and I commmented on the Epic. He asked me if I seriously wanted to buy one and I told him yeah. He sent in the order and the next time he saw me he said that Specialized told him I was the first person in the USA to order one. I ordered an S-works frame only. It took way too long to get here, they got the stock bikes before my frame showed up...I was mildly ticked. Anyway, the bike is spect'd to my liking and for no other reason. I picked out the parts I felt were the coolest or in some cases just happened to be Blue (which is my favorite color) and goes great with Silver. The only part that doesn't go on the bike is the Sid SL, I took it off my 2001 FSR because the shock I want (Fox Forx Float Talas) isn't available yet. As it stands my bike weighs in at 28.5 lbs. Now I hear all these people complaining about the weight...I'm by no means a racer, nor am I in the best physical shape of my life, but I love to bike. I took the Epic out on my favorite trail and other then the fact that it was cold as hell and the weather beat me to a pulp, I had a great ride. I didn't feel the weigh difference between the Epic and my 2001 S-works FSR which weighs 24 LBs. The bike shovels like a rocket. I didn't see that big a difference in the comfort level between the Epic and my 2001 S-works FSR that other people are talking about. It seemed pretty nice to me, but then I might not be as qualified as some other people, I was concentraiting on riding the trail and all....I could lighten the bike up very easily by switching to clipless pedals and a monkeylite SL riser I have, which would drop about 3 lbs I think. I built this bike to enjoy myself, not to fill any profile or stereo type. The guys at my LBS laughed when we weighed the bike. Hey you know what? I don't care what everyone else thinks, it still rides great and looks killer. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from Winston-Salem, NC USA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Hobby Park | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Paul's Cycling & Fitness - Winston-Salem, NC 336-777-1002 | | Strengths: | Climbs great, Rear Suspension (Brain) functions easily & effectively. Just over 26 pounds - great for a full-suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Not enough people have them out on the trail yet. GO OUT AND BUY ONE! ! | | Bike Setup: | Purchased standard FSR base model and added my exsisting XTR components and CrossMax tubeless wheels. Also use standard wheels with 1.7's for Cyclo-Cross backup Bike | | Bottom Line: | The Epic acts just like a hardtail unitll you encounter some rough stuff; you don't even feel the roots & bumps, then the BRAIN locks back out. I don't see an issue with bobing like other full-suspension bikes. I didn't have a problem setting up the rear suspension, I just followed the instructions. Specialized has sent out some new guidelines - go visit your local shop/mechanic. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: December 5, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Rear suspension, low standover height, clean looks | | Weaknesses: | So-so fork | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR, many hardtails | | Bike Setup: | mostly stock | | Bottom Line: | Bike pretty much works as promised, but it took some getting used to. I came off an older Stump FSR, so was accustomed to a 4-bar bike. The Epic is pretty much a hardtail til the first bump, when it suddenly turns into the FSR I've always liked. Kind of a weird sensation the first few times riding it.
Also, getting the air pressure and rebound on the rear shock dialed-in took some fiddling. I recently found out that Specialized has an additional owner's manual for Epics. I downloaded the PDF, which was helpful.
Now, it's all systems go. When it's smooth, the bike feels tight, efficient and responsive. At the first and every bump, it's a dualie. No lockout levers, no worries. I dig it. If you're looking for a versatile xc bike, I'd suggest checking this out.
If you're into the freeride bonanza, look elsewhere. This is a short/medium travel xc bike; not a superplush quasi-DH rig.
Very weight conscious hardtail fanatics aren't going to be thrilled by the bike's weight. But, a bunch can be shaved by swapping out parts.
Speaking of parts, there are a few on the bike that I'm not too thrilled about, but I'll deal with that as things wear out. Maybe Santa will kick down a set of CrossMax wheels (hint, hint!).
Have fun, and support your local bike shop!
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Hugo Marcos
a Cross Country Rider
from Lisbon, Portugal
Date Reviewed: December 4, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | The frame is very stiffy for a full suspension bike. You have to spend some time tuning up the fox. You may sprint or force the fox down, but if he do not get a impulse from the ground, you will not get any luky. | | Weaknesses: | If the fox isn't on the right pressure, you will get a wrong ideia off it. Just buy the frame and tune the bike light. Important: This is a cross country bike! Not a normal free-ride frame. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant XTC-NRS team | | Bike Setup: | Marzocchi Marathon Sl, Mavic Cross Max, Shimano XTR's, and on-off carbon-line components.. | | Bottom Line: | This bike is to a very restricted group of riders that want a full suspension bike for cross country. It uses hight technology and it deserves any euro you pay! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dave
a Cross Country Rider
from Northridge
Date Reviewed: December 2, 2002 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | Overall performance is very strong. So far everything functions perfectly. The stock wheelset is very light, and after 3 months of hard riding, front and rear are both as true as the day I brought the bike home. I'm very pleased. | | Weaknesses: | The saddle from Hell!!! On rides longer than about an hour my ass takes two days to recover! I think it's too narrow, because it is adjusted correctly. | | Bike Setup: | Stock- but I'm just about to throw the saddle into the fricking ocean! So I'm in the market for a new seat. | | Bottom Line: | I don't know where the comments about the major mechanical failures are coming from. I have had nothing but solid reliable performance from this machine. I also believe the weight factor is a non-issue. If you feel the need to shave grams from a bike like this, go for it! I think it is more than likely that certain people look for an excuses to get the the latest and lightest components available, as my daughter puts it... WHATEVER!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jmyster
a
from New Jersey
Date Reviewed: December 1, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Chimney rock | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2100.00 | | Purchased At: | Marty's Reliable Cycle | | Strengths: | Just plain easy to ride. rear suspension obviously. not a bad seat either. It is nice to have a lock out on the fork. nice treads on the tires. | | Weaknesses: | Weird bars. they are huge i had to get them cut. i don't really like the manitou skareb. a little too far spread out | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stump Jumper FSRxc | | Bottom Line: | BUY IT! it is fukin amazing!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Liz Dower
a Weekend Warrior
from Manchester
Date Reviewed: November 26, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Rivington Pike | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Purchased At: | Harry Halls Cycles | | Strengths: | Laterally stiff, great on the climbs - no tendancy to wheely on the steep stuff, sharp handling (with my 55mm stem on it) | | Weaknesses: | Forks and breaks | | Similar Products Used: | none | | Bike Setup: | stock M4 epic | | Bottom Line: | I am used to a hard-tail rockhopper with XT-v breaks and bomber Z1 Dropoffs, so the avid speed dial 3 and manitou scarab fork came as a bit of a shock. The breaks were POOR, and I didn't have the confidence in them to really nail the bike. THe forks were too stiff for my taste - i don't think they suited the frame that well - the frame took out quite alot of hits, but the forks didn't seem to move (but compared to bombers, what can you say?!)
The frame was good compared to my hardtail, good lateral stiffness and just enough travel to take out the big stuff. For my taste i would prefer a slacker head angle and a slightly heavier duty frame - more of a light freeride version would be good - i was worried about snapping the rear triangle.
So basically, all the benifites of a hardtail with the comfort of a full susser. Don't buy the stock build, just get the frame and add your own components - this would be nice with some Z1 Freerides and Hope mini's. Its not actually all that hard to set up the rear end - a couple of bunny hops and some curbs did it for me. Maybe not worth £1500, due to poor components, but overall not a bad idea. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
JOE
a Cross Country Rider
from ORANGE COUNTY CA
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | OLD CAMP | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | CLIMBING,FIRE ROADS, CORNERING, DOWNHILL, EVERYTHING | | Weaknesses: | WEIGHT IF YOU DON'T UPGRADE PARTS | | Similar Products Used: | NRS,IDRIVE,STP,SANTA CRUZ,PRETTY MUCH EVERY BIKE POSSIBLE | | Bike Setup: | FULL 2003 XTR GROUPO,2003 CROSS MAX,SIDS,EASTON,THOMSON | | Bottom Line: | I'VE RIDDEN ALOT OF BIKES IN MY TIME, BUT NOTHING COMES CLOSE TO THE RIDE OF THE EPIC. I HAD THE LUXURY OF HAVING THE BIKE BEFORE ANYBODY NEW WHAT IT WAS. AT FIRST I DIDN'T LIKE IT BECAUSE I HAD THE REAR SHOCK SET UP WAY OFF. I WEIGH 160 AND HAD ABOUT 110PSI IN THE SHOCK. I HAD FINALLY GOTTEN DETAILS OF HOW TO SET THE SHOCK UP, AND WHAT A DIFFERENCE WITH ONLY 80PSI. THE BIKE DESCENDS AWESOME AND IS COMPLETELY PREDICTABLE. IT CLIMBS LIKE A GOAT AND RIPS ON THE FLATS LIKE A HARDTAIL. THE ONLY WEAKNESS IS WEIGHT. BEFORE MY UPGRADES MY BIKE WEIGHED IN AT 28.9IB FOR A MEDIUM. NOW I GOT IT TO 24.5 WITH SOME AWESOME UPGRADES. I HIGHLY RECOMMEMD 2003 XTR, AND 2003 CROSS MAX. I ALSO RODE A BLUR WHICH I THOUGHT WAS HORRIBLE. VPP WENT AWAY FOR A REASON AND SHOULD STAY THAT WAY. EPIC IS "THE HOLY GRAIL". FREERIDERS NEED NOT APPLY. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
scott Roberts
a Cross Country Rider
from wilmington, de
Date Reviewed: November 25, 2002 | | Favorite Trail: | Fair Hill, MD | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1899.00 | | Purchased At: | wooden wheels | | Strengths: | New suspension design (BRAIN). Manitou Skareb Fork. A great new full suspension design with the efficency of a hardtail when needed. Shimano drivetrain and nice Strongarm cranks. Awesome Specilaized seat. | | Weaknesses: | Shimano M515 clipless pedals(need to upgrade). | | Similar Products Used: | Hardrock, Trek 8000. | | Bike Setup: | Manitou Skareb front fork, shimano drivetrain, X221 mavic rims, Avid v-brakes, Specialized Strong Arm Crankset. New Fox Brain rear suspension | | Bottom Line: | This bike does exactly as they claim: It is a hardtail unitll it hits some rough stuff and then it locks back out when the terrain is less rugged. I don't see what the complaint is about weight, mine weighs about 27 pounds and it climbs very well. I don't see an issue with bobing either, the bike seems fast and smooth. I didn't have a problem setting up the rear suspension, I just followed the instructions. I got a great deal on this bike too. The new suspension design will come under some controversy but this is the type of full suspension bike I was looking for since I love the feel of my hardtail when I'm riding on less rugges terrain. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
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