Submitted by
Clint
a Weekend Warrior
from Union City Ca USA Date Reviewed: October 1, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Alameda Creeks Trails and all it's connected to.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1100.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Looks. Best of dualie and hardtail worlds.
Weaknesses:
Some LX Components. Wish the wheels came disc brakes ready.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Salsa stem, WTB saddle and I switched the Avid SD-5's for some BB7's, which in turn required that I switch out the Mavic X225 for some EN321's with XT hubs on both.
Bottom Line:
Coming from a family of downhillers, My brothers all scoffed and made fun of me when they learned I was gonna buy an XC bike. As a former BMX-er, I needed to have something that LOOKED like a bike. The alternatives were just too funky. Well, sinced I've brought it home they've tried it on their descents and everybody know what? The only bad comment they had were that they didn't like all the reflectors. LOL. In conclusion. GREAT BIKE.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
karlsarch
a Weekend Warrior
from Highlands Ranch, CO, USA Date Reviewed: August 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Alderfer/3 Sisters (at the moment; Moab Slick Rock too)
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Westside Cyclery (La
Strengths:
Super-efficient - every pedal stroke propels you forward. The brain shock really works. Very responsive handling. Agressive geometry, but comfortable for 2+ hours of hard riding.
Weaknesses:
Stock tires are a little slippy in sandy turns - could be a bit more burly on the edges of the tread.
Similar Products Used:
demo'd Giant Trance, Stumpjumper, Gary Fisher G2
Bike Setup:
stock, medium frame
Bottom Line:
I love this bike! I find myself "in the groove" more often and getting that second wind on extended climbs. After coming from an entry-level (heavy) full suspension Giant bike, the difference is night and day. This is a climbers' dream, and it still has enough substance to feel confident on the down. For me, it came down to the choice between the Epic and the Stumpy. The Stumpjumper definitely has a more plush "roll over everything" feel than the Epic, but for the price point I couldn't get the brain on the Stumpjumper. Ultimately, the responsiveness + the brain made this the right choice for me. I got a great price at the Bike shop, probably because they had information that the redesigned 2009 Epic is right around the corner. The bike stock is about 26.5 lbs. but due to its wonderful efficiency it just zips.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
kohook1
a Cross Country Rider
from Claremont, CA USA Date Reviewed: June 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Claremont Wilderness Park
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1125.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
It's an XC bike but it's solidly built. The frame has gussets for strength and the front wheel is laced 3-cross.
The rear suspension super efficient and the Brain Fade shock really works. You can pump uphill and the rear won't move at all until you hit a bump.
The Shimano XT/XTR drivetrain is perfect for an XC bike like this.
Weaknesses:
It's heavy for an XC bike, but that's the price you pay for strength.
There's no remote lockout on the fork. You have to reach down to the knob on the crown if you want to lock it out. That gets annoying. You can't easily adjust the clearance between the brake rotor and the pads.
Similar Products Used:
2001 Schwinn Moab 2, Giant MCM SE1 Team.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for the saddle, which I swapped with an old Fizik Nisene, and the rear tire, which was a Continental Vertical Pro 2.3 when I got the bike.
Bottom Line:
If you're used to the efficiency of a hardtail but want the versatility of a full suspension bike, the Epic Comp will suit you well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JF Bérubé
a Cross Country Rider
from Welland ON CAN Date Reviewed: December 24, 2007
stock except - cran bro candy c pedals - bont. revolt super x tires
Bottom Line:
At 28.5 pounds for a medium, the 2006 Epic comp is on the heavy side for todays' strandards (end of 2007). That weight seems to melt away when you're riding thanks to its incredible efficiency.
What makes the Epic so great is its geometry combined with its rear suspension. In my opinion, if xc is your thing, the Epic's rear suspension is quite simply the best on the market. Period. It's ridiculously efficient:
- It works as advertised. You will not lose one iota of energy through unwanted rear suspension bobbing.
- As of today (2008 bikes are out), FSR w/ brain is still the only truly 'bobless' rear suspension on the market. Others will only achieve somewhat similar results through 'pedaling platform' knobs that you need to reach on the fly (sometimes impossible), which is only ok if you're not in a rush. On the Epic, the Brain takes care of this for you so there's no need to reach for a little lever or knob. If you read lots of reviews you will notice that even for the most expensive fs bikes out there bobbing will be mentioned (subtly or not) one way or the other.
- The transition between active suspension and 'no suspension' used to be somewhat sketchy. Since the Brain Fade was introduced, the transition is actually quite smooth and the suspension opens up instantly. The new version of the Brain, the 2008 Flow Control Brain, is said to make that transition seamless.
- The suspension is reliable. Actually, the whole bike is pretty tough. No problem there (I'm sure that you heard of other bike's rear suspension parts that need to be changed regularly, especially pivots).
Keep in mind that the Epic is a xc bike. It's got a xc geometry. It's built for speed. It begs to be hammered in xc trails. This one will be hard to beat. It's definitively worth the investment. It's worth upgrading.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Milo
a
from Wild Wild South West England Date Reviewed: December 10, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Leki, Cleeve, Afan, etc etc
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1600.00
Purchased At:
privately
Strengths:
climbs like a goat, looks the DB's, sharper steering, good components etc
Hope Hoops, Bontrager Mud X tyres, Race Face carbon seat pin, Yeti jelly grips, XTR cassette, SRAM X0 chain
Bottom Line:
I moved from a light HT to a Stumpy FSR and found it very hard to ride. Couldn't get the power down, felt too comfy, and too high on the bike due to BB and crank being elevated. Descents worried me becuase I did not feel connected and could not easy dab if needed etc. LBS were useless so I read up (a lot!) and test rode an Epic. Loved it. Went out and bought one, instantly felt more like my hardtail but still softened up on the descents, I am more connected, can get the power down easier and now ride towards the front on single track and XC rather than struggling to keep up. Not saying this is going to make you a faster rider, but it does help you ride more effectively and efficently. Not done more than a 2 hr ride so need to get out and give it some more.
So far I can thoroughly recomend it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Kenny Mac
a Cross Country Rider
from Canada B C Date Reviewed: October 18, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Recycle
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Purchased At:
Corsa Cycles
Strengths:
Fast and durable,I'm 190 and I put on ton of klms a season and there not easy ones and all I've ever done is crack the chainstay,but this was after a couple years of hammering on it so don't let that be a deterent.
Weaknesses:
I don't know why but it loves brake pads,but I still would'nt trade the power and modulation for anything,they are the deore hydraulics absolutely flawless performance.I would say keep a spare set with you just in case .
Similar Products Used:
Giant Trance-soft by comparrison(but comfy) Rocky etxs70-similar feel
Bike Setup:
Don't want to bore you(love the xtr rear D)
Bottom Line:
Looking for a fast machine that will soak up alot and keep a good line look no further I love mine and would'nt trade it for anything but a newer version.I've even slicked it up and held my own with roadies on a few charity rides.I do have to get the rear shock rebuilt soon but it has been well over 3 yrs of year round riding so I can't blame it.Fox let me down rebuilding the original float 100 saying a part was backordered for way to long,my shop Corsa Cycles came through for me huge keeping me on good rides while the shock was being delt with.I finally had to by a new at a sale price to get my machine back under me.If this bike is on your short list go for it I"m sure you'll love it too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Uncle_Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Ottawa, Ontario Date Reviewed: September 24, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pwrline
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
T&L
Strengths:
Extremely efficient, very durable, fast, parts readily available!
Weaknesses:
Tempted to ride as a trailbike
Similar Products Used:
Blur Classic, Intense Tracer, Specialized SJ, Opus Stakh I, etc.
Bike Setup:
2006 Epic Comp frame, overhauled with pro level parts
Bottom Line:
Built up a Blur to race the 2006 Transrockies. After a couple thousand km's of dirt road training the towntube buckled going over a sharp dip in a trail. While the LBS fumbled with the warrenty issue for weeks, with the race quickly approaching I needed something fast. Saw the Epic in another shop's showroom and impulsively bought it. Having other "boutique" bikes, I understand the benefits of more common brands, but was skeptical about riding a race bike like this in a grueling 7 day race, weighing around 200 lbs. The bike was amazing! Hours of climbing per day and blistering rocky downhills. Not only did it handle very well, but it was very tough. Preferred to run it was the Brainfade set to soft. When I returned home and built it back up with the original parts, it was like new. I was planning on getting rid of it after the race, but now it has earned a long term spot in my stable. Worth noting that it is the first fs bike that I've owned that didn't snap shock or pivot bolts (SJ, Intense EVP 5.5, Tracer, etc.). Also did a 24 hour lap to lap comparison of the Intense 5.5 (set up to weigh the same) and the Epic - yeah, the Epic was faster on flowing singletrack. I am convinced that there is no better XC bike out there. You may be able to find lighter, or make some preference call, but overall this is truely an excellent bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Racer
from Knoxville, TN, USA Date Reviewed: July 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Goosebury Mesa, UT
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1675.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
the advantages of a hardtail and the advantages of dual suspension all in one, great climber, good descender too, can hammer out of the saddle, no bob
Weaknesses:
heavy cassette, hubs, stem, seatpost, handlebar- but they are sturdy and will last awhile, no terralogic fork
Similar Products Used:
Giant XTC se2, Specialized stumpjumper expert 120
Bike Setup:
thomson seatpost, stan's wheels with American Classic hubs, fast trak tires, ritchey stem and handlebar, xtr cassette
Bottom Line:
This is an amazing race bike i would go as far to say the best ever, maybe the bike is a little heavy but it makes up for it with solid climbing and descending. Being able to hammer on my mountain bike is amazing feeling, i feel like all of a sudden i'm on my road bike out of the trails. I would reccomend this to any racer or any one who finds themselves doing long rides without to many stunts. I came from a stumpjumper 120 so the comparing the two i can take turns much faster and climb a lost faster because of the epic's geometry and brain shock, descending you have to pick better lines but the epic descends suprisingly well compared to when i was on the stumpjumper where really i could just plow over stuff.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Eric
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder, CO, USA Date Reviewed: July 9, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
University Cycles
Strengths:
decent components, light for the price, great suspension for an XC bike.
Weaknesses:
cassette, pedals, tires are OK
Similar Products Used:
Gary Fisher HiFi Deluxe, GT i-Drive, Giant Anthem, Stumpjumper Comp, Kona Kikapu, Santa Cruz Superlight
Bike Setup:
Stock, except XT cassette, Crank Bros pedals
Bottom Line:
Like everyone else here, I love the bike. I have been riding hardtails for almost 20 years and had started out this purchase thinking I was going to get another one. After riding a few other dual sussers, I was pretty sure I was going to get a hardtail. The guy at the shop talked me into a test ride and I was hooked.
It's the closest thing to a hardtail when you want it to be, but opens up well. Granted, I do not have much previous experience with full suspension, but even the difference on a short dirt trail test ride is huge.
With the change in pedals and cassette, my LARGE weighs in at 27.75 lbs. Not too bad for the ability to stay seated over so much of what I used to have to stand over. Then there's the forgiveness on choosing the wrong line! On a hardtail, I'd be toast. This eats up all the small and middle sized stuff. The bike seems to lighten up the second you hit the trail.
Who should buy it? Anyone looking at a XC bike (hardtail or full susser). The weight isn't that bike of a deal, especially after your first downhill (if you are used to a hardtail).
Who shouldn't buy it? Freeriders, downhillers, urban chuckers, heavy hitting all mountain riders (might be OK, though more travel would be better for the extra abuse).
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gflash
a
from Waipahu, HI Date Reviewed: April 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Whatever I am currently riding
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Strengths:
Excellent power transfer, ruthless uphill climber, very well balanced downhill tham most would think given its XC racer iamge, excellent acceleration and balance. Very good core components given its price (frame, shocks and Fork, brakes, shifters/derailleurs).
Weaknesses:
A bit heavy considering its XC racer image. Easily fixed with a few upgrades
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale F300 hardtail
Bike Setup:
Stock, except tires (replaced Specialized Fast Trak with Geax Sturdy)
Bottom Line:
I was originally considering the FSR XC but the Epic frame fit me the best. I was a little concerned at first that this was too much of a race bike to be a all-arounder trail bike. But the frame and component tweaks that Specialized has made to the Epic since 2006 has made it a better all-around bike (although don't use an Epic to downhill race). To everyone who says its strictly a race only bike, go ride an '07 one before making that assumption. Previous assumptions based on the Epics initial pre-2006 racer-only geometry.
The Epic has excellent power transfer, especially uphill. This bike has gotten me up inclines that I had to walk up on my hardtail. I was expecting it to be a bit twitchy on descents but it was pretty well balanced, a lot better going down than my F300 hardtail. The Avid Juicy 5 discs are excellent.
If you are coming from a hardtail amd ride mostly XC amd singletrack, the Epic is hard to beat. The brain shock makes it hardtail firm for smoother trails or pavement while still keeping the suspension active for sudden hits and at the twist of the blue knob, you can make it dual suspension plush for rougher terrain.
But it is not a bike for those who like to bash through obstacles or terrain and like to jump off the roofs of houses. Although it can take a beating, ride it with some finesse and within its design limits. What makes the Epic fun is its maneuverability and handling anyway. If you can only bash through obstacles on XC rides and singletrack, learn some skills or get a 6"+ travel bike.
Don't be scared away by the Epic's racer image. Test ride one if you are looking for an all-around XC bike. You may be surprised.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick
a Racer
from Orange County Date Reviewed: April 23, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Climbing - brain works as advertised - no bob, feels like a hart tail. Suspension adjustability - setting the brain to trail-tune mode (soft) makes the bike super smooth on technical decents. Front fork is excellent.
Weaknesses:
Feels heavy when you pick it up (especially coming from a lighter FS and/or hardtail), but after a few rides you don't seem to notice the weight. A few select components are garbage and need to be replaced (rear hub, cassette, pedals, etc.).
Similar Products Used:
S-Works hard tail. Stumpjumper FSR XC.
Bike Setup:
Stock exepct: XT cassette, Race Face SL carbon flat bar, Thompson seatpost, upgraded Shimano pedals, Fire XC Pro tires.
Bottom Line:
Great all around bike. Capable race bike that can also hang for all-day, marathon style trail rides. The more I ride it the more I like it. Recommend swapping a few of the stock parts for better/lighter options to try and shave about a pound off (cassette, pedals, seat). Much better vale than the Epic Expert (list price of $3,100). The Expert shares all the same crappy parts mentioed above so save the ~ $700 in price difference and go with the Comp.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dustin Miles
a Cross Country Rider
from Marion, IL USA Date Reviewed: April 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Cedar Lake, LBL, MCAS New River.
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$4800.00
Purchased At:
Individual Shops
Strengths:
The No-bob suspension, seamless transition from my old K2 hardtail. I love the way it looks, and everyone is always asking me on the trail about it. It feels like i am riding train tracks through the woods, even over some nasty terrain.
Weaknesses:
It is a tad touchy to set up the rear suspension, took me about 6 months to get it set to my liking. There is about 40 clicks to the rebound damping, and the air settings are a little different to get used to.
Similar Products Used:
K2 Zed-X hardtail, Schwinn S-20
Bike Setup:
06 Epic Comp frame, Foxforx F80rlt, eggbeaters, easton ec90 carbon bars, salsa stem, hayes hfx mag plus discs, thompson seatpost, selle italia seat, pepperjacks grips, full xtr shifting, raceface next lp cranks, raceface rings, king headset, king hubs on mavic 717 rims, stan's notubes with IRC mythos xc tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike was built with my dream bike in mind. I took a cash loan out and blew every penny on this thing. It was about two months in the making by the time I got it all put together. I love this bike, i have ridden it in the mountains of colorado to the plains in the midwest, it rocks everywhere! I weighs 25 pounds, so its not too chubby. I would recommend this bike to anyone wanting a high-end rocketship! Feel free to email me with any questions you might have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jason
a Cross Country Rider
from Mill Creek, WA Date Reviewed: April 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Too many!
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
NO pedal bob, climbs like a beast, Brain Fade shock, Hydraulic Disc brakes
Fox F100 RL, Fox FloatR,Deore XTR, XT hollowset cranks, Easton EC90 Handlebar, Easton EA90 Stem, Mavic 317 Disc.
Bottom Line:
This bike is so awesome! I have been a hard tail rider (mostly Kleins) since 1988 and have never owned a full suspension bike until now. I was sooo worried about pedal bob and really never had the desire to buy one. Until I rode the EPIC comp at my local bike shop. I was very impressed with it so I started riding other full suspension bikes and kept coming back to this one for about a month. I figured it was time to buy it since I came back to it so often. It climbs like no other hardtail because of the Brain Fade and descends like a bat out of hell. I don't have to be so precise on my descents now and have improved my personal best times on my local trails by minutes rather then seconds. I was able to pick up the demo color they came out with in 2006 (green) and love it. Overall a FUN bike to ride and can't wait for the snow to melt on Devils Gulch.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pedro
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: January 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything with dirt on it
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Bike Tours San Diego
Strengths:
-very light for a full suspension -brain fade rear shock
Weaknesses:
-absolutely none!
Similar Products Used:
jamis dakar expert, gary fisher sugar
Bike Setup:
stock except for upgraded pedals
Bottom Line:
Absolutely a fantastic bike. I tested the bike over a long weekend and rode it in everything from mud/snow to sand. I'm a little over 210 lbs, but this bike made me feel like a wafer thin cyclist. It's fast, nimble, and smooth. It climbs like a hardtail, but the brain fade suspension system soaks up bumps like a full suspension should. I'd recommend this bike to anyone.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
David
a Weekend Warrior
from Chicago Date Reviewed: September 30, 2006
Favorite Trail:
mountains
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
A bike shop
Strengths:
The Fox Brain Fade is incredable, works just like it said to. Great set up, Specialized really nailed this one
Weaknesses:
Absolutly nothing, such a great bike such have a sercet servous.
Similar Products Used:
None one of a kind
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
You want a hardtail and a FS bike? Look no futher, it makes my cry just looking at...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike Gonyea
a Cross Country Rider
from Laingsburg, MI, USA Date Reviewed: September 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Central Park Bicycles
Strengths:
Works as advertised. Climbs way better than a hardtail. While it is not a downhill bike, it will handle any jump you would do on your hard tail. It decends better than I ever imagined! I have climbed hills that gave me problems on the hard tail. It just climbs like a mule due to the increased traction. Stick very well in the corners.
Weaknesses:
Seems heavy when you pick it up but you just dont notice in on the trail. The performance this bike yields, will out perform many lighter bikes. Weight just is not an issue here.
Similar Products Used:
First full sus. bike. I test rode a bunch.
Bike Setup:
Stock except for egg beaters and grips.
Bottom Line:
I got this bike on a trade. I really wanted a Stumpy FSR. Sometime you have to take what you get. I ride cross country, I like to jump and do a little urban riding. So I was worried I would not like it. This bike gets thrown into the racer XC sterotype to easy. I have jumped it to flat ground off a 3 foot dirt pile. lands like a feather! I can just preload a bit and hop over logs with little effort. Climbs like a mule. I made some rooty hills that leave you searching for lines and traction on a hardtail. If you have a hard tail xc bike and like to jump a little bounce off walls, go off steps. High speed urban riding, flying off curbs hitting a few BMX jumps etc. This bike is under rated. I think a lot of people end up on Stumpy, due to their versatility. The EPIC is just so much more than a hardcore race bike. It will be a great race bike also. I read up a lot on this bike. and it gets nit picked to much, this is a great ride!!!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
skippy
a Cross Country Rider
from burlington Date Reviewed: July 3, 2006
Decided to go FS this season after riding my stumpy m4 for the last few years. Transferred all of my components and first thing I noticed was the weight. In the beginning it felt a little sluggish, but now that I've been riding it for a few months and the lbs was right - I am not going back to a hardtail, ever. I feel like I'm riding on tracks when I'm going over technical trail - much more connected then the hardtail. I also feel much more relaxed - the stiff M4 hardtail frame was transferring every little bump in the trail directly into my legs. This isn't a downhill machine, the rear shock doesn't soak up every bump on the way down, but it does smooth things out. Going uphill the brain fade works as advertised - no bobbing whatsoever. Once you get to know the bike and get everything dialed in it's a stellar ride. I took MBA's advice and set it up to 10lbs of pressure less than my weight, and set the rear shock for softest ride. It's been great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jay Brown
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, Tx, USA Date Reviewed: June 17, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Edna Mae Bennet (Palmer Park CO)
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$450.00
Purchased At:
EBay
Strengths:
Nice tight Frame, great trajectory, rear shocks there when you need it, and not when you don't.
Weaknesses:
A little on the heavy side, but your suppose to be riding it not carrying it right ?
Similar Products Used:
Cannondale, Ibis Silk-Ti
Bike Setup:
XTR, Manitou Skareb, Fox float rear (with the brain), Avid disk, RaceFace cranks,
Bottom Line:
I admit, coming from the Ibis I was a little worried about the weight (about 25lbs compared to 20). But like any great sports car it just wants to go fast. Not the best bike for Urban Assults, but for true XC riding it's sweet. Don't be afraid of the weight, once your on it it all melts away. Bottom line... UMMMMm rides like Butter.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marcelo Villegas
a Cross Country Rider
from Medellin, Col Date Reviewed: May 26, 2006
Favorite Trail:
La Asomadera
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Todo Terreno Colombia
Strengths:
Geometry, Fox Brain, Fox RL-100, It works as described.
Weaknesses:
You have to buy some components to keep the bike as it should be.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized S-Works 2002
Bike Setup:
Basics plus XT Dual Controls, XT F-mec, 2006 XTR R-mec
Bottom Line:
I´m in love with my bike. Even I like the color (grey one), I would like specialized to paint the specialized logos and name on the bike with other color, perhaps red.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
B Z
a Cross Country Rider
from Sasebo Japan Date Reviewed: March 31, 2006
Favorite Trail:
all of em
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2499.00
Purchased At:
Hodsons
Strengths:
As advertised suspension travel, climbs well and eats harsher bumps.
Weaknesses:
Rear shock adjusting knob is stiff, hard to adjust.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing like it. Came from hardtails.
Bike Setup:
06 epic comp, grey with Gravity Dropper 3 position seat post, Hope Vision light, Hope stem 110mm 0 deg rise.
Bottom Line:
Highly impressed out of the box. Adding the dropper has only added to a great bike. I still need to set sag, its a little stiff right now. Love the front fork. I have become a better climber and a better decender with this thing. The brakes are top notch, work like a charm. Awsome XC, even if a little pricy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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