Submitted by
jn
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin,TX USA Date Reviewed: October 20, 2009
Favorite Trail:
Walnut Creek
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$700.00
Purchased At:
Craigslist
Strengths:
Excellent bike, if you can find it used and in good shape. The Fox 100mm fork is smooth as butter, and the Brain Fade shock eliminates bob. ELIMINATES it. The XT group that comes on it works fine, as does the BB7 brakes. It may be heavy by XC standards now (2009) at 29 lbs, but it is perfect for the weekend warrior that is looking to consistently squirt past his buddies down the fire road, or up a climb.
Weaknesses:
Tuning the fork in conjunction with the rear BrainFade is difficult. Fox and Specialized has ranges on their respective websites, but you pretty much have to take the shock pump with you to the trail to get it just right. The Fox fork also tends to forget how to lock out every now and then. Goemetry is pretty racy, but that's what the bike is built for.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper, EX8, Mojo, Truth, Caliber, Etc.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
If you're more into being fast than going big, get this bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jamie
a Weekend Warrior
from Canberra Australia Date Reviewed: October 14, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Mt Stromlo & Majura
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Superstore
Strengths:
Far to many to list simply the best bike i have ever had the pleasure to ride.
Weaknesses:
None.
Similar Products Used:
Giant Anthem, Trance, NRS & Trek Fuel
Bike Setup:
Standerd, soon to add new XT tubeless wheelset.
Bottom Line:
The Epic must be the ultimate xc bike as it climbs so well, maybe better then a hardtail because of the better rear wheel traction the brain fade offers.This is the most forgiving bike to blast down the hills on as they seem to have found the perfect balance in handeling between being to twitchy and to relaxed. Would be an outstandig enduro bike.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada Date Reviewed: May 27, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Buckwallow or Hardwood Hills
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Rides like a hardtail, good speed over the little logs and rock sections, and climbs nicely, decently light
Weaknesses:
doesnt have the suspension for bigger guys on bigger obsticals
Similar Products Used:
specialized, norco and devinci bikes at the demo day
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
i tried all the fiddling i could with front and rear suspension, i couldn't get a nice feel for the couple of runs on the bike. Im a heavier rider and prefer a longer travel fork personaly, but for the bikes main intended uses i could acutally see it being quite good, the epic series just isnt for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Luca Boi
a
from Clinton, UT, USA Date Reviewed: April 17, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1699.00
Purchased At:
Bingham Cycles
Strengths:
Great bike. I really love the Brain fade features, I get to choose how quickly the bike responds to the terrain, but while I am riding, it is hardtail while it is flat, and efficient while going on bumbs. Also the riding position is great for climbing hills
Weaknesses:
The riding position is sportier than a Stumpy or FSR XC, that is great going uphill, but it gets tiring after a while.
Similar Products Used:
I previously had a Trek hardtail
Bike Setup:
pretty much stock
Bottom Line:
Great purchase for the price. Great technology and it works very well.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
bingo bong
a Cross Country Rider
from Australia Date Reviewed: March 7, 2007
Epic M5 frame, full XT groupset, Mavic Crosstrail wheels, Raxeface Deus flat bar, Rockshox Reba team w lockout.
Bottom Line:
In my opinion this bike is simply the best cross country mountain bike available in terms of speed, handling and pedalling efficiency. * Suspension: Even without the brain, specialized FSR suspension is already one of if not the best suspension designs around providing excellent pedaling stability (those who know the FRS suspension already know this) and efficiency with almost no bob. Combined with the brain the system is now unbeatable. With the release the adjustable brain (brain fade) this year, Specialized have perfected this system and will remain a significant step ahead of the competition as long as they can enforce their patent. Propedal achieves about 80% of the benefit of the brain but still loses out on small bump sensitivity which makes a big difference when climbing on uneven ground or tackling rooty sections. * Geometry: This is a personal thing but I love the aggressive steep geomentry which makes the bike handling razor sharp and climbs like a goat. This gives the bike the handling to match the speed. If you don't like such a steep angle the stock Specialized stem can be reversed to give a slacker head angle. I actually kept the steep stock angle and replaced the stock riser bar for a flat bar which makes the geometry even steeper. * Components: you really do pay for the frame and the brain/suspension technology but in my opinion it is worth it. To remain price competititve, Specialized offer lower component specs than some of the others so I decided to buy the frame and built up the spec that I wanted.
Overall: The bike weighs about 26lbs and is the best handling, efficient and overall fastest cross country bike I have ever ridden. The bike rides, climbs and accelerates like a hardtail on any flat surface and the suspension kicks in perfectly on downhills and whenever you hit a bump or lose traction (especially on the hills). What I like most about this bike is the climbing - it feels just like a hardtail with the traction of a fully.
Overall I find this bike much quicker than a hardatill because you get alot more traction on the climbs (hence don't lose energy constantly adjusting when the rear wheel hits bumps or loses traction) and you can stay seated and have a rest on the downhills (on a hardtail you are out of the saddle and are still working). The lower energy consumption also gives you more energy on the later climbs which gives you more power/acceleration and momentum which in turn makes you go faster again. I race regularly with a group of buddies (about 30km or 60km cross country tracks)and it has always been pretty close but since I bought this bike I am clearly one step ahead mainly due to the climbing ability of this bike. Compared to before, I am faster up the hills (about the same on the descents) and have much more gas in the legs in the second half of the ride. This has allowed me to drop my buddies and pull away on the hills especially in the latter stages of the race. It's always nice to know that you have the fastest bike down the stretch when you are proetcting a lead or trying to catch someone. This bike rocks.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
matt adams
a Cross Country Rider
from phoenix, az USA Date Reviewed: February 8, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Hawes & South Mountain
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1400.00
Purchased At:
Global Bikes
Strengths:
Amazing Handling, quick, agile, climbs hills better than anything I have ever ridden, It descends well too. Very Responsive Brain fade rear shock. Great feel overall. Very light, Comes with pretty nice equip for a low price.
Weaknesses:
Stock 2006 model comes with avid bb5 mechanical disc brakes. Kind of weak, Glad to see the 07 comes with Juciys. Wheels: the mavic x317 are super light, but have some flex if you are a bigger guy
XC, but candle just about anything All Mountain. Fox Float fork, Fox Brain fade rear, Mavic x317 rims, XT drive train.
Bottom Line:
A great bike. Probably the best bike I have ever ridden. Climbs like a hard tail, but still has 3.9" of rear travel as needed.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gord Mahoney
a Weekend Warrior
from Sutton Date Reviewed: November 10, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ravenshoe, Durham Forest, Wiraton
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$1500.00
Purchased At:
Town and Country Bikes
Strengths:
Weight: Not much heavier than my previous hardtail. Suspension: The brain works as advertised!!! Climbing: bike rolls uphill very well...
Weaknesses:
Tires: The stock tires stink!!!! They don't clear dirt or mud well and seem to wash out in turns to easily. Will be making a change ASAP.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 80
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
The bike rocks! It handles great, climbs great and the adjustable brain suspension makes this bike a pleasure to ride in almost any terrian. Don't let the crappy tires scary you, even if you don't change the tires the bike performs exceptionally well.
If you are looking for a great X-country bike that's fun to ride and you ocassionally race or do long epic day rides, this bike is perfect for you.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
david gray
a Cross Country Rider
from Plano, Texas Date Reviewed: August 12, 2006
Favorite Trail:
any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1999.00
Purchased At:
Planio Cycle & Fitness
Strengths:
Price, parts mix.
Weaknesses:
Newly added third water bottle mount requires the cage to be shimmed so it will clear the front der. mounting band.
Similar Products Used:
Stump jumper SFR
Bike Setup:
Stock except for Crossland wheel set.
Bottom Line:
I have not been a fan of the brain shock until the 06 model came out. The adjustable break away threshold allows a far more plush ride than previously. Still experimenting with the break away. Set 5 out of 10 clicks is still rides a little on the stiff side but overall quite impressive. It works as advertised and is amazingly pedal efficient. This my new racing bike and about 20 miles of single track boogie the thing tracks like it's on rails. My FSR climbs better the Epic breaks away more easily on steep loose climbs.
If you're looking for a race bike, consider this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeffrey
a Cross Country Rider
from Price, Utah Date Reviewed: July 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Bike Peddler
Strengths:
The Brain is as advertised! It fires when you hit stuff and stays rigid for the rest. The adjustability of the Brain makes this system top notch. For an easy ride, make it plush, 1-1/2" of travel prior to the Brain actually firing. For a hammer fest, make it stiff to take the hits. The Brain is a great addition to this Bike.
The frame is setup to cross country ride, but I use it for both cross country and all mountain riding. Hey, when you are in Utah, you can't help but all mountain ride. I love having the extra standover height from the geometry.
This is a frame that warrants upgrading parts as you wear them out or break them!
The Fox 100 is a Fox. It is amazingly plush. I love the lockout for long grinds uphill. 4" of travel gives you a lot of choices for riding styles.
Weaknesses:
The shifters are not as smooth as I would like. Shifters can be replaced.
Similar Products Used:
None. First full-suspension bike.
Bike Setup:
Currently has all the OEM parts. I have not broken anything yet!
Bottom Line:
This is a great bike for the price. The major components are worthy of more expensive parts, which means this bike is one to keep around for awhile. This bike was bought for value, cross country racing, and all mountain trail riding. It performs!
The Brain makes climbing easy and descending a blast. This bike does exactly what it was designed and advertised to do.
I bought this bike with the understanding that I have to move back to the flat lands (Midwest) in a few months. For you hardtail guys looking for some travel (I was previously), this bike is the bike for you. Speed, travel, plush ride, climbing ability.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ted
a Weekend Warrior
from Detroit area, MI, USA Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Purchased At:
Two Wheel Tango
Strengths:
Minuscule amounts of bob courtesy of FSR and the brain. Supperb quality of construction and fit&finish. Time tested suspension design (Horst link). Bike simply feels fast and wired. If it were a car it would be a Lotus Elise. And it's just plain fun. Makes me feel like a kid again - riding my little blue Schwinn.
Weaknesses:
Popularity. Not very unique and in S.E. MI demand appears to outstrip supply.
Similar Products Used:
I extensively looked at, and test rode three other bikes. The TREK Fuel EX 8 was the best spec'd (XTR RD, hydraulic brakes, LX crank, etc.) and easiest to get serviced but it had the worst bob - which was a deal killer for me. The Gary Fisher Cake II dlx and Supercaliber were very nice rides but at my weight they also exhibited too much bob for my tastes. And I never felt entirely comfortable on them. I love the whole GF gestalt however and the brand's dedication to (and history of) mountain biking. Finally, I test rode, several times, a 2004 Klein Palomino. Loved it. Awesome. If the Epic is a Lotus, the Palomino is a BMW M3. Strong, balanced, solid and smooth. Then I read all the reviews here regarding the bushings and even with the newly available Mavrick upgrade I decided ... too much manitainance and not enough riding time. Brilliant bike though, zero bob, paint and finish light years ahead of the rest.
Bike Setup:
New - stock. May get some mid-rise bars and perhaps a new saddle for my overweight body and out of shape butt.
Bottom Line:
I am what is euphemistically called a Clyde. 6'1.5" and 230 lbs. I bought this bike to get in shape and to lose enough weight that I no longer qualify as a Clyde. But need a bike that will grow (or should I say reduce) with me. This is my first mountian bike purchase although I have ridden them quite a few times previously. For 35 years, or so, road bikes have been my steed of choice and I think this colors my preferencess: i.e. no bob, agility, responsiveness. It all boils down to this: the Epic is a bike that is so exhilarating to ride I 'll end up riding it more - which is an endorsement for the bike and a win for me.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
The Horch
a Cross Country Rider
from Beverly Hills, MI Date Reviewed: June 6, 2006
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
Two Wheel Tango, Ann Arbor
Strengths:
A nice blend of components and value-price balance for an all-around xc bike. Last mtb bike I purchased was in 1988, so I am not one to go out and buy the latest and greatest every couple of years. This bike will last for a long time.
Weaknesses:
Still figuring out set-up, suspension settings, etc. so none yet. Please note that FS not for everyone.
Similar Products Used:
Also considered Fisher 29-er (X-Cali), but availability was an issue -- did not want to miss large chunk of MI season. Others tested: Trek Fuel EX7/EX7, Fisher Cake 3DLX, Spec Stumpjumper FSR Comp
Bike Setup:
All stock right now. M5 frame, Deore XT/LT, Fox shocks (F&R), Truvativ cranks, Mavic rims, Avid mech disc brakes.
Bottom Line:
So far, so good. Have ridden Yankee Springs, Bald Mountain, Maybury (all in MI, intermediate-to-light advanced). Last bike (was not able to ride much past few years) was a 1988 Fisher Montare HT w/fixed fork; also had a Stumpjumper for a bit back in the 90's. Debated HT v. FS for quite a while, but went to FS for the "go anywhere" benefits and long ride comfort, and I don't plan on racing so extra lbs not an issue. Once FS settled, first option was the S-jumper FSR or FSR Comp. However, when presented the option of the Epic (better frame, Brain shock, no desire for XTR) for almost same price, decided to go with 'bad-ass bike for half-ass rider' solution. Bike climbs better than expected (think about what I was used to w/Fisher geo)and no peddle bob or 'sway' detected. Also hits downhills like a champ and can ride through anything. Still not handling as I'd like, but that's more me than the bike as I adjust to suspension and body positioning (keep ass in seat at all times, basically). Also still fiddling with saddle posn. and cleat alignment. Makes it fun to ride in a lot of conditions, which is why most of us are out here anyway. I'll add more specific feedback after I have a few more rides under the belt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike M
a Cross Country Rider
from Colorado Springs, CO USA Date Reviewed: May 21, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
LBS (Criterium)
Strengths:
Brain Fade, Fox F100RL fork, Avid BB9 brakes. Climbs, descends, and corners great.
Weaknesses:
Stock cassette; Ground clearance is occasionally a minor issue.
Similar Products Used:
Stumpjumper FSR, my old Rockhopper Comp hardtail.
Bike Setup:
2006 Epic Disc, stock except for stem and XT cassette.
Bottom Line:
This bike rocks.
First, the Brain Fade system works great. I do not experience pedal bob, ever. I demoed the Stumpjumper FSR and, while the Triad shock is cool, it will leave you bobbing on short steep climbs where you didn't think to lock out the shock. And let's face it, who wants to be fiddling with a switch when the conditions change - the Brain takes care of it for you. Also, this bike comes in at about 1 pound less than the Stumpy FSR.
The Epic is 2-3 lbs heavier than my old hardtail, but that does not translate into slower climbing. I took it out on my favorite ride, which starts with a 3-mile road climb, and my time to the top was close to my best time ever (and it is still early season). And did I mention there is no bob?
The fork soaks up hits that would have had me air-mailed over the bars on the old bike.
If you want to climb fast, corner fast, and descend fast, this is the bike for you. It is not as plush as the Stumpjumper... you will feel some of the little bumps, and it's not intended for massive drops and jumps. But it will reward the agressive XC rider with precise and predictable handling over rocks, roots, drops, and tight twisty hardpack. Since I bought the Epic, I am grinning bigger than ever on my favorite trails. It is a fun, fast bike.
I am also very satisfied with purchasing the Disc as opposed to the Disc Comp. The Comp gets you hydro brakes, an XTR RDR, and an improved crankset. But the Avid mechanicals are great. I rode the demo Stumpy and demo Epic, both of which had the hydros, which are nice... but I never missed them once I was riding with the mechanicals (plus, they are easier to maintain, and I think they are lighter too). All in all, I can't see spending the extra $500 on the Comp.
Speaking of weight, once I swapped my cassette, my Epic Disc weighed the same as the demo Epic Comp Disc (27.8 lbs). This is also one pound lighter than the Stumpjumper FSR Comp.
Specialized has provided demo bikes for the Epic and Stumpjumper (and I'm sure others) where you can try the bike for yourself, overnight even, to get some real riding in before you buy. This was a huge help (I was planning to buy Stumpjumper until I rode the Epic).
If you are an XC rider who likes to ride agressive and fast, you can't go wrong with the Epic. 5x5 easily.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Royal oak mi usa Date Reviewed: May 10, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Strengths:
Stock bike ships with very good parts for price.
Weaknesses:
weight this bike is slow on the climbs and has ok speed on the flats due to the weight its great on the down hills however this does not offset the loss on the other parts of the trail.
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
If you are looking for a good trail bike this will do the trick if your looking to go fast look for something lighter. it ships with very good parts for the money and is very easy to ride the F/S allows you to take several lines.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Jeff Hitzel
a Cross Country Rider
from Andover NJ USA Date Reviewed: May 5, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Alamuchy
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2100.00
Purchased At:
Marty's Reliable Cycle
Strengths:
Bike climbs like a mountaingoat and flys downhill. I haven't tried hydraulic disk breaks yet but the Avid BB7 mechanical disk brakes are awsome.
Weaknesses:
I dont like the stock straight handelbars, im in the process of changing to a riser bar.
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
This is the bike for anyone that loves going fast up and downhill. Very fun bike!! Its met or exceeded all of my expectations and eats up all the trails i throw at it.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John M.
a Weekend Warrior
from Norman, OK, USA Date Reviewed: April 9, 2006
Favorite Trail:
The one outta town
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Purchased At:
Buchannan Bicycle
Strengths:
FSR tehnology is a proven winner. Four inches of travel front and rear. The brain is even better for '06 with multiple plushness/hardness settings. A proven design that is improved for this year. Comes in black or white.
Weaknesses:
Not applicable
Similar Products Used:
I am coming from a Schwinn Moab1. I tested a Jamis Dakar Expert, and a Trance 2.
Bike Setup:
Black, stock except for the following: XO twist shifters, Cane Creek DC levers, Titec Hell Bent Riser (1.5)HB, X.9 RD, XT FD, Flack Jacket cables, Panaracer Fire XC Pros(2.1), Egg Beaters, and a WTB Laser V Stealth (Thx. Marty Y.) saddle.
Bottom Line:
This is a fantastic ride that I have spec'd to be my custom fit bike. I am not a racer so I ditched the flat bars for some more comfortable. I have always been a Sram guy so there was no better way to go for my drive train. Personal preferances that have made this MY bike. When the Epic was offered with 4 inches of travel this year I knew I found what I was looking for. I nixxed the Jamis as it was about the same price, with no Horst Link or brain. The Trance was Ok but the Epic is lighter. The four bar linkage suspension is the gold standard. The build and service from Buchanan's is top drawer. This bike is great climbing, good desending and like on a rail on flat single track. Thanks Chad, Tobin, and Dewayne. If you are in the market for a 4" XC bike in the 2K-2.5K range give this bike a look.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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