Submitted by
aglobalnomad
a Racer
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 6, 2009
Favorite Trail:
billy t to split enz
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Light, well balanced, snappy, integrated XTR front derailleur, and stiffer steerer/ front suspension.
Weaknesses:
None yet
Similar Products Used:
2008 Epic S-Works
2007 Epic S-Works
Bike Setup:
Futureshock E100 front fork/ brain
Brain rear shock
XO shifters and rear derailleur
XTR front derailleur, cassette, chain, cranks
Hope brakes
Bottom Line:
The bottom line is Specialized as a company is amazing! I had a 2008 Epic and due to a crack in the bottom bracket they warrantied the frame and sent through an '09 loaded with a new carbon front fork, XTR derailleur, and rear brain (the turn around was 5 working days, and I live on a island in the middle of the pacific!!!). As you would expect; a company that produces carbon product should look after their customers and they really do!
The bike geometry is so similar to the previous 08 model that it fits almost the same. The feel of the bike, however is significantly different. The previous bikes were great; but the weight saving benefits from carbon rear triangle and steerer are noticable and I believe from the factory the bike is 2-3lbs lighter. This savings is huge and coupled with the stiff frame, what an improvement! The change in the brain shock location to under the top tube shifts the balance forward and evens out the front and rear, this will take a bit of getting used to, but should be alright.
Even though the wheelbase is only 6mm shorter it's noticeable around switch backs and speedy winding trails. I've yet to ride on super fast gravelly downhills, but sure that'll be good too. The increased maneuverability could also be attributed to the stiffer oversized headtube and steerer. I'm also super stoked with the integrated XTR front derailleur; it's so much smoother than the previous set up.
All is all amazed with the Epic and with Specialized, they really look after their clients and riders!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
cweb
a Cross Country Rider
from castle rock,CO, USA Date Reviewed: December 13, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Like them all
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$4900.00
Purchased At:
Wheatridge Cycle
Strengths:
Light, good looks, components that just work
Weaknesses:
Brake noise
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
stock set up
Bottom Line:
Rode a Trek 9800 carbon hardtail in the 90's and loved that bike. Built a custom GT LTS 2000 in late 90's. Loved the full suspension, but not the weight. Pined for a fully suspended carbon bike then saw the 08 epic carbon and it was love at first sight. Found a close-out 08 at good price, still expensive but even from the first ride in the parking lot sold me, the bike just felt right. Rode it in the fall of 08 about 3 to 4 time per week. Verdict, I love this bike. Fast, quick, point and shoot agility, climbs like a hard tail. Ridden allot of tight single track this fall and can't wait for spring to get it on some fire roads as this bike flies. Bottom line, if you can find one left buy it as the 09 is listed at 8800 bucks. Best bike I have ever ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
miguelsa
a Racer
from Caracas, Venezuela Date Reviewed: September 29, 2008
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$9500.00
Purchased At:
wind center
Strengths:
excellent climber, feels agile and in control on climbs, looks trick
Weaknesses:
rough over rockie terrain when not perfectly set
Similar Products Used:
epic sworks 2004, turner flux
Bike Setup:
thompson masterpiece seatpost, monkey lite sl bar, avid ultimate brakes, XO gripshifters, XO rear derailleur XTR front derraileur, mavic slr rims, stan no tubs, continental speedking tires, slk gelflow carbon kit saddle, servicio corse 100 stem, zipp carbon bottle cage, manitou R7 fork
Bottom Line:
10kgs large bike that climbs like a goat and can be ridden fast downhill, best racing bike ever had
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
MEidne
a Weekend Warrior
from Cape Town, South Africa Date Reviewed: July 6, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Harkerville trails
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Willie Engelbrecht C
Strengths:
I rode the Cape Epic on this bike. The Cape Epic is the largest stage mountain bike race in the world. It was 966km long with 18000m of climbing ridden over 9 days. The terrain ranges from dirt road to seriously hectic jeep track to single track. The bike performed flawlessly, I did not have one mechanical for the whole race. This is the best bike I have ever ridden, it is light, provides a solid climbing platform and is super fast downhill. Its precise handling saved my ass many times. I set the brain shock on the softest setting and there was still no bounce even when hammering out the saddle on climbs. The quality of the frame finish is very high and the bike still looks brand new even after all the training riding and nine intense days of racing. Even though the bike is a full racing rig it was still comfortable after 10 hours in the saddle. After all the riding it still gives me a thrill to ride it.
Weaknesses:
The brain shock needed to be replaced due to a factory fault otherwise none.
Similar Products Used:
Gaint NRS, Gary Fisher Cake
Bike Setup:
Mavic crossmax sl wheels, Maxxis UST tubless, full 2008 XT groupset (which also fantastic), Thompson masterpiece seat post, Fzik Gobi saddle
Bottom Line:
A dream bike that has lived up to its pedigree. Best bike I have ever owned and ridden.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
fredjjjj
a Cross Country Rider
from North vancouver, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: June 20, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Canyon
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$6500.00
Purchased At:
Obsession Bikes
Strengths:
Light weight, Brain shock, stiffness, no vibrations!
Weaknesses:
Layback seatpost prevents full drop. Magura brakes run
smoking hot, but no fading!
Stock except for Gravity Dropper seatpost (fantastic!) and
replaced the (useless) stock tires with Specialized Captain
2.0, the grippiest and lightest 2.0 tires I have ever had.
The superlight Roval wheels seem to take a beating without
problem.
Bottom Line:
Superb racing bike. You can dance through the rock gardens
and ride 'hard tail' up the hills.
Kudos to Specialized switching from Shimano to Magura/SRAM.
Re weight, I don't see how you can get much below 24 lbs with pedals and decent tires.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Williams
a Cross Country Rider
from Temecula Date Reviewed: May 14, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Aliso Creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$3400.00
Purchased At:
bay
Strengths:
Weight and great set up
Weaknesses:
The "Brain" has a low IQ it has been redone twice and now I have an 08 on it. The only issue is what to do when this part is out of production?
Similar Products Used:
Jamis xam, Enduro pro, yeti 575
Bottom Line:
Ok I got a smoking deal on this bike and that is why I got it. Plus I was on a 34 lb bike and well... just could not get up the hills like the xc boys on a AM bike. So as i do little DH and more XC it was time to find a bike that would give me the best push, and try a 12 hour race. This bike is it. Some shops talk down on the bike, it cost to much.. other bikes have more bang for the buck. well i rode the yeti 575 carbon, and I dont like the seat post set up, and well the fire red color kinda did it for me to tell the truth. you have to like what you ride and not only can this bike ride well, shift well, climb, DH is ok, and jump well it is a looker. I am the kinda guy that will buy in a blind test what is best and you want a XC bike that is hands down the best I have ever been on well this is it..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sammy Rutherford
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden,CO Date Reviewed: January 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Buffalo Creek/Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Bike Shop Employee
Strengths:
DREAM BIKE!!! This is one if the nicest bikes I have ever ridden. I have ridden & raced for 20 years, and the only other bike I have experienced in the same class was a Titus Racer X Exo Grid Titanium/Carbon Fiber, $9000. Fast, agile & responsive. Point & shoot. Simply a dream to ride. This bike handles like a hardtail, but is comfortable. Like riding your road bike on the trail.
Weaknesses:
This baby ain't cheap. Also, the stock Roval wheelset could be upgraded. They're light, but for heavier riders, you may feel some flex & possible true issues. Fast Trak Tires are fast rolling for dry hard pack, but don't corner the best.
Similar Products Used:
Titus Racer-X Exo Grid, Yeti ASR, Trek Fuel EX 8
Bike Setup:
2008 Carbon S-Works Epic. Shimano XTR crankset, front Dr and pedals, SRAM XO rear Dr & thumb rachet shifters, Marta Magura SL hydro disc brakes, Fox Float RLC front shock, Specialized Brain rear shock, Thompsom SL Elite stem, S-Works Carbon handle bar & stem, Specialized Phenom Saddle, OEM except uprgraded wheelset to Mavic Cross Maxx SL & ugraded tires to Continental Mountain King 2.2, ODI Rogue lock on grips.
Bottom Line:
This is one Bad Mama Jama!!! Remember when you started riding bikes and had a dream bike...This is it! Climbs like a spider monkey, cuts like a blade through single track, and blasts like a rocket down XC courses...Holla
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig
a Cross Country Rider
from West Monroe, LA Date Reviewed: December 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Flume Trail
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Strengths:
Amazing Everything! I am highly impressed with this bikes 21.8 pounds which is minus my Ti Crankbrother Eggbeaters. Top of the Line Components!
Weaknesses:
Non, as of now except the high price! ;-(
Similar Products Used:
My first Full Suspension/Carbon. Previous bike was a 2006 Trek 6500 hard tail, which was a Great Beginner Bike! Highly Recommended also!
Bike Setup:
2008 S-Works Carbon Epic Disc Stock. See Specialized.com for the specs
Bottom Line:
I felt like I was floating on air when i made the transition to this bike and i noticed a big increase in my ride time! I ride at Lincoln Parish Park in Ruston, LA 90% of the time and the trail is mainly Roots and Rolling hills. So being able to maintain contact with the trail is important to maintain speed on this trail. The S-Works does a great job! I am ready to race it this coming 2008 season in Xterra!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rick mayo
a Cross Country Rider
from Visalia CA USA Date Reviewed: November 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Anything fast
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Purchased At:
Visalia Cyclery
Strengths:
Ahh!! my 2008 Epic. Dreams do come true. Climbs great. I feel very confident when I am on this bike. Wherever I point the bike it goes.It is incredibly quick. After riding a Klein Rascal since 92 I was ready for a new bike. What a great transition to suspension for me.I have always liked technology and this bike is specked perfectly.
Weaknesses:
I wish the seatpost clamp was a quickrelease. I guess they are worried about over torqueing the carbon components.There were warning stickers everywhere.
Similar Products Used:
Klein Rascal xtr complete with RockShox mag 21 if this is even a comparison.
Bike Setup:
Stock. Who would want to change anything on this Bike
Bottom Line:
I was very fortunate to be able to get this bike.I am having a ball on this bike. If mountain biking is what you love to do.Find a way to get one. 23.5 lbs tubeless. It climbs,it corners,it absolutely is incredible coming down. My Old Klein was pink. No need to explain that this is not my wifes bike. Black, red and white. Looks fast. It is fast.Comfortable too.You will want to ride this bike alot.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Cam McCarty
a Racer
from Medicine Hat, AB, Canada Date Reviewed: August 6, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Echo Dale/Redcliffe
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$6000.00
Strengths:
Weight, awesome geometry, nice aggresive ride. Fox rear shock works well for me when set up correctly.
Weaknesses:
Rear derailler cable was not routed correctly from Specialized factory so was sitting on frame rather than guide, S**t pedals, but understand that's a preference, XTR dual controls take some getting used to. Stock Fastrak tubeless tires=too wide for my liking.Not sure how available it is to upgrade to the FSR rear shock if wanted to. Retailers- what a bunch of a*sf**ks sometimes.
Similar Products Used:
Nothing really. Old school hardtailer for the majority of XC trails in western Canada that I have been riding for the past 15 years.
Bike Setup:
2006 Epic S-Works size Large, XTR dual control, thompson post and stem, crossmax SL wheels, kool stop pads, XTR pedals,
Bottom Line:
THis is one sweet ride. I thrive on climbing and this only helped me. If set up right power transfer is unbelievable. Can still tell a difference between classis Hadrtails but I definitely could not descend like this. I ride hard,and I can tell that this bike and wheelset will hold up. I've ridden my bud's aluminum and if you have the money stick with the carbon.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Canberra, Australia Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Sparrow Hill
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$4500.00
Purchased At:
eBay
Strengths:
Light, well built, strong, fantastic geometry, suspension second to none, looks
Weaknesses:
Zip, Zero, Ziltch... Nadda
Similar Products Used:
03 Epic Comp, Giant Anthem, Cannondale Rush
Bike Setup:
Mavic Crossmax SL tubeless, SRAM X0 Shifters & rear derailleur, & XGen front derailleur, XTR Crank & BB, Avid Juicy Carbon brakes, Rock Shox Reba World Cup forks, Easton EC90 carbon flat bar, Race Face Stem
Bottom Line:
Decided to take the plunge and buy an S-works Epic Carbon frame and build the bike myself to my own specifications. This has just added to the rewarding experience that is - Riding an S-Works Epic!!
This thing feels strong, confident, and capable no matter what the situation. The geometry allows for a very aggressive riding position, or a slightly more relaxed position, but no matter what, you feel like you're on a true thoroughbred.
The carbon frame soaks up all the small bumps, without feeling saggy, the suspension does a hell of a job on the rest! Out of the saddle climbing feels just like being on a hard tail - no peddle bob at all. Descending the bike sticks to the ground and loves to be thrown around under your body.
A truly amazing ride... If I don't upgrade to another S-works, i think I'll be on this one for a long time.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mitch
a Cross Country Rider
from Longwood, FL Date Reviewed: June 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Pisgah
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5200.00
Purchased At:
Santos Bike shop
Strengths:
Everything
Weaknesses:
Cost!
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel
Bike Setup:
XTR
Bottom Line:
This bike simply works! I rode Mills River in NC and rode some trail that was borderline dangerous and this bike is simply the most forgiving and finest handeling bike I have ever ridden. If you can afford one, go for it. This bike works. I also have been on the technical trail of Clemson and this bike eats it up. I had an older epic and it was nice but this thing rocks. All smiles from me so far. Just hope I don't crash and crack the carbon. We'll see. Get one and enjoy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Peter Cheney
a Cross Country Rider
from Toronto, Canada Date Reviewed: May 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Durham Forest
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5300.00
Purchased At:
Dukes on Queen, Toronto
Strengths:
Speed, light weight, superb geometry. Well-refined details and top-notch components. AFR shock is amazing. Carbon frame is light, stiff, and soaks up vibration. Fox F-100 RLC fork is excellent. You get what you pay for.
Weaknesses:
High price. Brutal cost. A lot of money. And did I mention the fact that it's expensive?
Similar Products Used:
Santa Cruz Blur, Intense Spyder, Giant NRS, Scott MC-20, Titus Racer X
Bike Setup:
2007 S-Works Carbon Epic, size Large. I swapped the stock grips for a set of Ergon carbon grips (they're good!)
Bottom Line:
Fantastic. I tried a lot of suspension bikes, and many of them were a disappointment. (After my aluminum hardtail, many of them felt s..l..o..w...) But this thing flies! After riding the previous S-Works with the Fox Brain Fade, I can say that the new AFR shock is a huge improvement. I wasn't sure about the AFR, but after a few weeks in the woods, I'm sold. The AFR is a great piece of engineering, and it makes the Epic what it should have been all along - the on-off feel of the original is gone, producing a bike that has the efficiency of a hardtail combined with sweet, active suspension. Taking it down my favorite singletrack was amazing – it was faster than my hardtail because I could ride over the rough stuff without slowing down or picking my line. This is some great technology - there’s no pedal bob, and no sensation of the suspension turning on and off, either. The suspension alone is worth the money, but the rest of the bike is great, too. Perfect geometry, excellent components, and superb finish (after owning it for a couple of months, I’m constantly noticing thoughtful details like the cartridge bearings and frame-protection patches.) The carbon frame is sweet – it’s stiff, and it takes out a lot of the trail buzz. Even with a good discount, this bike cost me a lot of money. But I love it..
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Adamson
a Racer
from Running Springs, CA Date Reviewed: April 16, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Flume Trail, Lake Tahoe
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5500.00
Purchased At:
Bear Valley Bikes
Strengths:
Light weight, flex-free, and super efficient power transfer.
Weaknesses:
For its intended purpose (winning races), this bike has no weaknesses. Some may complain about the price, but you get what you pay for.
Similar Products Used:
2002 Specialized M-5, FSR S-Works
Bike Setup:
The inner tubes were removed. The wheels are tubeless, so why they’re here is a mystery.
Bottom Line:
For too long, Specialized made their head-tube angles too steep. High speed descents on my 2002 FSR were a nervous, white-knuckled experience. Specialized finally slackened the head angle to 70.5 degrees, and lengthened the top tube. Combined with its 100 mm Fox fork, the twitchiness is now gone, replaced by a bike that feels stable at speeds above 40 mph in the dirt. I own several bikes, but this is the first race bike that I would enjoy riding anytime. The lateral stiffness is excellent. The XTR group is phenomenal, and the brakes are second to none. Be advised, this is a race bike. Not a comfort bike. The rear suspension is designed to get you from point A to point B in the fastest time possible. It’ll suck up the big hits, but small trail chatter is somewhat ignored. In return, it puts all your power into forward motion.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Racer
from Ocala FL USA Date Reviewed: March 29, 2007
Favorite Trail:
All of Razorback in Reddick FL
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5400.00
Purchased At:
Santos Bike Shop
Strengths:
The suspension is fantastic!!!!
Weaknesses:
Your joking right?
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel 98
Bike Setup:
Stock except for the Industry 9 wheels, these wheels are great! Stiff and oh so lite.
Bottom Line:
I have been on bikes for twenty plus years and I have never came across a bike like this!!! This bike lets you take the wrong line and lets live to tell about it. This bike will make anyone a better rider. It is lite (24.5 pounds) quick and handles like a dream, up hill, down hill fast sections with lots of high speed curves to tight switchbacks it does it all!!! The front and rear suspensions can be adjusted for any kind of XC riding/racing and the brakes, these things let you brake later and harder into corners yet stay in total control. The bike is amazing and worth every cent.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rene
a Cross Country Rider
from Mexico City Date Reviewed: March 6, 2007
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$5900.00
Purchased At:
Bike America
Strengths:
Absolutely brilliant bike!!!
Weaknesses:
None
Bike Setup:
Factory setup.
Bottom Line:
This is one amazing mountain bike. It looks brilliant and rides brilliantly as well. Climbs like a cat and is bloody fast as well. Shimano's 2007 XTR is amazing. Nothing comes closer. Fully recommend it. Buy it, you won't regret it!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Todd
a Cross Country Rider
from Laguna Niguel Date Reviewed: February 25, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Crystal Cove-Poles
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Surf City Cycles
Strengths:
Great spec. The carbon front triangle is lighter, stiffer and just looks better. Specialized Brain Fade is light years ahead in performance over my 2005 S-Works Epic with the Fox Brain.
Weaknesses:
None. well maybe they could have kept the Fox Terralogic, but thats nitpicking.
Stock except using straight bar, straight post and WTB saddle. ODI lock on grips.
Bottom Line:
I have always liked the efficiency of the Epic but had previously sold them both due to the clunkiness of the rear suspension. I was able to get a much lighter and smoother overall ride with a Litespeed and a great suspension post. Then the new XTR was released as well as the new Mavic SLRs. The bike had it all. What I didnt know was that the best part of the package wasn't the components but the new rear shock. I have owned 17 bikes over a period of 15 years and have done all types of riding save aggressive downhill. This not an American made bike, no carbon frames are today as the premier carbon manipulators are in Taiwan. That said, it is the smoothest and best performing bike I have EVER owned by a pretty large margin. If you want complete efficiency, 4 totally usable inches of travel, a parts pick that cannot be beat, and the rigidity and light weight of carbon, then this is the ride to have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James
a Weekend Warrior
from Charlottesville VA USA Date Reviewed: February 15, 2007
Favorite Trail:
walnut creek
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$5000.00
Purchased At:
Cville Bike & tri
Strengths:
Weight, Brakes, Suspension, EVERYTHING
Weaknesses:
NOTHING
Similar Products Used:
Trek Fuel, Kona Kikapue deluxe, Kona King, Specialized Epic
Bike Setup:
Fox fork, Magura sl brakes, Sram xo drivetrain, Stock except I switched pedals to eggbeaters
Bottom Line:
***THIS REVIEW FOR EPIC MARATHON CARBON****Best bike for XC riding and racing! I would venture to say actually a better deal than the Sworks b/c the brakes are better, the wheels are much stronger and you save over 1,000 bucks and get the same suspension design and performance. i have ridden many a full sus bike in the past few years and this is the best for weight and ease of adjustment on trail and dependingon the terrain you are riding/ racing. Save your money and buy this bike and then if you are racing use the extra money and purchase a pair of Stans race wheels with the crow tires and drop another pound of the rig...Simple the sweetest riding bike ever...Also I have to say thanks to the greatest girl ever for buying this for me for X-mas, how F'ing sweet is that!!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dieter Kahsnitz
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne Australia Date Reviewed: January 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Dayleford to Castlemaine
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$6500.00
Purchased At:
Total Rush
Strengths:
Handling, single track, lightness, climbing, feel, nimbleness, laugh factor
Weaknesses:
None
Similar Products Used:
2004 S Works Epic
Bike Setup:
07 XTR, Rapid Fire, Mavic X Max SLR, Easton Carbon EC70 seatpost, Easton EC90 HB, Easton EA70 Stem, Fox F100 Forks
Bottom Line:
Just nuts. I just had my first ride on a trail that has it all. Compared to the old Epic, the steering is quicker - apparently the head angle has been steepened (happening on the 05 model, but I didn't ride that), it's much stiffer, it turns more quickly and therefore is far better on single track, and holds a line much better on faster corners too - a neat trick given the steering is quicker. It's lighter, mine comes in at 11.1 kilos, but feels about 2 kilos lighter than the old Epic. The new XTR is ridiculously good. Compared to the last generation (paddle shift), it craps all over it. Shifts are far more positive, up and down shifting can knock off 3 gears at once, the brakes have a lighter feel, but more power, and the total package just out performs the last generation in every area. The guy who designed the paddle shift should be taken out and made to ride the 07 Rapid fire set up and then shot. Another massive difference is the brain / fork combination. The new technology makes the transition from total lock out to bump absorbsion (is that a word?) imperceptible. It feels as if the trail has been graded. And I rode some very rough crap! The old brain made a little 'clunk' when it started working. This one, nothing, it just works.
The overall riding position is slightly more aggressive too, more like my old GT Zaskar LE (the one that the Yanks hand made, just beautiful) than the 04 Epic. It's a little more forward, a little more XC like rather than the lazy DH position. Doesn't affect the downhilling tough. Just a nicer more reactive position.
I am going to buy those crazy carbon Ti rotors and drop a review on them when I've had a chance to test. They're stupid light (55g), very expensive and look trick. Hey, they might even work!
The price thing is always the area people bang on about, and this is one VERY expensive bike. But it's worth it. If you can't afford it, buy a cheaper bike, but dont knock it because it's expensive. Nothing good is ever cheap! I reckon it's worth every cent.
Overall, an incredible bike. Beautifully made, incredibly high performance and the best bike I have ridden. But what would I know...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
mark hensley
a Cross Country Rider
from venice, ca, usa Date Reviewed: January 28, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Paseo Miramar
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$6300.00
Purchased At:
Cynergy Cycles
Strengths:
Between the brain fade rear shock the carbon frame with its sleek geometry this bike makes long steep hills seem more enjoyable while expending less watts. Downhill single track is where this bike realy sets itself apart when its suspension rolls over babyheads, flys off 3ft dropoffs or negotiates a roller coaster single track ridge line at 25mph as smooth as my long board on a 3ft point break. The mavic tubeless rim system rolls fast, smooth and grips something tough at 29lbs. The bike shifts clean and breaks hard and smooth. And damit, it looks good!!!
Weaknesses:
I didn't opt for shimanos XTR combined brake and shifter setup mostly beacuse im very happy with their rapid fire so i went with the XT rapid fire setup.
Similar Products Used:
S-works M-4, Klein hardtail
Bottom Line:
It's not to much to pay if mountain biking is what you like to do and you have a good job to boot. Plus it's so much fun to ride!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Harley Mendes
a Racer
from Sao Paulo - Brazil Date Reviewed: December 24, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Perdidas - BH
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$7000.00
Purchased At:
Tripp Adventure
Strengths:
Comfort, performance. Brain works as told. Fox RLC is great, too. Looks like a Ferrari in two wheels.
Weaknesses:
Didn't find any.
Similar Products Used:
Trek Top Fuel, Epic Marathon, Giant NRS
Bike Setup:
Stock, except Sram XO rear shifter and grip shift
Bottom Line:
This is THE bike. Great on uphills (no bob at all), great on descents (you can be seated most of the times, as you wish). Respects your column without losing competetive strength. Carbon is great. The new Mavic Crossmax SLR are stiff, as is the Fox RLC, that can work locked and still absorvs impacts.
I've got have only one bike to do everything (from cross country to marathons). If you can afford, there's no better bike you can have.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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