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Submitted by
Mike
a Cross Country Rider
from Chicago
Date Reviewed: October 23, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | anything new | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Very light for the price, great components, professional build quality, super fast on climbing and very controlled on the rough decents. switchbacks are a breeze with the light weight and efficient tracking. when you hit a hill the brain does exactly what its supposed to and sends your power to the ground. and did i mention that the sram drivetrain has prompted me to say goodbye to shimano for good. | | Weaknesses: | Brakes are pretty mehh for the price. at 2 thousand bucks they could have dropped a pinch more on better calipers. The only other weakness isnt really a weakness at all as much as its an observation.... the geometry of this bike is very fast and xc race oriented. however if some of those slow and steep tech sections are something that you ride often you might want to look elsewhere like the fsrxc. I ride this bike in Palos, il alot and it just flies on decents and climbs alike. but when i encountered those steep technical drops it is downright scary. my old fisher genesis frame was able to have the front wheel go down an 18 inch drop barely moving and roll out of it. on the epic the geometry sent me over the bars and into a very painful situation resulting in 3 weeks of not walking right. im not blaming the bike but i am trying to state the purpose. this bike has geometry best suited for fast xc and medium trail riding. anything that gets steep though is not appropriate for this frame. | | Similar Products Used: | i had looked at giant (generic), trek(shocking anyone buys them), fisher (same as trek), cannondale (nice but alot of cash). | | Bike Setup: | Eggbeaters, top of the line avid levers and brakes, XTR front hub, mavic rim, xt rear hub, mavic rim. | | Bottom Line: | A superfast bike that got me off of hardtails with the precision of the brain. You can pace roadies while on your way to the trail or bomb down some nasty rock gardens. Just know that it is leaning to the xc side of things and not so far to the all mountain. Although slower the stumpy FS is probably better suited to a rough trail ride. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joseph Lynn
a
from Atlanta, GA, USA
Date Reviewed: September 13, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | the dirt one | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | chicago | | Strengths: | It climbs better than a soft tail, and descends better than a hard tail. On dry terrain this thing is fast. | | Weaknesses: | It doesn't climb as well as hard tail nor descend as well as a soft tail. It does not like mud at all. I do not know if it is the tires or what, but this thing slides everywhere in the mud. | | Bike Setup: | Stock other than Avid Juicy 5's. | | Bottom Line: | This is a great bike. I have had this bike since January and have ridden it on single track rides daily. It stands up to the punishment expect for the chain. I do not understand why I have broken 4 chains, but I have. Upgrade the breaks to a disc and you have a great bike. It is a better fit for dry conditions and does not respond too well to mud.
My biggest complaint is the cost without disk breaks. The lack of disc breaks make this bike a little over priced. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeffrey Babbidge
a Racer
from Beaverton, OR, US
Date Reviewed: July 15, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Figure 8, in Tillamook State Forest | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Strengths: | Great design, very few issues. More of a Dry weather, runny mud, and snow bike; doesn't like peanut butter mud. | | Weaknesses: | Mud clearance. When it comes to anything coarses that a little more than a thick soup for mud, you get this accumulation just behide the seat tube. Felt like I could plant tomatoes after a few rides/ races.
The mild bobbing when the rear is locked out. This is just something to get use to though. | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension ride, was on a Klien Pulse pro before this. | | Bike Setup: | XT shifters & Derailler's. Race face duec xc Cranks, seat post, stem, & headset. Race face Carbon SL next flat bars. Avid BB7 breaks. LIzard skin Lock on grips. Fox F100 fork & Float R. wheels: DT Swiss 240 hubs, supercomp spokes, & r4.1 rims. Fire Pro XC tires. Salsa Flip offs | | Bottom Line: | Great bike, got it down to 26 lbs. Will say that I'm looking into a 29er due to the advantage they have over me on races like Xterra, and marrathon XC races | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a
from Moscow, Idaho
Date Reviewed: June 10, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anything Giant White Pine | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Delivers as adverstised. It is what it is! | | Weaknesses: | None | | Bottom Line: | This is a very smart bicycle. If you want a fast riding XC bike, this is it. I have been addicted to my Bontrager Race for the last 9 years. I really haven't gotten excited over buying a new bike up until I saw the Epic's. It does everything I love about my agile, great climbing bonty and so much more. It climbs like a goat, steers precisely, and descends better than any hardtail.
Here is the deal, imagine you are about an hour into your ride, your legs are warm, you feel strong. You have just gone down a sweet, fun downhill. You notice a short steep hill ahead oh you. Keeping your momentum, you click into the proper gear, grab the bar ends, stand up and CRANK!, and unload your power to the bike. The rear end responds by locking to the trail and rocketing up the hill. Roots, rocks, ruts, etc., be damned as the brain and shock soak them up effortlessly, keeping you planted and accellerating up the hill. You crest the climb, put both cranks horizontal to the soil, and enjoy another fun downhill, as the suspension soaks up more terrain, smooth, fast and efficiently.
This bike is all about going fast, pedaling hard, and being efficient. Its everything you love about a hardtail, and more, no comprimises. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
henk
a Weekend Warrior
from Enschede
Date Reviewed: May 25, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1100.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike store | | Strengths: | - Fast
- Excellent trade off between ht/fs
- Good looking | | Weaknesses: | - Maybe a bit hard to throw into the corners
- Very bad stock brakes | | Similar Products Used: | - Scott G-zero fx2
- Cannondale f400
- Cannondale Jekyll 800 | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2004 except:
- Crankset: Truvativ Stylo 2006
- Brake system Cane Creek direct Curve 2 2006 | | Bottom Line: | A great bike if you seek the speed of an hardtail on climbs and straights. Great if you seek the comfort of a full suspension on bumpy trails (though of course it isn't as plush as a "real" soft tail like a cannondale jekyll).
The brain does what it promises.
The standard brakes suck on the standard setup and the shimano LX is also bit too low budget for the bike imo.
Upgrade it and you will have a great bike; great trade-off! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA
Date Reviewed: January 3, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | walnut creek | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Brain Fade, aggressive geometry, Fox front forks | | Weaknesses: | Tires, Sometimes back-end feels loose on corners | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, GT hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | It is a great transition to full suspension from a hardtail. I chose this bike because I wanted the climbing efficiency of a hardtail and the comfort/control of a softtail. The brain fade works very good, and I ended up setting all the adjustments for a softer feel. The initia valve in the brain works much better on small bumps with some speed, but I have not had any problems with this on the trails. I won't ever buy another hardtail. It is a great all around bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
RMF
a Weekend Warrior
from Taunton, MA
Date Reviewed: November 16, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | The suspension and brain technology is carried through from the cheapest to most exspensive model. Specialized just makes great bikes and this is one of them, I have found the brain techonology to work great for my style of riding.
Bike also comes ready for disc brakes, all you need to add is the calipers and discs. Its an easy upgrade for the rim version. | | Weaknesses: | Your paying for the brain technology, poor rear hubs, even FSR's come with disc brakes now, wasnt crazy about the Truvante bottom bracket and crank. | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Added my old Thomson stem and seat post for vanity reasons. Added an XT crank and plan to upgrade the rear hub to something better. Added avid mecahnical brakes, was an easy upgrade because the wheels and levers were disc compatible. | | Bottom Line: | Love the bike, it seemed to help my riding a lot. Even if it doesnt give the cushiest ride, its much better than a straight hard tail for a beginner or intermediate level rider.
Plan on upgrading some parts on the entry level models. If you do your own work, you can find some deals on ebay and will have a high level bike in no time. Be aware; you need a setback seat post to match specialized own model if you upgrade, and the L/XL sizes use a larger rotor in the front. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Phil
a Cross Country Rider
from Burke, VA, USA
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | fountainhead regional park | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1895.00 | | Purchased At: | Hudson Trail Outfitters | | Strengths: | Brain Fade rear suspension, FSR, free chainstay protector (free stuff is always nice) | | Weaknesses: | a bit on the heavy side for a cross country bike. frame itself flexes considerably side to side in the pivots. | | Similar Products Used: | alot of others, i am a bike mechanic | | Bike Setup: | Epic frame, XT/XTR gruppo, Monkey lite carbon bar, Cane Creek Zonos disc carbon wheels, tubless tires, rock shox reba world cup, dual control levers are the way to go. a bunch of other upgrades. This review is for the FRAME ONLY. | | Bottom Line: | First off, this review is for the 2006 frame only, which is the same on all 06 models unless you get the s-works carbon model. Second off, if your bikes chain is slipping or if there is rubbing somewhere, take it back to your shop and get it tuned! All cables stretch within the first 20-50 miles of riding and causes everything to go out of tune! If you are getting a lot of chain suck, learn to shift while going uphill. The best derailers will do that if you shift under all that force. There is no need to ever rate a bike poorly because you rode an out of tune bike or rode like a teen driving a Ferrari. That’s sounds like a component problem, not a complete bike/frameset problem.
On to the review-
I've ridden this bike for nearly a year now and all I can say is WOW. I’m 190-200 lbs, a fatty for cross country, so my bike does take a beating. Yet there is no up and down flex in the suspension on climbs because of the Brain Fade shock. The fact that you can control the threshold of the shock made it worth shelling out 1895 for the complete bike just so I could have the frame. I feel as if Specialized’s FSR design is one of the best suspension designs on the market. The best as far as cross country suspension goes. When you do get the hits, the shock activates and you get more tire to the dirt for maximum efficiency downhill as well as locked out going up hill. My friends noticed considerable side to side flex of the frame at the pivots. I hooked it up to a trainer and looked in the mirror. It looked like about 20-40mm side to side flex, and the pivots are not loose. I am a big guy though; you weigh-nothings shouldn’t feel anything.
This bike deserves an overall 5, but 4 for value. You cannot buy just the frameset, which is what I was looking for. Specialized will only get you a frame if you break yours under normal conditions. If you want just the frameset, you would have to buy the $3500 carbon s-works version, which no shop has the frameset on their floor.
If you can shell out the cash, I highly recommend this bike for cross country riders that don't want to be bounced down technical sections because they couldn't keep your tire in the dirt. I think even trail riders could appreciate this frameset.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
marc
a
from maastricht
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Strengths: | Very light (Previous S-works = M5 alu) frame, same top rear suspension as in more expensive models. | | Weaknesses: | None so far | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper. | | Bike Setup: | I bought the cheapest Epic frame, switched its components with the high end components from my stumpjumper hardtail: Fox 80 RTL, Chriss King, XT cranks etc., Thompson, Easton EA 70 bar. I bought DT-swiss 4,1 and 240s, Nobby Nick 2,1, and Magura Marta SL 180/160 (www.hibike.de!!).
| | Bottom Line: | The Epic Marathon seemed to be my dreambike. I owned a Stumpjumper with all the proper upgrades. The normal price would be apr. Euro 3900,- for the Epic Marathon. I've managed to save apr. Euro 1500,- by bying some new components through the internet and using some 'old' components from the stumjumper. Now I've got an Epic that is not beautiful black, instead it's less beautiful white; but it is even slightly lighter and better equipped than the original Epic Marathon.
It's a great improvement for those who have a fast hardtail already but are looking for a full suspension that's light and faster under all conditions (except hardcore enduro and downhill); for racing, marathons and fast tours.
No more backpains, no more fatigue. On the roughest washboards and downhills I can stay in the saddle at all time (or at least much longer), I keep on pedalling and accelarating, instead of standing on the pedals, worrying about how to keep the bike under control. The 'brain fade' does it all, from hardtail firm tot trail tune plush, as promised.
So: Topframe and rear suspension, incredible light for this price. A few upgrades and you have a beatifully tuned high end bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Andreas
a Downhiller
from sweden
Date Reviewed: July 24, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Bottom Line: | PROBABLY THE BEST BIKE IN THE WORLD | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ray Inman
a Racer
from newark NJ
Date Reviewed: May 23, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ringwood skyline and plattekill | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | montclair bikery | | Strengths: | this bike is light and stiff. it clibs like a billy goat and decends like.... well somthing that desends fast and smooth. | | Weaknesses: | the only thing that ive noticed is the tires that come with the bike are not very stable. I race downhill(obviosly not on this bike) expert so i ride very hard and like to lean in to my turns. These tires really let me down my first XC race this year(which by the way i do not ride expert in). Other than than this is the best XC bike ive ever had. | | Similar Products Used: | Tomac 98 spec. ( broke it in half | | Bike Setup: | I started with the rim 2006 version and added the Avid Ti v brake to the rear and the XTR front disc for power and control where you need it. i have a bontrager race lite bar(not so lite) and a carbon EA70 easton stem (very light).i also have a tompson seat postwhich is lighter and stiffer I am in the process of rebuilding my SPOX rear wheel that should hopfully shed some weight. I cahnged the tires out for the Panaracer fire XC which is all I ride (XC race, train, freeride and downhill)other than that I will upgrade to XTR as the parts where out and need to be replaced. | | Bottom Line: | As of now ive done three XC races and have placed Gold (sport-- I was the omly one in the class) and two silvers(begginner--- and yes there were more the two people..H2H campmore series) this bike has kept up with me and done an excelent job. it climbs(hard for me easy for bike) and desends(fun for me fun for bike) turns and trackes well. the controll on this bike in every environment is amazing. All i do on this bike is race becasue for me i break bikes so i train on a Dual slalom frame with an older triple clamp. I love this bike there is nothing better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
vitold
a
from ct
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | race feel, brain, components | | Similar Products Used: | stumpy, hardrock, giant rincon,, | | Bottom Line: | don't care what u guys say, this bike kicks ass, it feels like an ht but when u need it it acts like an fs,
when u were buying this bike, there is a reason for the brain, to make it fel like an ht, its not meant to be plush but fast, the compononts are more then enough for race, and 29 pounds is lighter then half of the ht on the market, it weighs 28lbs stadard, and its lighter then all the giant hts under a grand | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Pulldagoalie
a Cross Country Rider
from Parker, CO
Date Reviewed: April 21, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Jeffco Front Range Trails | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1599.00 | | Strengths: | Cross Country Riding and climbing. The Fox fork is awesome. | | Weaknesses: | 90 mm rear travel - not plush by any means. Rides more like a hard-tail. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek EX7,8; Specialized Stump FSR; Kona Dawg | | Bike Setup: | Completely stock (for now). Will likely upgrade brakes to hydraulic disks. | | Bottom Line: | Once I adjusted both shocks to my weight (shop put too much pressure for my weight), this bikes rocks. I'm very impressed. The brain works as described and even activates going up-hill over water bars and rocks. It's not plush by any means, but it's a trade-off with being able to climb like a hard-tail. I'm definitely a stronger rider on this bike, especially climbing; which is exactly the reason I bought the Epic. If you're like me and deciding between the Epic and FSR, pick the Epic if you want to be a stronger climber. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
texican
a Cross Country Rider
from San Antonio, TX USA
Date Reviewed: April 10, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1850.00 | | Purchased At: | Rideaway | | Strengths: | Really efficient and fairly lightweight. | | Weaknesses: | small weight penalty for brain, however, it is worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper, NRS 1 | | Bike Setup: | DT 240 Wheels, Race Face Next Carbon Bar, BB7s, Maxxis Crossmark tubless tires | | Bottom Line: | Quite possibly the best setup for riding the Texas hill country. Descends well and climbs even better. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jeff
a Weekend Warrior
from Snoqualmie, WA USA
Date Reviewed: March 28, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | CCC and Middle Fork | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1000.00 | | Purchased At: | Gregg's Greenlake | | Strengths: | Does what it's supposed to do. Durable frameset. Wow factor. | | Weaknesses: | Can't think of any. | | Similar Products Used: | Univega DS | | Bike Setup: | 2003 Epic Comp frame with 2004 Brain shock, XT all around, Avid BB discs, Easton bits here and there. | | Bottom Line: | I could tell the efficiency of this bike right from the beginning. I saw instant reductions in the time it took to make it up familiar climbs, and the downhills became smooth as silk. No brake jacking, bob, or kickback either. I don't ride real fast or rough so I keep the threshold adjuster on the lightest setting. It carries my 200 pounds easily. I bought this bike as a frame/fork from Gregg's Greenlake in Seattle. After I sold the Fox F80 fork my net cost was $600. A screaming deal for something this nice! I transfered parts from another bike and put an old Axel fork on it for a while just so I could ride it. Then I tried a Black Super Air - not so super. Next up is a Reba 100mm, which I think will finish this awesome bike quite nicely. I can't part with the cash for a F100X, but it would be the logical choice. I followed MBA's recommendation to slow the handling down a bit by using a 100mm fork and I think that was a good decision. It's not twitchy at all now. The only reason I would trade this bike in would be to get the new 100mm rear travel model (I have the 90mm). To be honest, I don't think you'd be able to tell the difference though. The rear shock has performed perfectly and has not given me any trouble after two seasons. I just checked the bearings in the rear linkage and they are still tight and sealed. Rock solid choice from a solid company. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Leo Cirino
a Cross Country Rider
from Belo Horizonte
Date Reviewed: March 6, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Trilha do Mingu | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Trip Aventura | | Strengths: | Weight, new rear triangle (no chain suck), upgrades. | | Weaknesses: | Price | | Similar Products Used: | First full suspension | | Bike Setup: | Epic 2006 rim. Upgrades: Selle Italia SLR gel flow seat, Thomson seatpost and stem, FSA Protaper handlebar, Avid SL brakes, Sram X9 shifters and X0 rear derailleur, XT cassette. | | Bottom Line: | Great choice. I was prone to the Stumpjumper FSR, but this one got first to the store and it was love at first sight. I think that even with the original components it's a serious full suspension. I don't intend to race but I'm a bit more fast and audacious on my trails now. Racers already know this one, but I realy think some serious xc riders will like on a weekend trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
dot
a Racer
from somewhere
Date Reviewed: March 3, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | local LBS | | Strengths: | An excellent fuselage with some reasonable LX/XT parts as a starting point to upgrade.
| | Weaknesses: | Heavy stock hardware and hubs. Ugly tires.
The rear derailleur cable and housing need frequent replacements. | | Similar Products Used: | mostly hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock fuselage, almost everything else is replaced. | | Bottom Line: | Reasonable weight for a frame of my size (2730 gr).
Surprisingly good cheap avid v-brakes.
Very long wheelbase (mine is L-size) makes the bike very stable but it's a bit lazy to go into turns. Not for very twisting trails. It's not so reactive as a light hardtail, but it rides smoothly and I don't wanna stand up as much as I do riding a hardtail. Also climbs very well. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jim
a Cross Country Rider
from St. Louis, MO
Date Reviewed: February 2, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Blue ribbon, matson | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Purchased At: | Granada Cyclery | | Strengths: | Fast, responsive, light weight for FSR, sexy Dream paint! | | Weaknesses: | HAven't found it yet | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Giant AC, Giant Iguana, Specialized hardrock ss | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far... | | Bottom Line: | Very happy with this bike. I traded in my AC for this lighter, more XC design. I really felt that I was sacrificing the AC's downhill grace for the epic's up hill advantage, but I'm descending faster on my epic than the 6" travel ac! The weight inspires much more confidence in the turns, and with the brain fade I can make it soak up the rough parts of the trail. This makes a great FSR bike for anyone addicted to hardtails. It looks and feels like a hardtail when you need it too, but rides like a cadillac through the rough parts, making you fly through the technical sections....good job specialized, you may be cocky, but at least one of your bikes lives up to your claims. If you live in St. Louis, stop on in Granada and I'll sell you one! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
crazy speed
a Racer
from Kitakyushu, Japan
Date Reviewed: January 31, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | horn gap, Ashland, Oregon | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | The brain, front fork responds well to all terrain. It really is a full suspension bike that feels like a hard tail. | | Weaknesses: | stock parts, I have changed out everything. | | Similar Products Used: | Kona king, GT i-drive | | Bike Setup: | Mavic crossmax XLs, full xtr, Chris king HS. Easton seatpost with a san marco saddle. | | Bottom Line: | Now the bike weighs in at 22.5 lbs. I race about twice a month and it has put me on the podium. Good bike for anyone who wants to go fast. I love it. The paint job also makes it look very sexy. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
James
a Cross Country Rider
from Denton, Texas, U.S.A.
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bar H | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1950.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycles, Inc. | | Strengths: | Weight, fork, adjustible brain, comfortable riding position | | Weaknesses: | Rival seat is better than last year, but still needs improvement. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS, Trek Fuel, Specialized Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Switched out flat bar for more comfortable riser. | | Bottom Line: | I am 100% thrilled with this bike. Have switched bikes yearly for the past 4 years in an attempt to find a better fit. Previous bikes were too heavy, uncomfortable or didnt encourage me to ride faster. Well thats all history. Its light, extremely comfortable, and extremely capable. I find myself riding faster each time I go out. I am starting to doubt the accuracy of my computer. I chose the rim model as I ride in extremely dry Texas conditions. The rim brakes have proven to compliment this bike. No need for the heavy discs.
This is the first bike I have owned where buyer's remorse has not entered my mind. I cant say enough about the new Epic. If your thinking about it go ride one. You will not be disappointed.
Oh ya, the finish on these bikes is beautiful! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brandon
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego, CA
Date Reviewed: January 23, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Mt. Laguna | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Warehouse | | Strengths: | Front are rear suspension are great! They are very responsive and have a lot of flexibility to meet indivual needs. Hubs are disc-ready so I won't need to change them when I add some disc brakes. The V-brakes work surprisingly well (I'm coming from disc). | | Weaknesses: | Tires suck. I know I'm not a pro, but tese things slid out in every fast turn I went through. Also the handle bars are shorter and flatter than what I was used to, but I guess they're OK now. | | Similar Products Used: | Raleigh RAM 3.0 was my last bike. When buying this Specialized, I also test-rode the Stuntjumper and the Santa Cruz Juliana and Blur. I also tried a Giant (don't remember the model). | | Bike Setup: | Stock except I put a WTB Moto Raptor 2.2" in front and WTB Weirwolf 2.3" in back. I also ditched the Shimano SPD pedals for my Crank Bros. Candy SL "Egg Beaters." I also put a WTB Gel Pro Saddle on. | | Bottom Line: | This bike has totally changed my riding. It's fast, responsive and affordable. Aside from the pedals (which I already had), I've only put about $100 into this bike to make it exactly what I want. I will probably add some Avid BB7s down the road, but like I said, the stock V-Brakes work really well. If you like technical and challanging climbs, this is your bike; it's light and will climb anything. It's amazing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
MIGUEL HINCAPIE
a Racer
from MIAMI, FL U.S.
Date Reviewed: December 12, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | reddick RAZORBACK | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1250.00 | | Purchased At: | MACK CYCLES Miami | | Strengths: | This bike is fast, great climber, and responsive. | | Weaknesses: | heavy: stock wheelset is heavy, Shimano 519's are horrible in the mud, hadlebars must be CUT, a lot of chain suck..., the specialized Pro wheels are bad too | | Similar Products Used: | All my other bikes have been HT; Raleighs, treks | | Bike Setup: | bone stock Except for a Demo lite handlebar | | Bottom Line: | I have mixed emotions about this bike. Sometimes it feels spot-on, and sometimes it's so squirly that it makes me nervous. Coming from srtickly HT's, its a great bike to adjust to FS yet I have ridden other FS bikes and they are so much plusher. Though the whole point (of the Brain)is to provide a more ridgid ride & activate only when needed, it sometimes feels like it's active when you dont want it to be and not when you don't. I obviously have not found the right set-up for myself 5'8" 165lbs.
Being as I am preparing to race all of next season (I placed 3rd in my first race yesterday, Stoaked 'bout that!)
I do intend on building the bike up. Once i get all the components that I want will I keep w/ the Epic design??? I dont know! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt St. Marie
a Racer
from Brevard, NC
Date Reviewed: November 1, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Pressely Gap | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | | Purchased At: | Sycamore Cycles | | Strengths: | Fox Fork, Frame, Race Geometry, Climbing, Technical Flats. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy as a brick, Downhills, twisty singletrack, some componets.
| | Similar Products Used: | Kona Mano Mano, hardtails. | | Bike Setup: | Stock W/ Cane Creek Wheels, Tubeless tires, lighter saddle. | | Bottom Line: | You won't fully use this bike untill you get in a race situation. Only at very high speeds does this bike settle into any sort of comfort. Go too slow, and the trail will beat you to death. This bike has a harsh suspension feel, and is anything but plush. That being said, I enjoy having the rear suspension in the later parts of a 3 lap race.
I'm still not sold on the Brain shock, as it does feel slow responding to hits. The brain fade on the "06 models may fix this. The fork (and any other fork made by Fox) is the best on the market.
The bike is heavy for a $2000 race bike, my 19inch weighs 27# w/ ligher stuff on it. As a result, it feels sluggish on tight, twisty singletrack.
This bike is an exellent race bike, and I would recomend it to anyone looking for a extremely fast bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Lars
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: October 31, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | tri sport | | Strengths: | this bike is strong in everything except the weight catagory. | | Weaknesses: | Weight. this bike could be way lighter. mine is like 29 lbs. Not the lightest | | Similar Products Used: | Airborne corsair | | Bike Setup: | stock except deore xt hollowtech cranks, Avid ti rim brakes, and avid ti levers | | Bottom Line: | this bike is the best u can get. i havent riden anything that comes close to the way it performs. no one can beat the brain setup. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
jsg
a Cross Country Rider
from Minnesota
Date Reviewed: September 18, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | Eriks | | Strengths: | Handling, climbing. | | Weaknesses: | Weight, maybe | | Bike Setup: | Stock exceot for saddle and Bontrager Race Lite wheelset | | Bottom Line: | Coming from a hardtail, this bike has allowed me to ride trail sections that were previously impossible for me. I'm much less sore at the end of a ride. The more-upright position, longer travel fork, and more relaxed geometry have already saved me from a few trips over the bars. Even though its considered to be a race bike, this is a great bike for general trail riding. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ian
a Weekend Warrior
from Grimbergen
Date Reviewed: September 11, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Meise Bloso Route, Belgium | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Tsuchiya Bike Shop, Japan | | Strengths: | Stable handling, responsive Brain Shock, durable frame, reliable bike. | | Weaknesses: | The frame is a bit on the heavy side. I bought this frame in 2003, but I see that Specialized has taken some grams off over the years.
The stock Epic is OK for recreational XC riders. But you'll have to replace almost all moving parts other than the frame to get a more durable and efficient ride. | | Similar Products Used: | Iron Horse | | Bike Setup: | Crossmax XL rim brakes wheelset, Deda 25 Newton stem, Selle Italia SLR seat, Shimano XT Transmission, Shimano M959 pedals | | Bottom Line: | I've been using this bike for almost 2.5 years and it has performed really great. The Brain has pretty much lived up to it's name. Hardtail on flats, Full suspension on rough terrain. Except during the winter when temperatures are down to 0degC, the brain shock does not function as well.
Handling has been superb. It has endured varied terrain - from the mountain trails of Kobe, Japan (where I bought it) to the flatter, rough road and cobblestone trails of Belgium (where I am now).
I would recommend this bike for those who are thinking of buying it. The only thing I would have done differently is to have bought better components from the start via the higher end Epic models. Since buying the Epic, I've replaced the stock parts with the ones I've mentioned above in bike set-up.
Even so, I absolutely like this bike.. and maybe upgrading some parts every now and then was good since I was always looking forward to something new.
Now it's time to send the bike to a Specialized dealer for a frame tune-up/check-up. I've noticed that some of the bolts in rear triangle are less tight than normal, and some creaking in the headset. Well, it has served me well over the years.... maybe it's time I give the bike a little treat :-)
(I am now hoping that Specialized's customer service is as good as the bike) | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Cat
a Cross Country Rider
from Breckenridge,CO USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | Peaks | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1600.00 | | Purchased At: | MSO | | Strengths: | This frame is lightweight and the bike is super responsive. The Fox Float front fork makes for a cushy downhill ride, but lets you feel the trail both up and downhill. I can't rave enough about the brain technology. This bike rides uphill with so little bob you forget your on a full suspension. | | Weaknesses: | Cranks, brakes and cables could be upgarded for a smother, lighter ride, or you could have antied up and bought the comp or marathon. A little more rigid on the downhill than some other full suspensions. | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Klien Palimino | | Bike Setup: | Stock for now | | Bottom Line: | Excellent cross country bike with exceptional climbing ability. Not a bike for a downhiller. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jack
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto
Date Reviewed: July 2, 2005 | | Favoriate Trail: | DVP | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1300.00 | |
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$ 1950.00
