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Submitted by
abikerider
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: June 12, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hole In The Ground | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Garage | | Bottom Line: | This is a follow up to my post below. After rebuilding the rear caliper and lever with new seals myself and realizing that the lever pivot pin set screw should not be tightened all the way, the rear brake now feels like new. Either the seals were defective or my mechanic used the wrong fluid and damaged the seals. I'm just happy to have my bike back on the trails. For more detail about how I fixed it see my review of the Avid juicy 5. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mike Schoellkopf
a Cross Country Rider
from Sacramento, CA
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Hole In The Ground | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Garage in Fremont, CA | | Strengths: | Great climber, great handling, excellent Fox fork, good mix of components, cool anodized blue color. | | Weaknesses: | Hard as rock saddle and the stem was too short (80 or 90mm) on the medium model; both easily remedied. The rear juicy 5 disk brake has been problematic. After a few months it stopped retracting all the way and was rubbing the rim very badly. After replacing it under warranty the same thing happened. Now I have moved and can't take it back to the original shop for warranty work. I've decided to give the juicy's one last chance by buying the rubber seals and replacing them all. I am disappointed in the brakes to say the least but this was not Specialized's fault. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Hecker X, my first dual suspension: not a very efficient climber and the rear suspension was effectively locked out under hard braking. I still liked to ride it though. I also test rode Santa Cruz blur which I didn't think climbed well while standing up. Demo'ed a Trek liquid which ate boulders as if they were pebbles but didn't climb well while standing. | | Bike Setup: | Stock 2005 set up with the exception of a new saddle, 100mm Weyless stem, Weyless carbon riser hanlebars, and Crank Bros. pedals. | | Bottom Line: | The only full suspension bike I found that was light enough and could climb out of the saddle without bobbing. Great handling and overall quality with the exception of the defective Avid juicy 5 rear disk brake. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Guy
a Cross Country Rider
from UK/Cambodia
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2008 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bokor Mountain | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Tay Junction, Singapore | | Strengths: | - Excellent ride - feels like a hard-tail, but has the traction and control of full suspension.
- Top-notch stock components, particularly the fork.
- The Brain Fade simply works. You don't notice the rear shock until you need it.
- 3 bottle cage mounts. Fabulous if don't get on with Camelbaks
- Stellar after-sales service from Specialized UK
| | Weaknesses: | - Hair-trigger SRAM Front Mech Shifter.
- Various problems with the Avid Juicy Fives
- Flaky seat-post clamp
- Stock tyres (Specialized Fast Track) don't like mud
- Stock bars are a bit on the wide side for technical single track | | Similar Products Used: | - Gary Fisher Sugar
- Gary Fisher HiFi
- Specialized Stumpjumper FSR
- Santa Cruz Superlight | | Bike Setup: | All stock. See www.specialized.com for the details - it's the 2007 Epic Comp. | | Bottom Line: | The review below is spot on - if you're looking for an armchair, the Epic isn't the ride for you. It's very stiff, and most of the time you'll be wondering if the rear shock is actually there. Then you check the o-ring on the shock after a ride and see you've used the full range.
Coming from 16 years of riding mostly rigid bikes (and the occasional hard tail) this was perfect for me.
The stock set-up is excellent, but next time I would spec a Shimano shifter for the (Shimano LX) front mech - the SRAM push-push system leads to accidental down-shifts on bumpy descents.
The Avid Juicy Fives have been disappointing. They stop the bike, but it's heinously difficult to change the pads. You have to take off the IS/Post adapters to do the job. I've had some low-speed brake judder despite making sure disc torque was correct. And long, wet descents have resulted in shredded pads and warped rotors - though I suspect other brakes might have gone the same way.
I'm a long way from the nearest proper bike shop, but Specialized UK have been wonderful with advice both by email and over the phone. They offered to change the Avids for any other brake, free of charge, and have given many useful answers to even the silliest questions.
This is by far the most I have spent on a new bike - no regrets. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brian
a Weekend Warrior
from Raynham Mass
Date Reviewed: October 19, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Massasoit State Pk, Middleboro MA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1200.00 | | Purchased At: | Classifieds | | Strengths: | -Reliable drivetrain, Brakes are crisp, front fork is great and brain does what its supposed to. | | Weaknesses: | -This is marketed as a full suspension bike, but you need to know that it does not offer all that "plush" of a ride. It does exactly what it you want if you want to be fast and efficient on the trail. This bike is like having a nice hardtail that softens from time to time, climbs excellent, and uses ever ounce of energy you put into the cranks. | | Similar Products Used: | 2006 Specialized FSR XC | | Bike Setup: | -Stock, with some specialized bar ends and cranbrothers candy pedals. | | Bottom Line: | -This is all the bike I will ever need, or want. I was a fan of the FSR xc becuase if offered a plush feel over terrain, but now that I realized how much more efficient this bike is and how much faster I am...I wouldn't trade it for anything. Again, if you want to have all the benefits of a great hardtail with excellent components, that softens when you wish it would the technology of this bike is for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Cornell
a Cross Country Rider
from Amherst, MA, USA
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Competitive Edge, Hadley MA | | Bottom Line: | This is an update of my 7/20/2007 review regarding brakes. Turns out I've had serious trouble with the rear brake: It was making a horrendous racket - like gravel grinding on the rotor. Removed the pads, inspected them and the rotor - looked fine - and brought it back to the dealer today. Long story short, the Avid Juicy pads are CRAP. They replaced them with EBCs, which fixed the problem. Now I have to go back and do the front (started grinding badly).
The bike is very nice (I've ridden it a few more times), great balance, fun on XC, but the brake hassles aren't good. Downgrading review to 5/4. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt Cornell
a Cross Country Rider
from Amherst, MA
Date Reviewed: July 20, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Bachelor Street, Granby MA | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Competitive Edge, Hadley MA | | Strengths: | *Terrific* bike! Fast, great acceleration, climbs like a dream, and the full suspension works as promised. | | Weaknesses: | Useless grips, average pedals (I miss my egg beaters), so-so tires for New England XC, a *tad* heavy in the front (popping a wheelie is slightly more work than I expected), and some brake issues (not fully resolved, but I'm anal so it's probably OK). | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS 1 - 2002 model. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but better grips. | | Bottom Line: | Very, very fun bike. Within one or two rides I was relatively unaware of the bike - just me and the trails. Highly recommended. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Matt
a Cross Country Rider
from Saramento, CA, USA
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Lollipop Loop (connector + FDLT) | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Mike's Bikes | | Strengths: | Excellent component spec: I love the SRAM shifters (these are my first SRAM shifters/der) and the Juicy 5 brakes. The fork is very plush, even when sag is set to "race" measurements. The shock and brain allow multiple different adjustments to make the bike either hardtail firm or very plush (though I'm a set it and forget it kind of guy). The bike handles very well, though very tight switchbacks are a bit hard to navigate. It climbs very well. On descents, contrary to what I'd read about twitchiness at speed, I've had the bike to about 45 mph and it was still extremely stable. | | Weaknesses: | The brain gives me too many things to fuss with and it took a bit to get the suspension set like I wanted it.
Now that I have such a great bike, I realize it's me that makes me slow, not my bike. | | Similar Products Used: | I compared the Epic to the Stumpjumper and the Canondale Rush. I climbed a 10 story parking garage with each bike, did some dirt riding, some curb hopping, etc on each. The Rush felt very numb in the rear, the Stumpjumper was a bit soft for my taste (too much bob). I only returned from my test ride with a smile on my face after riding the Epic. | | Bike Setup: | XTR Cassette
Salsa flip-off skewers
Fastrak S-works 2bliss (though I'm running tube) rear tire | | Bottom Line: | The Epic is an excellent bike. I love riding it and enjoy mountain biking much more than I ever have in the past. If you are looking for a bike that climbs well and is still plush for descending, and will make you ride fast in all conditions, this is the bike for you. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Tom
a Weekend Warrior
from Eau Claire
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Levis mounds | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$2300.00 | | Purchased At: | The sports den | | Strengths: | Stiff when hammering along, Good specs for price, handles pretty good. | | Weaknesses: | Very heavy for XC race bike. Small bump compliance is non-existant. I have the '03 so I'm told they worked that out on newer models. The stiffness and small bump compliance is a big weakness on steep technical climbs, break traction too much. Hubs are weak. | | Similar Products Used: | Ellsworth epiphany (unbelievable bike which I now own) Cannondale f400 hardtail | | Bike Setup: | Fox rcl 80 fork, xtr rear, Hayes disc brakes, crank brothers eggbeaters, mostly stock | | Bottom Line: | I did like this bike for the first couple years. I have never abused it, but rode hard. This bike is not meant to be ridden like that for four years. I have replaced every single component - chain, rings, cassette, bearings, hub assembly, rear derailer, and still have a bad problem with throwing the chain, It has been to no less than five bike shops and can't seem to find the problem. Any suggestions? Bottom line is, good bike - not the best choice for a everyday cross country trailbike. | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Morristown
Date Reviewed: March 23, 2007 | | Favoriate Trail: | Pudgy's, Berkshires | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1900.00 | | Purchased At: | Martys Reliable Cycle | | Strengths: | Climbing is a no brainer on this bike. It is also extremely well balance in technical situations. Standover clearance is unreal. Avid Juicy's are excellent. Seat is surprisingly comfortable. | | Weaknesses: | 2.0 tires are wimpy, both size-wise and tread wise. Wheels come with narrow gauge spokes, don't appear beefy enough for technical XC riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Tracer, various C'dale susp bikes, Trek Fuel, various hardtails | | Bike Setup: | Stock, except I am running XT/Sun wheelset with 2.4 Mutano raptor tires. | | Bottom Line: | Excellent bike for long rides in technical terrain. Very efficient climber. The best bike I've ridden in my 17 years of mtn biking. I loved my Tracer before the frame broke, and didn't think I could find a bike that would suit me as well...I was wrong...the Epic rocks. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken
a Cross Country Rider
from Squamish B.C Canada
Date Reviewed: November 9, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2800.00 | | Purchased At: | Corsa Cycles | | Strengths: | Excellent climber,when my buddies are spinning out I'm digging in.Deore dscs are awesome,power and modulation.One finger always.Brain has worked flawlessly and incredibly for 2 yrs and for having had the running gear done a couple of times and all the pivots and bearings done the brain just keeps on working like it should. | | Weaknesses: | Bottom bracket hieght is a bit low so you have to finness the cranks sometimes in the choppy slow going.The overall handling of the bike benefits from it,you just have to keep it in mind.I swapped bikes with a buddy who has a etsx70 rocky(also an awesome ride)and he liked the lower center of gravity.The bearing pack and istalation for the back end was a bit pricy 200+ but after 2yrs of punishment its somewhat expected on a fs.Brake system likes pads but for the braking quality I would'nt give them up. | | Similar Products Used: | Test piloted-Rocky ETSX70 and a giant trance.The trance is a nice ride but not in the same league as the others.
| | Bike Setup: | Stockish,put a dean ti seatpost in,xtr rd,fox could'nt rebuild my front shock after I sacked it so I've got a 07 fox vanilla which work well. | | Bottom Line: | Looking for a fsxc ride that has all the atributes of a hard tail but soaks up the bumps when you need it then this ride will rock your trail network,mine still has me smiling when I come home from a few hour hammer in the hills. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Karsten
a Cross Country Rider
from Norway
Date Reviewed: October 28, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2700.00 | | Strengths: | Light, fast and smart. This bike let's the rider stay on the ground and follow the ups and downs, which keeps the momentum flowing. It descends like a God in technical terrain and climbs even better. If the bike is built down to 24-25 lbs, it's probably one of the best XC racer out there. The brain is fabulous. | | Weaknesses: | I don't like the Avid Juicy 5 brakes all that much; the braking is not as efficient as I hoped for. There's a couple of heavy parts as well, but they can easily be replaced. | | Bike Setup: | Stock, but I'm planning a few upgrades to bring the weight down (mine weighs about 26 lbs) | | Bottom Line: | I was looking for an allround bike to replace my hardtail and I had a FS with lock-out on both suspensions in mind before I discovered the epic. I did a lot of research and after trying it myself, the epic truly deserves its reputation of being a super-fast XC bike.
I use the bike for trial and some downhill as well as XC, and I can't wait to compete on it. I'll probably never ride a hardtail again.
I recommend this bike to the competitive racer, as well as the recreational cyclist. It's beautiful, light and comfortable. Want to win races? Try the epic. Want to ride for fun? Try the epic.
The bottom line is: BELIEVE THE HYPE! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Alan
a Weekend Warrior
from Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Date Reviewed: September 27, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2400.00 | | Purchased At: | Cyclepath-Danforth | | Strengths: | pedalling efficiency, climbing, speed, brain rear suspension, | | Weaknesses: | none so far | | Similar Products Used: | Specialized Stumpjumper Pro, Rocky Mountain ETSX, Cannondale Rush 1000 | | Bike Setup: | stock except for Race Face Next XC carbon riser handlebar and Geax Stumpy 2.1 and 2.25 tires | | Bottom Line: | I am a experienced novice rider so take this for what it's worth.
I came close to purchasing the Cannondale as it also rode well and to me looks awesome. I was worried that there were not many Cannondale dealers in the Greater Toronto area and I felt that if it was that good a bike, that more dealers would stock them. The Rocky Mountain also rode well but the day before I was going to make " the big decision" I found on the MTBR forum that the ETSX frame were prone to breaking altough the manufacturer did replace them under warranty.
I found the Specialized Epic rode well, had better pedalling efficiency and easier to do climbs than the Stumpjumper (I know the Stumpjumper has it's place and is an All Mountain bike vs. XC Racer but I won't be doing any crazy jumps over a foot or two). The stock tires worked fine in the limited riding I did before I changed them to Geax Sturdy due to the ratings on this site. Same reason for the handlebar change not to mention my lower back and lower back of the neck (to force my head up to see what's ahead)was killing me in about 5 minutes of riding because of the low racing position. The riser bar is perfect now. The pricing stated is in Canadian dollars and was the end of the season special.
Cyclepath on Danforth Avenue in Toronto was excellent in their Service and Knowledge. Thanks Carlos!
Other notable mentions when I was looking around are Eli from Silent Sports on Doncaster just north of Yonge Street and Steeles Avenue AND Cycle Solutions on Kingston Road near Main Street in the Beach or their other location on Parliament Street in the downtown Toronto area. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from WestPalmBeach
Date Reviewed: August 20, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | BearCreek, Ellijay, Ga | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$800.00 | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | Awesome all around. Climbs like a goat. Fast. Comfortable to ride all day and great suspension. | | Weaknesses: | A little heavy as stock and pricey, but well worth it. | | Similar Products Used: | Giant NRS Air, Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | XTR Rear derailer, XTR front derailuer, XTR shifters, Avid Juicy 7 brakes, Mavic Crossland wheelset, Weirwolf tubless tires, Thompson seatpost/stem, and S-Works carbon handelbar. | | Bottom Line: | Badass bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gregory Simpson
a Cross Country Rider
from Lousiville, Kentucky
Date Reviewed: August 7, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | anyone thats good | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Bardstown Bike Inc. | | Strengths: | Front Fork. Its so adjustable to fit whatever terrain your goin over. The brain on the back shock is awesome! | | Weaknesses: | If front tire is not put on correctly or in the right spot the brake bad will rub on the disc. The tires on the bike suck in sand and small gravel. It slips quite a bit in that kind of stuff. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper,Trek Fuel 80, Fuji, FSR XC Pro | | Bike Setup: | stock everything for the time being | | Bottom Line: | This bike is pretty much good everywhere you go. I just went to Vermont and rode down a ski slope. There were quite a few large rocks and it floated over those. I was not thrown from my bike once that day. Its a great bike that if you can get a good deal on it its worth it. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Christian G
a Racer
from Hudsonville, MI USA
Date Reviewed: July 17, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Yankee Springs | | Duration Product Used: | More than 3 years | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | Cross Country Cycle | | Strengths: | Solid Bike. Excellent front fork, the Brain is amazing. XTR RDR is perfect. Stem length is perfect. Crank has held up great. Wheels have done well considering I weighed 220 pounds when I bought it (now weight 180). I still use the wheels with minimal maintance. Great Bike | | Weaknesses: | Bike is tad heavy. The cranks are great since they have handled my abuse, but I would love to replace them. There is no doubt that this is a racing bike. If your looking for a smooth ride, this is not your bike. I mean its not bad but not like a stumpy.
The one thing I don't like is the LX FDR and the LX shifters. FDR is no real issue, but I dislike the shifters. I think they take to long to engage. Deore Disc Brakes are heavy too, but damn do they work well. | | Similar Products Used: | Rockhopper | | Bike Setup: | Stock except new cassette, carbon handle bars, Ritch WCS seatpost, SRAM chain and Fast Trac tires (although the Roll-X's are incredible tires too) | | Bottom Line: | I love this bike. Since I have increased my racing, I am upgrading to 2007 S-Works as long is they offer a non-carbon version. Not a big carbon frame fan.
This is a phenominal bike and a great value since i bought mine on sale. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from NH
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anyone I have time to get to | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | $1700 internet | | Strengths: | Great XC racer for those who like to put their head dwon and hammer on the trails. Climbs like a goat and eats up small to medium bumps well. On single track it will go as fast as you have the guts to pedal. | | Weaknesses: | For what you would pay full retail you shouldn't see that much LX stuff on the bike. What is up with the stock tires? I have a road bike that would do better in the sand! Stock stem is too short which makes the bike a bit twitchy. | | Similar Products Used: | Still have my ten year old zaskar which on a smooth trail is as fast or faster than the EPIC | | Bike Setup: | Stock except - XT FR Dearailleur, ODI Rogues, Fire XC Pros, XT shifters and Thomson setback seatpost (which anyone over 6" will need | | Bottom Line: | I turned 40 this year and the EPIC was gift to myself. I wanted a fast XC bike like my Zaskar with a bit of suspension to give my bones a bit of a break. That is exactly what I got in the Epic. Honestly it isn't that much different than my Zaskar until I hit the bumps then the "Brain" really goes to work.
If you are looking for a plush ride or big hits though this ain't your ride. If you want a go fast bike get your own or you can just try to see mine as I fly past you on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rob
a Cross Country Rider
from NH
Date Reviewed: July 4, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Anyone I have time to get to | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | $1700 internet | | Strengths: | Great XC racer for those who like to put their head dwon and hammer on the trails. Climbs like a goat and eats up small to medium bumps well. On single track it will go as fast as you have the guts to pedal. | | Weaknesses: | For what you would pay full retail you shouldn't see that much LX stuff on the bike. What is up with the stock tires? I have a road bike that would do better in the sand! Stock stem is too short which makes the bike a bit twitchy. | | Similar Products Used: | Still have my ten year old zaskar which on a smooth trail is as fast or faster than the EPIC | | Bike Setup: | Stock except - XT FR Dearailleur, ODI Rogues, Fire XC Pros, XT shifters and Thomson setback seatpost (which anyone over 6" will need | | Bottom Line: | I turned 40 this year and the EPIC was gift to myself. I wanted a fast XC bike like my Zaskar with a bit of suspension to give my bones a bit of a break. That is exactly what I got in the Epic. Honestly it isn't that much different than my Zaskar until I hit the bumps then the "Brain" really goes to work.
If you are looking for a plush ride or big hits though this ain't your ride. If you want a go fast bike get your own or you can just try to see mine as I fly past you on the trail. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Gary Monahan
a Weekend Warrior
from Portland
Date Reviewed: June 16, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Ape Canyon | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Kissler's | | Strengths: | Well designed, nice Geometry and the Brain really works! I thought it was schmaltzy gimmickry until I rode it. | | Weaknesses: | I don't know why, but I'm not fond of the aluminum grommet from the seat tube to the top tube, no big deal though. A bit tougher to clean than my FSR. | | Similar Products Used: | Stumpjumper FSR XC Comp | | Bike Setup: | Added riser bar and Avid BB-7s. | | Bottom Line: | I went from an M2 hardtail to a FSR/XC fully suspended ride and found it too smooshy for my taste. This bike is the PERFECT solution. I climb stuff I used to walk and have a lot more confidence cornering. It really does climb like a hardtail, I am totally stoked about this bike!
If you are looking for a hard tail climber and a full suspension descender, this is the right bike... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Racer
from Wisconsin
Date Reviewed: May 6, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Strengths: | The Brain shock | | Weaknesses: | The brain shock | | Similar Products Used: | Trek, GF | | Bike Setup: | Stock because of demo | | Bottom Line: | This thing is a rocket. I took it out to the trail where I normally go to train. I was riding at a casual pace and was thinking to myself this thing is fast and then decided to open it up and the bike cut 6 minutes off the lap compared to the week before on my current bike.
The brain shock is nice because it allows the bike to be a hardtail or a fs bike. I just got to demo the bike but it felt like it was hitting something with the rear of the bike but I think it was just the shock doing its job.
I am seriously thinking of getting this bike later this summer just from the couple of hours with the bike and you should also consider getting it if you can. You will be faster. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Rick
a Cross Country Rider
from Danbury, CT
Date Reviewed: April 4, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | All of 'em | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Bike Express | | Strengths: | M5 Frame, Brain Fade Shock, Fox 100RL and XT Crankset. This is a great starting point, and let's you figure out where you want to mod from there. | | Weaknesses: | Hubs, Cassette, Bar and Stem, Seat, Tires, to name a few items. Hey, they had to cut price somewhere... | | Similar Products Used: | Klein Pulse, Stumpjumper | | Bike Setup: | Stock Frame and Fork, Brakes and Derailers. Hope Stem, NOS Scott AT2-LF bars, Bontrager WTB Ti-Rail seat, WTB Kevlar Velociraptors F&R, Chris King ISO Disc Hubs(red), Salsa Flip Off's(red) DT Swiss DB Spokes, Easton Seatpost, SRAM 11-34 cassette, FSA Bash Ring, YUM!!! | | Bottom Line: | This is an update to my first post. Now I have some miles and dings on my frame. The basic stock set-up gave me time to figure out what I wanted to end up with. The rear hub was crunchy after a few hard rides, and the stock HG-50 shifted like lead. So I built up the stock rims with some Chris King ISO Disc hubs(red) and an SRAM Cassette. Shifting is much smoother, and the "Angry Bee Sound" is the ta-ta's. I needed to stretch out a little more and put a little more weight on the front for steep climbing, so the Hope 110mm stem with a little more lift (100deg vs. 98deg) took care of that. The bars were too wide for me as well, so I found a NOS Scott AT2-LF bar on ebay for $20 and all is well in the climbing department now. Before, the front end was too light on steep climbs and would be a bit much to keep on line. There is a bit of flexy feeling on fast fire road descents, but that may be just the geometry changes as the bike soaks up larger bumps.
The Brain (Fade) never ceases to amaze me. It will never be concidered "plush" but the ride soakes up so much when you start to scream along, it's amazing. Once you dial it in and get your pressure set for you (a few rides, small pressure changes and playing with the "Fade" and "Rebound" knobs) it's pure magic. Out of saddle climbs (with the F100RL locked out) feel like my old hard tail Klein, pure upward power!
The brakes are strong with little fade, if a bit noisy when they heat up, and have great feel. Very confidence inspiring on long fast downhills.
I find myself pushing to go that extra bit faster than I was before, with a confident feeling that the bike can handle it.
This is not a bike for hucks and drops, more for rapidly covering ground and dancing in the rocks and logs. If speed is your thing and shaving a few seconds off your time through your course is what you are after, nothing can beat an Epic Comp. Well, maybe an S-Works Epic.
I have to give it a 5X5 rating. Specialized has the market cornered on "Horst Link" equipped bikes, so you pay a little for that. But... the workmanship of the frame is excellent, the suspension delivers it's promise, the stock mix of components is servicable as a starting point. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Marc
a Cross Country Rider
from Montreal, CA
Date Reviewed: March 12, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | U d M Trail | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2350.00 | | Purchased At: | Martin Swiss Cycle | | Strengths: | Weight and Geometry, very very cozy
Bizarre, but amazing spec. XTR/XT/Deore Works great, front fork is second to none, nice stem and handlebars, Truvativ Stylo sets the bar, Avid Fives rock, nice tires and rims and of course, the brain | | Weaknesses: | whenever a small pedal hits the frame it makes a sound that thinks you've scratched it. but you haven't, so keep riding. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek 930, Giant Faith 2, Specialized Hard Rock | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | I was worried about the Brain, I was opting for the Epic or a Trance and dived for the Epic. The brain is trully remarkable. coming from a 8" bike i was worried about stiffness. I started riding and i was thinking, damn, this feels like a hardtail, very little give when I weight down on it (not jump up and down). then I go up the first curb. Ummm hello? where did that curb go?
Honestly surprised by how good the brain works. I climb faster than i ever have, even compared to a hardtail. Rocky uphills are chump change for this beast. Downhills are fast and more confident than ever. The geometry is not too agressive and it still makes a brilliant trail bike.
The Trance was cheaper, but this thing is miles, miles, miles better. The top. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bill
a
from Richmond, VA
Date Reviewed: March 8, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Strengths: | Pedals like a hard tail, bombs down like the best dualie. Lighter than older Epics | | Weaknesses: | None | | Similar Products Used: | Blur, older Epics | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike feels just like the old ones except it goes from locked out to open much smoother. The guy that wrote the last review is wrong, but his might have been messed up. When I first got mine, the inertia valve was stuck in the open position. At first I thought it was the "new" Fade Brain and I was not happy. After a few big hits, the inertia valve started working fine. Too bad that guy sold his because this thing rocks! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
chris
a Cross Country Rider
from pinellas park florida usa
Date Reviewed: February 23, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$3500.00 | | Purchased At: | action | | Strengths: | looks, some upgrades made the bike expensive | | Weaknesses: | its a joke THE EPIC NO LONGER HAS A HARD TAIL FEEL the catolog says you can lock out the rear end but call them and it is no longer possible they are missleading you | | Similar Products Used: | R M element | | Bike Setup: | xo king thomson | | Bottom Line: | TELL your friends the epic is no longer a hard tail I spent 3500 bucks only to have peddle bob worse than I did on my cannondale prophet and my element. specialized would not take my bike back they said they reserve the rite to change (without notice)call for youself .the bike shop that sold me the bike didnt even know .they actualy tried to fix my (BRAIN SHOCK)then they called specialized and guess what as you can tell im a little upset about it I just sold it on e bay for half of what i just paid .with out the hard tail,what makes it any different than any other full suspension.....weight yep it weighs MORE than the other xc bikes yep upset (WHY DO THEY THINK WE BUY EPICS) | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Daniel
a Cross Country Rider
from Phoenix
Date Reviewed: February 20, 2006 | | Duration Product Used: | 2 Years | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Strengths: | Rides really well. Looks good. | | Weaknesses: | Fox Brain Shock. The shock leaks and Fox's customer service is really bad. Call 1-800-Fox-Shox and try to speak to a customer service representative. An operator will answer, if you're lucky, then you will be forwarded to a mail box that is full. If you get an empty mail box, maybe someone will call back, maybe not. | | Similar Products Used: | Titus with Manitou | | Bike Setup: | Specialized Epic with XTR/XT Parts | | Bottom Line: | Buy a bike without a proprietary shock. If this was a non-proprietary shock, I could avoid Fox's really poor customer service by sending it to PUSH Industries for a rebuild. I sent this shock to Fox a few months ago for repair and it is leaking again. Good bike - very unrealiable. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Paul Jensen
a Cross Country Rider
from Jamestown, ND, USA
Date Reviewed: February 18, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Maah Daah Hey | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2429.00 | | Purchased At: | Nicollet Bike Shop, Minnesota | | Strengths: | The selection of components looks very good, attention to detail is evident, the paint looks very cool. I look forward to toying with all of the adjustments such as the front fork psi, fork lock out, brain on the rear and the fade settings. Stock the bike weighed in at 24lb 14 oz. which is a pleasing number and one you can't find on the internet anywhere. Seems bike weights are a secret. The Body Geometry items are great, especially their seats. | | Weaknesses: | I'm not very fond of the invisible Specialized decalling on the frame, you have to get within a few feet to read it. I wish the black finish that is offered on the Marathon model was offered on this level bike. Really like the anodized black. | | Similar Products Used: | Previous bike was a Giant Iguana. | | Bike Setup: | Stock so far with Cateye Micro wireless computer, gotta love the wireless installation! Specialized black aluminum bar ends. | | Bottom Line: | I have to say the Nicollet Bike shop in Nicollet, Minnesota was great to work with and offers great deals on high end bikes. They claim to sell over 800 bikes a year. Look'em up on the internet. This review is prior to me being able to ride the bike because it was -12 degrees F this morning and I almost hate to get it dirty. At this time all seems great with the bike and I can't wait to give it a go. The Shimano hydraulic disc brakes really seem to bite and come on kinda strong.
At 52 years old, I had to think carefully about the cost of this bike but I feel it's the best there is relative to its cost. The Fox components look very nice and the workmanship it very good. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Heych
a Cross Country Rider
from Brisbane, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 22, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Daisy Hill | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Purchased At: | NRG Cycles, Jindalee | | Strengths: | Relatively Light-Weight (12.3kg) ... very efficient pedalling ... agressive riding position. | | Weaknesses: | Black Paint is crap. Scratches and scuffs too easily! | | Similar Products Used: | Cannondale Super V 700SX | | Bike Setup: | Stock which includes the Avid BB9 mechanical discs. | | Bottom Line: | This is a review for the Australian 2005 model EPIC Disc. The disc brake is the Avid BB9 mechanical. I was sceptical at first with the mechanicals but once they are bed-in they are fantastic. They do take a bit more fore-arm strength to operate compared to the hydraulics. I had a couple of situations where my fore-arms were well and truely pumped out after a 1km rough downhill section.
The bike has made me a lot quicker rider. There is no bob from the brain shock, which has made a huge improvement in my performance. (My old Super-V bobbed like a $2 hooker)
The flat droopy bars gives you an agressive low riding position which is great for the tight single-track and climbing.
The suspension set-up worked best for me by reducing the pressure that was recommended by the manual. Now riding my favourite trails I tend to use 95% of the travel front and rear and the handling has improved greatly.
5 Chilis for value as for AU$2239, it cannot be beat.
4 Chilis for Overall rating, because the paint is absolutely crap.
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Brett Campbell
a Cross Country Rider
from Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | heritage trail, silverton, via broken hill | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4875.00 | | Purchased At: | the full cycle wagga wagga | | Strengths: | rideability
overall quality and finish
handling
power to ground, rides like a hardtail, but then has suspension! | | Weaknesses: | inconsistency of components
perhaps a little more expensive than comparable bikes
had a dodgy chain which i snapped twice within the first 300 km of riding. upgraded to an XT chain. | | Similar Products Used: | avanti aggressor {hardtail) | | Bike Setup: | standard | | Bottom Line: | what a great bike, really glad to have spent the extra money to buy this calibre of xc full suspension bike as not only is its weight comparable to my previous bike, but its overall componentry is better.
my only disappointment as a purist is that i appreciate consistency of components for synergy, ie all shimano XT as opposed to a mix of deore, xt and xtr.
whether i am training by myself, with others or racing, especially endurance races, the ability knowing that the epic will handle almost anything thrown at it is very reassuring. then how much more comfortable and fun rear suspension makes rough and downhill riding especially on longer and epic (how apt is this!)rides. now wonder i always have a smile on my face, even after a big stack. do not think i could be happier even if i had a budget to spend a lot more money. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Mark
a Cross Country Rider
from Loma Mar Ca
Date Reviewed: January 9, 2006 | | Favoriate Trail: | Skaggs | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | |
|
$ 2390.00
