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Specialized
S-Works Epic Carbon Disc
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Average Rating
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5/5
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# of Reviews
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17
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MSRP
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$
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Weight
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More Products from Specialized
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Description:
- Rear Shock: Specialized AFR Shock
- Fork: Fox F100RLC , 100mm travel
- Stem: Thomson CNC alloy, 31.8mm OS clamp
- Handlebars: SBC OS XC low rise carbon bar
- Chain: Shimano CN-7701 XTR
- Crankset: Shimano New XTR, Hollowtech II arms
- Seat Post: Thomson, 7000 series aluminum, 2-bolt adjust
- Saddle: Specialized BG Rival, Titanium rails
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Submitted by
fredjjjj
a Cross Country Rider
from North vancouver, BC, Canada
Date Reviewed: June 20, 2008 | | Favoriate 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! | | Similar Products Used: | S-Works Enduro, S-works Stumpjumper, Specialized EPIC 2005
(aluminum). Rocky Mountain ETS-X
| | Bike Setup: | 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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. | | Similar Products Used: | 2003 Epic Marathon Disc. 2005 S-Works Epic. Stumpjumper FSR Anniversary. S-Works Enduro 2004. Litespeed Owl Hollow. | | Bike Setup: | 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 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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...
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Submitted by
mark hensley
a Cross Country Rider
from venice, ca, usa
Date Reviewed: January 28, 2007 | | Favoriate 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 | | Favoriate 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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