Mountain Bike Reviews Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Should I buy a 2008 Epic comp - be honest

1 reading
Jump to Latest
1 - 20 of 22 Posts

K8Marie

· Registered
Joined
·
9 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I'm an active older adult trying to get back into Mtbing. Have a group of gals I want to ride with, but no budget for anything new....not even close :( I used to own a Stump Jumper in the 90s.

I discovered a reputable bike shop that recycles bikes in Seattle, and came across this bike in the photo. I believe it's the 2008 Epic comp - read some details, watched videos, and thought it will be great for me size/comfort/level. I was able to ride it around a parking lot. But then I started seeing stuff about the brain and often needing to replace it. The store wants $950 firm. It looks in great condition, but I'm new to buying a Mtb, and am looking for some advice. I can see myself riding with friends a few times a month and weekly for personal exercise.
 

Attachments

#2 ·
Personally, I'd take a hard pass. The thing I love about buying and riding used bikes is that you can get high end stuff for cheap, but even then there's a lot of pitfalls and frustrations to be had. That bike is neither high end nor cheap, and not nearly a good enough deal to make up for the downsides of obsolete parts and specs.

Probably the reason the price is so high (to me, anyway) is that it's coming through a reputable shop. People are willing to pay extra for the confidence that the brick and mortar shop provides (buying used is inherently risky, so it's nice to know they have your back). And on top of that, the shop may be charging extra because of the high demand for bikes right now, supply and demand and all that. If you flip that around, that means you could get a MUCH better deal if one of your riding buddies is used-bike-literate and can go Craigslist (and facebook marketplace) shopping with you and steer you towards a bike that suits your needs, is in good condition, and is an actual good deal.

For your thousand bucks, I'd consider it a good deal to find a used highish end hardtail or mid end full suspension from the last 7 years or so that has more of the current standards.
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
robbbery said:
Personally, I'd take a hard pass. The thing I love about buying and riding used bikes is that you can get high end stuff for cheap, but even then there's a lot of pitfalls and frustrations to be had. That bike is neither high end nor cheap, and not nearly a good enough deal to make up for the downsides of obsolete parts and specs.

Probably the reason the price is so high (to me, anyway) is that it's coming through a reputable shop. People are willing to pay extra for the confidence that the brick and mortar shop provides (buying used is inherently risky, so it's nice to know they have your back). And on top of that, the shop may be charging extra because of the high demand for bikes right now, supply and demand and all that. If you flip that around, that means you could get a MUCH better deal if one of your riding buddies is used-bike-literate and can go Craigslist (and facebook marketplace) shopping with you and steer you towards a bike that suits your needs, is in good condition, and is an actual good deal.

For your thousand bucks, I'd consider it a good deal to find a used highish end hardtail or mid end full suspension from the last 7 years or so that has more of the current standards.
Click to expand...
Thank you! I very much appreciate your advice - sounds very realistic. I'm starting to understand about the high demand right now.
 
#4 ·
I think this is the second thread for that exact bike.

My suggestion is if your budget is ~$1000 you shop for a more recent hardtail. While suspension is nice, there are a lot of other things which are equally important. Thru axels, dropper post, more modern geometry, 1x drivetrain.

Maybe if the price were a bit better. I didn't catch that it was still 26" and is that a triple? Hmm.
 
#5 ·
That was an awesome bike in its day. So why shouldn't it still be awesome?

Well, for the reasons robbbery mentioned above. For the heck of it let's dig a little deeper into specifics.

The bike in your photo employs Specialized's proprietary "brain shock" which has been known to well, stop working well over time. Or stop working at all. Because it's proprietary, good luck finding a replacement or even getting it repaired should it fail on you anytime in the future.

Since 2008, things have changed. Mountain bike design and construction have improved. A lot. Things like...
  • Wheel size -- riders & bike manufacturers have discovered that larger diameter wheels roll over rugged trail obstacles better than 26" wheels. Depending upon your height, you'll want either 27.5" or 29" diameter wheels.
  • Frame geometry -- bikes of old ride comparatively more like road bikes. Newer equipment is far (FAR) more confidence inspiring in large part due to the long/low/slack attributes of today's frame geometry. In short, you'll enjoy riding a newer bike much more than an older bike because the newer frame geometry makes it more fun. And isn't fun the name of the game. By the way, new frame geometry is also safer because it makes the bike easier to ride over rugged trail features.
  • Components -- everything has improved, much of it by a LOT. "One-by" (aka 1x) drivetrains, thru axles, tapered steerers, suspension component performance, dropper seatposts, wider rims & tires (in addition to larger diameter wheels) and on and on. Fundamental things that you can't upgrade an old bike into. Newer bikes have evolved into much more effective human powered off-road vehicles. The real fun begins in the neighborhood of 2013-2014 model years, but the later the better.
So if that was an awesome bike in its day, why can't you have fun on it now? You can. Until that brain shock gives out. Or unless it's overpriced to the point where your money would be better invested elsewhere. It'll never be as fun as a more modern frame & components yet somehow we had fun on 2008 bikes, too -- and so can you.

Until you compare it to something more modern. So if you buy an old bike, look away whenever you see a newer one. :)

It's hard to find good deals on good bikes these days because the pandemic has disrupted the market and bikes are hard to come by. The price of entry for a new bike isn't cheap and even if you're willing to step up with a fat wallet, good luck finding a bike in stock at your local bike shop. So it's good that you're looking at the used market. Have you considered a used hardtail model rather than full suspension? You might be able to get a newer hardtail for similar dollars.
=sParty
 
#7 ·
Yeah, just a little digging. Almost identical question just a couple days ago. Lots of good comments there too. Different listing, just oddly similar.

www.mtbr.com

Worth it to buy 2008 Specialized s-works epic carbon...

Hi I'm new to mountain biking and am looking for a somewhat lightweight all-mountain bike between 1-2k. Willing to go used. Found this old Specialized carbon bike for 1700 in good condition, and was wondering if it's worth buying, or would be too risk/be better to just buy a modern bike in that...
www.mtbr.com www.mtbr.com
 
Discussion starter · #8 ·
Sparticus said:
That was an awesome bike in its day. So why shouldn't it still be awesome?

Well, for the reasons robbbery mentioned above. For the heck of it let's dig a little deeper into specifics.

The bike in your photo employs Specialized's proprietary "brain shock" which has been known to well, stop working well over time. Or stop working at all. Because it's proprietary, good luck finding a replacement or even getting it repaired should it fail on you anytime in the future.

Since 2008, things have changed. Mountain bike design and construction have improved. A lot. Things like...
  • Wheel size -- riders & bike manufacturers have discovered that larger diameter wheels roll over rugged trail obstacles better than 26" wheels. Depending upon your height, you'll want either 27.5" or 29" diameter wheels.
  • Frame geometry -- bikes of old ride comparatively more like road bikes. Newer equipment is far (FAR) more confidence inspiring in large part due to the long/low/slack attributes of today's frame geometry. In short, you'll enjoy riding a newer bike much more than an older bike because the newer frame geometry makes it more fun. And isn't fun the name of the game. By the way, new frame geometry is also safer because it makes the bike easier to ride over rugged trail features.
  • Components -- everything has improved, much of it by a LOT. "One-by" (aka 1x) drivetrains, thru axles, tapered steerers, suspension component performance, dropper seatposts, wider rims & tires (in addition to larger diameter wheels) and on and on. Fundamental things that you can't upgrade an old bike into. Newer bikes have evolved into much more effective human powered off-road vehicles. The real fun begins in the neighborhood of 2013-2014 model years, but the later the better.
So if that was an awesome bike in its day, why can't you have fun on it now? You can. Until that brain shock gives out. Or unless it's overpriced to the point where your money would be better invested elsewhere. It'll never be as fun as a more modern frame & components yet somehow we had fun on 2008 bikes, too -- and so can you.

Until you compare it to something more modern. So if you buy an old bike, look away whenever you see a newer one. :)

It's hard to find good deals on good bikes these days because the pandemic has disrupted the market and bikes are hard to come by. The price of entry for a new bike isn't cheap and even if you're willing to step up with a fat wallet, good luck finding a bike in stock at your local bike shop. So it's good that you're looking at the used market. Have you considered a used hardtail model rather than full suspension? You might be able to get a newer hardtail for similar dollars.
=sParty
Click to expand...
Thank for the great reply. I am considering newer/new hardtail - I'm open to it. My gal friends however, keep telling me I'd be happier with full suspension. The hunt continues...
 
#10 ·
K8Marie said:
Thank for the great reply. I am considering newer/new hardtail - I'm open to it. My gal friends however, keep telling me I'd be happier with full suspension. The hunt continues...
Click to expand...
You will probably be happier with a full suspension bike, but good full suspension bikes are about $500-1000+ more expensive.
 
#11 ·
I picked up a nice 2017 epic hardtail for a grand and it was full XT with many upgrades. for a reference point on cost. I had been searching for a while for used and they are in high demand because new is almost impossible to find due to shortages/covid/bla bla.
 
#12 ·
hdave said:
I picked up a nice 2017 epic hardtail for a grand and it was full XT with many upgrades. for a reference point on cost. I had been searching for a while for used and they are in high demand because new is almost impossible to find due to shortages/covid/bla bla.
Click to expand...
You got a steal. Nice catch.
 
#14 ·
K8Marie said:
Thank for the great reply. I am considering newer/new hardtail - I'm open to it. My gal friends however, keep telling me I'd be happier with full suspension. The hunt continues...
Click to expand...
You're welcome. Like your gal friends, I believe you'd be happier with full suspension, too. But there's the cost factor...

Best of luck.
=sParty

P.S. Just in case you want to increase your budget and you ride a small frame, my GF's bike is for sale. Here it is. 2018 Guerrilla Gravity Shred Dogg.
 
Discussion starter · #16 ·
Sparticus said:
You're welcome. Like your gal friends, I believe you'd be happier with full suspension, too. But there's the cost factor...

Best of luck.
=sParty

P.S. Just in case you want to increase your budget and you ride a small frame, my GF's bike is for sale. Here it is. 2018 Guerrilla Gravity Shred Dogg.
Click to expand...
I'm like your GF - 5'3" but nice bike - I'm sure that will sell fast
 
#17 ·
Looks like you were already convinced not to buy that bike due to the rear shock that can’t be replaced and will ruin your bike when it fails (we’ll ruin its usability. You could swap parts onto a different frame but that would not be a cost effective route overall). Finding a good deal on a used bike you can trust is hard for everyone, especially a beginner, and especially in COVID times. A full suspension would be nice but unless you are lucky enough to find a trustworthy deal used, you are much better off buying a nice hardtail for 1K instead of a crappy full suspension. If you are willing to go up closer to 2K you could find a full suspension that will be worth the investment. Have fun hunting!
 
#20 ·
ORhvac said:
polygon has the sisku d6 for 1500 at bikesonline.com
Click to expand...
I think there are some Marin FS bikes in the $1500 price range also. But I would still encourage the OP to consider a HT in this price range rather than a FS bike - there are just too many compromises. I just helped a friend get a bike and their price range was $1500 also. We got lucky and found a really reasonably priced 2015 Giant Trance for just a little above this price point. The geometry looked great to me and it came with trailworthy parts. But new FS bikes in this price-point are going to be heavy, and while (if you are a little lucky) you will get a drivetrain and brakes that work reasonably well, the wheels are going to be boat anchors and the suspension is going to be less than fantastic. Whereas, if you stick to a HT you can still get a good bike that is going to be generally better all around. I'd recommend that the OP keep a close eye on the Pinkbike classifieds as well as Craigslist and eBay.
 
1 - 20 of 22 Posts
About this Discussion
21 Replies
12 Participants
Last post:
dundundata
Mountain Bike Reviews Forum
posts
16M
members
534K
Since
1990
A forum community dedicated to Mountain Bike owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about bike parts, components, deals, performance, modifications, classifieds, trails, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Downhill - Freeride California - Norcal Shocks and Suspension Passion