[b2b2]

Talked to me spec. dealer to see about getting an 09 epic marathon carbon. he did not try to talk me out of it, but he did offer to give me a killer deal on an 08 s works. a few better parts than the marathon, but the old brain. the weight of the lg s works was just under 24 lbs. with pedals. I don't know what the marathon will weigh but I'm sure there is allot of places I can save weight if I want to replace some parts, bar, stem, wheels etc.....
which one is the better overall choice??

 

[jut8]

Both are really great bikes.........but you do get the new fork, and tapered steerer tube with the 09 marathon, If you trust Sauser, he says the 09 is just amazing, plus the marathon may actually be lighter or the same weight as the 08 s-works, I heard claims of the 09 s-works coming in at 22lbs, i dont think there would be a 2lb difference between the marathon and s-works, but i could be wrong.

 

[darkest_fugue]

the 09 marathon for sure, its a beauty

 

[Stumpy_Steve]

you do get the new fork, tapered sterrer, ect... but if you like the idea of having a fox fork, id go with the 08. id probably go with the 08, but thats just me. first year with new brain forks - same issues as first year with sl forks? i doubt it, as its using a similar platform, but i dont like having the first of anything...

and theyre probably the same amount of change, right?

 

[Pete N]

That is a very tricky one. On one hand there is something about riding an S Works bike that is hard to beat. I had an 08 Epic S Works that was great.
On the other hand the 09 carbon is the latest design and as well as the latest version of the rear shock, you also get the E100 fork. I know from my S120 fork on my S Works Stumpy that the own brand forks are brilliant. My S120 is the best I have ever ridden.
For this reason I would go with the 09 Marathon and see if you can get a good deal upgrading any of the weaker parts at time of purchase.
I would guess with the new lighter shock and forks that it is every bit as light as the 08 S Works.

 

[kahiwa]

Both are really great bikes.........but you do get the new fork, and tapered steerer tube with the 09 marathon, If you trust Sauser, he says the 09 is just amazing, plus the marathon may actually be lighter or the same weight as the 08 s-works, I heard claims of the 09 s-works coming in at 22lbs, i dont think there would be a 2lb difference between the marathon and s-works, but i could be wrong.

Trust Sauser. I do.

well now that I've ridden the 09 I can say that it is noticably quicker than the old style epics.