[Tracerboy]

I know this is the Specialized forum but i need some advice.

I have narrowed my search to the Epic Comp or Marathon or a Titus Racer X. I ride mostly technical cross country with lots of rock gardens. Both performed flawlessly and are now in a dead heat between my choice. I like the parts spec for the price better on the Epic but I am worried about the brain which i have heard bad things about lately, leaking problems! Any experience from owners??? I also heard that the Epic has a lifetime warranty on the frame, if this is true it might sway my decision as well. I just want to know if there are any things about the Epic i should be concerned about. Thanks for any help!

 

[kmoses]

I just got a 2006 epic disc a couple of months ago. I find the brain easy to adjust - although I don't really know why it adjusts from soft to firm on a continuum, three setting (soft, medium, and firm) would have been sufficient i would think. The rear can be adjusted to run very plush (not stumpjumper fsr plush, but race plush) or hardtail firm. I've never heard of any problems except for the adjustment difficulties on the older models.

Th price was the deciding factor for me. Not sure how much the disc version weighed in at purchase, but it had to be in the upper 27 lower 28 range. Put on my kenda karmas on, new wheels from Mike Garcia, eggbeater SL's, my CK headset and an XT cassette to put her below 26 pounds (25.88 to be exact).

The frame does come with a lifetime, frame repalcement, warranty.

 

[tonys102]

I've had a 2004 Epic for a while and not had a problem with it. It did take a while to get the suspension sorted out, which I think i have got dialled in, and yes it has been through some component changes, but it is a quick machine for sure!

 

[PAmtbiker]

$.02

Although I have never ridden a Racer-X, I ride the same terrain that you do (East PA) and I find that my 04 Epic Comp is excellent. With a few component changes, you can drop the weight to 26lbs for a very race worthy machine. It's very fast and I race everything on it. Short Track, Hill Climbs, 6hr's, and XC. Good luck in your choice.

 

[nigeldog]

I bought a 2006 Epic Comp a few weeks ago. I've only put maybe 100 miles on it, so I can't weigh in too heavily on its long term reliability yet, but here are my thoughts on the bike:

Negative:
The stock tires aren't great. They seem to lose traction a lot on me.

I'm not a fan of how the rear brake line is run. It is zip tied to the bottom of the top tube. The first time I put it on the car rack, a zip tie broke. No big deal to replace the zip tie, but I worry about breaking the hydraulic brake line.

After a few hours of riding my back became very tired. A raised handlebar could make longer trips easier.

Positive:
Components are awesome! I love the brakes. The shifting is perfect. It also comes well equipped... there was no weak component that I see a need to upgrade immediately.

Great at climbing. I've been out of biking for a long time and am out of shape, but I've been able to keep up with better riders.

To me, the bike just feels right. I compared it to (hard tails and fs) the Paragon, Hammer, Stumpy FSR, Sugar, and more. The epic just seemed to have the right geometry (for me). I really like what the brain does. While it does seem that it is one more failure point, I think this bike beats out full suspension bikes and hard tails with the best of both worlds.

I'm not sure on the warranty, but I think you're right... I'll get back to you on that one.

 

[nigeldog]

I meant to add this:

Someone else on this board posted up that the Epic Comp retail price seems to be a bit high, when you could buy an epic disc and upgrade it equivilant to an epic comp and still be $300 under the price of the Comp.

When I was shopping I didnt see and epic disc's on the floor though, so I'm not sure how available they are. Also I was able to get a heavy discount on my comp, so while the price might be padded, they are willing to deal. I couldnt get the base epic below 1799, but I managed to get my comp for $2100.

 

[Cyco-Dude]

i haven't heard about brain issues; surely more people would chime in if there was a widespread problem. also, i think specialized doesn't do the lifetime frame warranty anymore. there was a thread about that not too long ago.

 

[MrEconomics]

04 Epic Comp here. I would go for the Marathon if you can find one. I heard those things blew off the floor fast.

I love my Epic and will upgrade in 07. At this point, I'm not even going to look at any other bike. I'm sold on the Epic. I do XC racing. I am still running stock items except seat post and handle bars. It's a tad heavy and I have contiplated upgrading components but I will hold out for 07

 

[Tracerboy]

thanks for all of the input, i think if my pocket book can handle it im gunna go with the marathon, I like the XO stuff and Thomson hardware, not a big fan of the tubeless wheelset though.

for those that have purchased the Comps, have you had any problems with the LX shifters or front??? Im just a lil skeptical about buying the lower end stuff when XT is the cheapest stuff i have ever owned!!!

 

[tonys102]

The LX stuff works a treat, I never had a problem with mine in a year, which doesn't sound like a long time!

I have just ripped out the LX levers and replaced with X-0 triggers, and the XT rear mech has come off and replaced with an X-0. However the LX front is fine for me at the mo. I might replace it with an X-Gen, but it is not high on my list of things to do.

 

[nigeldog]

I've had no problem with the LX. If LX really bothers you, see if the shop will give you credit for it, and upgrade it to XT. Would only cost a few bucks.

 

[notenoughtime]

From an Epic to a Titus RX

I had an 05 Epic Comp (no brain fade in 05) and sold that and now ride an 05 Racer-X 100 w/ RP3 shock. The RP3's got propedal, and I leave it in the middle always. I'm by no means a smooth pedal pusher, and do enjoy mashing and stomping on the pedals . I have to say that I feel hardly any bob. I don't notice that it's bobbing anymore than my Epic when I had it. I certainly loved my Epic when I had it. Great handling, and worked great on the rough stuff too. My only complaint, my one and only complaint about it, is that when climbing on a relatively smooth surface, the brain is locked, as it's supposed to be. Then, if there's a "pot hole" or some other obstacle in the road, that would activate the brain, as it's supposed to again. So the brain works right? YES. However, this activated suspension would then bob uncontrollably for the next 2 pedals strokes (approx). That would drive me nuts. I know it's minor, but it sure just seemed to bug me especially when I do some long long 1 hr + climbs.

I've been riding the Racer-X now for about 8 months and love the way the suspension acts predictably. No surprises. Efficient and complient. That's it.

I'm a bit biased now that I ride a Racer-X, but I think I honestly like it more. I should add that I really liked the Epic when I had it too. Hope this helps somewhat...