[montizano]

I need some help!

I am looking to purchase a 2010 Epic. One shop has the Epic Comp available for $1900 (I think I can get them down to $1800) and another has the Epic Expert available for $2500. I have the money to buy either, but I wonder if the expert is worth it.

For a bit of background this will be my first FS. I presently ride a Waterford hardtail and want to get something that won't beat me up so much. I am not doing really rocky stuff and like tight twisty single track.

Now back to the question, is the Expert worth it?

Here are the differences as I've been able to ascertain:

Brakes: Avid Elixir CR SL vs R SL - the CR gives pad adjustment or the R SL
Crank: XT vs M542 - lighter? Stronger?
Rear hub: DT vs M525 - ???
Spokes: 1.8mm-1.6mm duble butted vs 1.8mm - good upgrade
Fork: Rockshox Sid Race vs Fox F100 RL - this does not seem to be an upgrade at all
Shifters: X-9 vs X-7 - opinion seems to be that the X-9 are an upgrade - definitely feel nicer, but seem to shift about the same.

So - how much lighter (if any) is the Expert? Are the upgrades worth $600-$700? any other comments on the Epic, especially vs the stumpy (I tried the 2011 stumpy comp and it just seemed to bounce too much).

Any info would be great (the more the better). I probably have to make the decision tomorrow or Monday morning at the latest.

Thanks for the help!

Monti

 

[GTR2ebike]

I can tell you that the pad adjustment on the brakes is a big plus especially with how much of a P.I.T.A. Avid's are. The fork is basically a preference item, shifters are obviously a step up the rest I'm not so sure about.

 

[hairyviking]

I really like my expert. I dont feel the need to touch it until something breaks, or wears out. If i had gone with the comp I would have wanted to upgrade drivetrain pretty quickly.

just my opinion. if you save 700 on the comp over the expert you can pretty easily upgrade what you want.

either way, you will love it.

 

[pedaldown]

I would take the money you save and up grade with a new XTR 970 crank, and fox f 100RLC fork...you can buy them new on Ebay..350 for the crank and 400 on the fork if you shop around..On a different note..2010 Specialized Epic frames had a recall on the seat stay...the weld can crack and drop the brain into the spokes..Make sure the upper seat stay had been replaced on the one you decide to buy.

 

[montizano]

The fox RLC does seem like a much better fork than either the RL or the Sid.

Has either of you encountered problems with the Elixir brakes? HV, have you needed the adjustment of the CR?

Anyone know how much weight difference there is between the comp and the expert?

I've already asked them to check the bikes for the seat stay. Is there something I can look for to tell whether the stay has been replaced?

 

[pedaldown]

I am the second owner of this frame (carbon comp)..The first owner had informed me of the recall and had told me the stay had been replaced...the stay does look newer..no nicks around the lower chain/seat stay bearing pivots and the bead weld looks extra thick..Think you would be abe to have the serial number checked out with the Specialized dealer for a piece of mind. Built this from the frame up..had used Magura Marta Sl brakes with the Storm rotors..so can't help with the brake question..except these work great..they are self adjusting.

 

[Fletch 1]

Here's the recall info, appears that it's only on 26" models.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10219.html

 

[Baltimark]

I got the Epic Comp 26er last November. I love this bike. Like hairyviking said, think about if you're going to want to upgrade the drive train. It comes with a triple (I can't believe they do this on a $2800 bike, but whatever).

I replaced my big ring with a bash ring, and with the 34/12 gearing, I can still get going about 20 mph at a typical cadence, so it's not that bad, but if you know you're going to replace it, that's some dough added on right there.

I've had no problems with the brakes. I didn't like the seat post, and swapped that out, but I think it's the same design on both the bikes you're looking at.

Fun, comfortable ride. But get the nicer one if it's going to nag at you.

 

[RIDNMO]

I would buy the comp and use the extra $$ for a lightweight wheelset.
FWIW, I rode and raced a 29er comp last season and loved it. No issues with shifting or brakes.
Either way, your going to have a great bike.

 

[captncolorado]

I'd go comp and upgrade like others have said. First wheels then shox... 29ers are proven slower against a 26er on the same track. Says Mountain Biker mag.... big tires can't replace suspension control....

 

[captncolorado]

The fox RLC does seem like a much better fork than either the RL or the Sid.

Has either of you encountered problems with the Elixir brakes? HV, have you needed the adjustment of the CR?

Anyone know how much weight difference there is between the comp and the expert?

I've already asked them to check the bikes for the seat stay. Is there something I can look for to tell whether the stay has been replaced?

I have an RLC Pushed, on my stumpy. Worth every penny over the RL set up. Usually the weight difference is in the wheels, and very little in the components... Save the money, invest in wheels you want, that can be rebuilt, are stronger, and usually lighter. Then shop the groupo you want. I did it with my stumpy, bought a comp, built it up, save about 3k over a pro, lighter and will tear a pro apart, and most other bikes for that matter. My buddy has a Remedy 9.5, and can't touch me...love it.

 

[411898]

Buy the Comp and customize it, that's what I did (2009). The difference in price is not worth it and you'll get a better fork (Fox vs. the Rockshox).

The brakes should be upgraded to something not Avid, regardless of the model you choose.

 

[clj766]

care to update!