Submitted by
Epic Fan
a Weekend Warrior
from Triangle, NC Date Reviewed: September 30, 2008
Favorite Trail:
All have their good points...
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
The Bicycle Chain
Strengths:
The recently revised geometry makes a world of difference in that the front end feels planted in the corners, and more stable during climbing. The feel of the bike is "right on" to me now. More stability, no nervousness, just as agile.
Avid Ultimates are quiet and strong. SRAM X9 shifters and X0 rear derailler are the stuff. The Specialized Brain rear shock is significantly less harsh and more responsive on smaller bumps than the '04 model's Fox Brain shock.
Getting a $900 discount on a lightly ridden demo bike did not hurt, either. At MSRP, I'd have rated "Value" at 4 chilis.
Weaknesses:
None (as long as the Specialized Brain rear shock is as trouble-free as my '04 Epic's Fox Brain was).
Similar Products Used:
2004 Epic Rim
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Compared to my '04 Epic, the '08 Expert feels like a totally different bike - in a good way. High quality components considering the bike's price point. I weighed out my bike at 25 lbs.
My riding buddies are now wondering "Why is he AHEAD of us on the trail?" I feel much more confident when really pushing hard on our local technical singletrack, and look forward to taking on Tsali with the new rig.
I recently test rode an '08 Pivot Mach 4 which was fabulous, but not worth an extra 2 grand IMO. Given equal riders, I'm unconvinced that the Mach would be any faster.
While I must say that I am a bit horrified at some of the negative reliability reports for the Specialized-branded rear shock, I am hoping for the best. Although Specialized has a 5 year warranty on their own shocks, I don't want to have to take advantage of it!
In the meantime, the 2008 Epic Expert gets double 5 flamin' chilis from me!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
onza
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Clarita Date Reviewed: September 4, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Any in Big Bear,CA
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Strengths:
Climbs like a HT, single track, fire rosd...a VERY fast bike for any of these. Pretty light for a FSR. A couple of fairly inexpensive upgrades put it st 25 lbs. I will be racing this bike. BTW retail for the Expert model is $3300 so I got a pretty good deal.
Weaknesses:
Super rocky downhills, drop offs...but I didn't buy this bike for that. Would prefer the F100RLC fork with the adjustable blow off circuit, but the F100RL ain't too bad.
Similar Products Used:
GT hard tail, Lightspeed HT and other HTs. I tested the Specialized stumpy with more travel and thats a great bike if you want a more plush ride, but if you want to go fast and do some racing as well, the Epic is the way to go.
Bike Setup:
It is the stock Expert with these upgrades:
S-works carbon bar, carbon stem, Race face carbon post, Ti saddle(free!), spd pedals (exchanged for crank bros), XT cassete and frt. derailleur. I exchanged all these out at the shop when I bought it and paid only an extra $250.
Bottom Line:
If you want really plush, and like to go real big on the jumps/drop offs, get something else. I went from a HT with 2" front travel to 4" front and back, so to me its a huge difference. If you ride alot of xc roads, fast single track and like to climb, and possibly do some racing, this bike is awesome! The rear locks out when it is supposed to and activates when its supposed to...everything that Specialized said it would do. And did I mention that it is a very fast bike!?
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Melon
a Cross Country Rider
from Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico Date Reviewed: August 27, 2008
Favorite Trail:
La Primavera
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$3000.00
Strengths:
Geometry, good componentry (except for LX FD,lightweight for a full susp. Great design and color on custom parts (brakes, cranks, headset ad rims)
Weaknesses:
Not a cheap bike, tires are kind of soft. ¿Deore LX front deraileur? Come on, for the price they should have added at least an X-9. Old deore XT crankset (even though custom color is great.)Crappy saddle.
Similar Products Used:
My previous bike is a carbon monocoque composite hardtail, Crossmax SL disk wheelset, Marzocchi MX pro ETA fork, X-9 RD and twist shifter, XT FD, 2008 XT crankset (carbon middle ring) etc. A real rocket, in fact I´m keeping it until i´m fully convinced about full susp.
Bike Setup:
Stock, except for the tires which I replaced with Maxxis Crossmark LUST (obviously, I had to turn mi wheelset into a tubeless one with a kit and it works great) and the saddle which was also replaced wit an Alias.
Bottom Line:
The bike works great after a few adjustments: changed the saddle and used more air pressure (5 - 8 psi) in rear shock than what the instructiones state. Brakes are excellent, FOX fork works great, not as plush as my previous Marzocchi MX Pro ETA but is lighter and still works great. The bike is lightweight considering it is a full susp. Wheelset looks way cool and stiff enough.
Last weekend rode 100 km. in two days with no complaints, bike climbs like a goat and its fast, I mean fast going downhill.
When the bike first came to me, I saw the saddle and thought "what an uncomfortable and ugly thing" but decided to keep it. Next thing was the rear susp. setup, I took the "Sag meter" included in the packege and followed the instructions: sit gently on your bike, come down and measure the sag with your included meter. Ready.
The next day I went for a 40 some km. ride. After 9 km. of steep uphill I started noticing some discomfort and coccyx pain. Once on the way down, I noticed some thump in the rear shock. Tried with several adjustments to rebound and brain knobs but didn´t work. I had to replace the saddle for a stiffer and wider one and It solve my back pain, then I went back to the shock setup and tried different air pressures starting from the one stated in the instructions; for my weight the "ideal pressure was 100 psi, but it wasn´t enough so I went for another pumping to around 110 and now its working great.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
marzocchiz2
a Cross Country Rider
from San Francisco, CA, USA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2008
Favorite Trail:
dirt
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
Mike's Bikes
Strengths:
Light(er than my old steel hardtail), quick up hills, smooth down hills, the brain works
Weaknesses:
um heavier than my road bike... I'm not going to knock the tires cuz no matter what bike you get, you need to get the right tires for your riding conditions (and the stock tires work pretty well for my riding conditions).
Similar Products Used:
my old Kona Lava Dome (hardtail)
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
So I haven't had this bike very long, but I ride it to work every day. And yes there are dirt trails on my ride to work, couldn't ask for a better commute. I have found this bike climbs hills much better than my old hardtail. Granted that bike is over 14 years old and served as a commute bike as well. Riding down hill and over pot holes is so much smoother than old bike and road bike. I wouldn't take this bike off any huge drops but I've already taken some drops I would never have dreamed of trying on my old bike. I was lucky on the pricing of this bike, it was on close out at Mike's Bikes. If it was not on sale I would have gone with the Epic Comp, no way I'd spend over 3000 for a bike. Because I got the bike at 1300 below msrp I'm giving it 5 chilis. The ride quality gives it another 5.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
tony c
a Weekend Warrior
from naperville Date Reviewed: May 23, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Sally Barber Mine
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Strengths:
Lightweight - hardtail feel - mostly good components
Weaknesses:
some components (hubs - front der)
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
Fast from take off. Great climber. Pretty light. Comfortable on single track. Great on downhill. Rider is very stable in the seat. Worlds difference from my current ride. I am actually faster in this bike than when riding my 17 lb Klein Attitude Race hardtail. Absolutely love the 2 hour ride.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Larry
a
from Everett, WA, Snohomish Date Reviewed: March 17, 2008
Favorite Trail:
The Gulch!
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$1800.00
Purchased At:
ebay
Strengths:
Lightweight, explosive acceleration, especially when dry and on firm conditions. I had test rides with an Enduro, a Stumpjumper and an Epic. The Enduro had amazing tortional control allowing tight turns with perfect stability. The Stumpjumper was fun and jumpy, like the name. The Epic was light, and took off like a rocket! That was why I bought it! Lively and quick turning, looks sharp. Like the name "brain".
Weaknesses:
A bit unpredictable in mud and roots, but then I guess all bikes are. Navigating through mud was improved by changing out the stock, fast-track tires for Enduro Pro 26 x 2.20 tires. Handling on the roots may be worse though. Not sure. I am still evaluating with different tire pressures. Controlling the bike on steeper, technical accents and decents has been tougher than expected. The Avid Juicy 7 brakes have been noisy and create friction. I discovered that I could eliminate the friction by installing a washer outside the hub, near the quick release.
Similar Products Used:
Specialized Stumpjumper with *no* suspension. I used to just beat up my body way too much without knowing any better.
Bike Setup:
2007 Specialized Epic Expert, built to normal specifications
Bottom Line:
So far I have really enjoyed the quickness of response with this bike. Especially when we have a rare few days without rain and things firm up and get fast! I have been disappointed in the handling in muddy, technical situations, but maybe it is just me...? My biking buddy, Dr. Chuck has a 2005 Epic, and has shown better skill at navigating through difficult situations than I. He usually picks a smart line and avoids the logs and roots that sometimes take me down hard! I am hoping to get better at jumping and hopping over these obsticles, and I am still learning to maneuver the bike better every time out.
Yes, I would buy it all over again, and immediately invest in some tires better suited to the winter conditions here. It seems like I have had to mess with this bike more than expected to get it running to expectations, but now I know the bike that much better. As the obsticles get bigger, the Enduro might be a better choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JP
a Racer
from Chico, CA Date Reviewed: February 22, 2008
Bottom line is don't buy this bike unless you can get your hands on an old Fox Brain shock for it. Specialized shocks are the most unreliable components I have ever used. Or maybe I should say that they are very reliable, as they reliably break every time you use them. I have had 6 shocks on this bike in 6 months. SIX, 6, 123456!!!!!! I was happy because specialized was prompt to send me a new shock when they would break, but 6 shocks is over the line. This is not a manufacturing error. This is poor shock design. I would recommend this bike only if you really like fixing things, a lot.
I personally know at least 3 other people that have had nothing but trouble from their Brain shocks on this bike, and countless other stories have been posted in the forums here. DO NOT BUY THIS BIKE UNLESS YOU CAN GET A FOX BRAIN FOR IT!!!! SPECIALIZED SHOCKS DON'T WORK!!!
I can't begin to describe how disappointed I am in this product. Let my frustration be a lesson to you. If Specialized does not get me a shock that lasts, I'm through with Specialized for good.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
john burkhart
a Cross Country Rider
from Chattanooga Date Reviewed: November 12, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Racoon mtn.
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Trail Head
Strengths:
The bike really does climb like a goat, it's the onley full suspension bike that allows you to stand up and crank down in loose up climbs, The Brain is amazing!! Never rode a full suspension like it!
Weaknesses:
None at this time, I did have a problem with the rear gears.
Similar Products Used:
Scott Scale 30, BMC (team elite one)
Bike Setup:
stock except new kenda tires (a must) Also went with white saddle and white grips looks great!!! New addition to bike is the hope. hubs.
Bottom Line:
The bike climbs great and lots awesome. It always turns heads on the trail,(People just want to see the rear suspension work) Every bike shop in town always has conviserty over the bike, some like some dislike but they are always talking about it. The x-0 is amazing! iv rode with the new xtr an there is no comparision. The dt-swiss rims and awesome but need better hubs I went with hope hubs.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Page Nicol
a Cross Country Rider
from San Diego Date Reviewed: October 26, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Big Laguna
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
Black Mtn. Cyclery
Strengths:
Good component mix, fast on flats, good climber.
Weaknesses:
Cheap ft. derailer and cassette, tires
Similar Products Used:
Specialized enduro
Bike Setup:
XTR ft. der, xo shifters, fsa carbon stem/bars, fsa carbon cranks, xt cassetter, xtr pedals, easton carbon post, Crossmax SL wheels, Kenda Nevagal/Blue Groove tires
Bottom Line:
I bought this bike because I mostly ride San Diego hardpack trails with a mix of fireroad and single track. When I compared it to the Stumpjumper I liked the bike position, quickness on the flats, and ability to climb. The more I rode the bike the less I liked it. It was very twitchy in steep climbs, and couldn't get over rocky uphill sections. On downhills it was okay, but not very good at attacking. You definitely need to pick a line. What bothered me most was that it would skip offline on fast flat single track and hardpack when confronted with rocks, ruts, etc. It seemed the Brain could not keep up with the compression. I played with lower tire pressures in my tubeless Kendas (25-30psi), different pressure in the rear shock, and adjusting the rear compression. Nothing worked well. Sometimes I would get "bounced" out of the saddle when the brain rebounded. I had spent a lot of money upgrading the components on this bike and built up a carbon hardtail with the spare parts. I found the hardtail to be much faster then the Epic, climb better, and only some loss of dampning on downhills. I'm selling the Epic an bought an Enduro. I'm still more of a cross country guy, but with the hard tail the Epic is redundant and doesn't satisfy much for a dual suspension bike. Probably great for cross country racing, but I wouldn't sell a hard tail to buy one. I hear the 2008 Stumpy is geared more towards a cross country bike, so you may want to try this before the Epic. Also I notice a lot of Epics for sale on Ebay. Mine will be there next week.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
JP
a Racer
from Chico, CA, USA Date Reviewed: October 22, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
$3100
Strengths:
Looks nice. Rides fast. Very good handling, durable finish.
Weaknesses:
BRAIN SHOCK!
Similar Products Used:
Various Commencals, Rocky Mountain Element.. blah blah blah
Bike Setup:
Stock, except w/tubeless tires.
Bottom Line:
This bike kicks ass, but the shock sucks a fat ( 0 ( k. I've had to replace the shock 3 times in 3 months. Is this bike meant to be ridden, or just looked at? Maybe I should slow down and take it easy on the sensitive little brain shock, those nasty bumps on the trail make it just break down and cry. I get ONE race out of each shock before it breaks. Essentially the shock just stops locking out alltogether and has 1 inch of lousy travel. And when you want to put it on the trail tune, it locks out halfway thru the travel and feels really choppy. It just makes me want to go back to riding a hardtail again.
I will admit that when the shock is working correctly, this bike is absolutely AMAZING. But the issues I've had with the shock so far, and the hassle of getting new ones have completely deminished all confidence in the bike as a true raceworthy machine. I've talked to three other people that have had the exact same problem, so I'm sure that it isn't something I'm doing wrong. Big thumbs down to Specialized in house shocks. I'll give it 1 chili on value because the bike was freakin expensive for what kind of components come on it. 2 chilis overall because the bike actually is very fast when working, but hardly ever works.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Racer
from St. Catharines, Canada Date Reviewed: September 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
12 Mile
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
One slick ride! Climbs like a mountain goat, really cool paint, a fairly well balanced components match-up...If your into Cross Country get this bike.
Weaknesses:
Okay I would have liked it a bit lighter but hey I can get there over time as the components wear out I will upgrade them.
Similar Products Used:
Hardtails...
Bike Setup:
Factory 07 ride
Bottom Line:
For me this bike has made mountain bike riding so much more fun and enjoyable... trails have been smoothed out and speed has increased to the point where I went out and bought more life insurance! Scary.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Frank
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebec Date Reviewed: August 31, 2007
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Purchased At:
Specialized Dealer
Strengths:
System Brain from Fox to rear suspension, However the front Foxsuspension is high quality !
Weaknesses:
Juicy are to much noisy.
Similar Products Used:
My last bike is a Specialized Hardrock HR... Hardtail
Bike Setup:
Factory stock
Bottom Line:
This is my first dual suspension and I like riding on mountain in nature in single track. Its a really multi-purpose bike. Its ready for competiton. I made it with mine ;)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Troy Romero
a Cross Country Rider
from Gunnison, Co USA Date Reviewed: August 19, 2007
Favorite Trail:
outback @ Hartman Rocks
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
The Tune Up
Strengths:
Outstanding frame and suspension. The geometery suits my size (5'5"). I really like the Avid Juicy 7 brakes. Beleive it or not, the tires...... low road resistance yet holds the trails well, dry, hard and some sand.
Weaknesses:
weight 27lbs 10oz . For the price why put LX cassette very heavy. Entry level SPDs again heavy.
Bike Setup:
4ti eggbeaters,chris king headset,carbon bars,xt cassette, xtr wheelset w/tubeless
Bottom Line:
Wonderful response and still forgiving, the brain shock works! The engineering puts the pedal power on the ground. I feel able to keep up with those young guy thanks in part to the confidence I have on my Epic Pro.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Will
a Cross Country Rider
from WV Date Reviewed: August 13, 2007
Favorite Trail:
WV Championship Course in Davis
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2400.00
Purchased At:
Sports-n-Spokes
Strengths:
Fox Fork, crisp shifting SRAM shifters, relatively light weight, Fox rear w/ Brain, Sweet Red paint scheme!!
Weaknesses:
Tires are TERRIBLE in soft dirt and mud. They're only good for hardpack. An LX front derailleur on a bike originally costing $3100??????
Similar Products Used:
Trek 8000 hardtail Test rode a Cannondale Rush 800 last year. It doesn't compare.
Bike Setup:
All stock...plan on changing out tires to Roll X's and swapping the Stan's from my Trek when I make the change
Bottom Line:
If you're looking for great bike for cross-country riding and racing, your search is over!
I've looked into getting a Full Suspension bike for several years now, to smooth out the trails a little bit. I wasn't really sure of the SRAM shifters, but so far they seem VERY crisp...More crisp than Shimano! The FOX RL fork is amazing-VERY stiff and responsive. The Avid Juicy 7 brakes are quite an improvement over the Avid rim brakes on my old Trek. My friend has the same bike, and he gets some of the brake squeal mentioned in previous posts. The Brain works as advertised, absorbing the rough stuff while staying HT stiff when on the "Locked Out" setting. I put the Brain setting on the "Soft" setting for a downhill section at the end of a ride, and the shock absorbed even more of the trail, such as wheelie-riding off a rock and landing softly.
*Remember that this bike is NOT designed for freeride, downhill, or huge drops!!
It IS, however, designed to absorb the smaller hits that tend to make hardtails lose tire contact with the trail, which in turn makes you slower. With the Epic, the descents are much smoother, and the out-of-saddle climbs are easier because of the bike's ability to maintain better rear wheel contact. Overall, this bike gives you more confidence on the trail, and makes you a faster rider. I'll give the Epic Expert a value rating of "4" because of the LX front derailleur and the Fast Trak Tires. The price I paid was more competetive with bikes with similar components. I don't believe the bike is worth $3100! I'll give the bike an overall 5 rating because of the overall smoothness and confidence inspiring nature of the bike. Get one now!!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oli
a Cross Country Rider
from Quebec, Canada Date Reviewed: August 2, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Lucky luke
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2200.00
Strengths:
Extremmely light M5 alu frame (lighter than my hardtail) Top quality suspension-->Fox F100 RL->Fox & Spec. Brain Fade Sram X-O Juicy seven
Weaknesses:
Nothing really bad found so far... Bottom bracket is a little low (but I think XC bikes are like that) Grips are a little uncomfortable but wearing gloves eliminates this
Similar Products Used:
First full-suspension bike (Amazing bike when switching from an hardtail)
Bike Setup:
Stock
Bottom Line:
Super good bike, the extreme low weight makes you want to climb steeper, longer, harder hills that made you swear with your other bike. The Brain Fade works flawlessly and you can adjust the lockout firmness on the '06 & '07.So if you plan on longer rides or 24h,(and want to ride comfy) you can use the 4" suspension without lockout. Outstanding derailleur and brakes (The juicy's are a little noisy). Light wheels. The amazing low weight wants to make you go faster, spinning the big ring or just going 2,3 or 4 speeds higher. I didn't rode carbon bike, but I'm sure the Epic frame is almost as light as a carbon one. It's the best bike for someone who loves climbing and want to go fast. I dont know if it is a good value but on the one I purchased, I almost made the store lose money:-)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Page Nicol
a Weekend Warrior
from San Diego, CA Date Reviewed: June 20, 2007
This bike is amazing. Rode the Giant Anthem, Stumpjumper and Mojo for extended rides. I was really looking to buy more travel, but couldn't get over how fast this bike was. Comfortable, climbs like an Ox, handles single track with aplomb. Try the rest, buy the best.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Sean
a Racer
from C-Ville, VA Date Reviewed: March 30, 2007
Favorite Trail:
the one's I've worked on
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Purchased At:
Blackwater Bikes in Lynchburg, VA
Strengths:
efficient power transfer crisp shifting felt comfortable
Weaknesses:
nothing was appearent during a three hour test ride
Similar Products Used:
1996 Stumpy FSR XC 2007 Access XLC hardtail frame w/parts from the '96 FSR
Bike Setup:
stock
Bottom Line:
I took advantage of Specialized demo program and found a dealer close to my house that had the Epic Expert in a size M and L so I could ride both and see which one fit better. This is a great benefit when choosing a new bike.
First off, I have to send a big thank you to Blackwater Bikes in Lynchburg, VA. A few days before my test ride I called up and asked them if I could try out the Epics. No problemo. They set them aside for me and set the air pressure according to the specs I gave them (5' 10" and 202 #s that morning) and I was ready to roll when I got there. Great service.
After taking the medium around the parking lot it was quickly apparent that the medium was too small. I felt cramped and after adjusting the seat height and fore and aft a few times I could never settle into a comfortable position. I didn't get it out on the trail but I knew that there was no need. Once I throw a leg over the large I felt much more at home. The stock bars are a little wide for my liking but that can always be fixed later.
Fast forward to the trails. I got to spend about 3 hours riding at Peaks View Park in Lynchburg. This is where I will be racing in September so it was the perfect location to for a test ride. There are about 10 miles of tight, twisting single track trails. Some were smooth and fast, most were root filled and rocky. There was even a small section of east coast slick rock. Old, old flat rock outcroppings of some type of gray rock. My geology fails me though. You are either climing or decending at Peaks View and though the climbs were short they were steep. There is one fire road that offers a longer moderately pitched climb which was a nice place to contrast the steeper bits.
From the first moment I set off down the trail I felt comfortable on the Epic. This was first ride on a Brain equipped bike and this one had the Fox Brain. I couldn't really tell when it was engaging and disengaging at first. I guess this is a good thing. After playing with the shock, going from full firm to full soft I was impressed that any time I wanted to sprint I was able to and I felt like all my energy was going to the rear wheel. This was a welcome relief compared to my old 1996 FSR. I think I settled for keeping it near the middle of the firm/soft setting maybe with a little bias towards soft since the trails were very bumpy.
The front fork was much better then my current one but I wasn't super impressed with it. If I were to purchase a new fork I would go for an RLC or one with Terralogic but I know this is not the bikes fault. That being said, the handling of the bike was predictable and I felt fast and in control on both the ups and downs. I've never ridden a long travel, "plush" all mountain bike so I can't make any type of comparison but I never felt as if I was being thrown off my line.
The tires weren't the grippiest but again, I only have my very old tires to compare them too. If I had bought this bike I wouldn't go out and replace them immediately but they weren't life changing either.
Brakes felt good. My first outing using disk brakes so I liked how they felt when I pulled the levers. I felt in control and couldn't fault them.
After three hours on the trails sampling almost all that Peaks View had to offer I was tired for sure but I didn't feel like I had been beaten up. The ergonomics of the cockpit and the suspension were pleasing to my body and I feel confident that I could spend two hours racing this bike without fear of fatigue due to being uncomfortable. I have spent most my life (I'll be 33 in June and started racing BMX bikes when I was 10) cycling but for the past five years have spent almost all my time on the road. I like the more stretched out feel of the size L Epic as I felt I could put more power to the pedals compared the size medium.
The next day, I felt great too. I could have easy gone out and ridden again. That's a good sign in my book. So, would I buy this bike? I wouldn't buy the Expert because I think that the Marathon is a better deal. You get the RLC fork, a tubeless wheelset, those oh so nice Margura Marta brake (which I was able to demo on one of the shop employees bikes; he had the Marathon Carbon and it is super sexy bike; those brakes felt so much better then the Juicy 7's in my hand) but I would buy an Epic. In fact, I did. Earlier this week I purchased an Epic Marathon, the alloy version from C-Ville Bike and Tri since they are my local shop and sponsor our race team. I really, really wanted the Carbon version but I just couldn't swing it. I've told myself that if I am putting in enough miles in the next couple of years on the dirt then I will upgrade to a carbon frame if I still like the bike.
I plan to use this bike as my only mountain bike. I've had to sell my Surly CrossCheck commuter and my hard tail to pay for it so this will be the only bike I will be using for the dirt/gravel/commuting/racing/trail rides that I plan this year. Since I live in Virginia and don't have super technical terrain like our western bretheren nor do I plan to do any lift served downhilling I don't see the need for any more suspension then the Epic provides. I plan to race and train for the local XC series that we have in Virginia and will be commuting via our local greenways and dirt roads durning the week.
I did not get a chance to compare the Epic to the '07 Stumpy with a Brain and I probaby should have given the reviews I've read here about how the Stumpy has leveled the playing field. I just didn't want to make the decision even harder. My brain couldn't handle it. :D
I hope this has been helpful for anyone considering this bike. I gave it 4 chilis because I don't think it is an outstanding bike. It's a great bike and wouldn't refuse one if I was offered one for free but in my mind there are somethings that it was lacking and the Marathon filled that void for me. After I have spent some time on the Marathon I imagine that will be recieving 5 due to the upgrades that I would have done to the expert if I had purchased it.
Cheers,
Sean
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
chris
a Racer
from saratoga, ca USA Date Reviewed: January 4, 2007
Favorite Trail:
UCSC
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2000.00
Purchased At:
cupertino bike shop (LGBRC)
Strengths:
The brain shock, fox fork, fox shock, wheels, XT crankset, handlebars, and brakes. The paint job is SOOOOO hot, you really do have to see it in person to believe it.
Weaknesses:
I don’t really like the Sram XO compared to the new XTR stuff but it still does work well. Also I get off task in class thinking about it so much.
Similar Products Used:
giant anthem, SC blur
Bike Setup:
Everythings stock except i put some eggbeater pedals on it.
Bottom Line:
This bike is awesome! If you’re looking for a full suspension XC race bike that has the efficiency of a hardtail, this is it. The bike acts like a regular full suspension bike when your just riding around, but once you start climbing (and your in the "firm" setting) there is little to no bob. The value of this bike is great considering the price isn’t through the stratosphere, and it performs just like a $5,000-$6,000 bike.
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Submitted by
Simon V
a Cross Country Rider
from UK Date Reviewed: November 27, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Strengths:
general build quality, balance of the frame with the Brain suspension. It does what it says on the tin. strong compenants.
Weaknesses:
std specialized pro tires - no grip in the UK mud but were great in the dry so will get another winter set.
Similar Products Used:
tested various trek, Kona and specialized.
Bike Setup:
As standard
Bottom Line:
I have been riding a 20 year old Trek and wanted to switch to a full suspension bike. As a recently retired rugby player I was worried about my weight (17st) being too much for a XC machine but I neednt have worried. THis bike is brilliant- it climbs better than my old trek, is quick in a straight line and can handle much more than I can throw at it. The Brain works really well, feeling like a hardtail until I hit the bumpy stuff. I would recommend this bike for anyone looking for a XC bike where travel distance is not the governing factor - I have taken the Epic over some hairy stuff and it handles it as well as friends Rocky Mountains and Konas... All in all it is a great bike!
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Submitted by
Justin Hanna
a Cross Country Rider
from Toms River, NJ US Date Reviewed: November 6, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Any
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$2800.00
Purchased At:
The Peddler
Strengths:
Avid Juicy 7 brakes. Sram X0 shifters and derailer. Bike is light for a full suspension bike. Seat and seat post. Fox Suspension front and rear.
Weaknesses:
Factory tires have poor traction.
Similar Products Used:
I demoed the medium frame and purchased the large frame. I am six foot with a 32 inch inseam and the medium was way to small.
Bike Setup:
Large frame. Bike is stock. Def will change the tires. Large frame comes with 26 inch bars, I took off 3/4 of an inch on each end. I also raised the bars up 1 space.
Bottom Line:
This bike is sick. It is a bit pricy but well worth it. The brain in the rear suspension works just as advertised. Bike climbs like a mountain goat and better than my hardtail. Handles the fast downhill like a champ as well. The only color is Red which I was not crazy about looking at pictures until I picked up the bike, the color is awesome in person. I was told mixed things about the hydraulic brakes, both good and bad. The Juicy 7's are unreal, complete control.
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