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Submitted by
Tim Wiley
a Weekend Warrior
from North Dakota
Date Reviewed: April 29, 2007 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$5300.00 | | Purchased At: | Scheels Sporting Goods | | Strengths: | I bought the 06 version late last fall and it is more than impressive. This bike is wicked fast. It sprints like a really good road bike. The brain works very well for the rear suspension and aside from monster size drops soaks up everything well. Bottom line, this bike makes me look like a better rider than I really am and isn't that what we all want? This is a true off road race bike that wants to be ridden fast. This is a flagship mountain bike for Specialized and it shows. | | Weaknesses: | Pricy, but worth every penny. | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Nomad | | Bike Setup: | All XTR, New XTR pedals, 50mm Thompson stem with Easton Monkeylite riser bars, Crossmax SLR rims. WTB Laser V GEL saddle with Titanium rails, the new 1.9 Specialized 2 bliss SLK tires. | | Bottom Line: | From the minute you touch the pedals you know this is a lively bike. If you really race you will have to pay attention to detailed set up. This bike is like a Formula 1 race car check it over for proper air and set up and it is smooth. This bike goes over terrain faster than any bicycle I have ever ridden. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Joel
a Cross Country Rider
from Riverside Ca.
Date Reviewed: November 2, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Laguna Hills Ca. ( anywhere ) | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$6500.00 | | Strengths: | Absolute seemless transition from the BRAIN shock and F100X fork when going from flats to trail terrain.Compact frame geometry.The attention to detail from the drawing board to the finished product is astounding.Rock Solid Warranty.SPECIALIZED Reputation Speaks For Itself !!! | | Weaknesses: | uuummmmmmmmm.... WHERE ??????? | | Similar Products Used: | NONE...NO NEED TO | | Bike Setup: | 2005 S-WORKS EPIC Frame Size Medium ( Anodized Black ) FOX F100X Fork,BRAIN Shock,Carbon Link,Thompson Setback Post, SPECIALIZED Toupe Team Saddle ( White ),S-WORKS Seat Clamp ( road ),T.H.E. Flight System Riser Bar 100mm,SPECIALIZED MTB Grips,Magura Marta Disc Brakes 160mm Front / Rear,SRAM 991 Cassette,SRAM 991 Hollow Pin Chain,SRAM XO Trigger Shifters,SRAM XO Long Cage Derailleur,SHIMANO XTR M960 Front Derailluer,Chris King Headset,AVID Flak Jacket Shifter / Brake Cables,STANS NO TUBES ZTR Olympic Rims,Chris King ISO Disc Hubs Front / Rear ( Black ),CONTROL TECH Skewers,DT SWISS Bladed Spokes,STANS NO TUBES Sealent Front / Rear,SPECIALIZED Fast Trak Pro 2Bliss Low Knob Tires,F.S.A. Team Issue Carbon Crank Set 22/32/44 175mm,F.S.A. Platinum Ti Bottom Bracket,Crank Brothers Candy Ti Pedals ( Black ),GARMIN Edge 305 Heart Rate/Cadence/GPS | | Bottom Line: | The truth is..There is not one 5 inch travel bike on the planet that even comes close to the EPIC in pure performance ( ! )Sure..they may blast through the ruts going down a little faster..but as everyone knows..there are far more climbs and flats than chutes on any given trail in this sport.The absolute ruthless speed, climbing agility and efficiency,and lets not forget the precise high and low speed handling of the EPIC is so far superior to other bikes that even debating the issue is laughable ( ! )If you want to carve up trails,from flats to the whoops..up or down..look no further than the SPECIALIZED EPIC..It is for all intents and purposes..THE BOTTOM LINE !!!!!!!!!!!!!! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
alexander bonham
a Racer
from alberta
Date Reviewed: January 15, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Cdn Rockies | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1800.00 | | Strengths: | Exceptionally stiff and responsive chassis
brain shock works beautifully
geometry - amazing handling, specifically at speed
LIFETIME warranty | | Weaknesses: | very expensive
relatively limited travel
very flash - you will have to ride like a god to justify this thing... | | Similar Products Used: | SC Blur, Rocky Mtn ETSX-50/70, Specialized FSR, Enduro | | Bike Setup: | Fox F100 RLT, Sram X0 drivetrain, XTR/mavic/DT wheels, Thomson seatpost & stem, Easton carbon bar, Race Face cranks/rings/BB, xt discs, WTB race saddle: a shade over 25 pounds | | Bottom Line: | To start, I purchased the S-Works frame set and built the bike up to my exact spec, thus my set-up will differ slightly from the stock machine.
First off, it should be made clear that this bike was designed for one purpose: to win races through a minimization of wasted energy within the suspension systems, and it does this extremely effectively. While 90mm of rear travel will not be enough for some people (ie freeriders and urban bashers) the available travel is well matched to the overall design. Further, it is designed to sag only into the first 10mm of its travel, as opposed to 25-40mm of sag for longer travel systems, putting this system a bit more into perspective.
The IQ adjustable brain shock works very well, allowing the rider to tune the engagement of the suspension between fairly resistant to completely plush. The hesitation as the shock engages is perceptible at the firmer 'race' setting, but at the softer settings, the transition between rigid and suspended is literally seamless. I found this hesitation present in the Epic comp and disc models too (without the adjustable brain), which I found irritating. Had this same *bonk* been present in the S-works frame-set, I dont think I would have purchased it.
The engineering of the tubing and suspension design is, in my opinion, among the best available right now. At this performance point, most of the leading designs (Blur, ETSX, Intense, etc) will deliver mind-blowing performance; all that's left is to choose your drug of choice -its all about personal preference here. That said, (and being an architect) I am very impressed with the engineering present in the Epic: the tubing is optimized in every conceivable manner, every bearing is a hi-quality sealed cartridge, every pivot is butter-smooth but absolutely rigid, standover is almost absurd (even in the XL) and the level of finish is outstanding -understated decals applied under the crear-coat, flawless welds, beautifully put together.
The geometry is positively honed: at high speed, this bike is unshakably stable. The steering remains razor sharp at any speed, yet, strangely does not make for a sketchy handling ride: apply pressure to the in-board grip and the bike surges into the corner. Over fast, rolling terrain and through technical singletrack, this bike positively excels. The trade-off comes in the handling becoming slightly more cumbersome when climbing very steep technical trails, but the geometry keeps the rear tire glued to the ground in spite of the tendency for the front end to want to wander. Compared to my RM hardtail (which must be the best climbing bike Ive ever ridden) the epic is a close second.
Compared to the Blur, I simply didn't like the pedal-feedback based system of the Blur. While a great handling bike with superb trail manners and very pliant suspension, I preferred the balls-out handling of the Epic and rock-solid swingarm assembly combined with the ruthless climbing and sprinting efficiency.
Compared to the ETSX-70, the Epic is notably lighter with handling that tends to want to go fast, whereas the Rocky is a shorter chassis with more upright rider position with handling traits that prefer slower, more technical riding. The ETSX does have some very slick design behind it though: the adjustable suspension travel is a fantastic idea, the Easton R.A.D. tubing is also very nice, albeit a bit overbuilt by XC race standard, and the level of finish is impeccable. The suspension design is, in my opinion, the best system on the market for mining traction on any surface. this quality is almost surreal in its ability to keep the rear tire STUCK to the trail. The downside is the rear suspension tends to jack under hard braking, pitching the rider forward, which I found highly disconcerting, ultimately bumping the ETSX off my short-list.
I have ridden the Epic frame with both the 80mm Fox RLT and the 100mm RLT. The 80mm fork resulted in a somewhat quicker front end but, in my opinion, failed to provide sufficient travel to really exploit the capabilities of the chassis. My solution was to purchase the F100 and run it a bit deeper into its travel, effectively lowering the front end and 'quickening' the steering slightly. I should mention that I prefer a bike with handling that borders on manic, so the steep angles are exactly what I like. With that in mind, I would not put a fork with more than 100mm of travel on this machine. 100mm with a bit of extra sag matches the 90mm rear travel beautifully. A longer fork simply upsets the handling and unbalances the suspension.
So, all in all, I would highly reccomend the Epic for those looking for the last word in uncompromising race suspension. It is expensive, but any high-end suspension design is in the same price league, and I feel the Epic delivers as much for the $ as any design out there. This chassis can be built into a solid 23/24 lb race machine capable of sailing through terrain that would rattle the average hardtail to pieces. It sprints and climbs like the best hardtails, but with suspension that can be tuned to respond to every ripple in the trail, if one should so desire. I loved it so much, I sold my truck to get the Epic. Its that good (and yes, I'm that obsessed).
If you want something more freeride-ish, look at the Enduro or the ETSX, and if you're looking for something in between, have a look at the wares from Santa Cruz and Intense.
Enjoy the ride -the gear is just the vehicle to our chosen, dirt-laden bliss! | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Dylan
a Cross Country Rider
from Santa Cruz
Date Reviewed: January 7, 2006 | | Favorite Trail: | Dead Campers | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Strengths: | Well its suspension is pretty good, fast, light, good race bike. | | Weaknesses: | Not enough travel to be even vaguely comfortable; just upgraded to a raleigh phase 2, much much better. Also, the phase 2 climbs better. | | Similar Products Used: | 26.9 lb raleigh phase 2 | | Bike Setup: | I actually sold mine | | Bottom Line: | get a raleigh phase 2 beats the epic for half the price | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ross
a Cross Country Rider
from Melbourne, Australia
Date Reviewed: November 10, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything dirt | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | ebay | | Strengths: | No fuss suspension. Always loved the idea of the Brain etc when first released. Riding it proves the hype that there is no bob in the rear end but bumps etc is all soaked up. | | Weaknesses: | Such a beautiful bike makes me cry ewhen it goes through mud and other trail crap. | | Similar Products Used: | nil | | Bike Setup: | Stock as per Specialized spec list for the 2005 Sworks - 100m Terralogic Fox Forks | | Bottom Line: | Never had a Full Suspension bike and thought that I was converted to my steel singlespeed. However the chance came to buy one of the bikes I'd always wished to own (at a great price) so I went with it. Now after several long rides and an 8hr Enduro I love this bike. It does everything as it was promised to do. The Terralogic fork matches the rear end very weel and gives new boldness to changin lines through corners or just let it run over the ruts cos the bike will stay on line. Climbing is so much better than a hardtail although I removed the granny ring and re-spaced the bottom bracket and rear cassette b/c the chain line was too twisted when running in the 34T (Ti) ring on the cassette. Love the XTR gear but the brakes like to howl when hot. Couldn't be happier with the bike but the Singlespeed will be doing the miles and the Sworks will only come out to play when racing or long epics. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Edwin Bakker
a Cross Country Rider
from Holland
Date Reviewed: October 9, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Schoorl, Houffalize | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Sportive Haarlem | | Strengths: | Great bike, does everything that it should and more. It's fast up and down due to brain tech rear en front (Fox terra logic) | | Weaknesses: | None, brean works untill now. You can some times feel it kicking in. Takes some time to get used to the feeling but it never lets you down | | Similar Products Used: | 05 epic marathon, the paint wore of and they gave me an S-works replacement. That's what I call service. | | Bike Setup: | I changed the stem for a Thompson and the tires for Schwalba fast fred. They work great. It came with a SRAM XO back and XT front. They were on the Marathon I started with. Set up works great. Brakes magura Martha SL and X9 SRAM shifters. I changed the steering for a S-works carbon one (It looked better I thougt) | | Bottom Line: | Being a XC driver, and after trying several other bikes this one "the Marathon" was my deal. That it became an S-works made my dream come true. Strange was the fact that I expected it to be the same as I whas used to. In the beginning I thougt it wasn't driving as good as the Marathon (but never told anyone ashamed as I was). Now after a few months I now better. This is pure pleasure. I haven't reached my limits and I think I never reach the bike's limits. If you want to spend the money, buy one and you forget about the price fast. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
David Castro
a Racer
from Spain
Date Reviewed: August 22, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$5000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bike Station Marbella | | Strengths: | Stiff, high quality, rear shock, geometry | | Weaknesses: | price | | Similar Products Used: | BH Trail Hunter | | Bike Setup: | Sworks Epic frame, marzocchi marathon race 2005, rotor cranks, stan´s rims with tune hubs, tune saddle, formula pro+ brakes, xtr derailleurs, xt levers. | | Bottom Line: | 6 months ago I was thos kind of people who thinks "hardtails forever" but I ran a lot of long distance races and my back was going worst after each race, so I decided to change my hardtail frame and buy this. I think is the best think I did. Chronometer in the hand I am quicker with this frame and my back and shoulders end each long distance ride without any pain. I go downhill much faster and climbing on technical tracks I am faster because I have much better traction. The bike climbs like it was scaping from de hell!!! Superb geometry, ideal for racing. And the new 2005 brain sock with 7 sensibility adjusts is great.
I think the epic will be my weapon this season for long distance racing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jo Dirt
a
from BC
Date Reviewed: July 30, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | anything still un-paved | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$2000.00 | | Purchased At: | Bicycle Cafe Canmore | | Strengths: | Extremely well designed and engineered product that lives up to its claim as the 'holy grail' of suspension; sealed cartridge bearings at all pivot points; easily the stiffest rear-triangle on any suspension bike I have yet ridden. | | Weaknesses: | 90mm of rear travel will not be enough for some riders; prohibitively expensive; made in Taiwan???... | | Similar Products Used: | Santa Cruz Blur, 1994 SpecializedS-Works FSR, Klein Mantra, Rocky Mountain ETS-X 50 | | Bike Setup: | XC race machine, built to last: 85mm travel Marz fork with race goodies thgroughout. 25.5lbs with disc brakes | | Bottom Line: | This bike was built with one uncompromising purpose: move very quickly over uneven terrain, up hill or down, and it does this with aplomb. Climbing is still a close second to my 04 Rocky Mountain Blizzard (which accelerates up hills like a monkey on meth). The front tire tends to wander a bit when I ride the specialized up the steepest climbs, even with the 85mm travel marathon sl; however, it maintains its composure at all times, finding traction when even the Blizzard wanted to spin. The suspension works flawlessly, locking out on smooth terrain, but instantly engaging through the rough stuff. I tend to keep the IQ adjust on the softer end, which makes the transition to soft-tail absolutely seamless. On the firmer settings, there is a noticeable hesitation when one hits a bump while the shock engages, but this is only present with the firmest settings.
Turning this beast loose on fast rolling or downhill terrain is where the epic truly shines. It seems to have no limit to how fast it wants to go, feeling absolutely stable at any speed, no matter how rediculously fast. Coming through the downhill sections of my favourite loop, 60-70km/hr feels completely comfortable aboard this machine, where my Blizzard tended to feel a bit sketchy at these speeds over rough ground. Steering is extremely positive and highly responsive, but somehow without making the rider feel as though he/she is riding on the ragged edge: simply think about where you want to be, and with the slightest input, the bike is there. I just cant say enough to praise the high-speed handling of this bike. Simply an order of magnitude better than anything else I have ridden.
The fundamental limits of 90mm of rear travel will dissuade some from purchasing this painfully expensive bike, and rightly so: this is a bike with a specific purpose and those looking for a free-ride bike or something to jump downtown stair-cases with should look elsewhere!
The only other bike in the running for me was the Rocky Mountain ETS-X 50 or 70, but the ETS-X platform simply frustrated me with its tendency to dive (and hard) upon hard braking, unloading the rear shock and pitching hte rider forward. This, combined with the relatively flexy rear end on the Rocky pushed me toward the Epic during the multi-day demo.
Overall, an exceptionally capable bike that sacrifices some willingness in the climbs for unsurpassed traction-finding abilities and high-speed manners that can't be beat. Certainly the best bike I have ridden for cross country riding and racing. My main complaint is that the welds and assembly are simply not up to the same standards as Rocky Mountain or Santa Cruz. My bike arrived with a damaged brain shock (which Specialized Canada graciously replaced free of charge) and the welds just aren't as nice as those from Rocky or Santa Cruz. On the other hand, the Epic comes with a lifetime warranty, so if anything does go wrong, it should be covered. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Bryan
a Cross Country Rider
from Cape Town
Date Reviewed: July 22, 2005 | | Favorite Trail: | Monteco | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Awsome - if you want a bike that is super fast then look no further - this is it !!. The brain technology is amazing and works like a dream.This is the only bike that i have riden that has ZERO bob on a climb. I have watched people in races in front of me and all the full suspension bikes have a certain amount of bob on the back shock - the brain tech makes sure you climb like a hardtail and descend like an animal.Love it | | Weaknesses: | The price is a bit of a limiting factor. | | Bike Setup: | S-Works frame, F100x fork, thompson seat post, WCS stem, WCS Carbon handle bars, Time carbon pedals,XT Disc, SRAM back cluster and chain, Selle Italia Kevlar slr seat | | Bottom Line: | WICKED BIKE !!! If i could give it ten chillies i would. Best bike that i have riden - period. I chose to fit the bike out with XT instead of XTR as i dont beleive the price difference warrents the XTR components and by doing this i managed to bring the cost down a lot. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Philadelphia
Date Reviewed: February 24, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$1500.00 | | Purchased At: | eBay | | Strengths: | Amazing climber, stable and quick. Super efficient and predictable. | | Weaknesses: | Low pedal clearence (expected from Specialized) | | Similar Products Used: | SantaCruz Superlight, 04 Specialized StumpJumper ProDisc | | Bike Setup: | XTR and XT with Mavic 717 Disc wheelset, King Headset and Fox F100X fork | | Bottom Line: | The greatest bike ever designed for fast cross country riding. This bike climbs like a hard tail and goes where you point it. The Brain technology works perfectly as does the Fox fork. I am in love with this bike...no not just "in love" I actually love it.
I bought mine on eBay as a frame and fork. Even at full retail for the complete bike, I consider it a value. What would you pay for the perfect ride.
JC | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Nino
a Weekend Warrior
from Los Angeles
Date Reviewed: January 25, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Price Paid: |
$4200.00 | | Purchased At: | Supergo Santa Monica | | Strengths: | This bike is fast! On steep uphill rides with loose rocks, the rear suspension w/ brain shock keeps the back tire so conformed to the trail, the tire almost never spins out. It just rolls over loose rocks as though the rocks are glued down. This is a huge benefit compared to my old hard tail Gary Fisher which would shoot the rocks out, causing the tire (and then the cranks) to spin... kinda like a car burning rubber. Now my buddy who used to beat me on his old hardtail stumpjumper and my other buddy on a F/S Truth can't touch me uphill. This bike is so much less tiring to ride uphill on the paved, too. The brain shock eliminates pedal bob better that VPP and SPV designs. You can ride down single track as fast as gravity will pull you, the suspension does the rest. You can plow over a lot of stuff. You only need the brakes to slow for turns. The suspension works independant of pedalling or braking. The brakes work awesome in bumpy downhill terrain,,, easily modulated, no rear tire skidding out of control. Nice. A lot of people say it's heavy, but mine weighs in under 25 lbs... if that's not light, at least it feels light. Beautiful red /white paint / 2004 XTR / Crossmax wheels!!! | | Weaknesses: | Something in the rear suspension got loose with in the first couple of rides. Supergo fixed under warranty.
F100x fork blew (lots of washboards, but still should have been able to handle it) with in first 3 months... Supergo fixed under warranty.
XTR hydraulic discs are troublesome. With the calipers properly shimmed, the pads sometimes rub because one of the pistons doesn't fully retract. Then when the brakes are applied, the disk gets pushed over by the pad that's rubbing until the opposing pad reaches it. This is also the possible cause of the sometimes squeeling brakes. Supergo says the reason that one of the opposing pistons doesn't retract all the way is because of a tight seal. The bike is going back for hopefully a warranty replacement tomorrow.
When I bought it I had EC90 flat bars put on along with Python airlights (not UST, but ran Stans and w/o tubes... seals fine). The narrow flat bars allow the bike to track straight when climbing. Put the riser bars back on for more comfort and downhill control, but have to concentrate more to keep the bike from wondering when climbing. The pythons get good grip on asphalt, but are horrible in the dirt. I put the stock tires back on (minus the tubes, but adding Stan's) and they are great! | | Similar Products Used: | None | | Bike Setup: | Tried to modify with EC90 flat bar and Python airlights to save weight. Changed back to the stock bar and Roll X pro's because they work better. Took out the tubes and put in Stan's. Stan's is amazing... it's sealed numerous trail puntures while I'm still riding. Don't even have to pull over. Unbelievable. Trimmed seatpost. WTB Rocket V seat. | | Bottom Line: | Although I don't have a lot of other bikes to compare this bike to, I can say that I've gone from the back of the pack to the front, easily. The fact that it has a rear suspension helps to alleviate the problem of pinch flats I was getting on my hardtail while speed down rocky single tracks. This bike gives you what you need, the rest is up to you. If you want to finish your trail faster, this bike can help. This bike is designed to enable the rider to quickly and effectively handle whatever the "cross country" throws at you... and it delivers! Unfortunately it's obscenely expensive for a bicylce, but I think that's so you can bring it back for warranty service a zillion times!!! I'm glad I bought this bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Panos
a Cross Country Rider
from Athens, Greece
Date Reviewed: January 18, 2005 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | Bicimania, Milan | | Strengths: | Amazing pedaling efficiency, Fox fork and rear suspension work great once you find the rigt settings, sweet XTR levers | | Weaknesses: | For a full suspension the bike should handle a little bit better the downhill parts of a XC trail since it gives you a very rough and unforgiving ride, routing of the rear disk cable could be better(in 05 it's better), it should really have a King headset... | | Similar Products Used: | Intese Spyder, Santa Cruz Blur,Kona Kinkapu | | Bike Setup: | Medium Frame, Changed tyres to Panaracer Fire XC Pro, Easton CNT Monkey Lite SL Bar 610mm, King Headset, Selle Italia Flite Trans Am, Time ATAC Carbon Pedals | | Bottom Line: | It took me about a month or two to fine tune the bike and change some components such as tyres, bars etc, and find my settings. I am 78 kg. and I run 10psi's more pressure on the back than what Fox reccomends and close to 5 to 10 psi's less in the front fork. Still looking for the right setup but it seems that Fox is one of the best options for heavy riders.
XTR levers are great especially after a while, when you get used to them and the pads are trully broken in.
What really amazes me is the pedaling efficiency of the bike which is so close to a hard tail and the overall package of the bike - components etc.
Altough you have to make compromises in some parts of the trail, It's a trully great XC bike.... | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Greg
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO, USA
Date Reviewed: December 9, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Deer Creek in Crested Butte | | Duration Product Used: | 1 Year | | Price Paid: |
$1400.00 | | Purchased At: | Ebay | | Strengths: | Climbing ability is amazing. No need to mess with lockout. More plush than bikes with SPV when active. Extremely stable on the downhill. 3 of my friends bought this ride after trying mine. | | Weaknesses: | I could say none but lets be honest: Not as plush on the downhill. Not always predictable but dang close. These are minor complaints as the bike is Awesome. Brain had to be serviced after 3 months. Long turnaround time from fox. | | Similar Products Used: | Demo'd RacerX, ASR, Truth, Maverick, NRS, AC-1, Fuel, Blur, Scalpel. Owned a Scwhinn HG and Trek 8500 before this. | | Bike Setup: | Hand Built. But almost stock. Did not want integrated XTR levers. So put on Xtr pods and Magura Brakes. Fox 100RLC. Ritchey WCS stem. Maxim Handlebars. Crossmax SL.
24.3 LBS----SWEEEEEEET | | Bottom Line: | This is my first full suspension bike. I did not want to buy it without full out Demo of the product so for months I demo’d FS bikes. My top 3 were 1-epic 2-Maverick 3-Blur. I bought the Epic and made the Right choice. This bike is AWESOME. I was one who believed no one could be faster on a Dually but I was wrong. Dead Wrong. This bike is the best full suspension I have ever been on. I can not only climb faster but descend better than any other bike I rode (except Truth was best on downhill). VERY VERY STABLE. Only beef is on really rocky sections or Washboard the Shock may not lock out quite right and you feel the bike suck your power. Otherwise phenomenal bike. I have gotten 3 people to pick this bike up after test riding mine. Does that tell you something? | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
John Peckham
a Cross Country Rider
from Sunnyvale, CA USA
Date Reviewed: October 18, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Downieville Downhill | | Duration Product Used: | Tested or demo'ed only | | Price Paid: |
$3000.00 | | Purchased At: | e-bay | | Strengths: | Light weight, feels great! | | Weaknesses: | Price | | Similar Products Used: | S-works Enduro, SC blur, '03 S-works Epic, steel hardtail SS, Trek Fuel 95, '98 FSR Elite | | Bike Setup: | Bone Stock | | Bottom Line: | This bike rolls fast. The wheelset is great for maintaining speed. The front fork works well, although at 195lbs I have to put it on the highest bump threshold to prevent bob while standing and hammering. The stock recomedations for air pressure were OK, but I bottomed both front and rear out w/o significantly abusive trails, so I recomend running an extra 10psi in both front and rear shock. I have an annoying rub on the front brake, and tried adjusting witht shims, but it's probably going to need a re-bleed to get right. Or just wear away some of the break pads. I don't care for the stock tires, so those will be gone before the first race.
Buy it if you want a race bike that does what it should.
Skip it if your worried about your checks clearing. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ken Mcdowell
a Racer
from Squamish,B.C.Canada
Date Reviewed: October 10, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | THE PLUNGE | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$2500.00 | | Purchased At: | Corsa Cycles | | Strengths: | Amazing versatility,stock setup worked well except for the seatpost(I don't now what they were thinking there) | | Weaknesses: | A touch heavy but then so am I.I still find it to be a rocket on most terrain.I wish they did a better job with the cable routing,no real problems with how they have done it I just think they could have top routed the derailer cables and kept them out of the muck and more sano! | | Similar Products Used: | Test rode the Instinct,fuel, | | Bike Setup: | Stock set up except for the post,I got a shim and put my Ti post in from my last ride | | Bottom Line: | Handles well all around, climbs better than ever imagined it would,having the brain looking after the lockout senarios works out great.I guess you could probably find something that works as well that does'nt cost as much,but good luck I spent alot of time searching and I found no rear suspension system comes close.My only aprehensions is will it stand the test of time?I sure hope so for the dough I forked out for it.I'll keep you posted.The cross country hi milers who like to thrash around a bit are the ones who will find this bike unbelievable.Someone expecting a free rider should keep shopping,I think the epic would come up a little short there.To add my unit has the shimano deore hydraulic discs on it and they are amazing.I've done many decents dropping 3-5k feet vertical and no forearm strain or finger pain,I'm really happy with them! | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Racer
from Holladay, UT
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Endurance 100 Course | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Strengths: | Fast Efficient | | Weaknesses: | 04 F100 and Brain - but Fox comes through on warranty and service | | Bike Setup: | Medium Frame, Ti speedplay pedals, UST tires with a little Stans | | Bottom Line: | I bought this bike for long distance riding/racing. I did the Trilogy this year on this bike: Cascade Creampuff 100, Brianhead Epic 100, and The Endurance 100 in Park City.
The bike was great for these races.
Although I had some problems with the 04 F100 shock and the brain at first, the bike came through for me. I had been riding a ti hardtail and was worried about the extra weight and the loss of energy transfer due to full suspension. I don't have any worries anymore. I finished the Creampuff in about 10.5 hours. With about 18,000 feet of climbing and 50 miles single track the bike had to provide great climbing and descending prowess. In fact there were so many single speeders at the Puff, I did my best to stand up on the pedals like those beastly single speed boys and girls do - the Fox shocks helped me do this without loosing energy. On the downhill the bike felt tight and responsive and of course I was felt alot faster on the downhills.
Next I rode the Brian Epic 100 - easier in that it had less climbing than the Creampuff, tougher in that it is a much rougher course. The bike was again great - I finished the course a little faster than the year before even though I flailed around fixing flats for about 30 or so minutes (If you use USTs go with a fresh set each ultra).
Finally I rode the bike in the toughest race I've done - the Endurance 100 in Park City. The most climbing, the most descending, the most technical of all these races. The bike was great again. 12.5 hours in the saddle 18,300 feet of vert, 90 + miles of alpine single track. The new 05 F100 rocked through the high speed singly and technical Aspens. The bike was great on all the climbs.
The new shimano shifters are great and this is the first year for disc brakes for me - both of these contributed to my happiness on these long rides.
I'd like to try a ti full suspension rig to compare (Litespeed Niota or Racer-X)...
| | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Ed
a Cross Country Rider
from Holladay, UT, USA
Date Reviewed: June 3, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Spin Cycle | | Strengths: | Mountain Bike Action has said that the s-works epic is the best all around xc race bike. I agree. The ability to vary the threshhold on the brain based on the different terrain I ride is great. Both the brain and the fork perform wonderfully. It's not hard to get them set up right and they are easy to maintain. Wheelset (crossmax sl) works wonders. It's great having a fast, light set. | | Weaknesses: | Cost and weight. Other than that I have been very pleased with the bike. The XTR discs are a little finicky, but then again I also crashed and bent my rear rotor. The shifter pods hold up well. I have crashed with a significant blow to those several times and they are still working great. | | Similar Products Used: | None. I have owned Trek STP 400, Ellsworth ID. I have spent good time on Trek Fuel 100, Titus Racer X. | | Bike Setup: | Stock except King headset and Serfas dd pro saddle. The specialized BG saddle just didn't work well for my BG, so I switched. | | Bottom Line: | Great fun. I was looking at the bike on night, somewhat regretting the $$ I had spent. The next day my brother and I rode a local loop with a great downhill single track that has some fairly technical spots. He is the better bike handler and usually faster than myself. At the bottom he said that he couldn't keep up with and wondered how I was going so fast. That's on technical, rough twisty downhill. Not exactly what the bike was designed for. On a later date, I timed myself on the uphill to the top of the same loop. My recent training schedule had been lacking, but I beat my best time by almost 5 minutes!. The bike delivers. Buy it. You have a hard time paying the price, but it is definitely a fun bike. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
culturesponge
a Cross Country Rider
from santa monica
Date Reviewed: May 28, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Southern California | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Price Paid: |
$4800.00 | | Purchased At: | supergo | | Strengths: | An astounding ability to switch ride without me stopping to make adjustments all the time: from stiff hardtail - to full-supsension stallion. The 04 brain & the 100x fork are a perfect match. I have found I get far less fatigued & are able to climb & descend faster, easier & with more confidence. Stomping the last metres of a long climb does not cause the fork or rear damper to pogo anymore. The silver annodised finnish is not only lighter than the gaudy standard paint job - but amazingly resistant to chips (unlike All the mtn bikes i have owned previously) it's still perfect & like new after 650 miles tuff terrain. | | Weaknesses: | Frame could be lighter still, Specialized's pricing policy makes it hard to find discounted products. The spec on the standard S-Works could be better, I pretty much ended up changing everything on my build. The innertia valve in the brain failed after only a couple of rides & the back end was like a kangaroo fleeing from hunters -luckily i was able to get a new replacement fitted overnight. When the XTR disc brakes are very hot & expand the rotors have a tendancy to rub - not enough to cause significant drag but enough to be annoying. | | Similar Products Used: | In all honesty, nothing i have previously owned before compares: Marin, Trek, Schwinn - full-suspension & hard-tail bikes. | | Bike Setup: | 04 silver annodised frame, Fox f100x fork, 04 brain, full XTR disc, SRAM PC99 chain, Mavic Crossmax SL, Hutchinson Python UST air light tires + Slime, Chris King no threadset, Richie WCS stem, S-Works carbon bars, Singletrack s-light bar-ends, Use Alien carbon seatpost, Selle Italia SLR Gelflow saddle, Candy SL pedals. | | Bottom Line: | I was originally looking for a steel frame hard-tail mtn bike, but I found all the stiffness & responsive handling I was looking for + plus intelligent full-suspension - that reduces fatigue (more than if i brought a swedish masseur along) with the 04 S-Works epic.
If you can afford one & ride alot of XC - don't sit there reading this go and buy it!! - you will have few regrets.... Just make sure if you cannot change some of the componants (if you are not happy with the spec bikes weight), or insist upon a big discount. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Adam
a Racer
from Wallingford, CT
Date Reviewed: May 22, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 3 months | | Purchased At: | Wallingford Bike | | Strengths: | Top of the line components. Unique suspension that works like no other. | | Weaknesses: | Heavy. Such a well equiped bike should come with a better headset. | | Similar Products Used: | Trek Fuel 100, Rocky Mountain Instinct, Intense Spyder | | Bike Setup: | As speced except for Chris King headset, Easton EC90 flatbar, Sette Italia SLR saddle, Stan's No-Tube with stock tires. | | Bottom Line: | Searched long and hard for an efficient raceable full suspension and this is it. It comes in more of a trail bike configuration than the regular S-Works Epic, with a carbon riser bar and cushy body geometry Pro saddle. I tweaked it a bit to get my large frame down to 25.5 pounds with more of a racing setup. I've raced it three times so far this season. It flies downhills, allows me to crank out of the saddle like a road bike, and I'm clearing sections of trail I never have. The new XTR STI levers are easy to get used to. The fully adjustable rear Brain and front Terralogic shocks are heavy but durable. They work with no hesitation when setup correctly. If you can't get them to perform, either your LBS blows or the simple and downloadable setup instructions on the Fox website are beyond you. Make someone else happy by selling your Epic and buying a beach cruiser. My only complaint is that the inertia valve, once activated with a bump, does not close fast enough. If you transition back onto smooth terrain while hammering, the system is fooled by pedal bob and stays active. This seems like a bigger problem in colder weather when maybe the oil is thicker. This bike is ideal for the serious cross country rider or weekend racer. I anticipate that in upcoming years it will get lighter as Specialized integrates more carbon fiber into the frame like everyone else. Until then weight weenies will want to consider another bike, like maybe the non disc version. It's worth it if you can afford it. If money's the issue, consider a less expensive Epic. It's still the same rear Brain suspension. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Justin Wilson
a Cross Country Rider
from California
Date Reviewed: April 15, 2004 | | Duration Product Used: | 6 months | | Purchased At: | LBS | | Strengths: | All XTR parts, fox fork, adjustable brain shock (a major up grade over the 2003 Epic) | | Weaknesses: | I had a problem with the Cross Max wheels throwing a spoke and it took a month to get it back but other than that this bike is excellent. | | Similar Products Used: | Intense Spider, Trek Fuel 100, Titus Racer-X, Santa cruz Blur, Yeti AS-R, Etc. | | Bike Setup: | All XTR parts, Mavic Cross max Sl wheels, Thomson stem and post, Specialized Carbon bars, Fox Terra logic 100mm forks, Maxxis flyweight 490 tires | | Bottom Line: | This bike is hands down the best bike I have ridden in a long time and I have ridden and owned all the ones above. This bike by far the better bike, in my opinion this bike is more efficent in every way. The bike flys with every pedal stroke, it climbs fast and efficent just like a hardtail going up and when your going down it has 3.5 inches of travel to smooth everything out just like a full suspension bike should. I owned a 2003 Epic before this and thought that the bike sucked and it did, it was to heavy it took an act of congress to get the suspension set up correctly I mean it sucked. The only reason I bought this one is because The Specialized rep hooked me up with a great price. As soon as I rode it I fell in love. the new adjustable brain was perfect the 100mm Terra logic fork was perfect match to the brain. This bike is the best bike I have ridden by far. | | Value Rating:Overall Rating: |
Submitted by
Jonathan
a Racer
from Holladay, UT
Date Reviewed: March 15, 2004 | | Favorite Trail: | Super Crest | | Duration Product Used: | Less than 1 month | | Price Paid: |
$4500.00 | | Strengths: | Might be a great bike if they can build it up right | | Weaknesses: | I race endurance races and I wonder if this bike can handle it if it is malfunctioning from day 1. | | Bike Setup: | Stock | | Bottom Line: | Not impressed with Specialized because on this level of bike they should get it right the first time. The bike came with a fried brain they didn't work from day one. I wrote Specialized about it and they did not have the class to respond. The bike also came with the brakes rubbing on the front disc. Again I expect litle or no hassle on any new bike let alone one of the most expensive ones. I've spent more time back and forth from the bike shop rather than riding. | Value Rating: Overall Rating: |
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$ 4990.00
