Specialized epic review

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All good things come in twos. Can this concept work? And why do we still prefer the thoroughbred Epic 8? To better cope with the increasingly demanding cross-country tracks, both the Epic 8 and the Epic 8 EVO have been made significantly more capable, with the EVO variant now specced with a mm fork, paired with mm travel at the rear. The Pro model on test weighs Since both bikes share the same frame, there are a lot of similarities between the Specialized Epic 8 and the Epic 8 EVO. Specialized opted against remote lockout lever on the handlebar.

Specialized epic review

Cast your mind back 22 years ago, when the Specialized Epic debuted on the race scene with its iconic Brain shock. Two decades and many revisions later, Specialized is launching the latest version of the Epic and, for the first time ever, there is not a Brain damper in sight. In fact, this is the first Epic where most models will come with a remote lockout. Sacre bleu! So what exactly are the differences? How does the new Epic compare to the short travel Epic World Cup? And where do they all sit amongst the best XC bikes on the market? I gotta say, we are absolutely loving this new trend for mm travel XC bikes, and the Specialized Epic is arguably the best example yet. All new for , the latest Specialized Epic represents the 8th generation of the race bike platform. As part of the launch, Specialized is adopting a new naming system that moves away from traditional year models. Expect other models to follow this nomenclature in the future. Also noteworthy is the fact that there are three distinct variants of the Epic platform.

I'm new to the Brain platform after purchasing a Epic, and I can definitively say that when working it is not crap.

The bike looks low, long and lean — and lifting it up confirms a truly astonishing lack of weight. No, the one purpose of the Epic Pro is flat-out racing. Everything about the bike — the spec, the tyres and the attitude, is set up for between-the-tapes thrashing. All I needed to do was to fit the supplied tubeless valves, add some sealant to the minimally treaded Fast Trak tyres, fit a cage and SWAT tool and head out into the hills. The mm with grips bars and shortish 60mm stem put everything where you want it to be. This is no time to be wondering if you unlocked your fork, or flailing around trying to reach for a lockout lever by your knees.

Originally launched back in , the Specialized Epic debuted as the very first full suspension bike on the market to feature a fully automated lockout system. That early Epic and every model since was built around the Brain — an inertia-valve shock damper that could transition from fully locked out, to fully open whenever the rider hit something hard enough. Mike McAndrews, the director of suspension technology at Specialized, came up with the concept as a way to woo racers off of their hardtails. XC racing has of course progressed significantly over the past two decades, and so too has the Epic. For , Specialized is launching an entirely new Epic and Epic EVO, and both represent a stunning leap forward in terms of suspension performance, geometry and handling. For more info about the EVO, check out the full review here.

Specialized epic review

One of the best-known XC bikes on the market, the latest Specialized Epic is notable for two reasons. First is the updated geometry, reflecting the changing nature of XC courses, with a longer reach and slacker head angle. Although Specialized has rejigged the shape of the bike, with longer tubes, it's still kept the weight low The main story here is the Brain, designed to keep the suspension firm for pedalling but instantly make it fully active when things get rough.

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Kiowa 3 days ago. It inspires a lot of confidence for such a lightweight and short travel XC bike, and it makes it a load of fun to jump with. This allows the system to factor in your power output into its trail-tweaking algorithm. I knew with the spoke count they'd be a liability from the start, so I kept a close eye on the spoke tension and tweaked those myself, then got a decent shop to retension and true them semi regularly. Snfoilhat 3 days ago. Prototype mules were developed with angle-adjustable headsets and flip chips, as well as an eccentric BB to change the height and rear centre length. As well as offering a more relaxed riding position than the Epic race bike, the bigger fork and shock provide a noticeable improvement in sensitivity and control. The brakes are also Shimano SLX with mm front and mm rear rotors, and this is a combination that felt completely adequate at all times and on all terrain. Get similar articles delivered directly to your inbox. SpecSRAM 3 days ago. The Specialized Epic is not just a new XC race weapon, but an incredibly versatile cross-country bike that can perform both on and off the race track. Artikay13 2 days ago. Its always been a vocal minority

After months of teasing, the Specialized Epic World Cup has finally arrived! A brand new model for , the Epic World Cup cuts a striking, hardtail-like figure that immediately draws parallels with the Trek Supercaliber.

As an entry-level model for the Epic range of bikes, the Comp offers performance that stands out against others, with the BRAIN being the key factor. It is neatly executed too with a new generation hatch that features a lower profile and an ergonomic lever mechanism. Sarah just doesn't make the cut. By the end I'd get maybe 1 and half big days out in before the whole rear wheel would be loose and baggy. However, the 24h wheel is some kinda BS. Shimano better get their shit together. I guess the Hightower wasn't exactly XC at mm or so either though. Scalpel is better. It pedals far better than anything in the down-country or XC-adjacent class, and I felt like it descended every bit as good as the Spur. And the open mode is called Wide Open for a reason. Along with the powermeter, the system records all of this information and stores data from your previous seven rides to help build a visual of the terrain and your riding style.