Specialised Epic?

kevin_stephens

Is this a sensible choice for a roady who likes to cycle up hill, but not work too hard, likes to go downhill in comfort and relative control but avoiding big drops and broken bones? and cover lots of distance

Compared to a hard tail which would be cheaper and lighter for similar spec but harsher on 50 year old joints, or a more agressive full bounce eg stumpjumper fsr

Not particulalry loyal to Spesh and interested in other recommendations for other makes (Canondale scalpel/rush?)

I'm shopping around for last year's model deals in autumn sales - and yes I will try for size before buying

Thanks

glen4

sounds like the Epic is the ideal bike for you, I have tried both the Epic and Stumpy FSR, ended up buying a Stumpjumper FSR Pro, as I already have a HT stumpy Expert and felt the Epic was too close to the HT in intended use.
Only caveat with the Epic is that the last years model is now an outdated platform, new Epic is totally different design, whereas the stumpy FSR was redesigned last year and looks to stay current for maybe another year at least.
There are some cracking deals to be had at the mo on 08 bikes, my Stumpy FSr was reduced from £2.5k to £2k, a whopping £500 off, and a better spec than the 09 bikes. I am very pleased with the way my FSR climbs, in fact I'd say I'm at least as quick, if not quicker on 80% of the climbs I do, HT is only quicker on very smooth ascents (not that many off road). You should try both, obviously, but unless you're seriously racing I personally don't think the Stumpy gives away anything to the Epic, Buy the Stumpjumper FSR, the most expensive you can afford in the range, and you will have a light, do everything bike.

rgarner

Well, my Epic's been kind to my 38 year old joints so far. Apart from last week, when I decided that 4 inches of rear suspension was at least enough for some innocuous looking forest floor steps, got a bit too cocky, followed by a bit too scared, and am now laid up with broken rib and foot.

As long as you can avoid the temptation to suddenly believe yourself invincible due to a sudden availability of a bit of cushioning, I'm sure you'll be fine. The Epic's a great bike - even with the slightly bent brake lever (I protected the rest of the bike with my soft, soft body).

As someone who hasn't had a bike for about 25 years, I'm finding the Epic ideal. It's nice and firm on roads and up hills, and just bouncy enough on trails. I'm mystified as to why the non-carbon platform has suddenly been discontinued, but very glad I got mine when I did.

zero303

Scalpel is fast and light but nervous and far from a gentle relaxing ride. Rush would be more suitable I think.

Add a Giant Anthem to your list.

kevin_stephens

I've just bought an Epic Comp

rgarner

'grats

Do let us know how you get on with it.

dodgy

I have a 2005 Stumpjumper FSR 120 Pro (XT / XTR mix), fantastic bike and it has really held together well. I look after my kit, but this bike really does still look a lot newer than it is. That's partly because my bike is powder coated, and I don't think you can get the Stumpjumpers in powder coated finish anymore, shame, because it's pretty much the ideal finish on an MTB.
What is confusing me now as I start to research a replacement is Specialized's new hierarchy in the MTBs. The logical replacement for my bike is a 2009 Stumpjumper FSR Pro, but that's £3400 (virtually a £1000 more than a 2008 Stumpjumper FSR Pro).
Anyway, I'm quite loyal to Specialized now, I've had many full suspension bikes over the years, all with small niggles here and there with pivots and bearings etc, but the Stumpy hasn't missed a beat. A friend of mine has a Whyte E-120 which he is delighted with and falls at a sensible price as a replacement, so I am being drawn to that, too :?
The Epics are nice, and a very credible XC performer, and if I'm honest with myself it's more compatible with the type of riding I do (don't like leaving the ground :oops: ).
Sorry for rambling, but thought it might be useful to dump my brain here.

Go for the Epic

Dave.

kevin_stephens

First ride on the Epic today and very pleased with my choice. I did the Marin Trail in heavy rain as a gentle introduction to mountain biking for a Saga eligible roadie, my mate, who has a new carbon s-works Stumpy showed me round.

The bike gave me loads of confidence and the suspension worked realy well,; efficient on the uphill and plush and controlled on the technical downhill sections. The few falls were all on short rocky uphill bits, a combination of me not getting the technique right, ie correct attack position, speed, gears etc, and (to me) the apalling eggbeater pedals which were difficult to engage and almost impossible to release - hence comical falling over when stalling on steep bits. I have been riding SPDs and Looks on my road bikes for years so first job tomorrow is to fit my old SPD pedals and buy some new cleats.

To sum up the 2008 Epic Comp, my mate was a little put out having to spend a lot on his S-works Stumpy to get it down to the same weight as my Epic Comp, when the Epic frame, geometry and suspension is more than adequate for blasting round the Marin, and I am looking forward for some more demanding rides.

I suspect the new 2009 Epic may have less compromises so I would advise anyone to snap up the special offers on 2008 Epics