Specialized Epic Expert '08 or Stumpjumper FSR 09

PixelMix

I can currently get either of the above for virtually the same price. I've ridden an '08 Stumpjumper before (same frame) and found it comfortable if unexciting. I'm moving from a hardtail and concerned a bit about being slowed by the slightly heavier and more pedal bob prone Stumpjumper.

My question is will the Epic be sufficient for my usual stomping ground (7Stanes red runs eg Glentress).

I know that conventional wisdom would be to go for the Stumpjumper as it is a trail bike with an extra 20mm travel, BUT... I am a small, light (c. 9 stone) rider, and wonder if in my specific case, a 100mm Epic would be sufficient?

Unfortunately I can't take either for a proper ride before I need to purchase, so any thoughts would be appreciated!

omegas

If you want speed and like the brain it’s the Epic. It’s a love hate thing with the brain fade so I would see if you can try one out otherwise I would go with the FSR stumpy as you know what you are getting and can fine tune to your riding style.

Anonymous

it doesnt sound like you were massively keen on the stumpjumper and if you have tried one before, you are probs best staying away from it. if you are having doubts about it as the right bike for you, then its probably not.


there is every chanc as a lighter rider that 100 mm would be plenty for you and its good to see someone being honest about there requirements! from what i have read the epic will be alot more efficient but as mentioned, the brain is a love or hate thing and you need to investigate whether it suits, its an expensive thing and the technology is so marmite i wouldnt risk the purchase without a test.

akcc05

i keep thinking: how does rider weight affect air suspension? since air pressure is adjusted according to the riders weight in order to achieve the same sag, in theory there shouldn't be any difference between a heavy and a light rider riding the same bike (100mm epic in this case)? the strength of the frame will matter but surely not the suspensions? am i missing something really obvious here?

i'm a light rider myself and have a 100mm front and rear kona so i kinda want to know.

off topic i know but don't want to start a new thread.

Anonymous

i made refernce to his weight on an epic as the bike will cope better with a lighter rider than a big monster like me on it when covering rough and technical ground.

im sure the epic is plenty tough but for the most part, more travel = stronger frame.

i wouldnt want to ride a typical 100mm frame as i am dead heavy, sure the shock can be adjusted but the more air you put in , the less plush the bike becomes, if you run less air to make the shock more compliant, you end up with loads of sag and wasted travel. more air affects the dampng, especially if the bike doesnt have compression damping which can be adjusted,

akcc05

ah...so i'm good. i bought the 100mm full sus kona to use as a do-it-all bike but was worried if i have enough travel. i'm stick thin 5"10 and 130pounds so at least i know i will have plush and smooth suspension. thanks for the explaination.

Anonymous

the honest truth is that 100mm is plenty for most folk, its just hard to resist a bit more travel as it is made to look good by magazines and the industry in general.

im a good example of blokes who ride too much bike. for me the stumpjumper is perfect for everything i really do, its light enough to ride all day, strong enough to cary my weight and has enough good suspension to handle the very gay way i get down to work. but i stil own an enduro which is built for much bigger riding and if you ignore the reviews would be better suited to full days going downwards as well as up.

im never gonna use the enduro to its full potential unles i get away to some big mountainy riding (something which may well happen later in the new yr ) but im a grown man and cn do as i please, i may well have all the gear but i do atleast have a bit of an idea.

PixelMix

Thanks for the replies. I called the shop back and they are now offering the Epic for £949 so that made the decision for me! Looks like an awesome deal, and as the comments suggested, it sounds as if the Epic frame, although designed for XC Race, should take the trail centre abuse that my 9 stone can give it.

Can't wait to pick it up and ride. Hopefully I can go uphill as quickly as my hardtail, and downhill / over roots a bit quicker.