Under Test: Specialized Epic Marathon Carbon

[K-Man]

My latest test bike arrived just in time for racing season in Pittsburgh. :rolleyes: Oh well, at least I'll have plenty of time to get 'er dialed in by the time race season rolls around.

I'll use this Dirt Rag Forum thread to share information during the course of test. Feel free to ask questions, and I'll do my best to answer them. Just try to stay on topic, and act in a manner that would make your mother proud. :)

Tester: Karl Rosengarth
Age: 50
Height: 5'10"
Weight: 150lbs.
Inseam: 33"

Make: Specialized
Model: Epic Marathon Carbon
Model year: 2007
Type: Mountain
Country of origin: Taiwan
MSRP: $4900
Sizes: S, M (tested), L, XL
Weight: 26.6 lbs (measured, size Medium, as spec'd below)
Wheel size: 26 inch
Rear travel: 100 mm
Frame material: Carbon fiber front, aluminum alloy rear
Suspension description: Four bar Horst link
Rear shock: Specialized AFR Shock w/ Flow Control valve
Fork: Fox F100RLC, 100mm
Handlebar: S-Works Carbon, 31.8mm
Stem: Specialized OS, 31.8mm
Headset: Cane Creek integrated
Bottom bracket: Shimano XT
Crank: Shimano XT
Pedals: Shimano M-520 SPD
Chain: SRAM PC-951
Saddle: Specialized Body Geometry Rival
Seatpost : Thomson, set back head
Front hub: Specialized Stout disc, 32 hole, disc
Rear hub: DT Swiss Custom SL, 32 hole, disc
Front derailleur: Shimano XT
Rear derailleur: SRAM X.0
Shifters: SRAM X.0 triggers
Cassette: Shimano XT, 9-speed, 11-34t
Brakes: Magura Marta
Rims: Mavic XM-819 Disc, UST, tubeless
Tires: Specialized Fast Trak Pro 26x2.0", UST, tubeless
Website: http://www.specialized.com/

[K-Man]

Here's the geometry chart from Specialized's web site:

[DirtRagArt]

I want that fork.

[K-Man]

Since the Epic Marathon Carbon (EMC) arrived, mother nature has dealt us snow and brutal cold. I've managed three snow rides on the new rig and think I'm getting a decent handle on the front and rear suspension setup.

Rear: I'm running the recommended 10mm sag and have played with the inertial valve in a both a "medium" or mid-range setting -- and a "hard" or about 80% firm seting. Initial impression is that the rear suspension does a good job at eliminating pedal-induced-bob (in both settings that I've tried). And it still sucks up the rear wheel hits when called upon (though there won't be any high-speed downhill test runs in the cards until this snow melts).

Front: The F100RLC, 100mm offers plenty of adjustability to work with. I like using the "lockout" lever during long road climbs, and the 15 minute paved road pedal to the park trails.

I've been impressed with the snow traction of the tires (Specialized Fast Trak Pro 26x2.0", UST, tubeless) despite their smallish tread size. It really, really helps to run the pressue supa-low for extra conformal grip.

Hartwood Park snow ride photo by Jeff Guerrero:

[K-Man]

I want that fork.


Yeah, I noted the comment in your F 100RLC review in Dirt Rag #126 that you wished they offered additional color choices (other than the white that you tested). The flat black jobbie matches the Epic's stealth frame perfectly. I suppose the black color is a special deal for Specialized (pun intended), but I'll have check on that.

Oh, I managed to get another trail ride in yesterday, though the temperatures never got above the teens since last weekend. Everything on the bike continues hanging in fine. Snow was a bit more packed on the more popular trails in Hartwood, which allowed me to to enter two particular high speed sweepers a bit too fast for the amount of traction the tires provided in the snow. At lest falling down in the snow is softer than kissing dirt. :D

[K-Man]

OK, I took some photos during my build-up of this bike, and finally got around to posting a gallery:
http://www.dirtragmag.com/gal/showgallery.php?cat=641

Check the link above for more pics like this one:

[K-Man]

Have any of yinz forum members spent quality time on a Specialized Epic? Wanna share your impressions? Thanks.

[K-Man]

Hmmm.... 6502 Forum members.... and nobody's ridden the Epic? Any statisticians in the audience wanna give me the odds on that?:confused:

I guess the good news is that I can say anything I want in the bike review and nobody can call me on it. Not that I would EVER do that.;)

[hairygrump]

How many of those things do they mint every year? It's just a handful (comparatively speaking), isn't it? I've never even seen that level of Spec. on a shop floor before...

In other news, that new Specialized ad campaign with Paulo Bettini throwing up the Specialized gang sign is one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

[xc rider]

I have ridden a 2005 model and liked the handling and suspension a lot. I did not have time to do a lot of suspension adjustments, but It still felt good on the trails in Vermont where I rode it.
I was trying to decide between a Blur XC or the Epic and will most likely go with the 2007 Epic Marathon (alloy version). My LBS is a big Specialized dealer and they always take care of me.
What size is yours? Im about 5'10" and may go with the medium.

[K-Man]

I have ridden a 2005 model and liked the handling and suspension a lot. I did not have time to do a lot of suspension adjustments, but It still felt good on the trails in Vermont where I rode it.
I was trying to decide between a Blur XC or the Epic and I will most likely go with the 2007 Epic Marathon (alloy version). My LBS is a big Specialized dealer and they always take care of me.
What size is yours? Im about 5'10" and may go with the medium.

Yeah, that alloy Epic version looks like a pretty good value on paper. I'm jazzed to be able to flog the carbon version, but I'd have been quite happy if I'd have scored the Al Lou Minium model.

We're about the same height, and I'm riding the medium and it feels spot-on to me. Of course, my 50 year old back prefers riding a bit more upright (and less stretched-out) riding position. If you prefer a more aggressive, leaned over riding position, you might throw a leg over a large for a test ride.

Thanks for the feedback.

[K-Man]

How many of those things do they mint every year? It's just a handful (comparatively speaking), isn't it? I've never even seen that level of Spec. on a shop floor before...

In other news, that new Specialized ad campaign with Paulo Bettini throwing up the Specialized gang sign is one of the funniest things I've ever seen.

Good point by you on the carbon version not appearing on many showroom floors. I'd love to hear from anybody who has ridden any level of the Epic. Maybe that'll shake a few plums out of the trees.:D

[Trailer Rails]

I have been riding the 2007 S-works epic. The new XTR is awesome, the new brain valve in the rear shock works 10X faster than the previous Fox models. The Epic is the fastest bike I have ever ridden. I rode the S-works stumpy last year and I liked the riding position on the stumpy a little better. The Epic is a little too aggersive for my back sometimes. The valving on the Epic is also a little firmer than the stumpy. The carbon frames are strong SOB's. I have flogged both the bikes pretty hard, dirt jumps, drops in the 4-5' range, and a few good crashes. Neither of the frames ever showed any signs of wear or fatigue.

[K-Man]

Thanks for the feedback, Trailer Rails. Now that we have over a foot of snow on the ground and more on the way, I don't know when I'll be able to let 'er rip on this bike.

However, my initial impression (albeit very limited riding involved) is that the rear shock's inertial valve does a good job of canceling pedaling bob, yet activates quickly when called upon. If that's what you were getting at when you said "the rear shock works 10X faster than the previous Fox models" then it looks like I could be quite please when the snow melts and I get down to some serious hammering.

Fast bike, you say??? More music to my ears.:D

[Trailer Rails]

Acually what I ment by 10x fast is how fast it locks out. On last years bikes you could pick up the bike and drop it on the ground to activate the brain and then press on the seat to test the rebound. On the new shocks you can't do that, it will lock out on you before you have a chance to push on the seat. You have to hit the ground and push on the bike all in one motion to compress the shock. This faster brain is getting mixed reviews. From people who are not used to a brain bike they think the shock has a studder in it. For people who have ridden brain bikes before and know how to ride them it is unbelivable. You can also see the faster acting brain in Fox's new terra logic fork. If you compare the model from 2 years ago and the new one the difference will be apparent, the same difference can be felt in the brain shocks.

[realSaint]

Rode the Epic Comp (lime green...cool) a few times last year as a Test Bike that the LBS has in stock. I've never ridden an FS before, and was used to ripping around the Rockies on a steel HT (RM Hammer). I liked the Comp, versus some other FS bikes I test rode (albeit lower end). I found that our XC trails, which are generally rocky and rooty, with a lot of climbing (and sometimes extended climbing), and lots of pretty technical sections, that the bike performed as close to my hardtail as I could hope (particularly on the acceleration/uphills) and, yet, absorbed all the bumps that I threw at it. Certainly rode differently and preferably to any other FS I took out (mostly Kona's and Devinci's). I also like the cockpit- but I've got a pretty good back. More than anything, though, was the acceleration and the action of the Brain.

My only objection to picking one up was the price (Epic Comp starts at three-thousand dollars in Canada). Can't quite afford that yet, so I'll stick with the hardtail another year. However, for someone who is still pretty conservative with (and knows how to) choose a good descent line, and who is coming from an HT background, it is pretty much the type of bike I'd ride and recommend.

(Note: Would want to test Rocky's new Element, and the SuperLight, though).

[K-Man]

Thanks for the clarification on the rear shock changes Trailer Rail. I'll make sure to pay attention to that, assuming this snow ever melts, and I get to ride the bike again.:( However, I did have a beatiful day XC skiiing today, in the meantime.:)

realSaint, I appreciate your ride impressions. Like you, I'm still a hartail guy as far as my personal rides go, but I do love riding dual-sus test bikes. I think my 20 year history riding hardtails brings a hardtail-style-bias to my riding style, and the Epic seems to be a good fit for that style. I'm anxious for some spring weather.;)

[K-Man]

In case you're wondering about my lack of progress reports....

Well -- the winter weather still has the local trails pretty jacked.

Stay tuned...

More news at 11.

[LeeMcGough]

I bought an Epic the first year they came out, and now I would like nothing more than to get rid of the "Brain". It worked out alright for me when I rode smoother terrain, but now that I'm in roots and ruts most of the time, I can't stand it! The first hit in every rooty section, the rear suspension just feels terrible, it reacts too late.:mad: I also have a hell of a time bunny hopping the bike. Again, this wasn't a problem for me in the first year and a half I owned the bike, as I was clipped in. I would now rather have a four bar with a Fox rp 23, and lock it out myself manually on long climbs.

[K-Man]

I bought an Epic the first year they came out, and now I would like nothing more than to get rid of the "Brain". It worked out alright for me when I rode smoother terrain, but now that I'm in roots and ruts most of the time, I can't stand it! The first hit in every rooty section, the rear suspension just feels terrible, it reacts too late.:mad: I also have a hell of a time bunny hopping the bike. Again, this wasn't a problem for me in the first year and a half I owned the bike, as I was clipped in. I would now rather have a four bar with a Fox rp 23, and lock it out myself manually on long climbs.

Good input. The rear shock on you first-generation and model and my 2007 bike are different, so it's quite possible that my experiences may differ. My limited initial impressions are that the "lockout threshold" adjuster will allow the rear end to react pretty quickly, but let me get some serious riding time, and I'll have more to report.

I do agree with your general observation that under some conditions (like when you ride in constant root gardens, except for long climbs) it may make the most sense to have a fully active shock, with manual lock out. On the other hand, in terrain with constantly changing "bumpieness" I think the "Brain" style shocks make some sense. Again. let me bag some miles and report back.

[gembusz1]

i took my new marathon carbon out a good few times already this year and i must say this is sweet and fast machine.i love the components on the bike and the BRAIN works great for me.it makes the roots disappear !!(really) still trying different setups.the carbon frame is unbelievably stiff.

[K-Man]

i took my new marathon carbon out a good few times already this year and i must say this is sweet and fast machine.i love the components on the bike and the BRAIN works great for me.it makes the roots disappear !!(really) still trying different setups.the carbon frame is unbelievably stiff.

I'm envious. The trails here are soup at the moment. It's going to be a while before I throw a leg over the Epic again.

Hey gembusz1, just wondering what part of the country (or world) you're from. You mentioned roots, are your typical trails pretty rooty? How about rocks? Just trying to understand more about your terrain, and look forward to trading rider impression with you as the season heats up. :)

[gembusz1]

hey k-man,i live in madison nj and most of the trails here are rocky.i decided to say goodbye to my hard tail and go with something more comfy,and it turned out that this bike is more than i thought.tires are really impressive on the snow ,going for a 2-3hr ride tomorrow so i'll post more ,later

[K-Man]

But lord I ask you
To be my guiding force and truth
For some strange reason it had to be
He guided me to Tennessee
-Arrested Development, Tennessee

Enough winter already! I decided I needed a spring break from Pittsburgh's lousy March weather, so last weekend Carol Clemens and I headed to TN to check out the DS&G (http://www.dirtsweatandgears.com/) course, and ride some of the other trails in the Fayetteville/Nashville area. I posted some pics in this Forum Thread (http://www.dirtragmag.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13319).

Nothing like three straight days of riding in shorts and a t-shirt to put a smile on my old mug, not to mention finally getting to know my new test bike a bit better. These would be my first non-snow rides on the Epic!

Day one I rode the 10.5 mile DS&G course in Fayetteville: it's hilly, tight and twisty. I spent the first half of the ride figuring out the Epic's handling, getting to know how hot I could go into the corners, and figuring out the steering in the slow-twisty stuff. By the second half of the ride I realized I wasn't thinking about the handling all that much, I'd started to just react via instinct. I was settling into a comfort zone pretty quickly. That's good.

Day two was the classic track at Chickasaw Trace (http://www.columbiacyclingclub.com/mtbpark.stm) Park near Nashville -- plenty of fast, swoopy hardpack that can be a real hoot if you work to keep your momentum through the turns. Fortunately, I've got the handling even more dialed in now. I'm not thinking, just pedaling, leaning, pointing and flowing. The Epic's handling is appropriately quick, it is a race bike after all. The flat/fast sections are linked with some steep/technical uphills and downhills, which give me a chance to evaluate the suspension. Climbing rocky/rooty sections gives the Epic's rear suspension a chance to shine: no discernible bobbing due to pedaling, yet the travel kicks in when the rear wheel encounters and obstacle. Standing and mashing up a hill is rewarded, not punished by the Epic. Downhill the bike gobbles up the kinds of hits one expects on an XC race course, at race speed, but is certainly not the plushest knife in the drawer (not that a race bike should be).

Day three is spent at Hamilton Creek (http://webelevation.com/hamcreek/) Park, in greater Nashville. This is the most technical (rocky and rooty and steep) of the three rides. Three straight days of riding has sharpened my reflexes and now I've REALLY got a mind-meld grooving with the Epic. I'm sucking wind, working hard to stay close to the rear the wheel of my tour guide, Sharp from Swiftwick (http://www.swiftwick.com/), relying on a point and shoot riding style -- trusting my instincts and the bike's suspension to pull me through. My ego is boosted when Reed from www.nashvillemountainbike.com (http://www.nashvillemountainbike.com/), who is kind enough ride sweep and talk me through the course, says that I'm riding lines that often take local guys months to figure out. I don't know if he's just serving up some of that famous Southern Hospitality, or being 100% serious, but I reply that I'm just trusting my instincts, and that I guess the course suits my riding style. Flow like water, Grasshoppah.

The only nit to pick so far relates to transporting the bike on the hitch-mount bike rack. The bike's rear brake hydraulic line runs on the underside of the top-tube, which pinches it between the top-tube and the rack's rubberized holders. I don't know if the weight of the bike would be enough to crimp or otherwise cause a leak in the line, but I'm paranoid enough to cut a few sections of foam pipe insulation and use them for extra cushioning between rack and bike. The line survives the trip, but one of the zip ties that attaches it snapped when I snagged the line, whle removing the bike from the rack. At least the tie broke before the line itself got damaged during the snagging incident.

Carol riding Chickasaw:

[nogearshere]

my last geared bike was also my first full sus and a first gen specialized epic pro.

i had a lot of initial setup problems with it, the fork was swapped out within 60days (first year came with 80mm SID) the 100mm terra-logic (also first gen - oops) really lifted the bb and equalized the platform.

the components were a mix of new XTR (dual control - rapid rise ready but normal provided...) and old XT.

upgrade upgrade upgrade...by the time i was done the bike had cost a mint.

newer models seem to be better spec'd and balanced, the pricing is steeper but i would say they are good to go - no immediate upgrades req'd (like some other off the shelf builds might).

in the end the epic died for me b/c i did not possess the pit-crew necessary to keep all those expensive bits in tune, i also doubted (still do to some extent) the need for a 27-28lb 'race' bike...yes, stable as a mofo...but the added weight made the climbing (it was supposed to help) difficult.

in the end i still recommend it to people that only want one bike...well one that isnt a 29 single anyway.

[K-Man]

my last geared bike was also my first full sus and a first gen specialized epic pro.

i had a lot of initial setup problems with it, the fork was swapped out within 60days (first year came with 80mm SID) the 100mm terra-logic (also first gen - oops) really lifted the bb and equalized the platform.

the components were a mix of new XTR (dual control - rapid rise ready but normal provided...) and old XT.

upgrade upgrade upgrade...by the time i was done the bike had cost a mint.

newer models seem to be better spec'd and balanced, the pricing is steeper but i would say they are good to go - no immediate upgrades req'd (like some other off the shelf builds might).



Thanks for the feedback, I appreciate you taking the time to offer your input. That prompts me to say a few words about the components, now that I have a few serious rides under my belt.

First, I must say that I'm growing to appreciate the tune-ability of the Fox F100RLC, 100mm fork. If you can't dial this fork in to your liking, I'd be very shocked (pun intended). I'm even finding myself reaching down, while riding on-trail, and tweaking the compression damping control atop the fork... to get it "just right" for the existing trail conditions. Like when I went to Chickasaw (see above) and I encountered long, mostly smooth, hardpack -- I bumped up the compression damping to firm up the shock to match the terrain. Not to mention that cranking up the compression for extended road climbs or similar situations cuts down on the annoying fork bob, when hammering out of the saddle. On the other end of the spectrum, you can soften things up just as easily, if you get into washboard trails conditions.

My personal choice on my personal bike is SRAM X.0 with GripShift, so I was a bit uneasy when this bike arrived with SRAM's X.0 triggers; however, my adjustment to triggers has been smooth. The X.0 rear and Shimano XT FD and crankset, mated to XT cassette, via a SRAM chain -- well that a pretty bulletproof set up, in my book.

It's probably a bit early in the game to be talking about the brakes, since I haven't yet hit a sloppy/muddy race course, nor a 1,000 ft mountain descent. But initial impressions on the Magura Martas, under dry conditions, are positive. Plenty of stopping power and ample modulation. A good feeling set of brakes.

[Will]

Great thread guys, really enjoyed all the detail.

I'm inches away from purchasing my first dual-sus bike, it's gonna be a Epic Marathon Carbon.

Been riding hard tail for about 10 years now, I've been following the epic models for a few years and the marathon carbon has really caught my eye this year.

I would love to hear some more opinions before I take the plunge. What do you think??

thanks
W.

[c-villan]

Hello all,

Last weekend I took advantage of Specialized Test Ride offer. I went down to Blackwater Bikes in Lynchburg, VA and test rode the 2007 Epic Expert. First off I'd like to say that this shop was fantastic. They were very helpful in setting up the bike before I arrived (setting shock and fork pressures based on my weight with gear) and provided the right pedals I needed and even tossed an h20 cage on for me.

Back to the bike....

I'm coming off a 1997 FSR XC with a 2005 Fox RP23 w/Pro Pedal. There was alway pedal bob even in the firm setting and being a bigger rider 202 #s this am, I didn't like the feel of the bike. The front fork was old and mushy too.

I did get rid of that frame and buy an Access XLC hard tail and have been riding that for a month. I like the feel of the hard tail for climbing but I missed the cush of the FS on the downhill and faster bumpier sections.

Fast forward to last weekend and the Epic Expert. I test rode the large model with the RL fork and the Fox brain fade shock, not the Specialized AFR. Like I said, I'm a big guy compared to most XC riders. I am 5'10" / 32 years old and I did try the medium but I just felt cramped. I played with the seat height and fore and aft and I always seemed to want the seat higher and farther back. I am a roadie most of the time so I may be more comfortable being a little more stretched out. But, I'm not very flexible and have very tight hamstrings. So, test ride both sizes if you can before you make a decision. Once back on the large I felt very much at home. Both bikes had riser bars too.

Additionally, I did get to test ride one of the shop employees personal bikes, the '07 Epic Marathon Carbon (size large with flat bar that was about 2-4cm narrower then the Expert; I liked that feel better and since the Marathon comes with carbon bars you can shave off a few mm's if you like once you get it dialed in) around the parking lot and up and over some grassy knolls. In the parking lot I couldn't really tell the difference between the two shocks but I wasn't able to clip into the Carbon and his bike was set up for a much lighter rider so the sag was off.

Once on the trail with the '07 Expert I set off to ride some tight twisty single track with lots of roots and short steep power climbs littered with smallish to medium sized rocks. Not rock gardens per se but eroded rocky soil climbs.

The Epic climbed very well and I never felt the need to stand up to power through. I just kept the gearing low and spun through most everything. Occasionally I would stand just to test the Brain shock and I would be able to power up and over the tops of climbs with ease. There was some fork bob but the rear end felt solid with no noticible bob.

I felt very comforatable on the bike too. The brakes were ok but it was my first real ride with disk brakes so I wasn't used to them.

I did however love the feel of the Margura Marta breaks on the Marathon that I tried. They felt so smooth. Again , just in the parking lot but the action of the brake levers was joyous.

I know this is getting very long but in the end I was very pleased with the way the 2007 Epic Expert handeled. I can only imagine that the Marathon will be better due to the better component specs. I am very anxious to try the Spech AFR shock. From what I've read it's just more fluid then the Fox. I think I could tell there was some type of on / off feel to the Fox shock but it was very small and given that this was my first experience with any type of Brain shock I can conclude that the AFR shock will not disappoint. I could be wrong but I hope not.

I just wish I could have tested the Carbon model in on the trails. I would be very interested to see what the difference in the feel of the carbon frame vs. the M5 aluminium frame. The carbon frame is just drop dead sexy and that might be worth the extra Benjamins.

I'll post an update once I receive my Marathon in a few weeks. I hope it will be sooner.

Cheers,

Sean

[7rider]

I really like the open main triangle of the Specialized Epics, and I'm looking at this bike or the Santa Cruz Blur XC. My main concern is what extra maintenance will I see with a full suspension bike with disc brakes vs. my present hardtail with V-brakes? It's debatable whether I really need a FS bike since the trails are pretty mellow around here, but the Epic Marathon looks so sweet :D

[todd]

First, thank you to those that have posted on this thread re: the epic. I've been a hardtail rider for, well, a few years now... My current ride is a Schwinn (back when they were cool) Paramount Series 70 with XT and upgraded titanium parts everwhere. It was really nice back in the early 90's, but I am looking to upgrade to the Carbon Marathon Epic but am having difficulty with the thought of rear suspension, as I do a lot of climbing and our local trails are pretty smooth....Although my mid 30's body is leaning toward relief on a few of the 4" roots I am having a hard time with the additional weight. From the information that I have been able to find, the new epic is as close to a HT as you can find, yet gives some relief. Is there anything else out there anyone could suggest to look at before I drop $4900 on this thing.

Finally, I'm 5 6" and apparently "in between" the Small and Medium. Any advise on this one as my closest stocking dealer is a 180 mile drive...

Thanks

[Trailer Rails]

I know someone who is 5'6" and they ride a small. They have owned several Epics.

[nogearshere]

I know someone who is 5'6" and they ride a small. They have owned several Epics.

Sounds about right for what I have seen. Mine was a large and i am 6'2"...tonnes of room in it but the TT was just right.

I think that should be your guiding measurement.

[ttvrdik]

For the last four year I have ridden a med and bought a new med marathon AL.

[LeeMcGough]

I'm 5'9", and my medium fits me fine. 5'6" sounds like a small is the way to go.

[Trailer Rails]

I'm 5'9", and my medium fits me fine.

me too. :D

[cyclingoalie]

BUY IT! I just test rode the my shops epic expert over the past three days I have to say that althought the expert is heavy it handles and climbs unbelievable! The expert also allows for very easy fine tuning and the marathon is spec'd much better. I returned the epic yesterday and rode my hardtail today and a couple of things were immediatly clear about the epic, climbing is improved, handling on down hills is improved and rider fatigue is less in terms of riding technical stuff. I am sold and will most likley be purchasing the marathon al. or I may save for a bit more and get the carbon. The bike is the real deal. I am 5'9'' 145lbs and rode a medium it fit but I think the set back thompson post on the marathon al. or the carbon would make it a perfect fit. The sram levers were diff. to get used to at first but after three days I had a difficult time reverting back to shimano shifters. I think the all thumbs levers are a better design. I test rode a an s-works epic about 4 months ago but it was a large and I rode it for a very short ride it was light but you really need more time in the saddle and to ride it in different conditions to really appretiate the technology rolling under you. For me it was getting back on my hardtail that I really thought i enjoyed, (Steel bianchi from the late 1990's) the bianchi has been great but it will have to become a single speed because the epic is all I will need. It may be a touch on the heavy side but if you are in shape I think the ride and way it climbs outway the weight penalty at least in the marathon or the carbon. The expert is a heavy mofo!

[7rider]

What's the difference between the Epic and the FSR designs? I see the FSR has the shock going through the seat tube while the Epic's is behind. How does this difference manifest itself in the ride?

[cyclingoalie]

I believe that the FSR is touted as an all mountian or trail bike and has more travel up front(140) and in the trunk (120) a little higher bb and the epic is 100mm and 100mm. The "07" pro is also pretty light for an all mountain. I think if your gonna race get the epic but the FSR is a very fun bike.

[Trailer Rails]

The FSR is thier entry level full squish bikes. They range in price from $1100 to $1800. The Epic starts at about $2000 and goes to $6000, the Stumpjumper and the Enduro bikes have about the same price points. The Epic is thier XC race bike, the SJ is the everyday rider bike, the Enduro is for the more aggresive rider. The FSR line up is not realy worth looking at because it is speced with fairly cheep shocks and componets when compared with the entry level of the Epic and the SJ line. In the FSR price ranges you are better off getting a hard tail.

[cyclingoalie]

The XC is an entry level but the FSR Stumpjumper pro is spec'ed pretty well magura marta fox inertia front fork brain in the rear thompson post xt cranks... and is light for a trial bike. the XC is budget!

[cyclingoalie]

Sorry the FSR Pro does not have the inertia fork it has a talas rlc 140 with XO and the brain in back, thompson post, magura marta disc red for bling, carbon riser xt cranks etc etc... that seems pretty good to me! If I were only going to race a couple of times a year then I would not get the epic however, you should take into account the type of rider you are and the local terrain you ride. The FSR pro is not all that heavy and is really a fun bike to ride also it can handle the ocassional race no problem. The Enduro SL pro is light for an all mountain and is spec'ed pretty well also but has a whole lotta travel front and rear. My shop has a few and the med sl pro weighed in at 30lbs the mechs weighed it. I rode both the Epic and the FSR expert and decided on the epic.

[Trailer Rails]

I love the Enduro bikes (I have been riding an S-works, 27lb 6" travel bike) but they are not for everyone. The SJ bikes are the best all around bikes. You can do a little reacing and a lot of riding. The Epics are too squirrly for anything but the most buff singletrack and double track.

[Will]

I just purchased my Marathon Carbon last week - hoping to have it delivered sometime next week :)

I'll report back as soon as I hit some local trails

W.

[davkatreb]

MSRP: $4900

At the current exchange rate that's what? Ten Monocogs or thereabouts? So that means it's ten times faster, right?:rolleyes:

[cMc]

At the current exchange rate that's what? Ten Monocogs or thereabouts? So that means it's ten times faster, right?:rolleyes:

It's at least half a Harley 1200, and it's two thirds a Ducati Monster 695.

[todd]

Thanks for all the feedback! I'm picking up my marathon carbon epic tomorrow. I've ordered a larger stem as it comes stock with a short little sucker and I felt a bit cramped on the aluminum one I test rode.

Question now... does anyone like these Shimano M 520's pedals? What's the hottest thing going now? I've been out of the loop for the last 10 years.

I'll send a full report in a couple weeks on this monster.

[K-Man]

Interesting, I switched from the Medium's stock 90mm stem to a 105mm and it gave me just change in body position I needed. I think I'm just on the "tall" end of the meduim's spectrum, so most folks should be happy with the stock 90mm. In any event, a stem swap is an easy way to customize.

Just got back from a weekend of riding the Epic Marathon on th rocks of Central PA, and the Epic was just the ticket for the tight rocky singletrack, bomber twisty downhills, followed by loooooong mountain road climbs (some singletrack climbs too). Put on 25 miles on both Sat and Sun. Today's rest.

[Rock Star]

Wow! That carbon fiber Epic is a great looking bike. I'm soo jealous. I'm just a little surprised that its not even lighter than 26.5 lbs though. In any case it appears to be a sweet ride of the highest caliber. I'm very fond of Specialized bikes. My first was 1987 Rockhopper and I just got new 2007 Rockhopper Comp in April and I love it so much. I plan to get a new Specialized every twenty years whether I need a new bike or not. :D

Thanks for the great review.

[todd]

Ok, the bad parts first. The small frame comes with an 80mm stem... I'm 5' 6" and this thing was ridicously short for me. I've upgraded to the Thompson 105mm and it's been perfect. The absolute worst part on this bike for me has been the zip ties. Yes, on this $4900 bike, Specialized attaches the brake lines with zip ties. I think it's ridiculous. Also, when riding I am experiencing some noise with the cable slapping the frame... not sure if anyone else has noticed this or solved this issue.

I've also upgraded the pedals from the boring stock Shinano M520's to the new XTR's. A bit less weight and I needed another pr of shimanos for my old bike so I didn't have to change cleats or buy new shoes when I pull my son on our tag along Gary Fisher... Pedals arrive tomorrow... looking forward to saving a gram or two...

The front shock (fox RLC 100) is a wet dream. Easy to adjust and has worked flawlessly. The lockout feature is super easy to use on the trail and works very well.

I've been messing around with the back shock on every ride and had been struggling to find the perfect balance of soft ride v. rebound. I think I'm a bit closer. Adjustment is amazingly easy but the range of adjusment has me trying too many options... Eventually I'll need to just need to "shut up and ride".

Magura brakes are phenomenal. Sram shifters and rear derailer are perfect. Front XT derailer is rubbing, but all my front derailers rub so I'm ignoring it for now. The grips are fantastic whatever they are. Carbon handlebars are too wide, so I will cut them down at least 1"- 1 1/2" on each side. Specialized seat is real darn comfy, but I'm guaging this from my Vetta lite from 1988....

The ride is amazing and the carbon frame is unbeatable. It truly does perform like a hard tail in climbs, yet gives the welcome relief when you encounter the first bump. Downhills are slower for me but I think that's just getting used to a new bike and worrying more about crashing than in years past. Airing this thing out has been a joy. The suspension for me is all I would ever need.

Overall, it's a really nice bike. But come on Specialized... zip ties??? Make an effort.

Cheers.

[Trailer Rails]

Overall, it's a really nice bike. But come on Specialized... zip ties??? Make an effort.


Look at what they do on thier enduro bikes. I hope they start doing that on all of thier bikes. It is a trick little tab held on with a 3mm alen. It looks like somthing off of a hotrod or a chopper.

[ss29mtb]

Whats wrong with the zip ties?

if the cable slap is troubling go to the hardware store
buy some velcro, the little round pieces come in a kit
use the soft side and stick it to the frame where the cable slaps. it will quiet the noise .....

the zip ties are good because they will break before the hydro cable will in the event of a "situation"

the way the cables on the enduro are held can be troublesome for a careless mechanic, it is VERY easy
to crimp the line

[Trailer Rails]

the way the cables on the enduro are held can be troublesome for a careless mechanic, it is VERY easy
to crimp the line

Yes, but as long as you are not careless they are very trick.

[K-Man]

Darius Mark's blog (http://dariusmark.blogspot.com/) has some pics of the trip to Central PA that I mentioned above.

Including this choice shot of me & the Epic:

[skiwi]

i've recently upgraded from the 2004 epic s-works to the 2007 epic marathon carbon. comments:

1) a good upgrade. bike is more responsive with more agressive handling. the ride is more "plush" but stiffens nicely when you press on.

2) the "x0" gearset was noisy at first (chain) but has settled down now. initially i though the chain line was the culprit, but now it seems as though the chain just needs to stretch a little. the ability to tune the trigger shifters is a definite plus and makes up for the extra push you need to use over my old xt shifters (1:1 vs 1:2 actuation). love the look of the "x0" set and the ability to maintain and replace components (are you listening shimano?).

3) i have run mostly with my xtr wheelset, but find the oem mavic rims very good for all-round use.

4) the adjustability of the bike takes quite some getting used to. you can ride yourself into a "hole" where you feel out-of-sorts with the bike, only to find you have let the sag get too low, or have forgotten to tune back rebound etc. it would greatly help if specalized published a guide for setup rather than the simple statements they make in the manual. e.g. "for agressive, heavy riders riding single track start with 1/3 fast rear rebound and 1/3 brain speed with fork @1/3 rebound speed". it saves you having to figure this all out for youself. basically i have taken to using a log book so that i can experiment with the settings and their effect on handling. the results certainly reward the approach. after all only 5% difference is 5 minutes time gain over 1.5 hours.

5) the new brain is a definite advance over the old one. enough said. i can get more easily get into a rhythm with this bike riding agressively over single track that i did with the '04.

6) fitting the bike with 180mm front rotors in the large size is silly. this is a xc bike suitable for racing. why would you need more than 160mm fronts?

7) the carbon frame is lighter and stiffer than the e5 s-works alloy one on the 2004.

overall a very nice upgrade.

[bitterfish26]

forget eye candy this is bike candy

[skiwi]

A little further down the track with this bike and I have to say that it just keeps getting better. The front end, once you learn to trust it, can really be leant on and the bike just seems to shrink around you when you commit. Over fast (forest) single track the bike just seems to respond to everything you throw at it!

Over the last 3 weeks I have dropped over 10 minutes of a 1:40 26km single track forest loop as I've tuned the bike, and learned to trust it's responses...

Absolutely no regrets in sticking with EPIC, and a really nice upgrade over the '04 S-Works.

[davkatreb]

It's at least half a Harley 1200, and it's two thirds a Ducati Monster 695.
Irrelavent, immaterial and a load of hooey. Real bikes don't have motors.

[cMc]

Irrelavent, immaterial and a load of hooey. Real bikes don't have motors.

There is a time and place for everything, Dave. You don't ride your bicycle 90 miles each way to your job as a commercial electrician from your abode in your lovely town, and whilst you might think a Ford Tempo is a good way to cover that spread, there are other more fun and more stylish means to do the same thing. ;)

P.S., when a little red line appears under the word you are typing, that means you spelled it wrong. Try again.

[wigger thomas]

While they are solid bikes,I can not see paying more than about 3k for a Specialized.

Better be something super snazzy like an IF for crazy money like that.

[LeeMcGough]

"While they are solid bikes,I can not see paying more than about 3k for a Specialized."
I agree. I own an '04 Epic, but it is aluminum. I will put carbon bars on an aluminum full squish, but a carbon bike? That's a lot of money for something that is likely more susceptible to damage from rocks (etc). I could be wrong, but man, what an expensive experiment. I think the carbon frames are for people that don't have to pay for their own bikes, or are so ridiculously overpaid that they have to try hard to spend all of their money. That being said, if anyone would like to give me one of these bikes, I ride a medium size frame:D

[S. cerevisiae]

if anyone would like to give me one of these bikes, I ride a medium size frame:D

Make mine a large, por favor.

[skiwi]

ha! ride one and then go talk to your bank!

i've been using carbon for 20 years in canoes. f1 cars are made from it. respect it and it is unbeatable. this is my 1st carbon frame, and my road frame is still aluminium, but i love this bike. far better than the '04 epic s-works i used to run.

btw, i can't remember the last time i crashed my xc bike. would i run carbon for dh? dunno....

[LeeMcGough]

ha! ride one and then go talk to your bank!

i've been using carbon for 20 years in canoes. f1 cars are made from it. respect it and it is unbeatable. this is my 1st carbon frame, and my road frame is still aluminium, but i love this bike. far better than the '04 epic s-works i used to run.

btw, i can't remember the last time i crashed my xc bike. would i run carbon for dh? dunno....

F-1 cars may be made from carbon, but they aren't durable, and aren't expected to last for more than one race season at most.
Re: crashing your xc bike... You are a better rider than I am, or I am riding in conditions more likely to result in crashes, or both. I like to ride my local trails in the snow and ice (lots of crashes then ) and when it is good and muddy (lots then too). Once summer is here, I crash much less. But if I don't ride through the snow and the muck, trying to save my expensive bike, I would probably crash just as much in the summer as I do now year round.
If you can afford a carbon squishy, then by all means, go for it. I will sit here, green with envy.:(

[skiwi]

F-1 cars may be made from carbon, but they aren't durable, and aren't expected to last for more than one race season at most.
Re: crashing your xc bike... You are a better rider than I am, or I am riding in conditions more likely to result in crashes, or both. I like to ride my local trails in the snow and ice (lots of crashes then ) and when it is good and muddy (lots then too). Once summer is here, I crash much less. But if I don't ride through the snow and the muck, trying to save my expensive bike, I would probably crash just as much in the summer as I do now year round.
If you can afford a carbon squishy, then by all means, go for it. I will sit here, green with envy.:(

f1 cars' suspensions are also made from the stuff - 5g cornering and braking loads and all that!

you make a good point though, conditions are an important part of the mix. i don't ride snow or mud - i ride forest single trails and it never gets boggy (sand base). closest i come to crashing is night riding - i just did a 2-person 12-hour ride with the last 2 hours in the dark and had a *big* moment when the lights were starting to fail...

however, the other thing to remember is the frame warranty - that gives some peace of mind.

cheers
dave

[LeeMcGough]

What kind of warranty does Specialized offer for their carbon bikes? Is it a crash replacement discount-type?

[cMc]

What kind of warranty does Specialized offer for their carbon bikes? Is it a crash replacement discount-type?

Friend of a friend just got an S-Works CF road frame warrantied but he had to fight pretty hard for it. It was a $7k bike, $4k frame. No cost to the customer but like I said, it wasn't a "no questions asked" thing. They initially denied it and claimed theframe had been crushed in a stand clamp (TT failed).

These S-Works CF machines are sexy as hell but it's just too rich for my blood.

[skiwi]

one other aspect of these bikes to be aware of is the rear specialized afr/brain shock.

i had mine replaced withinthe 1st week due to the damping adjustment becoming unthreaded, and my friend had his replace last week due to a somplete loss of pre-load pressure. try riding the bike without pre-load and see how fast you are.

it may be that specialized has an issue with these rear shock units.

othewise hav i said how much i like the bike?

[intern]

Followed this thread with such interest that I registered on the site! Hello everyone - I am in South Africa and took up MTB about 2 months ago...been a roadie for a while.
Got one of these 2 weeks ago, specced the same as K-Man's. Dropped the XT crank for XTR, chucked the riser bar for an Easton EC70 flattie and shoved some KCNC bar ends on. Also chucked the X-0 triggers for some grippers.
Awesome bike, love it, gonna go ride it now.

Cheers
D

[K-Man]

Followed this thread with such interest that I registered on the site! Hello everyone - I am in South Africa and took up MTB about 2 months ago...been a roadie for a while.
Got one of these 2 weeks ago, specced the same as K-Man's. Dropped the XT crank for XTR, chucked the riser bar for an Easton EC70 flattie and shoved some KCNC bar ends on. Also chucked the X-0 triggers for some grippers.
Awesome bike, love it, gonna go ride it now.

Cheers
D

Welcome to the Dirt Rag Forums, intern. Happy to have you join the party.

Sounds like you've got a nice bike there (it was very sad day when I had to box up my test rig and send it back to Specialized). I'm also a fan of grippers and run them on my personal mtb, but I was still impressed with the triggers, as far as non-grippers go they are sweet.

Please come back and post some ride reports and pictures after you have a chance to log a few miles on yer new ride. We have a brand new Forum Category called Bike Check (http://www.dirtragmag.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=32) designed for showing off your bikes.

[intern]

Thanks Karl - yep, the bike is awesome, I have had quite a few sideways glances from accomplished MTBers, judging by the envy this is the way to go! Will get some pics and post them...as soon as I get round to it. :D

[intern]

The weekend approaches and with it the first real test for my new Speccy: a 45km cross country race. Not a long event (we usually race over 70km), but a good opportunity to put the bike through more paces than the usual training route. For those interested in how we do it in South Africa here is a link to look at:
http://www.cyclelab.com/default.asp?id=14685&des=content&cl=yes
The race is near my home town, so no long drives this weekend.

Another note: Avoid buying these bikes, it is very bad for the career. You WILL NOT want to work at all any more, you will only want to ride it...:cool:

[K-Man]

Interesting course description on that website. I hope they have a strong fence to keep the critters from snacking on lean bikers:

Gauteng’s most unspoilt MTB Race

* Enjoy a scenic, interesting and varied MTB route alongside the Rhino and Lion Nature Reserve and neighbouring game farms.
* 100% mountain biking terrain

[intern]

Well the race was an awesome ride, not too may wild critters there to threaten us, did have a stampede of horses on the one farm coming up the singletrack which led to an interesting examination of what the protocol might be in terms of right of way in such a situation! Decided the horses could have it.
Quite a tough course, but the Epic was more than up to it, finished the race thinking that the bike was a far better bet than my jelly legs! 45 kilometres covered in around 2 hours and 20 minutes; race winner was in in 1:53 at an average of over 30. FAST (for him..)
One thing is for sure: This is a quality piece of machinery which not only handles all that can be thrown at it, but looks super cool doing it...!

[Peddler]

I purchased a 2007 Expert, not carbon. The bike is awesome though. From what I have heard I am glad I got the Fox version of the rear shock. I ended up doing a rebuild on my bike and got the weight down to 23.8lbs. Made this bike a much better race machine. So far have not had any problems with anything except I can not go fast enough.

[Hand/of/Midas]

I purchased a 2007 Expert, not carbon. The bike is awesome though. From what I have heard I am glad I got the Fox version of the rear shock.

well, the fox one never had to be warrentied,so thats def a plus.


but.....the specialized one does work alot better,way faster lock/unlock speed,like night and day riding,and specialized does over night a brand new one if you have a problem with a specialized branded shock. but thats just my experience from building and riding them.:D

[K-Man]

but.....the specialized one does work alot better,way faster lock/unlock speed,like night and day riding,and specialized does over night a brand new one if you have a problem with a specialized branded shock. but thats just my experience from building and riding them.:D

I also appreciated instant lock/unlock feature of the Spec shock.

Some folks with experience with the Fox have told me they prefer the way it lagged in the open position before re-locking, but I've never ridden the Fox version. Can't comment firsthand.

Honestly though, instant on/off sounds better in theory, and I really liked the way the suspension worked in practice.

[Moe\/elo]

My friend has an Alu Epic, he is on his ninth! yes #9! Spec rear brain shock. Spec has been very accomodating but what a PITA. They want to send him all kinds of free stuff but all he wants is a shock that works more than a week. They say there has been a problem with burrs on the shaft. But they say the problem is fixed. Never had a problem with his previous Fox Brain. We shall see. I appreciate 29 ss rigid more than ever.