Model/Year: 2010 Epric Expert Carbon

Pros: Lightweight, accelerates quickly, great braking power.

Cons: Stock tires are not great for regular trail riding. Can be tough to keep the front end down when climbing steep hills.

Recommendation: It was not my intention to buy this bike when I visited my Specialized dealer in the spring of 2010. I was looking at a Stumpjumper and took a couple models out for a test ride, but then this bike - a factory demo - became available and I knew I was in trouble within 20 seconds of riding it on the trail. Coming from a much older full suspension bike, I was blown away how light this bike was and how much fun it was to ride. I had a wider, carbon flat bar put on the bike in place of the stock bar, and off I went. This bike just wants to go. A few of my fellow riders have commented on how quickly I'm off & ahead of them when we start riding. The suspension travel is fine for riding here in Michigan, and it's held up well in other areas that I've ridden it as well. My only complaint would be the stock Fast Trak tires. They maybe good for racing - which is this bikes intended purpose - but for normal trail riding they suck. They get loose way too often. It took me a couple of different tire picks before I had Specialized Captain Control tires put on the bike and they make a huge difference. I'm able to rip it up on the trail now with much more confidence.