I purchased this bike on year end sale, its the non-carbon model and upgraded with Roval carbon wheels for rotational benefit. I will be adding a Race Face carbon crank set next week before my trek to OR to further improve rotational speed. For my style of riding (fast X-country) and for the $ tough to beat.
Pros This is my first all suspension bike in years as I crave efficiency but this bike behaves like a hardtail with the benefit of a cushier and frankly more aggressive and confident ride. Amazing tracking abilities and I'm killing my old Strava times on dirt.
Cons Bottom Bracket is a little creaky and the the brake/shift mechanism a bit clunky.
I replaced the PF30 press fit bottom bracket with a Wheels MFG Shimano outboard conversion, changed the crankset and other components with Shimano XTR. It silenced the creaks. Not to mention, more power for me with the larger front chainring and 11- speed upgrade. Also, I changed the (steer horn sized) bars with some Enduro bars.
In comparison to my 10 year old Epic, I have had immediate results; bettering my best lap time by 2 minutes. The bike is not working me anymore, I am working it.
Future upgrades- tougher wheels.
I'm heavy and ride hard! My last Epic is still going (also all XTR) and that screams volumes with the amount of abuse/use it has been subjected too. Had to replace its original wheels too. (Mavic 26" 721 with XTR hubs)
Pros Fast bike (now that it is set up for me).
Priced right (Comp).
The brain always surprises me through the rocks and roots.
I can blast through areas my hard tail would buck me off!
Don't get me wrong, everything that came with the bike worked fine and fast. I changed the bike up out pure type-A craziness!
Cons Components were mix-matched SRAM and Shimano.
Brake/shifter combo, yuck!
Creaks galore! Bottom bracket is press fit plastic, yuck.
The seat bolt gives on the hard hits. Finally gorilla tightened it and so far so good.
I think they nailed it with the Epic Comp alloy!!! at first, the gears(34-24 front, 11-42 rear )seemed a little high for me, but my trail bike had 36-22, 11-42 with 175mm. crank arms. My Epic has 170, and I love the shorter arms( I'm 5'6" ), and the 34- 24 is incredibly nice to use instead of fiddling with the rear!!!! The close range is awesome!!! I may want a 22, but not sure yet, but don't feel I'll have a need for bigger than the 34, and love the close range of the front!!!
Bottom line: I have a Trigger 29 1 2013, and only test rode a camber in the parking lot. Although I loved the feel of the camber( 2015 model ), I'm am in love with the epic!!! I sat on a buddies fuel ex, just after I bought it, and loved it, but once he left and I hit the trail? The Epic just Jammed!!!! About 2- 3 months now, and haven't ridden the trigger since!!! If you have any Cross Country Chops at all, and live in Ohio, I think you'd never regret it!!!!
Pros absolutely amazing!!!!
Haven't had a dropped chain yet!!! I cannot say that for my previous bike!!! The Front derailleur is perfect!!!!
The Brain is completely amazing!!!!
No absolute need for a dropper post once you get seat adjusted properly!!!
Best Bike I've ever owned, and I've had 6!!!!
Cons My previous bike had a dropper post, so it took me some time to get used to a frame( small )that I couldn't fit a dropper in. But no regrets!!! I still fly down hill in front of buddies with droppers!!! Hahahaha!!!!
Poorly chosen gear ratios. The bigest is probably to climb Mont Everest; completly useless. As a result I quite often go on the highest speed (terrain not asphalt). Riding on small gears has for sure an impact on their quick wear and fast destruction of the chain. Not only saddle but something in the bike is creaking, rattling... New bike :(
Pros - Good frame geometry
- Fantastic "brain" dumper system
Cons - creaking saddle (so irritating!)
- reba is less than average fork
- poorly chosen gear ratios. Last modification (2 x11) should go oposite direction - a clear need for faster gears.
Quick bike, no question - I was especially impressed with the brakes. The suspension felt a little weird and almost clunky, but I think that's just because I wasn't yet used to the Brain. It's also very twitchy and not too forgiving if you screw up, so not a good first bike or all-rounder, but really great at what it is built for - speed.
Pros Fast, stiff, good contact points and spec
Cons Brain takes a bit of getting used to, a little heavy
I recommend this bike , especially for XC & nice flowing rollercoaster singletracks , a trail weapon !
Pros Quite simply the fastest mountain bike I've ever ridden / for a 29er very agile & responsive / short chainstay / a great XC bike / lightning fast / 1 x 11 set up perfect / an awesome bike !
Cons Could've done with maybe 110mm travel front & back without too much compromise , 2016 model a bit of a mark up in price .
Please up the QA process before shipping bike s. Dissapointed with the bike, my Merida 99-1500 had much less issues in a year than i had with my Spez in 3 months
Pros Awesome Bike for Climbing, and general XC and enduro type of riding. Carbon frame is nice and stiff, along with the Brain, makes for a comfortable ride over 6 hours. (2015 Model)
Cons I had many issues with the quality of the components. In the first month i had to take the bike back 4 times! The Magura brakes kept on shuddering and making a real loud noise. After the 4 time, it was only resolved, by replacing the rotors, new pads and re-bleeding the brakes. A week later the bike was back with a squeeky crank. This was found to be a defective bearing and replaced. (Bike was a month old by now, with about 300KM on. After 800km on the bike, i had to replace the SRAM chain ! ( I keep my bike very clean, and lube the chain regularly.) I also had to replace front wheel bearing at this point.
I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking to race cross country. The bike flies up hills and around corners. If you want a dropper post or softer suspension, you're looking at the wrong type of bike.
Pros Climbs incredibly well. Handles amazingly considering it's a huge bike. Handles any punishment the trial can throw at it. Suspension and brain works great. Short chainstay.
Cons Specialized stock tires have sidewalls a little too thin for Cuyuna.
i demoed this bike recently and--WOW!--I had no idea I could pedal a bike uphill that fast. I didn't want to quit riding. The cons are minimal. Too bad I already bought a new bike (which I love). Or maybe too bad I don't have a lot of extra money to buy this one. Great ride!
Absolutely recommend this bike. It's a beast, i've had it for 3.5 years and have been riding it harder than any other bike and it still is in great shape. Have done several tough races on it through extreme conditions. Have kissed it at the end of a lot of rides :)
Pros I have the epic comp 29er Climbs well, feels like a HT when climbing. Amazing bike for the value
Cons Not the fastest out of the turns (could be the rider). Could use better brakes
Pros Responsive steering with a suspension that soaks up the bumps. Rear "Brain" is absolutely amazing at firming up for climbs, yet soaking up a fast downhill descent over rocks, roots, or whatever else stands in your way.
I bought this bike new (2013) as a left over. Wanted to get a full suspension bike as my other one was a hardtail. I wanted to get a lockout on the rear shock so I wouldn't loose any pedaling force on the climbs, because I am a big boy (240 lbs). The rear suspension equiped Brain shock is amazing. When you pedal it's like pedaling a hardtail, but when you get in the ruff stuff, the suspension actives on it's own and soakes it all up, no adjustments or lockout to frig around with.
I love this bike and after getting a flat tire today, I will be getting better tires for it. See you on the trails.
Its a good bike stock at LG size 28 lbs, a great bike once I upgraded everything, but the frame, I had a brain installed in the forks, 2/10, XO everything, S-Works carbon bars/stem, carbon seat post, Carbon Roval 1440 gram wheels, Rocket Ron 2/2.25, XTR pedals, Charge Ti Seat, its now down to a bit under 25 lbs, I work at a Specialized dealer so the discount helped.
Pros This bike is fast, handles and climbs, does a cx bike need anything more.
Cons Wheels, changed to Carbon Rovals (WOW big difference)
Pros
Fast
Agile
Brain
Good components
Cons
| ThankNo Dropper
I purchased this bike on year end sale, its the non-carbon model and upgraded with Roval carbon wheels for rotational benefit. I will be adding a Race Face carbon crank set next week before my trek to OR to further improve rotational speed. For my style of riding (fast X-country) and for the $ tough to beat.
Pros
This is my first all suspension bike in years as I crave efficiency but this bike behaves like a hardtail with the benefit of a cushier and frankly more aggressive and confident ride. Amazing tracking abilities and I'm killing my old Strava times on dirt.
Cons
| ThankBottom Bracket is a little creaky and the the brake/shift mechanism a bit clunky.
I replaced the PF30 press fit bottom bracket with a Wheels MFG Shimano outboard conversion, changed the crankset and other components with Shimano XTR. It silenced the creaks. Not to mention, more power for me with the larger front chainring and 11- speed upgrade. Also, I changed the (steer horn sized) bars with some Enduro bars.
In comparison to my 10 year old Epic, I have had immediate results; bettering my best lap time by 2 minutes. The bike is not working me anymore, I am working it.
Future upgrades- tougher wheels.
I'm heavy and ride hard! My last Epic is still going (also all XTR) and that screams volumes with the amount of abuse/use it has been subjected too. Had to replace its original wheels too. (Mavic 26" 721 with XTR hubs)
Pros
Fast bike (now that it is set up for me).
Priced right (Comp).
The brain always surprises me through the rocks and roots.
I can blast through areas my hard tail would buck me off!
Don't get me wrong, everything that came with the bike worked fine and fast. I changed the bike up out pure type-A craziness!
Cons
| ThankComponents were mix-matched SRAM and Shimano.
Brake/shifter combo, yuck!
Creaks galore! Bottom bracket is press fit plastic, yuck.
The seat bolt gives on the hard hits. Finally gorilla tightened it and so far so good.
Fastest bike I've ever owned.
Pros
Light responsive and fast. Climbs like a mtn goat. Very efficient pedaling.
Cons
| ThankI didn't get it sooner!
I think they nailed it with the Epic Comp alloy!!! at first, the gears(34-24 front, 11-42 rear )seemed a little high for me, but my trail bike had 36-22, 11-42 with 175mm. crank arms. My Epic has 170, and I love the shorter arms( I'm 5'6" ), and the 34- 24 is incredibly nice to use instead of fiddling with the rear!!!! The close range is awesome!!! I may want a 22, but not sure yet, but don't feel I'll have a need for bigger than the 34, and love the close range of the front!!!
Bottom line: I have a Trigger 29 1 2013, and only test rode a camber in the parking lot. Although I loved the feel of the camber( 2015 model ), I'm am in love with the epic!!! I sat on a buddies fuel ex, just after I bought it, and loved it, but once he left and I hit the trail? The Epic just Jammed!!!! About 2- 3 months now, and haven't ridden the trigger since!!! If you have any Cross Country Chops at all, and live in Ohio, I think you'd never regret it!!!!
Pros
absolutely amazing!!!!
Haven't had a dropped chain yet!!! I cannot say that for my previous bike!!! The Front derailleur is perfect!!!!
The Brain is completely amazing!!!!
No absolute need for a dropper post once you get seat adjusted properly!!!
Best Bike I've ever owned, and I've had 6!!!!
Cons
| ThankMy previous bike had a dropper post, so it took me some time to get used to a frame( small )that I couldn't fit a dropper in. But no regrets!!! I still fly down hill in front of buddies with droppers!!! Hahahaha!!!!
Poorly chosen gear ratios. The bigest is probably to climb Mont Everest; completly useless. As a result I quite often go on the highest speed (terrain not asphalt). Riding on small gears has for sure an impact on their quick wear and fast destruction of the chain. Not only saddle but something in the bike is creaking, rattling... New bike :(
Pros
- Good frame geometry
- Fantastic "brain" dumper system
Cons
| Thank- creaking saddle (so irritating!)
- reba is less than average fork
- poorly chosen gear ratios. Last modification (2 x11) should go oposite direction - a clear need for faster gears.
Quick bike, no question - I was especially impressed with the brakes. The suspension felt a little weird and almost clunky, but I think that's just because I wasn't yet used to the Brain. It's also very twitchy and not too forgiving if you screw up, so not a good first bike or all-rounder, but really great at what it is built for - speed.
Pros
Fast, stiff, good contact points and spec
Cons
| ThankBrain takes a bit of getting used to, a little heavy
Good bike to start with
Pros
Sturdy construction
Cons
| ThankWeight
I recommend this bike , especially for XC & nice flowing rollercoaster singletracks , a trail weapon !
Pros
Quite simply the fastest mountain bike I've ever ridden / for a 29er very agile & responsive / short chainstay / a great XC bike / lightning fast / 1 x 11 set up perfect / an awesome bike !
Cons
| ThankCould've done with maybe 110mm travel front & back without too much compromise , 2016 model a bit of a mark up in price .
Please up the QA process before shipping bike s. Dissapointed with the bike, my Merida 99-1500 had much less issues in a year than i had with my Spez in 3 months
Pros
Awesome Bike for Climbing, and general XC and enduro type of riding. Carbon frame is nice and stiff, along with the Brain, makes for a comfortable ride over 6 hours. (2015 Model)
Cons
| ThankI had many issues with the quality of the components. In the first month i had to take the bike back 4 times! The Magura brakes kept on shuddering and making a real loud noise. After the 4 time, it was only resolved, by replacing the rotors, new pads and re-bleeding the brakes. A week later the bike was back with a squeeky crank. This was found to be a defective bearing and replaced. (Bike was a month old by now, with about 300KM on. After 800km on the bike, i had to replace the SRAM chain ! ( I keep my bike very clean, and lube the chain regularly.) I also had to replace front wheel bearing at this point.
I would definitely recommend this 29'er as a trail or crossover to the road
Pros
Speed, roll over roots with ease, climbs very well, smooth shifter, the Brain keeps your rear wheel to the ground
Cons
| ThankWould like to see more than 2x10 gears
I would absolutely recommend this to anyone looking to race cross country. The bike flies up hills and around corners. If you want a dropper post or softer suspension, you're looking at the wrong type of bike.
Pros
Climbs incredibly well. Handles amazingly considering it's a huge bike. Handles any punishment the trial can throw at it. Suspension and brain works great. Short chainstay.
Cons
| ThankSpecialized stock tires have sidewalls a little too thin for Cuyuna.
i demoed this bike recently and--WOW!--I had no idea I could pedal a bike uphill that fast. I didn't want to quit riding. The cons are minimal. Too bad I already bought a new bike (which I love). Or maybe too bad I don't have a lot of extra money to buy this one. Great ride!
Pros
Climbs like a rocket!
Cons
| Thankno dropper post, little rough on downhills
Great bike for longer rides and stage races.
Pros
Great marathon bike!
Love the Brain shock - climbs like a hardtail!
Light, fast and nippy!
Cons
| ThankLittle had on rough downhills
Absolutely recommend this bike. It's a beast, i've had it for 3.5 years and have been riding it harder than any other bike and it still is in great shape. Have done several tough races on it through extreme conditions. Have kissed it at the end of a lot of rides :)
Pros
I have the epic comp 29er Climbs well, feels like a HT when climbing. Amazing bike for the value
Cons
| ThankNot the fastest out of the turns (could be the rider). Could use better brakes
Buy one. It's a great XC bike.
Pros
Can go anywhere. Great climber.
Cons
| ThankA little heavy (especially with TR slimed tubes) for DH/FR & tricks.
Buy one if you can!
Pros
Responsive steering with a suspension that soaks up the bumps. Rear "Brain" is absolutely amazing at firming up for climbs, yet soaking up a fast downhill descent over rocks, roots, or whatever else stands in your way.
Cons
| ThankNone found so far.
I bought this bike new (2013) as a left over. Wanted to get a full suspension bike as my other one was a hardtail. I wanted to get a lockout on the rear shock so I wouldn't loose any pedaling force on the climbs, because I am a big boy (240 lbs). The rear suspension equiped Brain shock is amazing. When you pedal it's like pedaling a hardtail, but when you get in the ruff stuff, the suspension actives on it's own and soakes it all up, no adjustments or lockout to frig around with.
I love this bike and after getting a flat tire today, I will be getting better tires for it. See you on the trails.
Pros
Solide pedaling platform
Light
Fast
Cons
| ThankWeak tires for trail riding
This is a 2011 Epic Pro 29er bought used in 2013. It is 4th Epic I have owned and easily the best.
Pros
Great climber, fast, smooth, shifting is silky. Working well w Candy 2 pedals.
Cons
| ThankThis is an aluminum frame so weighs 29 pounds. About the same as my older Epics. stock seat is hard so possible upgrade item.
Its a good bike stock at LG size 28 lbs, a great bike once I upgraded everything, but the frame, I had a brain installed in the forks, 2/10, XO everything, S-Works carbon bars/stem, carbon seat post, Carbon Roval 1440 gram wheels, Rocket Ron 2/2.25, XTR pedals, Charge Ti Seat, its now down to a bit under 25 lbs, I work at a Specialized dealer so the discount helped.
Pros
This bike is fast, handles and climbs, does a cx bike need anything more.
Cons
| ThankWheels, changed to Carbon Rovals (WOW big difference)