The Specialized Epic focuses even deeper into racing.įor 2014, Specialized assembled their largest development team ever to revamp their top-selling bike, the Epic. With this combination, we were able to go on 4-6 hour rides without the need for a hydration pack, and with the Specialized Epic World Cup Edition, we were able to cover a lot of ground in 6 hours. Couple it with the Specialized SWAT bib and the rider can carry another big bottle and a ton of food on the bib itself. For those that don't like to ride with a hydration pack, this works. I guess the Specialized engineers who were watching the Leadville 100 saw everyone taping gels, tubes on their top tube, and a second water bottle in the jersey pocket, so they came up with a solution. Even the top one can handle a big water bottle (medium size frame), a tube, CO2, and hidden multi tool up in the top tube. SWAT (storage water air tools) is featured on this bike and I love the ability to carry water bottles on the bike. Previous models you'd have to move it multiple clicks to feel any difference in ride, now 1 or 2 clicks makes a big difference. They reduced the number of adjustment clicks to the rear which may sound like a downgrade, but now each click makes a difference. The suspension is more dialed with the auto sag function and improved brain adjustability. Clean internal cable routing is also new unlike the previous Epic, where the cables were external and running under the bottom bracket. A more aggressive geometry is also featured with a steeper head angle. The WC version has shorter chain stays for quicker more agile handling. That's including the tube, CO2, and hidden multi tool. Finally a 15mm through axle was present in front to really tighten up the front end. They didn't skimp on the wheels, carbon Roval control. The bike is easily upgradable to carbon to lighten everything up. XO 1x11 on the drive train, Magura brakes, and al bar/stem and post rounded out the spec. We rode the mid-level Epic Expert WC with retail approximately $5700. Not to worry as a Specialized dropper post is coming soon in that size. Throw on a dropper post and this bike would handle most anything you throw at it. But the Epic did surprisingly well in the tough all mountain terrain. Would it have been better on a more squishy bike? Maybe a Camber or the winner of our recent Enduro Compare-O, the 155mm travel Specialized Enduro. The Epic passed with flying colors as both bike and rider survived unscathed. Moab not known for being XC friendly, I decided to see how far I could push the Epic in rough and demanding terrain. We recently took this bike to Moab, Utah on a week-long road trip. Throw in some SWAT technology and this bike is ready to race. This brain rear shock with auto sag has really dialed in the plushness, while not giving up the stiff XC platform. As with previous iterations, the latest 2014 Epic WC keeps getting better as the platform is evolved. But that's what a XC race bike is supposed to feel like right? A stiff platform to maximize your pedal force. The snap crackle pop of the earlier brain suspension, sometimes a delay in activating, and generally a harsh ride. Having ridden Epics for the last few years, I've gotten to know them quite well. Specialized Epic WC 2014 long term review
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |