Specialised Epic....?

[gazzab]

Anyone know much about these bikes? My local bike shop recommended it based on my needs. They say the mag reviews are mixed but that it is a great hill climber and a better down hiller than my hardtail. Better than Stum jumper at certain things but not as good down hill. Anyone know this model?
thanks
Gary

[gazzab]

ps - do you know if you can fit discs to this bike????

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-SPECIALIZED

[rlk500]

Certainly looks from the pictures that it has front and rear disc bosses. Also the add mentions that the hubs are disc compatible so you should be ok. But I would double check with the seller.

Nice bikes and more often seen on the race circuit than general riding. I considered one but bought an FSR Pro with the pro pedal rear shock. A little bit more plush than the epic, but if I was only ever going to rip up singletracks in the uk and race a bit it would be on my list.

[dammit]

I have a pro-pedal rear shock on my Cannondale, which works brilliantly.
I considered getting an Epic, as I was going from a Klein Attitude, but after test rides I went with teh 'dale.

[rico]

Specialized are VERY common on trails, purely because they're so bloody good! You can't go wrong with one imo.

[ysnnim]

I think you'll be amazed at the difference between a hardtail and any good full suspension bike on the downhilly bits!
I made the move from a rockhopper to an Epic this saturday... I wanted the best of both worlds - hardtail for climbs, full sus for downhill. The Epic fitted the bill. Downhill is an absolute revelation. Why did I not make the move earlier!

It is a very sweet bike, very chuckable and nimble.

I am not dissappointed!

[nerf]

i've been toying with the idea of one myself.... lots of reviews here:

epic reviews galore

[MTY4000]

Another full suspension convert here. I think the technology has really come of age, I have an Anthem (I guess its Giants direct competitor to the Epic). I can dedect no absorption of pedalling effort with the suspension, even on the road - but the suspension action is buttery smooth on rough bits - allowing you to continue to pedal hard when you would normally be just trying to keep your fillings in place. I've just come back from the Cairngorms and was really happy with the bike both uphill and down.

Biggest benefit I have found (after the pure fun of it), is that I feel so much fresher after a long ride. Might be another option for you to consider / test drive.