Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup Review
The Specialized Epic has a long-standing reputation in World Cup XC and marathon racing, certainly making it eligible to carry the name affix. So while the Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup surely looks the part, how is it going to ride once you take it off the race course?
Specialized offer the Epic in two frame options: one is the World Cup build, and the other doesn’t have the WC in the name. We’ve tested the WC model, developed with a 1x drivetrain and shorter, more rigid chainstays. It’s a pretty aggressive position once you’re on the Epic, which is surely down to the ultra-long 100 mm stem. Once you’ve shifted enough weight onto the front wheel, steep climbs can be tackled comfortably – and despite just having one front chainring (30 teeth), even the longest climb is within its comfort zone. Given the price of 4,999 €, the spec is pretty fitting – affordable and functional. Nothing glitzy here, and slightly heavier than we’d like, both the SRAM X1 drivetrain with price-point cranks and the Shimano SLX brakes perform reliably.
Plus points come from the Epic’s fairly low weight at 11.20 kg, as well as the traction and glued-to-the-ground nature created by the fast-rolling Specialized Track tyres and the suspension set-up of a RockShox SID fork (100 mm travel) and FOX shock (95 mm). Both of these bits of cushioning kit feature Specialized’s patented Brain technology, with its inertia valve to regulate oil flow in the compression unit and automatically open to allow the suspension to work when the ground calls for it. There are several different settings that you can click through, but we settled on the first two, as otherwise we kept losing significant traction and getting less response from the trail.
The small amount of travel is definitely felt on hard hits, as they’re unceremoniously passed onto the rider. When it comes to descents, the Specialized is surprisingly smooth despite the steep head angle, and it’s the fixed seat post (rather than the long stem) that’s most to blame if you screw up a technical section. However, Specialized can offer a dropper upgrade with a different model.
Details of the Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup
Specification of the Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup
- Fork: RockShox SID Brain 29 100 mm
- Shock: FOX/Specialized Mini Brain
- Drivetrain: SRAM X1
- Brakes: Shimano SLX
- Seatpost: Specialized Alu
- Stem: Specialized Stout XC 100 mm
- Handlebar: Specialized Alu 720 mm
- Tyres: Specialized S-Works Fast Trak 2,0″
- Wheelsize: 29″
- Wheels: Roval Control 29
- Weight: 11.2 kg
- Price: € 4,999
Conclusion
The Specialized Epic WC does justice to its name. A super-aggressive, victory-seeking race bike, it’s quick on the climbs and takes the most direct line down. If you’re after a more trail-friendly bike, then you might be wise to check out Specialized’s Camber.
Strengths
- Wicked climber
- Great acceleration
- Autosag simplifies setup
Weaknesses
- Budget spec
- The higher the Brain setting, the lower the traction
- Super-long stem
More information can be found on the Specialized Website.
[/emaillocker]About the XC Bike Group Test 2016
Just outside the sprawl of Barcelona, we took out the test fleet onto the varied trails, confronting them with everything from frighteningly steep climbs to challenging descents. All of this occurred with the backdrop and climate of the Mediterranean Sea – and despite it being February, the conditions couldn’t have been better. The test team consisted of four riders, each with their own nuances when it comes to mountain biking, but all with years of experience when it comes to testing bikes.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: XC Bikes Group Test 2016
All bikes in test: Canyon Lux CF 9.9 Race | Giant Anthem SX Advanced | Pivot Mach 4 Carbon | ROSE THRILL HILL 3 27,5″ 2016 | ROTWILD R.R2 FS 29 Evo | SCOTT Spark 710 | Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup | Trek Top Fuel 9.8 SL
Words: Christoph Bayer Photos: Christoph Bayer / Klaus Kneist