My wife really stepped up her riding in the last year. With that her 6 year old Specialized FSR Comp was just not cutting it anymore. She picked up a Specialized Epic Comp 29 and was literally 30% faster the first ride. And she never slowed down… Which is why I had to buy a new Specialized Stumpjumper Comp just to try and keep up. It’s a bit of an arms race right now.
What you notice right off when riding the Epic Comp 29 is that it is a quick and lively XC bike. It is not a monster truck like some FS 29ers are. But the 100mm of travel of front and rear suspension really eat up the bumps.
The Epic feels rock solid, no suspension slop at all. This is in part due to the small linkages and 142mm through axle in the rear.
When climbing there is no suspension bob, the rear shock is a Brain made by Fox for Specialized.
The shifting is provided by SRAM X9 in the rear, X7 Front Der and X7 shifters up front.
The brakes are Magura MTS, with incredibly easy to change pads.
The front end has a RockShox Reba RL 29 with 100mm of travel and lockout.
The front end is solid and goes where you point it. The oversized front axle helps out.
Ok enough with the technical stuff, how does it ride? My wife loves this bike. She claims it has made her a much better rider. I have seen her ride over things that she would have been walking in the past. Dropping off rocks, gliding technical rooty and rocky sections.
Specialized Says: http://www.specialized.com/us/en/bikes/mountain/epicfsr/epiccomp29
- M5 alloy Competitive XC frame with 100mm of efficient FSR suspension features 29er-specific geometry with short chainstays, low BB, and roomy top tube for confident all-day riding and racing
- Specialized/FOX FlowControl Mini Brain shock with AUTOSAG, Brain Fade inertia valve, air spring, and adjustable rebound for the ultimate in racing and trail riding performance
- RockShox Reba RL 29 fork with 100mm travel, new Solo Air spring and rebound adjust, provides premium XC suspension performance w/Lockout and compression adjust
- Specialized Hi Lo disc hub has a higher flange on the disc side, which stiffens the 29er wheel in this high-stress area. Combined with 142+ spacing and sealed cartridge bearings, this wheelset punches well above its weight
- S-Works Fast Trak 2.0″, 2Bliss ready front tire features dual-compound rubber delivering exceptional speed and traction, while minimizing rotating weight
- All-new Sip Grip, a lock-on, Aramid infused, half-waffle MTB grip boosts durability, comfort and control
- Custom Magura MTS hydraulic disc brakes provide consistent and reliable stopping power
