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?

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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.

Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup Review Action Shot 1

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.

Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup Review Action Shot 2

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.

Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup Review Action Shot 3

Details of the Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup

Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup Review Detail Shot 1 — **Budget doesn’t mean unreliable:** The inexpensive stock SRAM GX cranks definitely aren’t a highlight on a bike that costs a shade under 5,000 €, but you can’t fault their reliable performance, and thanks to the X-Sync technology the chain stays securely in place.

Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup Review Detail Shot 2 — **Too long:** The Specialized comes with a super-long stem, which results in nervous handling and a lack of precision. We’d recommend changing to a shorter stem (max 70 mm).

Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup Review Detail Shot 3 — **Impractical:** The rear only worked at its best in the first two settings of the Brain valve, and the performance dropped as we clicked the others. As you can’t adjust the setting button on the fly, you’ll have to pick the right compromise before setting off. A regular climbing adjuster on the rear shock could be a bit more practical in certain situations.

Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup Review Detail Shot 4 — **It’s in the name:** The Specialized Fast Trak tyres also live up to their name – and while we loved their super-low rolling resistance, they struggled on wet ground and loose terrain.

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

Geometry of the Specialized Epic Elite Carbon 29 World Cup

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.

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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

Words: Christoph Bayer Photos: Christoph Bayer / Klaus Kneist

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