Specialized S-works Epic Fsr Carbon Wc 29 Review
The non-and then-minor details
Product
2021 Specialized Southward-Works Epic
Positives
- Exceptional automated efficiency
- It'due south the smoothest and fastest-reacting Brain yet
- The steadfast cornering
- Impressively stable for such a lightweight Xc bike
- The shine and impossibly light Roval wheelset
- Super clean cockpit
Negatives
- The S-Works model is ludicrously overpriced
- The inertia valve is smoother and quieter, but it still clunks
- If you're having an off-day, the ride is unrelenting
- No steering limiter
Wil reviews the all-new 2021 Specialized Epic
Originally launched dorsum in 2002, the Specialized Epic debuted equally the very first full break bike on the market place to feature a fully automated lockout organisation. That early Ballsy (and every model since) was built around the Brain – an inertia-valve stupor damper that could transition from fully locked out, to fully open whenever the rider hitting something difficult plenty. Mike McAndrews, the director of interruption engineering science at Specialized, came upwardly with the concept every bit a way to woo racers off of their hardtails. With its unique ability to remain locked out while sprinting, the Epic did the trick, and it's remained as the brand's flagship Xc race bike ever since.
XC racing has of course progressed significantly over the past two decades, and so too has the Epic. For 2021, Specialized is launching an entirely new Ballsy and Epic EVO, and both stand for a stunning leap forrad in terms of suspension performance, geometry and handling. To go a deeper understanding of all the changes and how they play out on the trail, we've had both the Epic and Ballsy EVO on test for the by calendar month. For more info about the EVO, check out the full review here. Correct now though, we're going to dive straight into the new Epic – ane of the lightest, fastest and almost efficient Xc race bikes we've ever tested.
Watch our video review of the new 2021 Specialized Epic & Ballsy EVO here!
Specialized Epic Overview
Absolutely the new Epic doesn't look all that different from its predecessor, and indeed it remains equally a 100mm travel Xc race cycle congenital effectually 29in wheels and a full carbon chassis. The general interruption layout carries over, and and then too does the dual-bottle adequacy (just the XS size is limited to fitting a single bottle inside the mainframe).
Make no mistake though, because the frame is brand-spanking new. The big improvement is lateral stiffness through the swingarm, which is purportedly upwards by 15%. Specialized also claims that side-loading on the rear stupor has as well been reduced by xxx%, which in theory volition help with both suspension performance and shock immovability.
Despite the stiffness increase, Specialized's engineers take managed to chisel off 100g over the old frame.
Information technology's the lightest Epic yet
Despite the stiffness increase, Specialized's engineers have managed to chisel off 100g over the old frame. The South-Works Ballsy, which is built from FACT 12m carbon fibre, is claimed to weigh just one,869g (medium size, including shock, thru-axle, hanger and hardware). The weight drib hasn't come from whatever one place in detail, though most savings were found in the back end. The seatsays are notably slimmer, and the rocker link is at present made from compression-moulded carbon fibre. Instead of cartridge bearings, the seatstay pivots at present rotate on IGUS bushings, which are lighter and more resistant to lateral loads.
All other Ballsy models employ a slightly cheaper FACT 11m carbon frame along with an alloy rocker link. At that place's but a very small weight penalty though – claimed weight is even so under the 2kg bulwark at 1,947g.
Specialized hasn't pursued weight at the expense of serviceability though. You'll still find a standard threaded BB shell, drop-in headset bearings and a tidy 148x12mm thru-axle. A nice touch is that the main pivot is keyed into the frame, so you lot only demand to tighten it from one side. The Epic is also the first model from Specialized to characteristic the SRAM Universal Derailleur Hanger (UDH), which nosotros're thrilled to encounter is being picked up by more brands.
The simply thing we'd like to see on this frame is a steering limiter of some sort (similar Coulee's IPU headset, or the downtube protector Specialized used on the previous generation Epic HT). As it stands, the peak tube is very much in the firing line of the shifter and brake levers in the event of a wheel-twisting crash. This may not exist an issue on all frame sizes and all passenger's setups, but it is on our medium test cycle. I tin but imagine the tears I would cry if I were to scratch this lovely frame.
Instead of cartridge bearings, the seatstay pivot now rotates on IGUS bushings, which are lighter and more resistant to lateral loads.
A new Brain & shock
Likewise the rear shock may look the same, merely it too is all-new. The goal here was to improve performance and durability, while reducing maintenance. To that end the shock now features a hardened chrome steel damper shaft that's supported with dual bushings, while the air sleeve also gets widened dual bushings around the main seal. It does mean that the shock is a little heavier than before, but the overall construction is significantly stiffer and stronger.
Specialized says information technology doesn't need every bit much servicing either – recommended intervals are 125-hours for an air sleeve service, and an impressive 250-hours for a damper service. What's really bang-up is that owners of a new Epic will take 2-years of daze servicing included, providing they annals their bike online. Key dealers will even have loaner shocks available.
Additionally, the new shock is more tuneable than before. It comes fitted with a unmarried volume spacer within the negative air spring, though this can be removed. And if y'all really want to go down the rabbit pigsty, the principal seal is even flippable, which effectively alters the location of the transfer port between the positive and negative air chambers.
Wondering if the new shock can be retrofitted to the former generation frame? We asked, and unfortunately due to changes in the eye-to-center length, stroke and lower mount, it isn't compatible.
Integrated IFP
The Brain itself has also inverse, and it's more than neatly integrated into the frame than always before. Specialized has moved away from the bladder blueprint of old and dorsum to a traditional IFP, which is subconscious away inside the chainstay. The principal reason for moving away from the bladder was to provide a stronger platform for the Brain, though Specialized says it has too improved oil flow to provide a smoother and faster transition when the inertia valve opens.
Up front end, the fork's position-sensitive Encephalon damper has also been updated. The platform at present kicks in at 15mm sag rather than 25mm every bit it was last twelvemonth. This means when you stand up up to sprint, the platform engages before in the travel, helping to go along the fork riding higher. As with the shock, the level of platform is tuneable via the Encephalon Fade punch. There are 5 clicks on each dial, and information technology's possible to turn the Encephalon off completely when the Brain Fade adjuster is prepare to the softest position.
Progressive Ninety geometry
Perhaps the biggest modify to the Epic though is in its geometry. The head angle has been slackened out past ii whole degrees, and at present sits at 67.5°, which is mighty slack for an XC race cycle. Compare that to the Canyon Lux (70°), Giant Anthem (69°), Trek Supercaliber (69°), Scott Spark (68.5°) and Cannondale Scalpel (68°). Only the BMC Fourstroke hits the same 67.five° caput bending.
Furthermore, accomplish measurements have grown across the range, and Specialized is at present edifice every size around the same 70mm stem length. Y'all'll also find 750-760mm wide confined on each Epic model.
The seat angle has steepened a bit to 75.5°, and chainstay length has shrunk by 5mm and now sits at a tight 433mm. An fifty-fifty bigger change is the BB height, which has been lowered past 9mm to help bring the rider'southward centre of gravity closer to the ground and improve stability.
Specialized Ballsy price & specs
There are four consummate Epics coming into Australia this year, with prices starting at $6,900 AUD for the Ballsy Comp. Equally mentioned to a higher place, only the Due south-Works model gets the top-finish FACT 12m carbon frameset, but otherwise the geometry, suspension design, Brain damper, shock, and even tube shaping are identical throughout the range. You tin become the Epic in four sizes from Small through to X-Big, though the Comp and Expert are as well now available in an X-Small-scale size likewise.
All models are equipped with 100mm of travel, one×12 drivetrains, and 2.3in wide Fast Trak tyres. Sadly none get dropper posts, though the frame is compatible if yous want to fit one. Bar the cheapest model, each Ballsy also gets the new whizz-bang RockShox SID SL fork.
Additionally, Specialized will also accept an Southward-Works Epic frameset bachelor for those who want to practise their own custom build. As y'all'll read, that option may actually work out cheaper. Before nosotros get to the review though, here's a closer await at the spec and prices for the 2021 Specialized Epic range;
2021 Specialized S-Works Epic
- Frame | FACT 12m Carbon Fibre, Single-Pivot Suspension Design, 100mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID SL Ultimate, Brain Damper, 44mm Offset, 100mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox-Specialized Brain, five-Position Platform Adapt, 265×52.5mm
- Wheels | Roval Control SL, DT Swiss 180 Hub Internals, 29mm Inner Rim Width
- Tyres | Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, ii.3in Front & Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM XX1 Eagle AXS 1×12 w/Quarq XX1 Power Meter 32T Carbon Crankset & XG1299 10-50T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Level Ultimate
- Bar | S-Works Carbon XC Mini-Rising, 10mm Rise, 760mm Width
- Stalk | Due south-Works SL, Alloy, Titanium Bolts, 31.8mm Clench Diameter, 70mm Length
- Seatpost | S-Works FACT Carbon, 30.9mm Diameter
- Available Sizes | Small, Medium, Big & X-Large
- RRP | $20,100 AUD
2021 Specialized Epic Pro
- Frame | FACT 11m Carbon Fibre, Unmarried-Pin Suspension Blueprint, 100mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID SL Ultimate, Brain Damper, 44mm Outset, 100mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox-Specialized Brain, 5-Position Platform Suit, 265×52.5mm
- Wheels | Roval Control Carbon, DT Swiss 350 Hub Internals, 25mm Inner Rim Width
- Tyres | Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, 2.3in Front end & Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM X01 Hawkeye AXS i×12 due west/X1 32T Carbon Crankset & XG1295 10-50T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Level TLM
- Bar | S-Works Carbon XC Mini-Rise, 10mm Rise, 760mm Width
- Stem | Specialized Xc, 3D-Forged Alloy, 31.8mm Clench Bore, 70mm Length
- Seatpost | S-Works FACT Carbon, xxx.9mm Diameter
- Available Sizes | Small, Medium, Big & X-Large
- RRP | $xiii,800 AUD
2021 Specialized Ballsy Expert
- Frame | FACT 11m Carbon Fibre, Single-Pivot Intermission Blueprint, 100mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID SL, Brain Damper, 44mm Get-go, 100mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox-Specialized Brain, 5-Position Platform Adjust, 265×52.5mm
- Wheels | Roval Control Carbon, DT Swiss 350 Hub Internals, 25mm Inner Rim Width
- Tyres | Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, ii.3in Front end & Rear
- Drivetrain | SRAM X01 Eagle 1×12 w/X1 32T Alloy Crankset & XG1275 10-50T Cassette
- Brakes | SRAM Level TL
- Bar | Specialized Alloy Mini-Rise, 10mm Rising, 750mm Width
- Stalk | Specialized Ninety, 3D-Forged Blend, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, 70mm Length
- Seatpost | Specialized Alloy, 30.9mm Diameter
- Available Sizes | 10-Small, Small, Medium, Big & X-Large
- RRP | $x,100 AUD
2021 Specialized Epic Comp
- Frame | FACT 11m Carbon Fibre, Single-Pivot Suspension Design, 100mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox Reba SL, Move Control Damper, 42mm Offset, 100mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox-Specialized Encephalon, 5-Position Platform Adapt, 265×52.5mm
- Wheels | Shimano MT400/510 Hubs & Specialized Alloy Rims, 25mm Inner Rim Width
- Tyres | Specialized Fast Trak, Control Casing, 2.3in Front & Rear
- Drivetrain | Shimano SLX 1×12 due west/SLX 32T Alloy Crankset & 10-51T Cassette
- Brakes | Shimano SLX ii-Piston
- Bar | Specialized Blend Mini-Ascent, 10mm Rise, 750mm Width
- Stem | Specialized XC, 3D-Forged Blend, 31.8mm Clamp Diameter, 70mm Length
- Seatpost | Specialized Alloy, 30.9mm Diameter
- Available Sizes | X-Minor, Small, Medium, Big & X-Large
- RRP | $6,900 AUD
2021 Specialized S-Works Epic Frameset
- Frame | FACT 12m Carbon Fibre, Single-Pivot Suspension Design, 100mm Travel
- Fork | RockShox SID SL Ultimate, Brain Damper, 44mm Offset, 100mm Travel
- Shock | RockShox-Specialized Brain, 5-Position Platform Accommodate, 265×52.5mm
- Seatpost | Southward-Works FACT Carbon, xxx.9mm Diameter
- Bachelor Sizes | Modest, Medium, Large & X-Large
- RRP | $8,800 AUD
Specialized Ballsy size & fit
We've been testing a medium S-Works Epic, and that's suited both Mick (178cm) and myself (175cm) well. With a 445mm reach and broad 760mm bars, the cockpit is still stretched out like yous'd await from a typical XC race bike, just you're now more centred betwixt the wheels. This comes down to the steeper seat tube angle, and the fact that there'south a lot more length to the forepart of the bike. Compared to the old Ballsy, the front hub now sits 32mm further away from the BB.
While it very much means business organization, information technology's pretty comfortable for an XC bike. Specialized'southward own Power saddle is brilliant, and the lock-on grips are fine. Weight weenies may want to fit silicone cream grips to drop some further grams though.
I ended up flipping the stem and dropping it downwards well-nigh all the way, something I can't always do with an XC wheel. Because the Epic'due south BB sits so depression to the ground though, it's possible to run a more than aggressive bar height. The result is a lower overall eye of gravity, without the agonising riding position to get with it.
Suspension setup
Setting upwardly the Epic is a little unlike due to the Brain. Firstly, you'll need to ensure the fork and shock are in the softest position when you're checking sag. Secondly, because the Brain damper takes a much stronger supporting role, it's recommended to run air pressures on the softer side.
For my 68kg riding weight, I started out with 90psi in the fork'due south air bound. Over the commencement few rides though, I ended upwardly dropping that downwards to just 75psi. That's way lower than the 100psi I'm running in the regular SID SL fork I'1000 besides testing at the moment. However, running lower pressures makes it possible to run a firmer Brain setting – I found three out of five clicks worked best for my riding style and terrain. Of notation is that the fork comes with zero Bottomless Tokens inside, since the new DebonAir spring is vastly more progressive than the old pattern. I haven't been able to bottom information technology out notwithstanding.
Secondly, because the Brain damper takes a much stronger supporting part, information technology'south recommended to run air pressures on the softer side.
On the rear shock, Specialized recommends setting sag at 25%, which equates to 13mm of displacement at the O-ring. To hit that, I ended up with 145psi inside the shock'south air spring. Depending on the terrain, I'd set the Brain Fade adjuster between four to five clicks, with five being the firmest setting.
As for rebound damping, I set both the fork and stupor pretty much in the heart of the range. For some reason the fork has 26 clicks of rebound adjustment, which is possibly excessive. I also establish that both rebound dials are a bit vague – I'd similar to see more positive detents.
Depending on the terrain, I'd prepare the Encephalon Fade adjuster between four to five clicks, with five being the firmest setting.
Specialized Epic weight
Holy mackerel this bike is lite! ix.46kg to exist exact. That's for our medium examination bike setup tubeless and weighed without pedals. Crikey!
Of class being the S-Works model, it is laden with high-terminate carbon exotica, not to the lowest degree of which includes the new Roval Control SL wheels. These but came out a few weeks ago, and thank you to their minimalist hubs, 24-spoke build and carbon fibre rims, are extraordinarily lightweight – just 1,278g on our scales including tubeless record (just without valves). That number is fifty-fifty more amazing when you gene in the 29mm internal rim width and 4mm thick dewdrop hooks, the latter of which is designed to reduce the take chances of compression-flatting.
The Roval Control SL wheels are extraordinarily light – these weigh in at just 1,278g on our scales including tubeless tape.
The scary matter is though, this cycle could actually be lighter. Specialized has spec'd proper 2.3in wide tyres with a reinforced Control casing, and these came out at 760-770g on our scales. There are racier options out there, just we got forth really well with the Fast Traks, which have been updated this twelvemonth with an extended overlap of plies under the tread to help against pinch flats. I haven't managed to puncture them however, despite running pressures between 21-25psi.
While we're on grams, I did pull the fork off to weigh it – one,484g on the Scales Of Cleaved Dreams™. For anyone wondering, that's about 180g heavier than a regular SID SL fork. Given the chassis and DebonAir spring are identical, that means the weight difference is entirely inside the Brain damper.
Oh, and here'south one more tidbit of useless weight-related info for you; the brass mass used in the Brain's inertia valve weighs 31.5g (each, there'southward one in the fork, and one for the daze).
Smarter efficiency
Aside from its depression weight and whippy wheelset, easily the standout attribute of the Epic is its outright efficiency. This bike is so fast and then responsive at the pedals information technology's uncanny. Of course efficiency has always been a authentication of the Epic and its Brain-equipped intermission, merely it's even more prominent in this new bike.
Co-ordinate to Specialized, the firmest setting on the rear stupor is considerably firmer than the previous version. The World Loving cup racers were request for a stronger platform for sprinting, and that's exactly what they've gotten. Along with the tweaked position-sensitive fork damper, the Epic feels solid whenever y'all heave on the pedals or spring out of the saddle to attack. It isn't merely about pedal efficiency though. The firm platform helps to boost momentum when pumping through rollers and popping out of corners, with more of your input going straight into the tyres rather than existence captivated by the fork and shock. For pushing difficult on undulating terrain, it'due south a seriously rapid bike.
It's worth noting that the fork and shock are never completely locked out. The fork has that 15mm of free-play at the top of its travel, which allows it to maintain traction when you're seated and pedalling along fireroads or smoother singletrack. The rear daze is also able to drain oil around the inertia valve, so while it is firmly damped, it can still motion. That means when you're on the road, the Epic won't be equally rigid as other XC bikes that offer a business firm dual lockout.
Still, the beauty nearly the Brain'south efficiency is that you don't have to exercise annihilation, because it'southward fully automatic. For riders who are looking for every possible reward on the race track, this is a adept thing – fifty-fifty if it's just from a psychological perspective. There's obviously no remote system to worry about, so you never hit a descent with the suspension accidentally locked out. And allow'southward be honest, we've all been there. It besides keeps the cockpit super make clean. Thanks to the wireless AXS shifter, there are just 2 brake hoses coming off the bars – a stark difference to a Scott Spark or Canyon Lux.
The Brain still clunks though
When you lot do hit a big plenty obstruction, the inertia valve dislodges and oil is sent rushing through the valve and into the IFP. It's this rush of oil that creates a clunking or knocking awareness (a bit like when you turn a tap on and water rushes through an empty pipe), which can be felt through the wheel'due south contact points. On the new Epic, the sensation is no dubiousness the smoothest and quietest it'south ever been, but it'south still in that location. If y'all've not been able to go over the clunk in the by, and so your stance is likely to remain unchanged.
If yous can get past it though, then in that location are obvious benefits to the design. Information technology's also worth noting that at that place is a bed-in flow. Nosotros've put effectually 300km into our exam bike, and the break has gotten smoother and more sensitive over that fourth dimension. In one case fully bedded in, in that location are no doubts that the Brain on this new Epic is the fastest reacting Brain so far. When you're hammering across rocky, pedally singletrack, the suspension is remarkably proficient. It isn't what I'd draw as plush, but it is constructive. And the harder you ride information technology, the better information technology gets.
This is specially the case for the fork, which requires a more assertive riding manner to get the nigh out of it. When your weight isn't on the front wheel though, the fork can lack sensitivity, as the valve is less likely to open. I found this to be the example when hitting bigger roots or rocky ledges on steep, technical climbs, where most of your body weight is on the rear bicycle. In this scenario, the fork would remain locked, pushing more than of the impact into your wrists. Certainly if you're drawn or having a bad day, it tin be a fairly unrelenting bike to ride in full general, unless y'all back the platform off entirely. Fifty-fifty then, it'll still never feels every bit supple as the regular SID SL fork.
Otherwise, while descending or skipping across techy rock gardens, the suspension is thoroughly effective. On bigger hits, information technology'due south as well way more progressive than the previous Epic. I was never able to fully bottom out the fork, and while I used full travel on the shock, it was infrequent and never harsh. The increased progression to the rear suspension design means that when the valve is open (or you have the Encephalon Fade adjuster ready to the softest position) the suspension operation is noticeably smoother and more than active than prior Epics.
Epic handling
While the efficiency is certainly impressive, it'due south the treatment that has improved the most with the new Epic. Overall it's vastly more calm and more stable, with very little of the twitchy nervousness that XC race bikes have suffered from in the past.
Much of this comes downwardly to the slacker head angle and reduced-offset fork. The result is a much longer trail figure over the old Epic (106mm vs 94mm), which helps to dampen downward the steering, particularly at loftier speed. I've felt way more than comfy staying off the brakes on rough descents, knowing that the front bicycle is less likely to deflect. The fact that that you take more front heart below you likewise lessens the sensation of existence pitched over the bars on the steep stuff. While that's great for technical descending, it'due south also useful on longer rides when fatigue kicks in, and mental concentration starts to wane.
Logic would dictate that the added stability would come at the expense of agility elsewhere, and to a sure extent that's true. On tighter off-camber corners, the new Epic can feel a touch more edgeless in its approach if you're coming from a sharper-angled bike. That said, information technology is something you suit to within a couple of rides. On flatter corners, you simply demand to lean the bike over more in order to initiate the turn. A dropper postal service would help in this regard, and I'd definitely be adding one if this were my bike.
Outside of awkwardly tight corners, the handling is better everywhere else. The steering is kept responsive thanks to the large bars and brusque stem, which as well as giving y'all a broad stance over the front of the bike, likewise maximises your torque over the front wheel. Combined with the stiffer and shorter back finish, the Epic corners exceptionally well. The low weight keeps it responsive, and the low-slung chassis keeps your weight close to the ground to maximise grip.
Though the Brain suspension is most lauded for its efficiency, it likewise helps the Ballsy'south cornering by keeping the whole bicycle level. Dumping the front end into fast smoothly-banked berms, the fork doesn't dive through its travel, ensuring that the head angle stays consequent. In these high-load scenarios, information technology tracks incredibly well.
Component highs & lows
It would seem pretty difficult to find whatsoever weaknesses on a mount bicycle that costs $19,000. And indeed aside from a dropper post, at that place really is bugger-all that you could upgrade on this ultra-premium South-Works model.
The fact that it comes with a power meter as standard volition no doubt excite those who similar to train with such things. Notwithstanding, I'm a lilliputian puzzled why Specialized has spec'd a 32T chainring, and non a 34T that nosotros're more used to seeing on Xc race bikes. For those with monster thighs, you'll exist happy to know you can run upward to a 38T chainring on the new Epic.
Having used SRAM'southward AXS shifting before, information technology didn't take long to relearn the paddle shape and shift points. It is all very zippy, and I love how lite the activeness is relative to a cablevision-activated organization. That'due south the sort of thing that'll really polish when you're deep into a large multi-day stage race, where even the smallest concrete endeavour, like pushing a shift paddle, tin experience like the hardest affair on earth.
Unfortunately the derailleur on our test bike started to become kooky later on a month of riding though, which culminated in one particularly frustrating three-hour ride where the inconsistent mech eventually just stopped working altogether. Upon closer inspection, it appeared that the derailleur's limit screw hadn't been setup correctly. While the mech was shifting ok for the most office, the lower limit spiral was slightly also hard upwards against the stop on the derailleur torso, which SRAM has informed united states tin actually burn out the motor over time. Aargh! And and so the advice for an AXS mech is this: after initially setting the limit screws, SRAM recommends winding them off 1/four of a turn to avoid this from happening, and all should be gravy.
The Roval Control SL wheels have been impressive so far, and are a genuine performance-booster on this bike thanks to their superb damping and zippy ride quality. The hubs come up loaded with DT Swiss SINC ceramic bearings and the new Ratchet EXP freehub machinery, with faster-engaging 54T ratchet plates for speedier pickup at the pedals. The wide rims also offer useful support for the 2.3in Fast Trak tyres, which I've always institute a piffling floppy on narrower rims.
On the note of tyres, Specialized doesn't recommend running anything any wider than 2.3in, just I'd say that's being conservative. In that location is a load of clearance, which is something I discovered on some particularly muddy rides of late. You'll besides spot a neat safety tunnel between the mainframe and chainstay yoke, which is there to shield the rear restriction hose and derailleur cable (if yous have one). The safe grommet also helps to cake rocks and debris from getting jammed upwardly in that little nook. One thing I did find though was how much mud tin can build up on the seatstay pivots. Given there are bushings and non bearings in there, I'd be conscious of checking those periodically.
One thing I did notice though was how much mud can build up on the seatstay pivots. Given there are bushings and not bearings in there, I'd be conscious of checking those periodically.
Otherwise the frame is clearly engineered to an incredibly high level, evident in the striking 'Color Run' end. This is a technique whereby the painters take paint in the raw pulverisation course, rub it onto the raw frame with a glove (presumably while Enya plays in the background), before the clear coat is practical over the top. Not only is it super light (conventional paint can add upwards to 200g to a frame), information technology as well ways that every frame is unique, which you kind of desire if you're paying this kind of coin. Information technology's kind of a moot point for us Aussies though, as we've been told that this colour won't be coming to Australia, which is a real shame.
Is it really worth $20,100?
A nigh excellent question. We deliberately don't delve too much into price in our reviews here at Flow, because ultimately it's upward to you as to decide what is good value, and what isn't. And as someone on a bicycle journalist's wage, I'yard honestly the last person you want to ask well-nigh whether a bicycle is worth $xx,100.
Simply there is no denying that this is a vast sum of money for a mountain bike, especially ane that doesn't have a mid-mounted engine. We've seen some pretty big toll tags over the past 12 months (for any proof, here'southward a list of the most expensive production mountain bikes currently on the marketplace), simply even withal we were shocked to see the RRP for this Due south-Works Epic.
Fifty-fifty while using RRPs, I was however able to build my virtual S-Works Epic for a expert chunk less. My advice for those who want the S-Works model? Buy the frameset and build your own.
Given that Specialized is bringing the S-Works frameset into Australia, I decided to encounter what the price would come up out to if I built the aforementioned bike from scratch. Even while using RRPs, I was still able to spec out my virtual South-Works Ballsy for less. Like, a adept chunk less. My communication for those who want the S-Works model? Buy the frameset and build your ain.
It does make the Epic Pro, the adjacent model down, look similar a comparative deal. You lot could purchase that bike, a dropper postal service, and the $iii,400 Roval Control SLs as a secondary race wheelset, and still have modify left over for an entry to the Cape to Cape.
Specialized Epic vs Epic EVO
The other large question you might accept around the Ballsy is how information technology compares to the new Epic EVO. You can get the total rundown on the new EVO in our review here, but in a nutshell, it's a Brain-less Epic with a fleck more travel. The 2 bikes share the same mainframe, though the back finish is slightly dissimilar. The EVO gets 110mm of rear travel via a conventional RockShox SIDLuxe shock, and it balances that with a 120mm SID up front. Geometry kicks dorsum accordingly, and you too get a dropper post, a shorter stem, a burlier front tyre and more powerful 4-piston disc brakes.
In summary, the EVO is a smoother, poppier, more comfortable and more conviction-inspiring bike to ride. It's still an 90 bicycle, and it'due south still efficient, but it doesn't accept that firm sprinting platform that the regular Epic has. I'd happily race on the EVO, but whereas the Ballsy is the uncompromising short-track speed freak, the EVO is more of a long distance mule. Remember 100km marathons and multi-day events where comfort and command become more important. Certainly for mere mortals who aren't racing at a national or World Cup level, the EVO will be the more than applied, and more than versatile option of the two.
If y'all'd like to know more about how the two bikes compare, be sure to check out our video review of the new Epic and Epic EVO.
Catamenia's Verdict
The Specialized Ballsy has always been known for its efficient pedalling manners, and this new version builds on that reputation with a firmer Brain platform that is smoother, quieter and more responsive than ever before. There's still more than feedback compared to bikes that apply a more conventional suspension design, and that tin go far pretty unforgiving unless yous're pushing hard. If your priority is efficiency though, and y'all can get your caput around the clunking sensation, you'll be rewarded with a powerful pedalling platform, ripping performance through the turns, and 1 of the cleanest setups going.
It's the Epic'south handling that has actually stepped up though, with a significantly more than contemporary riding position and front end-end geometry helping to boost the bikes' competence on rough terrain and steep descents. And that makes it a significantly meliorate bike compared to its predecessor. Along with the high-tech build kit and Brain-equipped suspension, there are no doubts this isn't just the nearly expensive XC bike nosotros've ever tested, it's also one of the lightest and fastest as well.
Keen to read more about the EVO? Check out our detailed review of the new Epic EVO here. And every bit always, exist certain to tell us your thoughts in the comments below!
Source: https://flowmountainbike.com/tests/2021-specialized-epic-s-works-review/
Post a Comment for "Specialized S-works Epic Fsr Carbon Wc 29 Review"