Specialized S-Works Epic
Price: $5,824
Weight: N/A
Components: XTR-M960, Hugi 240/Mavic X517 wheelset, Thomson stem/post
Frame & Fork: M5-XX alloy with ORE top/down tubes, sealed bearing pivots, 90mm travel, RockShox SID World Cup, 80mm travel
Geometry: 71º head tube, 73.5º seat tube, 612mm top tube
Sizes: S, M, L (tested), XL
Comments: It's about time. Now out of my way.
www.specialized.com

I've been waiting to write this for a very long time. It was May of '02 when I was first introduced to the new Epic design, riding a prototype on the trails not far from Specialized's home base in Morgan Hill, Calif., and sworn to secrecy. Now, more than six months later, I finally have a production model to test and the go-ahead to talk about it. But the six-month wait was minimal compared to the years I've been waiting for a bike like this to be developed.

Be clear about this, if nothing else; this is a cross-country weapon, ideal for racers. It's not for anyone interested in doing anything other than simply going very, very fast over all types of cross-country terrain. Despite the fact that it is a full-suspension bike, beyond the suspension technology itself, a few characteristics make it and markedly different than most of this type. The fast, stretched geometry lends itself to a speedy posture and twitchy trail manners that are best handled by experienced riders, especially on descents. The sexy seamless design doesn't scream for attention, and instead remains functional in ways that many cross-country-suspension bikes don't: it can still easily be shouldered and carried, there are three functional sets of bottle mounts, there's plenty of tire clearance, and, thanks to the oversized sealed bearing pivots and wide placements, lateral rigidity is on par with the best hardtails.

The unique advantage of the Epic lies in its rear shock, a custom-developed Fox Float with what has been dubbed “Brain Technology.” The Brain is an external mechanical addition to the rear shock that regulates the flow of the shock oil through the damper. It's bump-sensitive, when the shock is subjected to the repeated impacts of a rough trail, the oil flows freely and the shock reacts normally. However, as soon as smooth terrain is encountered, the Brain shuts down the oil flow and locks out the rear shock, both automatically and instantly. Some clever engineering was required to place the shock as close to the rear axle as possible, and Specialized executed it beautifully, with artfully forged dropouts and links.

Both functionally and aesthetically, the new M960 XTR group from Shimano sets new benchmarks in quality, now more appropriately designed for cross-country-specific conditions (see the “Components 2003” article in this issue on page 130 for more on the new XTR). One component note, however: Specialized chose to use the XTR M952 rear derailleur from '02 instead of the new M960 Low-Normal (a.k.a. “Rapid Rise”) reverse-action version. After spending time riding the bike with both the stock and the new 960 versions of the derailleur, I'm convinced that Shimano got this one right. I found the Low-Normal action works much better with the new integrated shifters. Beyond the XTR, a long list of top-shelf components complete the package: Thomson stem and post, Specialized carbon riser bar, Hugi 240 hubs laced to Mavic X517 rims, and the highly adept Specialized Roll-X tires.

Obviously, climbs are one area where this bike excels, as should any cross-country race bike. However, the Epic takes climbing talents to new heights, with the suspension supple enough to keep working when a climb is rough enough to justify it, ensuring a perfect balance between efficiency and traction that alters as you need it-the Brain really showed off its talents. Also exceptional were the short, fast climbs back out of riverbeds and gullies. The weight of the frame will concern the gram counters, but I'm confident when I say that the suspension offers payback enough to eliminate any hardship found in the additional weight. Unlike so many cross-country-race-oriented bikes, descents were a rare treat. Railing down rutted hills and through rock gardens, the suspension quickly earned my trust. With its 90mm of rear travel and 80mm of front travel, the suspension felt smooth and active whenever the terrain demanded it, though the RockShox Sid World Cup could have been a bit smoother if Specialized hadn't opted to downgrade the new low-friction “Slippery Silver” '03 stanchions to the slightly more affordable gold-anodized '02 stanchions. It's otherwise a true '03 version of the fork, but if I were to spend this much on a bike, I'd be willing to pay a little bit more to have it all.

This exotic bike comes with a price tag commensurate with its stratospheric levels of inherent exclusivity and quality. For the financially capable or for those cross-country aficionados with seriously and fundamentally flawed budgetary priorities, the Epic may well be the best bike you could possibly own. For anyone else left merely wanting and wishing, just rest patiently knowing that while fads tend to fade away, technological advances such as these only become better, lighter, and more accessible to everyone eventually. So to the powers that be at Specialized, may I say “Bring it on!”