Calz <
[email protected]> wrote in message news:<
[email protected]>...
> Anyone got a Specilized Epic, does the rear 'brain' perform as described? delay before it kicks in
> or very trick works a treat would buy another?
>
> cheers Steve
I work at a shop and was in the market for a new mountain bike a few months ago, when I started to
consider the Epic FSR Comp. I'm a small rider and a hardtail was my first interest as I really
wanted something much lighter for the singletrack riding that I typically do. The Epic did intrigue
me though, and after a bit of pondering I ended up getting one.
I was out of cycling for a few years before this purchase, so the Brain system was totally a new
thing to me, as was a lot of the newer FS bikes(Liquid's, Fuel's, Scalpel's, etc). Since the Epic is
supposed to act like a hardtail in smooth riding conditions, and fully suspended in the rough stuff,
I figured it would be ideal for myself. FS was attractive anyway since I'm getting a bit older
What do I think of the Brain system? I can honestly say that I think it works very well. It
basically does exactly what it's supposed to
do. When the terrain is smooth, it feels like a hardtail. When the trail starts to get rough, it
softens up, and definitely smooths out the ride. I do notice a bit of harshness when the bike
hits the first big bump, but after that first hit, the rear of the bike is pretty active, and
smooths out the ride nicely. I love steep, technical climbs, and this bike definitely holds
it's own in that arena. The bike definitely sticks on climbs, smooth or rough!
After the first couple of rides with tight singletrack, I went back and looked at the geometry of
the bike as well. The Epics seem to have slightly steeper HT and ST angles, compared to other FS
rigs. To me that made a difference as well. In tight stuff, the bike seems to really respond
nicely, takes sharp turns, switchbacks, very well. Again, for myself, and most East coast
riding(and riders), this is a big plus.
I have no regrets at all with the Epic. I discontinued my search for a lighter hardtail as well, as
I've just been having a blast on this bike. I'll try to shed a bit of weight on the bike, but that's
really not a huge priority right now.
I noticed some people mention that the bike is more of a "racers" bike, and that may be true to some
extent. I am no longer a racer, just simply a MTB'er out to have a good time. The geometry of the
bike though, does have some advantages for more experienced riders, who really like tight,
technical, singletrack.
Anyway, just thought I would share my experience with the Epic.
Thanks, Steve Beheler Spokes, Etc.