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Specialized are usually in the headlines for their super-expensive bikes rather than their price bangers. Nevertheless, the Americans sent us a bike in response to this very enquiry. Specialised Epic Comp to the editorial team. Compared to the price tag, the equipment of the most affordable model in the Epic line-up for the 2023 model year is functional but meagre. On the other hand, it nestles against a lightweight carbon frame. The extensive BIKE test clarifies whether this combination is convincing in terms of price-performance. We put the 4500 euro entry-level model with Brain rear suspension system through its paces.
The Specialized Epic Comp on test: how the race fully rides
On the Specialized Epic Comp, the Brain system regulates the breakaway force of the rear triangle with the help of an inertia valve. The sensitivity of this technology can be adjusted via a rotary knob on the left dropout. However, as this cannot be done while riding, some time must be invested in testing the preferred setup. Uphill and on flat terrain, the Brain makes the Epic a maximally efficient race bike. Without being stingy with traction, the rear suspension remains completely drive-neutral. However, it must be said that this is already very efficient even when the Brain is deactivated.
Of course, the technology also influences the suspension characteristics of the Specialized Epic Comp downhill. Even in the centre position, the shock is stingy with sensitivity in the first travel range and only goes deeper into the stroke with a clearly noticeable and irritating sag when the valve opens on bigger bumps. Completely switched off, the rear works more fully and still lacks no damping.
The Specialized Epic Comp: cross-country bike with fun potential
Specialized gets a lot of things right with the geometry. A relatively long reach and a 67.7 degree head angle provide control at high speeds. 430 millimetre short chainstays keep the Bike still agile and playful. The 2.35-inch wide tyres are positioned on the 29 millimetre inner width of the rims and provide plenty of grip.
Technical data and notes on the Specialized Epic Comp
Manufacturer information
- Category: Crosscountry / Marathon
- Price¹: 4500 Euro >> available here
- Available from: Specialist retailers
- Frame material: Carbon
- Wheel size: 29 inch
Measured values
- Suspension travel: 102 mm (front) / 101 mm (rear)
- Weight without pedals: 11.74 kg
- Frame weight: 1543 g
- Weight of wheels: 4360 g
- Acceleration of running wheels: 3131.78 kg x cm²
- Handlebar width: 760 mm
- Frame rigidity (absolute): 50 N/mm
Equipment
- Wheels: Specialised 29
- Tyres: Specialized Fast Track Control T7 / Renegade Control T5 29 x 2.35
- Fork: Rockshox Sid SL
- Shock: Rockshox/Specialised Brain
- Brakes: Sram Level TL 180/160 mm
- Gear system: Sram GX Eagle 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 34; 10-52 / 520 %
- Telescopic seatpost / stroke: X-Fusion Manic / 150 mm
Valuation
- Driving behaviour uphill: 25.5 from 30
- Chassis efficiency: 25 out of 25
- Rolling resistance: 12.75 out of 15
- Weight: 15 from 25
- Inertia impellers: 10.5 out of 15
- Bottle cage: 10 out of 10
- Driving behaviour downhill: 25.5 from 30
- Rear suspension: 11.25 out of 15
- Front suspension: 6.5 out of 10
- Saddle retractability: 10 out of 10
- Brakes: 7 out of 10
- Tyre grip: 12 out of 15
- Driving stability: 6 out of 10
TOTAL MOUNT: 98.75 from 120
TOTAL RECOVERY: 78.25 from 100
- Other: 21.25 out of 30
- Ease of maintenance: medium
BIKE test judgement²Very good - 198.3 out of 250 points
Conclusion on the test of the Specialized Epic Comp
The Specialized Epic Comp is a versatile racer with great riding fun potential. However, we could do without the Brain system. In the meantime, there are good shocks with platform damping that have outstripped the system. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE test editor
¹Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, dispatch and coordination.
²The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.). The weighting of the points in the individual assessment criteria varies depending on the bike category.
Jan Timmermann
Editor
