Ever since we had the first aluminium Epic 29er under our bums (BIKE 9/09->), we are enthusiastic about the 29er concept and the Epic was THE bike that led to the acceptance of big bikes within the editorial team. The next evolutionary step was the expensive Epic 29 S-Works (BIKE 6/11->), which quickly won the hearts of sporty colleagues. With the more affordable Epic Comp Carbon, the same gene pool is at the start - but at half the price. The Comp has a carbon main frame but an aluminium rear triangle (with thru axle). It has the Brain suspension, but a standard Reba fork. The equipment is understandably not as luxurious as on the S-Works sled. Availability shows just how popular the 29er Epic is. S-Works: sold out. Comp: only available in frame size M for our test.
The bike impresses with its manoeuvrability, the geometry fits perfectly, you sit in the bike and not on top of it. The steep seat angle promotes power transfer and you feel fast. Downhill, the riding safety suffers from the poorly profiled rear tyre, which suddenly smears and adds oversteer to the riding style. The double gear ratio (38/24) is easy to manage.
PLUS Driving characteristics, good detailed solutions
MINUS Choice of tyres, equipment level
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