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Specialised Epic Evo vs. Cube AMS 100 TM

Stefan Loibl

 · 11.12.2018

Specialised Epic Evo vs. Cube AMS 100 TMPhoto: Robert Niedring
Specialised Epic Evo vs. Cube AMS 100 TM
Specialized Epic and Cube AMS are thoroughbred marathon bikes by origin. In the Evo and TM versions, both have been given a factory tuning with a longer fork. Who is getting closer to the trail bike?

Apart from race hardtails, the categories for MTB fullys are becoming increasingly blurred. Thanks to the use of longer forks with up to 20 millimetres more travel than the rear triangle, 2019 mountain bikes are tending towards the downhill-heavy category. The Specialised Epic Evo as well as the Cube AMS TM on a classic Marathon platform with 100 millimetres of suspension travel, but have been equipped ex works with a more powerful 120 mm fork, wider tyres, a dropper post and better brakes. The tuning means more weight, but also noticeably more downhill performance. This means that a marathon is still feasible, with greater safety and riding enjoyment off-road. The ideal bike for anyone for whom a trail bike is too heavy and offers too little propulsion, but a marathon fully is too sporty and not suitable for downhill riding.

You can download the test duel of the two tuned marathon fullys with laboratory values, geometry data and BIKE verdict for € 0.99 in the DK-Skop below the article.

Marathon bikes with trail tuning: The Evo version of the Specialized Epic on the left and the TM version of the Cube AMS 100 on the right.Photo: Robert Niedring Marathon bikes with trail tuning: The Evo version of the Specialized Epic on the left and the TM version of the Cube AMS 100 on the right.

With Brain or Full-Open?

Both the Specialized Epic Expert Evo (5399 euros) and the Cube AMS 100 C:68 TM (3999 euros) are based on a classic marathon bike. The tuning increases downhill performance. Ideal for riders for whom marathon is too little and trail too much.

Cube AMS 100 C:68 TM - Details

For more braking power, Cube combines a four-piston XT calliper with a two-piston calliper on the rear wheel. This makes sense and increases stability for long descents.Photo: Robert Niedring For more braking power, Cube combines a four-piston XT calliper with a two-piston calliper on the rear wheel. This makes sense and increases stability for long descents.
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A 30 t chainring with the wide-range Eagle cassette results in a gear ratio suitable for touring.Photo: Robert Niedring A 30 t chainring with the wide-range Eagle cassette results in a gear ratio suitable for touring. The additional cover on the Cube rear triangle is purely cosmetic and emphasises the clear lines. In muddy conditions, however, dirt can get behind it and rub against the frame.Photo: Robert Niedring The additional cover on the Cube rear triangle is purely cosmetic and emphasises the clear lines. In muddy conditions, however, dirt can get behind it and rub against the frame.

Specialized Epic Expert Evo - Details

The special Rockshox damper in the Epic has a particularly slim housing and an auto-sag function. The silver release valve allows you to set the correct negative suspension travel.Photo: Robert Niedring The special Rockshox damper in the Epic has a particularly slim housing and an auto-sag function. The silver release valve allows you to set the correct negative suspension travel. The Brain system with automatic lockout is also used on the Evo model. From level two, however, the transition between open and closed is noticeable as a jerk. The Brain unit also adds extra weight.Photo: Robert Niedring The Brain system with automatic lockout is also used on the Evo model. From level two, however, the transition between open and closed is noticeable as a jerk. The Brain unit also adds extra weight.

Downloads:

Test: Specialized Epic Expert Evo vs. Cube AMS 100 TM 29 (pdf)

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