While Specialized still competed with the Epic Marathon in the 2009 comparison test, the Americans are now rolling out the Epic S-Works, their flagship model, which is over a kilo lighter. And lo and behold, the missing final kick and the meagre lap times of the Epic Marathon (BIKE 2/09) are history.
Equipped with a wide, comfortable cockpit, the Epic is smooth on every downhill. Depending on how you adjust the Brain suspension elements, the suspension works on level ground from completely open to completely firm. The shock reacts to impacts with lightning speed. However, finding the right setup is not easy: "The bike can be perfectly adjusted to the respective course, but you have to familiarise yourself with it," Manuel Fumic also found. In open mode, the rear triangle and fork respond well and have congruent characteristics. The Epic is also impressive on the climbs. Thanks to the steep seat angle, the bike climbs the steepest ramps with a lot of pressure on the front wheel.
The Epic shines with high-quality equipment and customised solutions. For example: carbon cranks fitted with SRAM XX chainrings. The carbon fibre frame is perfectly prepared with a chain guard, chainsuck plate and adhesive film.
Test conclusionThe Epic S-Works cuts a very good figure both uphill and downhill and only just misses out on a "super" rating.
