Specialised. Epic. World Cup. Mountain bike junkies don't need any more information than that. He immediately understands: This is THE scene drug - or rather, one of the most successful race bikes in history. A bike that evolution has made better and better. A bike that you don't buy by chance. The addition Worldcup indicates that there is no front derailleur. Eleven gears will have to suffice. After all, Specialized combines the single crankset with a small 30 t cassette - for motivated customers who are not called Kulhavy or Sauser. While the top model Epic S-Works (10999 euros) is difficult to get on the open market due to its low number of units (double digits in D/A/CH), the Expert is more within reach. It shines with two bottle cages in the main frame and the SWAT-named tool box. Epic disciples can be recognised by the barely filled jersey pockets at the marathon, because everything you need is clipped to the bike. The fact that the S-Works frame was 200 grams lighter in the last test is bearable. However, the groupset (Sram X01 with X1 levers) doesn't match the price tag. At least Specialized have provided their own carbon wheels and parts. The XT brakes, which are praiseworthy in principle, have the familiar problem: the pressure point wanders. As expected, however, the bike impresses from the very first metre. The riding position and geometry are perfect, and despite the long riding position, the handling doesn't feel too aggressive. The Brain suspension is just as much a question of faith as the bolted axles - love it or hate it! Downhill, the Epic feels plush. Depending on the Brain suspension setting, the suspension is either sensitive or firm. On a side note: The shock should be inflated to 350 PSI to use the Autosag tuning aid. No normal pump can manage 350 PSI. Top: Lifetime warranty for the first owner and 50 per cent crash replacement in the first two years.
ConclusionA top tool for the upcoming marathon season. The Epic masters everything you need from a race bike. The SWAT kit and the two bottle cages are a unique selling point. The confident handling will get you safely to the finish line.
The alternative: In contrast to the Expert Worldcup model, the Expert Carbon has a slightly more relaxed setup with a double drivetrain. Price: 6599 euros. Money is no object? Then the Epic S-Works with Di2 for 10999 euros.
