SPECIALIZED EPIC FOR SUPER D?
Hey Lee,
I wanted your expert opinion on buying an ‘09 Epic. I currently have a ‘06 Stumpjumper and a lot of maintenance is needed to get it to racing shape. I race XC but want a bike that can handle the occasional super d and will be fairly durable. Do you think that the Epic is capable?
Thank you, Davis
Hey Davis,
We all know the Epic is a rocking XC race bike.
As for Super D
More and more, Super D is becoming a beat-down by XC racers. If you and your bike are fast for XC, you’ll be fast for Super D.
Consider the course. If it’s smooth like the Sea Otter or Crested Butte, an Epic will rule. If it’s more manly, like Angel Fire or Keystone, you might feel a bit under-equipped. (Funny: The latter are the only courses I excel on; I’m helpless against pro-XC aerobic capacity, but I gain a half-second in every corner …)
And consider your riding style. If you’re a smooth hammerhead, you’ll do great. If you’re a violent meathead, you might need more bike.
I rode with Specialized’s Brandon Sloan when he was testing the original Epic back in, when, 2002. We were pinning a moderately rough, extremely fast trail in Santa Cruz. The rest of us were on Enduros (the International Super D Standard). Sloan, a fast semipro DHer, was not going slow. The new Epic is only faster and more durable.
An Epic has 4 inches of balanced, smartly damped travel. 10 years ago, we were racing DH with 3 inches of random, undamped travel!
To sum it up:
If you are an XC racer, get the Epic. Learn to wring it out, then deliver some Super D beat-downs. You’ll probably pass me on the first climb, but I’ll be chasing … 
—Lee
8 Comments
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Davis Says February 18, 2009 @ 7:51 am
Thanks, great info that helps alot.
Colin Says February 18, 2009 @ 10:21 am
It also depends how serious you are about XC racing. If you’re competitive in the Expert (or should I say Cat 1) field and race a ton, then an epic would probably be the first choice.
But if you’re a weekend warrior type racer, even someone competitive in Sport/Cat 2 but who also enjoys fun, non-training rides occasionally, you could have a ton of fun on a Stumpjumper (Pro or above). It’s got a brain shock that has 5” of travel, a more “trail-friendly” geometry, but is still super fast and nimble on the racecourse (and efficient because it’s got the brain). That way you’d have that extra little bit of travel and a better geometry for Super-Ds, but you’d still get the benefit of the brain technology for climbing.
Not to mention it’s a super fun bike for riding just about any trail!
My dad just got the ‘09 Stumpy Pro Carbon and is LOVING it.
Chris Says February 18, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
A few weeks ago Specialized drastically lowered their ‘08 bikes. For example, my LBS just dropped a Stumpy about $1000 and it is now $1800. Now is the time to get a good deal on ‘08s.
CLAIMER: I have nothing to do with Specialized. Just spreading the savings on decent bikes.
Davis Says February 23, 2009 @ 4:05 pm
what about the hartail expert stumpjumper?
Oso Negro Says February 23, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
Braap what you like. I get killed by the fly weights on most Super D courses, but I use my Reign for everything.
leelikesbikes Says February 23, 2009 @ 5:54 pm
Yup. Fitness, skill and confidence will always outweigh bike choice.
As long as the bike isn’t a total POS!
Davis Says February 23, 2009 @ 9:16 pm
Sweet, now i just need more fitness, skill and confidence.
leelikesbikes Says February 23, 2009 @ 9:26 pm
Don’t we all …