avalanx

It looks like he may have clipped his handlebars, nasty crash, apparently he has a separated shoulder. Hope to see him on the start line tomorrow!

Sulli with some top notch photies!

Glad the frame has such a low BB that it works well in EVO guise. I think a lot of people underestimate the effect a bigger fork has on geo, raising the BB and slackening the seat angle is not ideal in most cases. The new EVO has pretty spot on angles even with the shift, some other XC bikes(including outgoing epic) have pretty slack seat angles and high BBs with a 120mm fork. All around good work from Spez I think!

I totally agree with you I think more than 90% of Epic owners will use it as a glorified gravel bike. Sort of sad to think about really. That being said, I the the big S really nailed the geometry on this bike, definitely the most progressive mainstream XC bike around!

Flex stays have been used effectively in many bike designs, previous Scalpel, Scott Spark, Spez Epic. I'm just not sure I would label anything with flex stays a trail bike. Its an intentionally compromised suspension design for the sake of weight. Looks like a spot on race bike though, good to see less conservative anti-squat figures for an XC bike. 80% at sag should be pretty grippy!

This is great, I think I'd have one of these over the RC. That being said, I prefer my old Camber to my current Epic. Other's please don't make the same mistake, unless you get paid to win then go for the more entertaining ride.

Hope to see this bike at a night race sometime Jules!

Very impressive that two amateurs came in 9th! Massive well done!

If only you could pick one of those up for 4- 5k

Not sure why people bash specialized, just because they put a lot of money into marketing? Does that automatically imply they don't put a lot of money into development? I hate this hipster mentally developing amongst cyclists, a company of large scale is specifically the type of company that will invest into more niche market products like 29er ladies bikes. So why not let them.

When comparing the epic to the Scott, they are very similar.. The spark has better value at this price point and is certainly better spec'ed than the Epic. You mentioned you want something with no pedal bob, in that regard the Epic is the best option on the market as the brain shock eliminates suspension action from pedaling inputs. The value of the spark, would get me to buy it over the epic if this is as far as you can push your budget. However with an extra 6k or so; an Epic comp carbon with a new wheelset and crank is one mean bike! (If the same spec, I think the Epic is better platform) Now when considering all options, not just Scott and Specialized exclusively. I agree with @wapad, the 429 is a brilliant bike, especially if your goal isn't to win races but to "participate' I think the 429 will prove to be more comfortable/usable and you won't really notice the weight difference. *I would also say look at a tallboy, but they aren't the greatest in terms of value for money, even worse than spez

Thanks, will check them out. where did you buy the rims and the hubs?

I'm looking to have a custom wheel-set built. Hope pro 2 hubs(black) with ZTRarch rims(black) and I don't necessarily mind what spokes as long as they are (white) Specs: 142x12 rear 9mm QR front Where would be the best place to buy a build like this? (in Gauteng/online) Thanks for the advice, Daniel

Looks awesome!! Really keen to ride these trails!

This is literally just all the boring flat stuff! and you crashed on a 1ft jump!