Specialized S-Works Epic 29er 2012

[tunariaan]

Very ,very nice

[SwissVan]

My new ride - first race ATTAKWAS

 

Very nice, but where's the product review?

[sharkysa]

Product Review

 

OK the new 2012 Specialized S-works 29er 2012: XTR build kit.

 

Past rides - Specialized S-works Stumpy & Giant Anthem 2

 

After 300km on the new S-works there where some great changes from my previous bikes. Firstly the rear brain technology has always been good on an S-works but the previous years of Specialized future shocks have been dissapointing. The new from Brain shock is really a massive step up and I really enjoy all the adjusting dials on the yop instead of at the bottom of the shock.

 

The full bike weight is 10.4kg(medium) and this is with heavier Schwalbe Racing Ralph Snake Skins so you could drop a few grams there. Since I dropped 1.5kg for the old bike the climbing feels a bit easier but the 2x10 gearing takes a little getting used too.

 

The largest difference for me is on the flats and rockey conditions where the bike flys over obsticals far easier than my old 26inch.The nice thing about the brain technology is that you don't really need to fiddle with the shock, it thinks for you!

 

The normal gravel downhills are also faster on the 29er with the head angle that actually feels similar to the Stumpy with 140mm of travel. I must admit that the loss of 40mm of travel is not an issue.

 

Switch backs and technical single tracks take a bit of getting used to but after a few sessions at Jokershoek and Tokai there is not doubt that some of my old 'racing' lines have changed but the bike gives me a fair amount of forgiveness.

 

The XTR brakes and shifters are unbelievable, I will never go back to SRAM after feeling the silkyness of XTR shifting and the great feel on the brakes.

 

All in a 5 star rating and would only consider a few other bikes in the class, Connondale Scalpel 29er and Santa Cruz Tall Boy.

 

Get one

[SwissVan]

 

The full bike weight is 10.4kg(medium) and this is with heavier Schwalbe Racing Ralph Snake Skins so you could drop a few grams there.

 

 

Switch backs and technical single tracks take a bit of getting used to but after a few sessions at Jokershoek and Tokai there is not doubt that some of my old 'racing' lines have changed but the bike gives me a fair amount of forgiveness.

 

The XTR brakes and shifters are unbelievable

 

 

Right said fred, thanks for the great feedback!

 

Some questions:

1. Does the weight of 10.4kg's include full tubeless tyres and sealant.

2. What exactly took a bit of getting used in the handling dept.

3. Are those 2012 XTR brakes and are they much different to 2011.

 

Munto Obrigado, i see a 29er in my future....but dont like the 2 x 10 set up

[sharkysa]

1. The weight is 10.4 with tubless tires and sealant, bottle cages, pedals too. I went for heavier tyres so you could shave of 200g-300g with some light weight stuff.

2. The larger turning circle is tricky on some switchbacks.

3. XTR breaks are much better then the 2009 one I had, cannot comment vs. last years ones.

[andretraut]

Right said fred, thanks for the great feedback!

 

Some questions:

1. Does the weight of 10.4kg's include full tubeless tyres and sealant.

2. What exactly took a bit of getting used in the handling dept.

3. Are those 2012 XTR brakes and are they much different to 2011.

 

Munto Obrigado, i see a 29er in my future....but dont like the 2 x 10 set up

No difference between 2011 and 2012 XTR.

[Sharkie 2]

Right said fred, thanks for the great feedback!

 

Some questions:

1. Does the weight of 10.4kg's include full tubeless tyres and sealant.

2. What exactly took a bit of getting used in the handling dept.

3. Are those 2012 XTR brakes and are they much different to 2011.

 

Munto Obrigado, i see a 29er in my future....but dont like the 2 x 10 set up

I was also a sceptic of the 2x10 but won't ever go back to the old 3x setup,

the ratio's just work

[SwissVan]

I was also a sceptic of the 2x10 but won't ever go back to the old 3x setup,

the ratio's just work

 

Yeah on average I expect they do, BUT....

 

Are your 2x10 granny gear's options equal, worse or better than the 3x10 options? (You know those 2 or 3 lowest gears that you thought you would never need and dont like to admit to ever using untill kilometre 99 on day 3 of the tour de bliksemshoegberge)

Edited December 21, 2011 by SwissVan

[Mackem]

I built up an Epic (2011) last year with XTR - What chainrings come standard with the bike as it doesn't say on the website?

 

I bought the 42/30 crank and found that the 30 was too heavy on the legs when climbing. Changed to a 28 last month and feels a lot better, although I have had one or two issues with dropping the chain.

 

My M Epic with Roval EL wheels, Renegade and Fast track tyres, Full XTR incl pedals, Easton stem and KCNC bar comes in at 12.2kg - so your 10.4kg is impressive. The weight saving will be in the crankset and the carbon wheels!

 

The really nice touch on the 2012 bikes are the rubber caps for the ends of the cranks - small detail, nice benefits!