Spez Epic Expert World Cup vs Marathon help

[Schoemie]

Hi Guy's

Decided going the specialized route and looking at these two options.

Marathon has nice group set and comes with swat included as well as two cages.

WC is 1x11 which I quite like for simplicity but not sure if I will miss the 2X 10 combo.

Getting back into cycling after two year break and need to build fitness from start again.(big accident)

Intentions to ride trails and longer events with stage races about twice a year.

 

Opinions and advice greatly appreciated.

 

WC is slightly cheaper than Marathon.

Edited May 24, 2014 by Schoemie

[V12man]

Marathon - do some calculations on the gear rations you lose on 1 x 11, and unless you are VERY strong, It becomes an issue in longer multi terrain rides.

 

Even specialised recommend the 2 x10 option for multi day events, and soon you will be able to get a 2 x 11 from Shimano that pretty much equates to the same as 3 x 10 in gearing range.

[Schoemie]

Like the marathon a lot,but the 1x11 appeals from less than can break on stages point of view?

[GLuvsMtb]

Like the marathon a lot,but the 1x11 appeals from less than can break on stages point of view?

OK so you snap your FD cable... now you only have a 26 on the front instead of a 38 as well

With the 1 x 11 you are stuck with a 30 or 32 all day.

Parts are readily available at the stage races, so all you have to do is get to the finish.

Running costs on the 1 x 11 will catch up with you. You will replace your chainring twice as fast opposed to the 2 on the 2 x 10 and those 11 speed cassettes costs plenty.

[V12man]

Like the marathon a lot,but the 1x11 appeals from less than can break on stages point of view?

 

Climbing in too big a gear can kill your legs for the next day... build yourself a gear ration chart and do the comparison to see what ratio you lose when you compare 1 x 11, 2 x 10 and 3 x 10 - and for interest do it with Shimano's new 2 x 11 group with a 40 tooth rear cluster.

[Schoemie]

 

OK so you snap your FD cable... now you only have a 26 on the front instead of a 38 as well

With the 1 x 11 you are stuck with a 30 or 32 all day.

Parts are readily available at the stage races, so all you have to do is get to the finish.

Running costs on the 1 x 11 will catch up with you. You will replace your chainring twice as fast opposed to the 2 on the 2 x 10 and those 11 speed cassettes costs plenty.

Very valid points!

[Schoemie]

 

 

Climbing in too big a gear can kill your legs for the next day... build yourself a gear ration chart and do the comparison to see what ratio you lose when you compare 1 x 11, 2 x 10 and 3 x 10 - and for interest do it with Shimano's new 2 x 11 group with a 40 tooth rear cluster.

That has been my concern.i will build the excel and compare.

[Ramrod]

I have the same predicament. The Wc also has a shorter rear stay. But I also couldn't make up my mind so I decided to put it off for a bit until I could decide.

[Johny Bravo]

I bought the marathon. World cup is sold out. Also has 90mm travel instead of 100mm in the normal epic. Marathon also has the swat and two cages included. Much much better.

[V12man]

That has been my concern.i will build the excel and compare.

 

This will take the hard work out of it - I suggest looking at the speed at 90rpm as well as ratio's

 

http://sheldonbrown.com/gears/

[Jocklaw]

I have the XO1 group set, with a 32 ring on my Spez. I have done the Attakwas, Epic and Sani2C with it. I weigh 80 kilos and it's the best thing since sliced bread as far as I'm concerned. The only places I could not ride, everyone else was walking too. No chain suck, ever. I highly recommend it.

[Tjokkits]

I am talking under correction but i think the WC frame is such that it can only have 1x set up in front, if so no converting if you 1x setup dont work for you, the marathon you can always convert from 2x to 1x

[Jocklaw]

I am talking under correction but i think the WC frame is such that it can only have 1x set up in front, if so no converting if you 1x setup dont work for you, the marathon you can always convert from 2x to 1x

correct. No housing for a front derailleur in the frame.

[ricochet_rabbit]

Hi Guy's

Decided going the specialized route and looking at these two options.

Marathon has nice group set and comes with swat included as well as two cages.

WC is 1x11 which I quite like for simplicity but not sure if I will miss the 2X 10 combo.

Getting back into cycling after two year break and need to build fitness from start again.(big accident)

Intentions to ride trails and longer events with stage races about twice a year.

 

Opinions and advice greatly appreciated.

 

WC is slightly cheaper than Marathon.

Dude, building fitness with a 1x11 will not be easy. Suggest you go 2x10 and convert, if necessary, to 1x11 when you're strong enough.

[Jocklaw]

 

Dude, building fitness with a 1x11 will not be easy. Suggest you go 2x10 and convert, if necessary, to 1x11 when you're strong enough.

i am interested to understand why you say that?

[GrantRH]

Take a demo on both through a trail. I demoed the Expert (not the WC version) and it was lightning fast and easy.

 

Couldn't afford it so bought the Elite, which has also been great.