GoatBoy Posted September 29, 2014 Share I am posting this as a very dissapointed Specialized fan - I've owned two Epic S-Works in the last three years and have now had the last straw. So here are the highlights: Epic 2012 S-works - brain shock falls in (permanently bottoms out) on the Clarens 2012 marathon within the first 5km's not even the technical decent part at the end - annoyed but concept cyclery in Melrose arranges a fix on the shock... Epic 2012 S-works - Nov 2012 I take the thing in for a pro-tune (something I do religiously after every 600km's ridden - this is also a massively expensive little gig anything between R3000 and R6000) - they phone me to tell me that the horse-shoe link on the rear suspension is loose and needs replacing - apparently this RARELY happens but I pay for the bloody thing in any event. So then come the second Epic S-works - kitted to the teeth and custom spec'ed. New bike = no more problems!? Then... Epic 2013 S-works - Mar 2014, take it for another pro-tune and the swing arm metal-carbon link has come loose and is chowing into the carbon - replace the swing arm - warranty claim Replace the front crank blades as these are worn, replace the bearings in the front wheel hub, replace the chain. Rode the bike for three weeks till after Clarens - don't do anything through winter and take the bike for pro-tune in September 2014 after deciding to dust of the cob-webs of winter. Bike comes back - first ride thereafter at Red Barn the front brain shock pops the seal on the travel shaft on the left hand side. Take the bike back in to Melrose Concept and they send the shock away, again - only to get the bike back and now I've got about 7mm of sideways travel on my crank so bad that the wave washer isn't even touching the bb and the spider crank. All this after the bloody bike was serviced - TWICE and ridden ONCE in between AND the BB bearings and rear hub had parts replaced at great cost. So my real question is - Is specialized only for folk that weigh 20-40 kg (I'm on an XL frame and depending on fitness between 90-96kg's) or is it just that their product is designed to eek out double the purchase price through bad service and bad components??? And then lastly - I'll fix everything that is wonky, but for R50k the bike is yours... Specs: Epic S-works 2013 black SRAM frameSRAM carbon crankCrank brothers handlebarsXTR Group SetRoval Carbon rims, hubs, etc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lurch the stalker Posted September 29, 2014 Share (I'm on an XL frame and depending on fitness between 90-96kg's) I can't really guide you on where to go in terms of the Specialized complaint, but, I also ride an XL Epic, and I currently weigh in at 97kg's.According to the Specialized site (can't remember where precisely, but I saw it about a week ago) all their bikes are rated up to 100kg's though they say some models are available for higher weight limits but you need to contact your local dealer about that... EDIT: Here is the link to the document that references the weights http://service.specialized.com/collateral/ownersguide/new/assets/pdf/0000023116_EN_AS_NZ_Web.pdf Appendix A, Page 36: "ALL ADULT SPECIALIZED BICYCLES ARE DESIGNED AND TESTED FOR A MAXIMUM COMBINED RIDER/CARGO/BIKE WEIGHT OF 100KG. PLEASE VISIT THE OWNER’S MANUAL SECTION OF OUR WEBSITE (WWW.SPECIALIZED.COM) FOR INTENDED USE CATEGORIES AND MODEL-SPECIFIC MAXIMUM WEIGHTS. IN SOME CASES WEIGHT LIMITS ARE HIGHER THAN 100KG." Edited September 30, 2014 by Lurch Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Helpmytrap Posted September 29, 2014 Share Before doing that. Either take the bike to Lynnwood Cyclery as their service is top notch (Spez concept store) or to Tool-Up Cycles in Centurion (maintenance orientated shop) or Wyatt Earp (on the hub) can help you out at Summit Cycles in Midrand. As far as I can see, the common denominator of your problems is Concept Cyclery Melrose. Bat, the nerd, Nibali and 4 others 7 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pinki Posted September 29, 2014 Share Had 3 S Works MTB's since 2006, done literally thousands of cumulative kilometers, most weekends races, various stage races ( epic, tankwa, sani, w2w etc ) I have not been as meticulous as you in servicing them, in fact still not serviced my brain forks with "accredited" Specialised store and not had issues with any of my frames, shocks ( both rear and front ). My front brain shock on Stumpy is not performing at optimal level though and may now need accredited Specialized service, 4 years on ....... Quiet odd how faulty components and/or services get blamed on frame manufacturers? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Morne Veer Posted September 29, 2014 Share Just watch all the Speciaized-haters jump on this thread..... For what it is worth, I had front suspension issues on mine as well, the local bike shop did what they could, but eventually got a replacement fork from the Big Red S. Not sure if weight has anything to do with your problems, perhaps just a case that you are "that guy"...you know THAT UNLUCKY one. Hope you get it sorted, but believe it is best to align with a dealer that is willing to go the extra mile and follow the correct procedures with Specialized SA to ensure you receive the correct attention and support, after paying good money with the brand already. Edited September 29, 2014 by GoFastORGoHome Oufy MTB (Roadie) 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoatBoy Posted September 30, 2014 Share Had 3 S Works MTB's since 2006, done literally thousands of cumulative kilometers, most weekends races, various stage races ( epic, tankwa, sani, w2w etc ) I have not been as meticulous as you in servicing them, in fact still not serviced my brain forks with "accredited" Specialised store and not had issues with any of my frames, shocks ( both rear and front ). My front brain shock on Stumpy is not performing at optimal level though and may now need accredited Specialized service, 4 years on ....... Quiet odd how faulty components and/or services get blamed on frame manufacturers? Good mate of mine is also on Spez and doesn't service the bike nearly as often as I do and also has not had any problems - just like you. I don't really want to blame the manufacturer but would just dearly love to be on a bike (that I paid good money for) that I can have a ride where I don't wonder what the heck is gonna go next! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoatBoy Posted September 30, 2014 Share I can't really guide you on where to go in terms of the Specialized complaint, but, I also ride an XL Epic, and I currently weigh in at 97kg's.According to the Specialized site (can't remember where precisely, but I saw it about a week ago) all their bikes are rated up to 100kg's though they say some models are available for higher weight limits but you need to contact your local dealer about that... Ja - that's the thing I asked both times if my 6ft4 90 odd kg's would not be a problem on a carbon frame and it would appear as though the dollar signs in the salesman's eyes won the argument - not the correct advice... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King_Crispy Posted September 30, 2014 Share Go to Summit Cycles in midrand. Anton will give you proper advice and will go the extra mile to sort you out. AND he knows Spez better than most nickc 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Malpiet Posted September 30, 2014 Share I think change bike shops. what all is Included in a pro-tune.? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pieterg Posted September 30, 2014 Share Nie lekker om so baie geld te spandeer!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KENDA Posted September 30, 2014 Share IMO , you purchased a F1 racing car.... Built to be fast and in the leading edge of technology. In all industries this means highly maintenance intensive. Comes with the territory. If you want something that's more durable, you should down grade your bike so you can use components that have stood the test of time. Money doesn't always buy durable. Bizkit031 and GLuvsMtb 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rouxtjie Posted September 30, 2014 Share IMO , you purchased a F1 racing car.... Built to be fast and in the leading edge of technology. In all industries this means highly maintenance intensive. Comes with the territory. If you want something that's more durable, you should down grade your bike so you can use components that have stood the test of time. Money doesn't always buy durable.Kenda, I am with you on this one, lets face it...the sworks epic is a serious piece of racing kit...no expense is spared to shave grams and function. I think you must make peace with the fact that you wont get the same durability because of this. I feel for you goatboy and although the sworks is a flippen nice bike, I think you are doing the right thing by letting it go, it simply isnt the right bike for you. Johny Bravo, Spokey and KENDA 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vetseun Posted September 30, 2014 Share Go to Summit Cycles in midrand.Anton will give you proper advice and will go the extra mile to sort you out.AND he knows Spez better than most+1000 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gummibear Posted September 30, 2014 Share Go to Summit Cycles in midrand. Anton will give you proper advice and will go the extra mile to sort you out. AND he knows Spez better than most Great service from those guys worriesnot 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dirkitech Posted September 30, 2014 Share I have a well-used but good condition S-Works Epic model, fairly older than yours- fox brain shock has not given ANY issues. In fact, the only real issues I've had is that when the paint job scratches I feel sad. I'm clueless as to why you are having constant problems with your S-Works. Safe to assume these are authentic Spez's with valid serials? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichieT Posted September 30, 2014 Share I think change bike shops. what all is Included in a pro-tune.?"Pro Tune" sounds like pro rip off to me..... R3k plus Bizkit031 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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