Knersboy Posted November 11, 2014 Posted November 11, 2014 HiBeen offered a 2014 Specialized Epic Comp from my LBS for R24500. Been on the lookout for a softtail and this seems like a great offer. On my current hardtail I have an XT 2X10 drivetrain with Deore shifters and brakes. The Epic is SRAM X7/X9 with custom SRAM crankset. Never ridden SRAM but willing to give it a go, dont think it is worth the effort to change the shifters and derailleurs but have a Shimano XT 785 crankset on my current bike that I would like to move over to the Epic, my LBS mechanic says i cannot do this as Shimano is not at all compatible with BB30. Surely there is a way to do this, can anyone help me out? I am assuming that i can run this crankset with a SRAM chain without a problem. Then secondly I dont really like the Formula C1 brakes on the Epic, I have tried them out and in my opinion my current Deore M615 brakes have way better stopping power. I would like to move them over too, only problem is that the SRAM X7 shifters on the Epic are attached to the Formula brakes. Is there any way around this without buying new shifters?
Cookie88 Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 I am also in the process of taking delivery of my Epic Comp 2014 and have a similar query regarding the Formula C1 brakes. A quick Google search doesn't bode to well for the Formula C1's. Most of the reviews (see http://enduro-mtb.com/en/long-term-test-the-formula-c1-brakes/ and http://nsmb.com/formula-c1-brakes-reviewed/) are positive but guys are absolutely ripping them apart in the comments sections. How worried should we be about the Formula C1's - worth an upgrade to a Shimano SLX perhaps? Seem to be concerns about having to bleed them often etc.
Vangar Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 On you'r first point, yes they are telling fibs. There are adapters available to use Hollowtech II with BB30, different types are: http://www.raceface.com/components/bottom-brackets/bottom-brackets/bb30-x-type-adapter/http://www.evobikes.co.za/components/bottom-brackets/rotor-bb30to24-bottom-bracket-for-mtb.html And some others, any LBS worth their salt should be able to source one for you. Then for the shifters, that one is easy if not cheap. As long as you have I-spec compatible brakes, which you should, then you can use these to mount the shifters http://www.evobikes.co.za/problem-solvers-mismatch-adapters.html not cheap but it solves the problem. As for the chains, they all work as long as the speed matches. Hope that helps.
MuddyMike Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 I have a camber which came with those horrible Formula C1 brakes. They are nowehere close to any shimano brake set. 1st thing I did was replace them with XT with Ice Tec rotors, couldnt be happier. Specialized learnt that lesson too with the latest model having the new Deore brakes which have rave reviews. As for the rest of your question, Vangar got it covered!
camelman Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 I am also in the process of taking delivery of my Epic Comp 2014 and have a similar query regarding the Formula C1 brakes. A quick Google search doesn't bode to well for the Formula C1's. Most of the reviews (see http://enduro-mtb.com/en/long-term-test-the-formula-c1-brakes/ and http://nsmb.com/formula-c1-brakes-reviewed/) are positive but guys are absolutely ripping them apart in the comments sections. How worried should we be about the Formula C1's - worth an upgrade to a Shimano SLX perhaps? Seem to be concerns about having to bleed them often etc.Get your bike and ride it. The brakes will stop you. If you have problems along the way, swap them out, but don't waste money on buying new brakes straight away. It will cost you more than just the brakes as the SRAM shifters are quite possibly mated to the Formula brakes as well. That means you need to buy the clamp to hold the shifters on the bar as well. I had Fomula T1s' on my Stumpy. They were not great in my opinion, but surely not the worst brakes out there.
MuddyMike Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 I took those formula C1's for one trip down Breedts Nek and when the lever hit the bar going into a corner at over 40km/h my mind was made up. But maybe I just had a really bad set.
Guest Smimby Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 Knersboy, on 11 Nov 2014 - 5:55 PM, said:HiBeen offered a 2014 Specialized Epic Comp from my LBS for R24500. Been on the lookout for a softtail and this seems like a great offer. On my current hardtail I have an XT 2X10 drivetrain with Deore shifters and brakes. The Epic is SRAM X7/X9 with custom SRAM crankset. Never ridden SRAM but willing to give it a go, dont think it is worth the effort to change the shifters and derailleurs but have a Shimano XT 785 crankset on my current bike that I would like to move over to the Epic, my LBS mechanic says i cannot do this as Shimano is not at all compatible with BB30. Surely there is a way to do this, can anyone help me out? I am assuming that i can run this crankset with a SRAM chain without a problem. Then secondly I dont really like the Formula C1 brakes on the Epic, I have tried them out and in my opinion my current Deore M615 brakes have way better stopping power. I would like to move them over too, only problem is that the SRAM X7 shifters on the Epic are attached to the Formula brakes. Is there any way around this without buying new shifters? HiBeen offered a 2014 Specialized Epic Comp from my LBS for R24500. Been on the lookout for a softtail and this seems like a great offer. On my current hardtail I have an XT 2X10 drivetrain with Deore shifters and brakes. The Epic is SRAM X7/X9 with custom SRAM crankset. Never ridden SRAM but willing to give it a go, dont think it is worth the effort to change the shifters and derailleurs but have a Shimano XT 785 crankset on my current bike that I would like to move over to the Epic, my LBS mechanic says i cannot do this as Shimano is not at all compatible with BB30. Surely there is a way to do this, can anyone help me out? I am assuming that i can run this crankset with a SRAM chain without a problem. Then secondly I dont really like the Formula C1 brakes on the Epic, I have tried them out and in my opinion my current Deore M615 brakes have way better stopping power. I would like to move them over too, only problem is that the SRAM X7 shifters on the Epic are attached to the Formula brakes. Is there any way around this without buying new shifters? You will be able to fit the Sram shifters to the Shimano brakes….google “Problem Solvers” EVObikes have some. Keep that crank I would say, the BB30 and Sram crank on that bike is nicer than an XT crank. The ONLY thing I would change is the brakes on that bike.
Cookie88 Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 Get your bike and ride it. The brakes will stop you. If you have problems along the way, swap them out, but don't waste money on buying new brakes straight away. It will cost you more than just the brakes as the SRAM shifters are quite possibly mated to the Formula brakes as well. That means you need to buy the clamp to hold the shifters on the bar as well. I had Fomula T1s' on my Stumpy. They were not great in my opinion, but surely not the worst brakes out there.Thanks for the replies guys! I have already given the LBS the go ahead to upgrade the SRAM groupset to full XT so not hugely concerned about a mating issue. I agree that I don't want to spend any more money unnecessarily but I also don't want be faced with a problem like Muddy mentioned! I have asked the LBS guys for an upgrade quote on either XT or SLX brakes to see what they come up with!
Guest Smimby Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 Thanks for the replies guys! I have already given the LBS the go ahead to upgrade the SRAM groupset to full XT so not hugely concerned about a mating issue. I agree that I don't want to spend any more money unnecessarily but I also don't want be faced with a problem like Muddy mentioned! I have asked the LBS guys for an upgrade quote on either XT or SLX brakes to see what they come up with!No !!! you are wasting money
MuddyMike Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 Thanks for the replies guys! I have already given the LBS the go ahead to upgrade the SRAM groupset to full XT so not hugely concerned about a mating issue. I agree that I don't want to spend any more money unnecessarily but I also don't want be faced with a problem like Muddy mentioned! I have asked the LBS guys for an upgrade quote on either XT or SLX brakes to see what they come up with!No, just do the brakes, the rest is all good......spend you money on a lekker stage race and beer to enjoy the bike, That SRAM stuff is just fine, you can upgrade if needed later when those parts are worn out...
Cookie88 Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 No !!! you are wasting moneySorry, I need to rephase! They suggested keeping the crank but upgrading the shifters as well as the front and rear derailer to XT which is what I am going with. Now just the questions surrounding the brakes...
B20 Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 The Formula brakes are crap. I had them on my Comp. I weigh 89kg and they had trouble stopping me. I replaced them with SRam Trail 4 pot caliper brakes. They are amazing. Done many races with no turkey gobble or fade. Some of the Spez pro-teams (RE:CM & Sauser) have/are fitted/ing Guide breaks to their rides, which are essentially the same thing.
Cookie88 Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 No, just do the brakes, the rest is all good......spend you money on a lekker stage race and beer to enjoy the bike, That SRAM stuff is just fine, you can upgrade if needed later when those parts are worn out...Personally I have only ever ridden on Shimano so I am a little biased! Did a lot of reading on the whole SRAM vs. Shimano debate recently and it seems to just come down to personal preference!
MuddyMike Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 Personally I have only ever ridden on Shimano so I am a little biased! Did a lot of reading on the whole SRAM vs. Shimano debate recently and it seems to just come down to personal preference!Yeah me too, My camber runs Shimano shifters and rear and Sram front and crank - perfect, no issues. Personally a front derailer is a front derailer is a front derailer. I reckon that would be the VERY VERY last thing I would ever consider upgrading or replacing unless it was broken....Enjoy the new ride.
camelman Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 The only major difference between those are the following:The SRAM levers require a bit more force than the Shimanos; yes even when new and with brand new cables. At the end of 7 hour ride your thumbs seem to know about it. One of the reasons I insisted my wife go with Shimano. Ideal for ladies or people with smaller/weaker hands.Stroke on the SRAM seem to be a bit longer when shifting down, although that might be my imagination. This can also be a disadvantage if you have smaller handsWith the Shimanos you can shift up a gear (or 2 with XT/XTR) with your fore finger or your thumb whereas with SRAM you can only do it with your thumb(I can forefinger it, but I have long fingers ). No major issue except when you are used to it you tend to miss it.In any other way there is little to choose, personal preference
Odinson Posted December 10, 2014 Posted December 10, 2014 Thanks for the replies guys! I have already given the LBS the go ahead to upgrade the SRAM groupset to full XT so not hugely concerned about a mating issue. I agree that I don't want to spend any more money unnecessarily but I also don't want be faced with a problem like Muddy mentioned! I have asked the LBS guys for an upgrade quote on either XT or SLX brakes to see what they come up with! Unless you have a lot of cash to burn, don't upgrade the entire groupset. If it works, ride it till it breaks and then upgrade. To chuck an entire groupset for the sake of preference is wasteful.
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