Spez Chisel HT vs Spez Epic HT

[ajnkzn]

Hey Team

 

Anyone with personal experience of these two bikes please advise?

 

Looking to sell my Cannondale Trail 2 that I've upgraded to the point where it probably doesn't make sense to go further as per another post. Bike weighs 12.4kg set up tubeless and to get much more out of it I would need to spend close to R 10 k on a wheel set and new drivetrain as the standard stuff is getting a little bit tired.

 

I've trawled the Classifieds and gone through a lot of changes of heart about new vs used etc.

 

I know that some guys feel Specialized is overpriced etc but the local Durban store is nothing short of very professional and I have always liked the guys that work there.

 

I really like the new Epic Comp Hardtail (R 40 k) and then I read some reviews on the aluminium framed Chisel Expert (R 28 k) and they are all pretty damn positive.

 

From what I can see, the Epic has better (Roval alu vs standard aluminium) wheels, 10-42 GX cassette instead of NX 11-42 (significantly lighter cassette and more range of gears) and obviously the carbon frame.

 

Weight is about 1kg difference I think (11kg vs 10kg). 

 

Geometry is supposedly almost identical.

 

Just trying to decide if I can a) afford and b) justify R 12 000 for that when the weight penalty isn't that much and either one will be a huge upgrade from my current bike.

 

That R 12 k could buy me a 1) a bike fit session which is something I've never had 2) couple of much needed decent bib shorts, 3) a good few race entries and 4) a cheap road bike for daily training...

 

Then down the line wheel upgrade and replace NX with GX cassette at the same time.

 

Is the carbon really that much better?

 

Thanks in advance for any help at all.

[flat29]

Shot answer, yes the carbon is that much better for racing

 

It all depends if you want a bike to ride or a race rocket.

You have not told us what you want the bike for.

Racing or just riding weekend trails and the odd race

 

I have the older carbon stumpjumper HT (2013 model)  same as  the current Epic ht carbon.

The bike is a rocket, **** fast and stiff.

 

I would go for the carbon if you want to race and have the money to pay for it.

 

Remember that there is a lot of good bikes in the classifieds and you can pick up a propper FS for R 40 000 also

[ajnkzn]

Thanks for your input.

 

Riding a mix of tar, gravel and a bit of XC lap races so think HT is sill the way to go for me.

 

Train hard and like going fast haha.

 

Beer money and champagne taste is the story of my life.