{"id":15154,"date":"2020-06-23T16:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-06-23T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/2020\/06\/23\/review-2021-specialized-s-works-epic-r8141\/"},"modified":"2023-02-08T19:32:50","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T19:32:50","slug":"review-2021-specialized-s-works-epic-r8141","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/review-2021-specialized-s-works-epic-r8141\/","title":{"rendered":"Review: 2021 Specialized S-Works Epic"},"content":{"rendered":"

It has been just three years since the launch of the previous Epic<\/a> but Specialized’s engineers have not been idle. The all-new 2021 Epic boasts a complete rethink on the bike’s geometry as well as changes to the Brain system to improve reliability and extend service intervals.<\/p>\n

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Updated Geometry<\/h2>\n

The greatest impact on how the new Epic rides can be attributed to the shape of the frame.<\/p>\n

Using an alloy test mule frame, Specialized\u2019s engineers tested a variety of different angles and heights when developing the new Epic. They went pretty extreme in some cases, like trying out the bike with a 65 degree head angle. Ultimately they settled on 67.5 degrees for the Epic which is full 2 degrees less than the previous Epic. The slacker head angle should help the bike better roll over obstacles and give the rider more confidence without the fear of pivoting over the handlebars. The chainstay length has been shortened by 5mm which should help with rear end manoeuvrability. The seat tube angle is steeper at 75.5 degrees on a medium frame while the bottom bracket is lower by 8mm to improve handling and offers better control on steep climbs. While the seat tube and bottom bracket heights work to place the rider more inside the frame, the reach on a medium frame is 12mm longer at 445 mm to add a bit more room. The XL frame gets 20mm more reach while the extra small 5mm. Take a look at the full geometry chart below.<\/p>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-92517800-1592907032.jpg\"<\/a>The new Epic’s geometry number alongside a comparison of the new Epic frame versus the previous Epic frame.<\/span><\/p>\n

Improved Construction and Weight<\/h2>\n

The new S-Works FACT 12m carbon chassis is around 100 grams lighter than the previous model. Specialized used a new layup while adding carbon in some places they could also reduce the amount in others. The carbon suspension link weighs a mere 24 grams. Feedback from team riders indicated a hint of softness in the rear. They looked at the suspension but this wasn\u2019t moving much so they targeted the frame\u2019s rear end stiffness. This resulted in a 15% improvement in stiffness for the back of the frame. The new FACT 11m frames used through the rest of the model range have seen improvements too. They now match the stiffness and weight of the previous S-Works frame.<\/p>\n

The FACT 12m frames weigh 1869 grams while the FACT 11m frames weigh 1947 grams. These measurements include frame, shock, hanger, axle, and bolts.<\/p>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-19762100-1592839755.jpg\"<\/a>The engineers at Specialized were pretty excited about getting this carbon link down to 24 grams.<\/span><\/p>\n

Optimized Sizing<\/h2>\n

A consideration for short and tall riders. Specialized go to great lengths to make sure the experience across the size curve is uniform. They optimise the carbon layup and stress test each frame size to ensure that they each perform the same. It may or may not be attributable to this attention to detail but as a rider who fits an extra-large frame, the Specialized XL always feels just right. It is noticeable when a bike company has simply sized up their test size without much thought.<\/p>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-68449800-1592839860.jpg\"<\/a>From a distance the paint work looks like a solid colour but up close you can see the brush stroke-like details.<\/span><\/p>\n

Maintenance and Frame Protection<\/h2>\n

With electronic shifting, our S-Works test arrived with an internal routing cable port for only the rear brake. This can be increased three or four ports to accommodate further shifter and dropper post cables. There is a hole for a rear shock lockout but with the Brain suspension, that\u2019s intended more for the EVO model. The bottom bracket is BSA 73mm, so it\u2019s threaded for easier maintenance. The chainstay protector features the raised sections first seen on the Stumpjumper and they work exceptionally well to rid the bike of any chain slapping sound.<\/p>\n

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\"ccs-62657-0-10694400-1592839541.jpg\"<\/a>A SWAT box can be fitted to the Epic for additional storage capacity.<\/span><\/p>\n

Hydration and Storage<\/h2>\n

Of serious importance to marathon racers is hydration and storage for spares. The Epic frame accommodates two full-size bottles across the size curve, except for the extra small frame which can accommodate one bottle on the downtube. The Specialized bottle cage allows for a multitool to be fitted or you can go the full hog and fit the SWAT box which will carry a tube, CO2 canister and adaptor, as well as a tyre lever. Neatly stowed in the headset cap is a chain link and chain breaker tool for repairing a broken chain.<\/p>\n

The Brain<\/h2>\n

When you think Specialized Epic you think Brain suspension. While the new EVO has shed its Brain, the racing Epic is still firmly designed around the system.<\/p>\n

\"ccs-62657-0-29211900-1592839976.jpg\"<\/a>Part of the Brain system is now housed within the non-drive side chainstay.<\/span><\/p>\n

A quick explainer for those unfamiliar with the Brain suspension. The Brain system uses an inertia valve to differentiate between pedalling and trail forces through the rear wheel. This allows it to maintain a firm suspension when on smooth surfaces and automatically switch to open suspension when the trail gets rougher. It\u2019s a simplified lockout that frees up the rider to concentrate on other aspects of racing and never get caught in the wrong setting.<\/p>\n

Chatting to the Specialized engineers on a video call, they are conscious of the disadvantages of being locked into proprietary suspension and acknowledge that there were some issues with the last iteration of the Brain.<\/p>\n

The first improvement has to do with the frame rather than the Brain directly. They reduced the side load on the shock by 30% with the new frame design. This improves the performance by reducing stiction but it also prevents air from leaking into the system. They also made a change to the shock with a strong shaft and double barrel bushing on the front and rear to further secure the air sleeve.<\/p>\n

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While the frame has been improved to reduce lateral forces on the shock, the shock has also been beefed up for better performance and reliability.<\/span>\n<\/div>\n

Going deeper into the technical changes, Specialized has dropped the air bladder and returned to the internal floating piston (IFP). The air bladder allows for a wider suspension range than the IFP does but now with the Epic EVO using a unique suspension design, the Epic is focussed purely on racing so the IFP is back in favour.<\/p>\n

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To make sure this new system is more reliable, Specialized has put in 1850 hours of real-world testing. That\u2019s the equivalent of 72 Cape Epics at the winner\u2019s pace.<\/p>\n

Increased service intervals and Service Package<\/h2>\n

With these improvements to the Brain system, Specialized has significantly extended the service intervals. The air sleeve service window has been boosted from 50-hour to 125-hour intervals and the damper service is now 50 hours later at 250-hour intervals. They have also included a two-year suspension service package for all new Epic buyers.<\/p>\n

RockShox SID Ultimate SL with Position-Sensitive Brain Damper<\/h2>\n

The all-new RockShox SID Ultimate SL on the S-Works Epic features a Brain Damper. Like the rear Brain system, an inertia valve works to open the fork damper when triggered by trail input while remaining high in the travel under rider loads. The Position-Sensitive Brain damper allows the fork 15mm of free travel for grip and comfort on smaller bumps. This can be tuned between 0 and 30mm into the travel.<\/p>\n

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The Components<\/h2>\n

Our test bike is the top-tier S-Works model so it boasts the latest and greatest parts available and they all function superbly. That said, there is one standout component on the new S-Works Epic.<\/p>\n

Control SL Wheels<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Specialized recently announced<\/a> their latest version of the Control SL wheelset. These wheels are fitted to the S-Works model but as one of the highlights on the bike, well worth a mention. The claimed weight challenges even the best road wheels at 1,240 grams. That\u2019s with an internal rim width of 29 millimetres. The hookless rim wall has been thickened to 4 millimetres and shaped to increase strength but also to reduce the chance of pinch flats by 22%. The hubs are DT Swiss internals with sealed ceramic bearings.<\/p>\n

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Drivetrain:<\/strong> SRAM Eagle AXS groupset including a Quarq XX1 Dub power meter as a standard component.<\/p>\n

Brakes:<\/strong> The brakes are SRAM\u2019s Level Ultimates with CLX rotors (180mm front and 160mm rear).<\/p>\n

Cockpit:<\/strong> The cockpit is full S-Works with a carbon handlebar and seat post. The bike now comes with an S-Works Power saddle instead of the Phenom of the previous bike.<\/p>\n

Tyres:<\/strong> The tyres are Specialized\u2019s own FastTrak with the Control casing at 2.3\u201d wide.<\/p>\n

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