{"id":17156,"date":"2017-01-31T13:30:00","date_gmt":"2017-01-31T13:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/2017\/01\/31\/first-ride-2017-specialized-s-works-epic-29-world-cup-r6033\/"},"modified":"2023-02-08T07:14:53","modified_gmt":"2023-02-08T07:14:53","slug":"first-ride-2017-specialized-s-works-epic-29-world-cup-r6033","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bikehub.co.za\/news\/first-ride-2017-specialized-s-works-epic-29-world-cup-r6033\/","title":{"rendered":"First Ride: 2017 Specialized S-Works Epic 29 World Cup"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to our classifieds<\/a> search data, the Specialized Epic is the most sought after bike on Bike Hub. Perhaps due to this wide appeal, it has also become a symbol of endurance racing in South Africa, and all the connotations that come attached to the stereotype. Opinions aside, this was my first significant experience with this iconic race bike and I was intrigued to see what all the fuss is about.<\/p>\n

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I had the opportunity to ride the Specialized S-Works Epic FSR World Cup in its natural habitat at the Wines2Whales Ride stage race in November (read our race report here<\/a>). Aside from a couple of leg stretchers to get the bike set up, it was pretty much straight into the race for the Epic and I.<\/p>\n

The Frame<\/h2>\n

At the core of the bike is the S-Works Epic World Cup frame. It is a design that Specialized have been using for a number of seasons and compared to the most recent offerings from Scott and Cannondale, the geometry might be considered (by some) a bit dated for cross-country purposes with steeper angles and a slightly shorter horizontal top tube length.<\/p>\n

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I rode the World Cup edition of the frame which is the sharper handling cross-country iteration of the Epic. With shorter chainstays, the wheelbase is condensed slightly to assist with handling on rougher and tighter courses. The shorter length, however, comes with a 0.25 degree steeper head angle than the marathon bike, and at 70.75 degrees it is considerably more aggressive than some of the latest cross-country bikes which range from 69.5 to 68.5 degrees.<\/p>\n

Another modern development which competitors might point out as lacking, especially at this price point and with 29er wheels, is the wider Boost axle spacing standard. While the necessity of Boost can be disputed, we’re starting to expect top of the range superbikes to be bang up to date with the latest and greatest in marginal gains technology. That said, I reckon it won’t be too long until the release of an all new Epic and I\u2019m interested to see in which direction Specialized will go.<\/p>\n

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As you would expect from an S-Works model, the frame is full carbon. The bike is also a single-ring only affair with no mounting for a front derailleur. This allows for a thicker, stiffer chainstay on the drive side. Although initially released when SRAM\u2019s 11 speed was new and flashy, the addition of the 12 Speed Eagle drivetrain makes the 1X setup on this bike accessible and comfortable for an even wider range of riders.<\/p>\n

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While plans can be made to carry water bottles outside of the front triangle, it\u2019s always much easier when the frame makes provision for two spots inside the bike – as the Epic does. The Epic adds further utility with Specialized\u2019s SWAT treatment – this can include a useful box to carry spares (not fitted to my review bike), a chain breaker and quick link inside the steerer cap, and a multitool stowed in the top tube for easy access. While some might snigger at these adaptations being gimmicky, I thoroughly enjoyed the convenience of having these essential items safely stowed in the bike.<\/p>\n

Components<\/h2>\n

The 2017 S-Works Epic is oozing with the latest and greatest components from Fox, RockShox, SRAM, and Specialized\u2019s own brands cover everything else.<\/p>\n

Shock: <\/strong>The shock is a collaboration between Fox and Specialized incorporating the Brain system and Autosag technology. The shock is rather dainty, but don\u2019t let that put you off, I found little to complain about. The Autosag worked reasonably well with only a minor adjustment needed to get it to my preferred feel.<\/p>\n

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Fork:<\/strong> The RockShox SID World Cup fork matched the shock well. The fork also incorporates the Brain system. Usually, I do not get along well with the SID but on the Specialized I luckily managed to get the setup just right in the short time I had it for. Perhaps it had something to do with the Brain damper but I would have to ride the fork for a lot longer to come to any conclusions.<\/p>\n

Drivetrain: <\/strong>Probably the most eye-catching component on this Epic is the massive cassette which is part of the SRAM Eagle XX1 drivetrain. This was my first proper experience with SRAM\u2019s new wide range 12-speed groupset and I can say that I am happily drinking the kool-aid. The extra range is immediately noticeable and, in practice, very useful. Even with the extended range, shifting was effortless. Later on, I had a chance to ride Eagle on more trail orientated bikes, the S-Works Camber and Stumpjumper, where the range was even more appreciated.<\/p>\n

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My only minor complaint was the relatively small 30 tooth chainring, which meant I only used granny gear (which on the Eagle drivetrain is a massive 50 tooth cog) once on a short steep climb during the three days of Wines2Whales. That said the Wines2Whales stages are not all that tough and on a longer, harder race (such as the bike\u2019s namesake) the easier gears would probably be much appreciated.<\/p>\n

Wheels:<\/strong> The wheels are Specialized\u2019s own Roval branded SL 29. The stiffness of the wheels certainly helps to put the power down with alarming efficiency making climbing and accelerating out of corners inspiring. The engagement of the DT Swiss ratchet hub was seamless. More often than not, I pointed these wheels down rougher line choices and they came out unscathed. Earlier Roval rims were known to be a bit brittle but this latest iteration shows every sign of being rock solid. Credit must be given to these wheels, they played a big part in the excellent feel and responsiveness of the S-Works Epic.<\/p>\n

Tyres: <\/strong>The wheels on the S-Works Epic are wrapped in Specialized\u2019s Fast Trak tyres. Thankfully, Specialized resisted the urge to fit the paper thin race-day S-Works variety and went with the more robust Control casing. I have been riding these tyres on my own bike, and have found them to be good fast-rolling race tyres, and they seem particularly well suited to the Epic.<\/p>\n

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Brakes:<\/strong> In October, there were not many bikes with SRAM Level brakes, and this was my first outing with these stoppers. Of course, the S-Works specification required the range-topping Ultimate model to be fitted. I have spent a lot of time with SRAM\u2019s Guide double piston offering which I find to be excellent. Braking was firm and predictable with a very comfortable lever. I did not have a chance to push the Level brakes to their limits but early signs are that the Levels are super capable.<\/p>\n

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Controls: <\/strong>The cockpit sparkles with the black sheen of the S-Works carbon handlebar and seatpost. The 143mm wide S-Works Phenom was exceptionally comfortable for me, making me doubt my preference for the Specialized Power saddle. This is usually where I\u2019d insert my rant about the 720-millimetre handlebar length being pathetically small for an extra large sized bicycle, however, for reasons I cannot explain, it felt perfectly normal on this bike. Even the 110-millimetre stem length felt right.<\/p>\n

Full specification list:<\/h2>\n

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