I posted an Epic Comp test review yesterday after trying one out for a few hours.
Got into the office a little late today and found some dude sitting in my chair. Turns out he was a
client, although we had never met prior to this morning. I took over the portfolio with his holdings
back in December and he was in for an operating line of credit.
He introduces himself and tells me the name of his business.... I almost fell of my chair to
discover it was the bike shop down the street from my office. I've been in there a few times looking
around but never spoke with anyone except the wrench.
I start telling him about my ride on the Comp the previous day and he lights up. He's totally stoked
on the Epic line and couldn't believe that I wouldn't trade my Jamis for one. I think he took it as
an insult because right after we sign the contracts and shake hands, he leaves and comes back with a
brand spanking new Epic S-Works FSR., dripping with 03' XTR, Roll X
2.'s, Easton Bar, Post and Stem, only marred by that god awful BG saddle Specialized insists on
torturing people with.
My mind starting racing wondering if this guy was giving me the bike or something. Afterall my gift
value limit is only $100 and I'm thinking how to explain it away to my VP.
Turns out that he wanted me to try out the top of the line model, so he brought along a set of
racing shoes, which oddly enough, was my exact size
(3). The guy sized me up thoroughly down to the jersey and shorts too (he let me keep those).
He says "Take this bad boy out for a spin and tell me if you change your mind". I made a couple
quick excuses to my assistant and took off around town for a ride.
First off, the S-Works bike was WAY lighter than the comp! and the parts spec was smoother and more
predictable. It was my first crack at the new 03' XTR and I must say, I dig it!
I hit a few curbs, steps, speed bumps, potholes, etc and my honest opinion:
It's still a hardtail and you never know when the Brain will kick in and soften things up. I felt
faster, but I'm sure it's the parts spec, and no matter what anyone says, I still don't like the
Roll X tires or the saddle.
Would I pay $4500 for the bike? no way, I would still opt for the NRS Air if I wanted part-time rear
suspension, for half the cheese. My Jamis is way more responsive suspension-wise, which is exactly
why I sold my HT last Winter.
But if the guy feels like he wants me to take one off his hands as a gift, I'm str8 up with
that program!
I can definitely see the pro racers switching to the S-Works model, it's a big improvement over an
elite HT on anything but super-smooth courses. As usual, Specialized workmanship is top notch for a
mass produced bike...but then so is the Giant line. For the money, I would rather trade up from my
heavy components to the XTR/Easton parts spec and reap the weight savings. I'd take a trip to
Scotland with the rest of the money and ride the wheels of my Jamis.