Bike Check: Specialized S-Works Epic WC. Is it really a "Hardtail Killer" ?

[@adamsolomon9353]

would love to see more fast and furious themed videos!

[@Ghostina1]

What a great rig. I love Hardtails (Sworks Epic HT) but this is a all in one weapon!

[@peterwilk01]

The Garmin mount on the bike looks great. Where can one get it from?

[@LeandroSilva-wb4ox]

Máquina de pedalar!!! Esse selim Mirror é isso tudo que se fala? Top uma super HT

[@mhffox252]

Very good review, I loved it. I am about to buy this EPIC WORLD CUP EXPERT version bike, I have a new FOX 34 STEPCAST ​​KASHIMA fork, with 3-position remote control. What do you think about replacing the original rockshox brain with my FOX 34? Would it be a good option? Would I lose benefits? The idea is to make a positive change, otherwise I prefer to leave it original from the factory. I still think about replacing the fork because I live 3000 km from any of the official Rockshox services and doing maintenance would perhaps be a headache. Thank you so much

[@mmj7700]

I bought an Epic WC frameset last year for a custom build. The RockShox brain fork is included with the frameset so it's not optional. Since I had it I thought I would give it a try but I could never get it dialed in. For one thing, there is no compression dampening adjustment so you're forced to either live with the brain turned on or switch it off and hope that the factory compression setting suits your riding style. I ended up putting a Fox Stepcast 32 fork on it and the bike rides much better. The shorter travel alters the effective headset angle but I wasn't crazy about slacker angle anyway (felt like I was riding a chopper). If you have the Fox fork already I would definitely recommend giving it a try. One of the main reasons I went with the WC is because it didn't have the brain on the rear suspension. Like a lot of things, it seems like a great idea but it seems to cause as many problems as it supposedly solves. Have fun with your new ride. It's an awesome bike!

[@palpatine1975]

No. It's a bank account killer. Over rated. Not worth the price.

[@VelcorHF]

Narrow use case with a narrow target demo. At that price you could buy a motorcycle, no wonder companies are closing.

[@mikicastan]

😂😂😂

[@palpatine1975]

@@VelcorHF exactly my friend. The bike prices are getting stupid expensive not because they are worth that price, but because of corporate greed, marketing and high salaries to maintain the pro teams. The bike is actually not worth over 4k. But these companies triple it for profits. Disgusting.

[@TheCyclesport]

For me, it's worth every penny! It is the sweetest feeling and the best-performing bike I have ever used. It exceeded my expectations and continues to be on every ride. I added a Fox 2025 Frok to the Specialized Bike. Worth every penny! Obviously, I wish it was 4K and not the price it is, but for sure worth it for me, and I would get another if I could. @palpatine1975, I was wondering how much saddle time you have on one of these? just curious. And do you race MTB XC? Or do a lot of off-road endurance riding?

[@singletrac1]

Sweeeet hat!

[@artscyclery875]

Best hat around ;)

[@lenolenoleno]

LOL "Level brakes extremely powerful".

[@palpatine1975]

All marketing BS.

[@artscyclery875]

The New Level 4-piston brakes with hs2 rotors are super powerful. important to note they are still XC/trail brakes but I've ripped them down some nasty trails with no complaints :)

[@lenolenoleno]

@artscyclery875 people are just tired of hackneyed MTB marketing expressions. Could have just said "plenty powerful for my XC tyres" / something more nuanced (because power isn't their standout feature, not even vs. A basic Deore Shimano 2-pot, rather than having to exaggerate as a lazy way to underline your satisfaction with a product (because if Levels are objectively "super powerful" does that make Code's detrimentally or excessively powerful?). Of course not.

[@artscyclery875]

@@lenolenoleno I would consider them "extremely powerful" compared to other brakes in the XC Category. Not stronger than Codes obviously but absolutely stronger than the Deore brakes :)