The Specialized Epic Carbon 29er marks a new entry point for Specialized Mountain Bikes…a race worthy 29er that is going to see podium spots. Up until this point, Specialized only had the Stumpjumper HT available in carbon for those that loved the big wheeled platform. If you wanted full suspension carbon, you had to settle for the 26″ version of the Epic. Now, with the introduction of the 2011 Specialized Epic Carbon 29er, we are going to see a full run at the podium and a serious competitor for the new Trek Superfly (Gary Fisher Line).
Specialized Epic Carbon 29er Specs
- Fox Mini Brain rear shock
- New 142×12 thru-axle frame/rear hub
- Full 2×10 drivetrain with SRAM XX
- S-Works carbon 2×10 cranks
- Tapered head tube
- Custom RockShox Reba fork with Brain technology
- All-new Roval carbon fiber wheels (red spokes?!)
- At 21.27 lbs, it’s the lightest full-suspension 29er on the market
This new 2011 S-Works entry from Specialized Mountain Bikes brings another carbon mountain bike to the industry. With the increasing number of black fiber woven bikes hitting the market, it is looking like manufacturers are trusting the material a lot more than in the past.
This new ride from Specialized Mountain Bikes is also previewing some new items out of the Specialized components camp. Forgoing the private branded fork lineup, the largest bike company in the world opted for an all new RockShox Reba with an integrated Brain cartridge and this is a first for Specialized.
Judging by the picture of the new Specialized S-Works, we will also see a redesigned 2 ring S-Works crankset, post, stem and handlebars for 2011. At 21.27 pounds, the Specialized S-Works Epic Carbon 29er is going to be a rocket on the XC circuit.
2011 is shaping up to be a highly competitive mountain bike market with new lineups from all of the major manufactures in the industry. It will be interesting to see how things shake out. Whatever happens…this high amount of competition amongst mountain bike manufacturers is raising the bar currently and that is great for mountain bikers. Now if we could just get them to lower the price some…