By Mike Chastaine

Choosing a mountain bike for adventure racing is a very personal thing.  Cost, style, suspension and brand all are factors.  For my dollar the Specialized Epic is a great bike for AR.  The ride is easy on the body, the “brain” technology is great for climbing and downhill and the bike is generally pretty fast.     The rear suspension keeps the tires on the ground which makes the bike much more stable on a down hill and much better for climbing.  The bike is very durable and can really take a beating.  The way I treat a bike, I’m sure I would crack a carbon frame. The bike is good for both the shorter races and even better for longer races. 

            Specialized is a great company, local to California, and parts are easily obtainable and reasonably priced. 

            I have a model that is a few years old.  I purchased the lower end Epic comp with V brakes and have upgraded components as money allowed.  This way I was able to keep the cost down.  AR wears out components and they have to be replaced anyway.

            My only knock on the bike is it’s a bit heavy for hike-a-bike sections and carrying.  I’m sure I could cut some of that weight with a new wheel set and a few more carbon components but it will always be a bit on the heavy side.  Of course, when I add a tow system, water bottles, bento box and other gear any bike is going to bet heavy.

Overall: This is a great bike for AR racing. 

My bike: 2003 Epic Comp, XT crank and derailleur, Mavic Outland wheel set, Hayes hydraulic disk brakes.

Cost – average depending on components
Ride – Very good – high level of comfort
Weight – a bit on the heavy side
Durability – can really take a beating.