The Epic
I first saw the Epic in 2003 and thought it was a pretty cool bike. In July of 2004, I saw it in the flesh, and wanted one. Badly.
On October 14, 2004, my Hardrock finally let me down. Due to a slight misalignment in the rear derailleur, the chain fell into the rear tire, breaking 1 spoke and severly bending several others. Just the onus I needed to look at a new bike. 4 days later, a brand new 2005 model Epic was mine. It’s been to St Helens almost every year since, numerous trips to Moscow mountain, suffered many rides sideways on the back of an MG, and finally suffered the first scratch in the anodized blue frame early in 2007. The bike is bloody brilliant (that isn’t to say it has been perfect, but nothing is).
Specialized had two forms of the brain in 2005. The high-end models got the "Brain with IQ", which allowed you to change the sensitivity of the brain by tweaking a little lever. My comp is a mid-range model, and like the low-end products got the "Brain Lite" instead. It is not adjustable, but the pre-set 1G load works well in practice. Until it is worn out, of course...
In 2011, my shocks had reached the point where the long-overdue rebuild was needed. One problem—Fox no longer has parts for the 2005 model brain. The only option is to upgrade to the 2006 era equipment. 2006 marked the introduction of the "Brane Fade" throughout the model range. Bonus!Specifications
| Serial Number | PT405161 |
|---|---|
| Frame | FSR technology, optimized for Brain shock, M4 Manipulated Alloy, fully butted and manipulated frame with ORE DT, sealed cartridge bearings, disc mounts, 90mm travel, replaceable derailleur hanger |
| Rear Shock | |
| Fork | Fox F100RL, air spring, compression adjust with lock-out, rebound adjust, lightweight alloy steerer, rebuilt December 2011 100 mm travel |
| Headset | 1 1/8" Threadless, 3x sealed, black alloy cups, cartridge bearings, ultralight alloy top cap and bolt |
| Stem | 3D forged CNC machined, 4-bolt, 31.8mm OS clamp, 8 degree rise |
| Handlebars | Specialized XC Flat 31.8mm OS bar, 6066 butted alloy, 5 degree backsweep, 580mm width |
| Tape/Grips | Specialized BG Contour |
| Front Brake | Shimano M-765 XT, Shimano XTR semi-metallic pads 6" rotor |
| Rear Brake | Shimano M-765 XT, Shimano XTR semi-metallic pads 6" rotor |
| Brake Levers | Shimano hydraulic levers |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano M-570 LX, 34.9 clamp, bottom pull |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano M-952 XTR, long cage, standard spring Avid Rollamagic installed Spring 2012 to improve shifting. |
| Shift Levers | Shimano M-570 LX |
| Cassette | Shimano HG-50 LX, 9-speed, 11x34t |
| Chain | Campagnolo Record 9-speed |
| Crankset | Shimano Hollowtech Deore, Octalink Spline |
| Chainrings | 44Ax32Ax22S, Deore 4-bolt 104/64mm pattern, steel chainring bolts |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano ES-25 |
| Pedals | Shimano 520 SPD |
| Wheels | Bontrager Rhythem Comp Disk 26", silver, 28 spoke cartridge bearing front and back |
| Front Tire | Specialized S-Works FasTrak LK 2.0", foldable aramid bead, dual compound, 120tpi, 2bliss using Slime Pro |
| Rear Tire | Specialized Armadillo Elite FasTrak LK 2.0", foldable aramid bead, dual compound, 120tpi, 2bliss using Stans sealant |
| Saddle | Specialized Avatar, Body Geometry technology |
| Seat Post | 2014 butted alloy, black, 30.9 x 350/400mm |
| Seat Binder | Alloy collar with Q/R, 34.9mm clamp I.D., black |
| Computer | Trek 9i |
| Other Goodies | Chain stay/seat stay protector, derailleur protector, bottle mount, owners manual |
Geometry (size L):
| Stand Over Height | 757mm | 29.8 in |
|---|---|---|
| Top Tube Length | 615mm | 24.2 in |
| Head Tube Length | 120mm | 4.7 in |
| Head Angle | 70.5° | |
| Seat Angle | 73.0° | |
| Wheel Base | 1106mm | 43.5 in |
| Chain Stay Length | 426mm | 16.8 in |
| BB Height | 328mm | 12.9 in |